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Visitor Guide Page 1 May 6, 2011

May 6, 2011

Vol. 21 #18

Ambergris Caye, Belize Central America

The Island

Newspaper

THE SAN PEDRO SUN

VISITOR GUIDEFREE

226-2012

T The Maya world is still very much a mystery to us, and even the discoveries of the ruins of their temples hidden deep within the forests tell only part of the story. It is the mystery and intrigue that makes the Ruta Maya such a wonderful travel destination. Belize is blessed to have the second largest barrier reef along its eastern shore, while many beautiful Mayan ruins dot its interior. For travelers, going through our tiny jewel means an abundance of lo-cales to visit and enjoy. For those with a different purpose, a wedding, their choice of locations is varied. I DO Belize Weddings (IDBW) is a wedding planning business that caters to couples’ dreams, and has done so for the past six years. Whether an intimate four person wedding (couple, minister and witness) on the beach under a coconut tree, or a 100-person party, IDBW has got it under control. In fact, IDBW was recently named to the 2011 Professionals Hot list. Keli Engleson states, “It’s easy to answer why I chose destination weddings. I make people’s dreams come true on one of the most important days of their lives. It just so happens to be in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and that is the bonus.” A few weeks ago, The San Pedro Sun was invited to wit-ness one particularly unique wedding at one of the beautiful Mayan ruins in the Cayo District. Xunantunich soars high above treetops, majestic and fiercely proud in its rugged beauty. It was at this location that one very adventurous bride and groom decided to ex-change their vows. Gregorio Ruelas and Yolanda Gonzalez of Ventura, California, USA are avid hikers and fun-loving individuals. They were accompanied by a group of eight equally enthusiastic friends who made the long journey to Belize and the ruins. Because Belize offered the opportunity for relaxation, romance and extreme adventure - the best of both worlds – Gregorio and Yolanda decided to take advantage of a wedding in Belize. They dreamt of marrying somewhere spectacular, sacred, unique and breathtaking. They knew this would be special and something extremely memorable. The Maya ruins of Belize offered all of this, in particular, Xunantunich.

I DO at Xunantunich

Continued on Page 3

photography by conchcreative.com photography by conchcreative.com

Page 2 Visitor Guide May 6, 2011

The San Pedro Sun is mailed everywhere.Publisher The San Pedro Sun Ltd. Ron Sniffin [email protected] Tamara Sniffin [email protected] Reporter Dennis Craft [email protected] Writer/ Mary Gonzalez [email protected] Graphic DesignOffice Assistant Nathalie Manuel [email protected] The San Pedro Sun, P.O. Box 35, San Pedro Town Ambergris Caye, BelizeTelephone 011-501-226-2070US Telephone (307) 460-4114Fax 011-501-226-2905E-Mail [email protected]/WEB www.sanpedrosun.com www.sanpedrosun.blogspot.comMain Office #63 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro

Receive The San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guide weekly in your mailbox. 25 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $60 U.S. Domestic: $60 BZ. 50 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $110 U.S. Domestic: $110 BZ. (Other locations vary.)

More foreign subscribers than any newspaper in Belize!

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Where did you read your San Pedro Sun?

Photos taken in unique and unusual places are pre-ferred. Be sure to identify who is in the photo and

where the photo was taken. Don’t forget to include your names and what you were doing.

Trivia Tidbits *Pope Alexander III declared Henry II to be the rightful sovereign of Ireland in 1172. It took seven and a half centuries for the Irish to regain their freedom. *The sound of thunder travels about 1,100 feet per second. *Bob Dylan’s real name is Robert Zimmerman. He changed it in honor of poet Dylan Thomas. *About friendship, commentator Andy Rooney said, “The funny thing about your good friends is that sometimes you don’t enjoy being with them.” *The word “diamond” comes from the Greek word adamas which means “unconquerable.” *In the state of Queensland, Australia, it is still constitutional law that all pubs (hotel/bar) must have a railing outside for patrons to tie up their horse. *Rats can swim for a 1/2 mile without resting, and they can tread water for 3 days straight. *In Japan, one should give and receive gifts with both hands. This is viewed as a gesture of respect and humility.

Where did you take your San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guide? Take a photo of you and the paper and send it to us at

[email protected]

Michelle Torres and Tamara Cooper had their copy of The San Pedro Sun at the wedding of the century: The Royal Wedding of Prince William & Catherine Middleton on April 29, 2011 in London, England.

Visitor Guide Page 3 May 6, 2011

I DO at Xunantunich Continued from Page 1

Continued on Page 6

The couple also recognized the easy legal requirements compared to marry-ing in other countries, and wanted the ease of planning a destination wedding rather than the traditional stress of a wedding back home. With IDBW, and traveling to another country for their wedding, all stress was taken away, and planning was easy and fun. (From permit requirements to marry at an archaeological site, to standard license applications, and more, the entire proc-ess is handled and coordinated from start to finish by IDBW) From the ride out of San Ignacio hotel, to the ferry crossing, where everyone had to exit the van, to the small trek up a hill – Yolanda and Gregorio were won-derfully easy-going and eager to reach the ruin for the ceremony. Dressed in a beautiful ivory lace dress with a cham-pagne sash, flats for walking uphill, and with white flowers in her hair, Yolanda made a pretty picture as she walked up to where the wedding locale waited. Her attentive groom, dressed in a khaki suit while holding an umbrella for his bride, was quite the handsome fellow too. Travelers coming back down from viewing the ruins had quite the treat as they got to witness one of the most unique weddings possible.

Page 4 Visitor Guide May 6, 2011

ELITE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS (EREI) - We are Ambergris Caye’s real estate specialists. Call now to schedule your free professional investment consultation. Under $200K to $4.1M. Call 226-2260, or email: [email protected]. By appointment.SUNRISE REALTY - Land, homes, businesses, condos and investment properties. Call 226-3737, fax 226-3379 or E-mail: [email protected] RE/MAX Isla Bonita, 1ocated at 10 Coconut Drive, San Pedro. 226-4400 e-mail: [email protected] or visit our website at www.owninbelize.com CASA CAYO - www.casacayorealestate.com. Check out our weekly specials, and our newest offering: Indigo. Luxury Beachfront Condominium Homes. www.indigobelize.com. Visit our office located across from the Catholic Church (front street) or call 226-2791 or 610-3005.AMBERgRIS VACATION RENTALS - A full service property management company with 11 years of experience working and living in San Pedro. 600-3579/625-1390 or US:1-310-438-7368. www.ambergrisvacationrentals.com

CARTS BELIZE - Conveniently located just one block north of the airstrip. Hourly, Daily & Weekly. Call 226-4084.COASTAL XPRESS WATER TAXI – Scheduled ferry service & water taxi for Ambergris Caye. Phone 226-3007.SEgWAY OF BELIZE - Specializing in Guided Tours and Customer Service. 620-9345. www.segwayofbelize.com

gRUMPY & HAPPY - Snorkeling - private snorkel tours - just you on the boat, no set schedule! Visitors with special needs and children are welcome. Call 226-3420 or 672-1234. Visit www.grumpyandhappy.com, or Email: [email protected] SANDS DIVE SHOP - Specializing in daily full-service diving and SCUBA instruction. We pick you up at your hotel’s dock. www.whitesandsdiveshop.com, 226-2405.

CASTILLO’S HARDWARE - Storm supplies, electron-ics, household appliances, tools, home repair items and a wide variety of paints, stains and varnishes. Pescador Drive. Phone 226-2302.

Police 226-2022South Police Sub-Station - 610-4911Fire 226-2372Emergency 911Crimestoppers 800 922-TIPSLos Pinos Clinic 602-6383 and 226-2686.Dr. Lerida Rodriguez: 226-2197 or cell 620-1974.Dr. Miguel Allison: 226-4052 or cell 600-9071. (Pharmacy 226-4051)San Pedro Chiropractic Clinic 600-7119DOC, Chiropractor: 634-0723.Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851 or 226-3195, Dr. Otto Rodriguez - 604-7599 or 226-2854. Antonia Guerrero - 628-3828 or 226- 4501.San Pedro Polyclinic II - 226-2536. Dr. Zuniga: 670-8755 and Dr. Otto Rodri-guez: 604-7599.Ambergris Hopes Clinic - 226-2660, Emergencies: 629-3618.US Embassy - 822-4011Labour Office - 226-2700 (Open 8am - 5pm, Mon. - Fri.)Canadian Consulate - 223-1060Mexican Embassy - 223-0193guatemalan Embassy - 223-3150Honduran Embassy - 224-5889British High Commissioner – 822-2146Local British Warden – 226-3658/610-3658San Carlos Medical (MD & Dentist Services) - 7:30am - 9:00pm, 226-2918SACNW substation - 610-4911Escalante Neighborhood Watch - 605-7803 Daytime only, 662-2725 Nighttime only, 630-5945- Call between 10:30pm and 6:00am.

IMPORTANT #s

San Pedro Roman Catholic Church Sunday Mass: (English) 8am & 10am & Baptism: 11am; Spanish: 7pm; Mass or Communion Service every night at 7pm. Saturday evening: Anticipated Sunday Mass: 7p.m. Daily Masses 7am & 7pm.Living Word Church Service Sun. 10:45 a.m, Youth Meetings on Sundays at 7:30p.m., Women’s meetings on Wednes-day at 7:30 p.m., and Men’s meetings on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. We do Christian charity work. 226-2950.A s s e m b l y o f g o d C h u r c h o n Angel Coral St. T-W-St.-Sn. at 7:30 p.m. Lighthouse Christian Radio - 101.3 FM. 226-4673, Cor. Buccaneer & Pescador Drive.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Sunday Services: Sacrament Meeting 9am, Sunday School 10am, Priest-hood & Relief Society 11am. Wednesday Scripture Study 7:00 pm. On the beach, in front of Ambergris Divers @ Blue Rail Apartments.San Pedro Church of Christ: Across the bridge to the left. 206-2731. Services: Sunday – 9am-11am, Bible Study & Worship Service. 7pm-8:30pm – Worship Service. Wednesday – 7pm-to8:30pm, Bible Study; Thursday – Ladies Classes; Friday-Youth Class

Services...

Transportation...

Belize Tourism Board - 227-2419.Belize Tourism Industry Associa-tion (BTIA) - 227-5717.Belize Hotel Association - 223-0669, [email protected] Pedro Tourist guide Associa-tion 226-2391.

Tourist Information

Church Services

Water, Sports & Tours

Real Estate...

The Lions Club of San Pedro relies on income from its Fri-day Night BBQ, plus Reds’ famous chicken ceviche to support the needy community. Bingo starts at 7pm every Friday!! Help a great cause -have dinner with us!green Reef A non-profit organization dedicated to the promo-tion of sustainable use and conservation of Belize’s marine and coastal resources. [email protected] /226-2833.Saga Society A non-profit “humane society” to address the stray cat and dog population in San Pedro. Phone 226-3266.CARE BELIZE - Children’s Specialist, San Pedro. 622-8200.SP Town Library - 206-2028.

Miscellaneous

SuDoku! Answers on Insert B

Visitor Guide Page 5 May 6, 2011

THE HANgOVER SPORTS BAR AT THE HOLIDAY HOTEL - Enjoy delicious tropical cocktails and hang out on the deck on the beach. Barrier Reef Dr. 226-2014.FIDO’S RESTAURANT & BAR - Fun & food on the beach. Live music nightly, island drink specials, new shot menu with over twenty selections! 226-3176.

SAN PEDRO FITNESS CLUB – A/C Gym, Fully-equipped. Open to the public. Tennis Courts, Lap and Family pools. As about our GROUP rates & PROFESSIONAL trainers. Open 7am-8pm Monday - Friday, 7am-5pm Satur-day, 11am-5pm Sundays. 226-4749. www.sanpedrofitnessclub.comTHE gREENHOUSE - Fresh Produce & Seafood. Belizean and imported speciality. Fresh herbs, cold cuts, chilled goods, plus an exciting selection of groceries. A/C local on Pescador Dr, next to St. Francis Xavier Credit Union. 226-2084.Ak’BOL YOgA RESORT - Yoga Monday-Saturday 9am, Sundays 10am Restorative/Meditation $15US/class, Kids Yoga Tuesdays 3:30pm, Massage $75US, AquaFit Mon/Wed/Sat 11am, Full Moon Drumming. Back Packers $35US/nt+. Cabana Summer Rates.CAYE INTERNATIONAL BANk - Offering Demand Deposit Accounts, Loans, Savings Accounts, etc. [email protected] or phone 226-2388.

- located in the Vilma Linda Plaza (the big purple building) Custom framing/art gallery featuring original Belizean art and crafted items. Mon-Sat 10 to 6, Ph: 226-4437.

AMBERgRIS LAkE VILLAS - Luxury condo vacation rentals. Fantastic location, beautiful design, guaranteed unique experience. 501-226-4262, (US Ph) 1-800-225-6732 and email: [email protected] VACATION RENTALS - A full service property management company. Vacation Rentals and Long Term Rentals. Relocation Services. 11 years of experience working and living in San Pedro. www.ambergrisvaca-tionrentals.com, [email protected], US Reservations: 1-310-438-7368, Belize cells: +501-600-3579, +501-625-1390.

T H E S A N P E D R O SUN VISITOR’S GUIDEDining Out...

...Unique Offerings...CELI’S RESTAURANT ON THE BEACH at the San Pedro Holiday Hotel, serves Great Fajitas, salads and local dishes for lunch. Delectable Seafood Speciaties for dinner. OUTDOOR & INDOOR DINING 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Wednesday Beach BBQ. Also stop in at CELI’S DELI for treats and hot breakfasts!BLUE WATER gRILL – Island cuisine with a twist! Wood-fired Oven Pizzas, Sushi & more! Open daily. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m. 226-3347.Ak’BOL YOgA RESORT - Vegetarian/Vegan/Carnivore, Beach Bar Grill, hearty breakfasts served all day +lunch open 7-5pm. Local food @ local prices + fish + salads + pizzas + desserts. 1 mile north of the bridge, on the beach.NAUTICA SEAFOOD gRILL & BAR - Fine dining on an intimate balcony over the water. Enjoy delicious seafood dishes and specials. Upstairs inside Fido’s Courtyard. Call 226-3265. Closed Sunday & Monday.RICO’S SURFSIDE RESTAURANT – A truly unique dining experi-ence on the beach at Banyan Bay. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Phone 226-3739 ext. 135.AJI TAPA BAR & RESTAURANT: Open Daily 11am - 9pm. Happy Hour Daily: 1pm - 4pm. Please join us: 226-4047.EL DIVINO RESTAURANT at BANANA BEACH - Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6 a.m - 10 p.m. Book your party or banquet today! Phone 226-2444. MICkEY’S PLACE - Open daily 6:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunch and 6 - 10 p.m. for dinner. Burritos on Wednes-days. Pescador Drive. Call 226-2223.

Party...Party...Party!!

SuDoku Answers! Puzzle on Page 4

Page 6 Visitor Guide May 6, 2011

Once at the grounds, it’s easy to see why Xunantunich was the choice. It is a majestic location, full of history. With the grand temple in the background, bride and groom took their place before the minister to say their vows and pledge their lives together. The touching ceremony was short and sweet, and there was not a dry eye amongst the witnesses. Afterwards, it was on to some spectacular photography with Maya of Conch Creative. The energetic couple was excited to climb at the top of the main temple to take in the sights all around them. The photo opportunities were endless, and soon, a great cheer went up from below as the triumphant duo waved from the very top of the temple. Congratulations to Gregorio and Yolanda. The San Pedro Sun joins all your friends, both in Belize and from home, in wishing you a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for saying I DO in Belize!

For more information on I DO Belize Weddings, log on to www.idobelizewed-dings.com. Keli and her team of professionals can handle all your wedding needs so that you can relax and enjoy your special day. Conch Creative offers quality and professional photography services to suit your every style. With years of experience and an eye for the unique, Maya and Colette can provide you with a full range of photo services. From your engagement to the big day, your wedding, and everything in between, Conch Creative can capture those special moments. Visit www.conchcreative.com for more information.

I DO at Xunantunich Continued from Page 3

photography by conchcreative.com

photography by conchcreative.com

photography by conchcreative.com

Visitor Guide Page 7 May 6, 2011

Wolfe’sWoofers

by Dennis Wolfe

TEL 501-226-3737 / FAX 501-226-3379 www.SunriseBelize.com

E-mail: [email protected]

YOUR ISLAND SPECIALISTS!

DEVELOPED PROPERTIES Villa Amber at La Perla del Caribe secluded beachfront 2-bed 2-bath villa - pristine $595,000Villa Pearl at La Perla del Caribe. Income producing 5000 ft2 furnished home amongst an enclave of 12 villas on 500 ft beach. $1,200,000Grand Caribe B6 - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2nd floor. Commands a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. Fully furnished and equipped. 1500 ft2. $425,000Grand Caribe E2 - 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, ground floor with steps leading to the court-yard. Middle unit floor plan. Unfurnished. Sold with appliances. $395,000 unfurnished or with furniture package.Las Terrazas - 1000 ft2 2 bed 2 bath garden view condominium. Fully furnished. $ 249,000Lake View home Reggae Rage 1 mile south of town. 3 bed/ 2 bath. Solid wood walls and Belizean hardwood floors. $180,000San Pablo starter home located in an established neighborhood. 1 bed/ 1 bath. home is elevated allowing plenty of room below for living space. $80,000Beachfront lot in town south of High School $465,000Tres Cocos Beach Villa 4 bedroom mature landscaping, seawall, pier, fully furnished $985,000 Lakeside Villa 1 mile south of town, 1632 sq.ft. 2 beds/2.5 baths fully furnished and equipped for full-time living $289,000Escalante Subdivision 3 beds 2 baths furnished bungalow located in a residential neigh-borhood 1.5 miles south of town. $199,000Pelican Reef Villas – Ocean front 2 bedroom furnished $497,000 3 bedroom furnished - $637,000Banyan Bay Villas upper level ocean view pool side 2 bed/2 bath fully furnished $310,000 Miramar 2nd and 3rd floor beachfront 2 bedroom tastefully furnished condos from $360,000 - ready to deal!Oasis Del Caribe fully furnished large 2nd floor ocean view 2 bed/2 bath - $299,000Paz Villas 1 mile south of town. Sold fully furnished. Affordable residential complex closed to the beach $95,000Tres Cocos ocean view 1200+ ft2, 2-bed/ 2-bath 2 level garden home w/loft. Vaulted ceil-ings, observation deck, fully furnished $295,000Holiday Lands Sunshine Home Fully furnished 2 bed/1 bath up with 2 bed/1 bath apt below and roof top patio $299,000 Fixer Upper Home in a quiet residential neighborhood. Large lot – huge yard – perfect for the garden enthusiast! $150,000San Pablo Apartments - Canal Front $255,000 TermsEsmeralda Home A perfect place to call home. Ground floor commercial space equipped and ideal for a restaurant. $295,000

ROYAL CARIBBEAN BEACH CASITASBest deal on the island! Beach casitas for sale at Royal Caribbean Resort starting at $85,000 with only 10% down payment 10 years 8% interest. Furnished, a/c, kitchenettes. Ready to rent or live in with very affordable monthly fees. VRBO or rent through the resort. Office con-cierge service at your service. Huge swimming pool and beach bar on premises and more.

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIESSan Pedro Aircraft Hanger for sale Inquire!Prime development by Victoria House 4.5 ac commercial parcel fully fenced all utilities available $1.5MDevelopment Tract 2 acres 2 miles south of town. Ready to build on! $850,0003/4 mile of Coconut grove all or in parcels - Inquire.Beachfront lot in Town south of High School - 2 apts $465,000Restaurant Location Previously known as ‘Taste of Thailand’. $295,000Sunshine Cottage - 3 bed/2 bath apt & 1 bed/1 bath apt $249,000. Low down TermsSand Piper Apartments 4 apt, 3 stories, centrally located by The Yacht Club with beach access $395,000. Adjoining roadside 50X75 ft vacant lot also available for $75,000Pirate’s Lantern – 3 apartments - 3 vacant lots - right on main street. Inquire!San Pablo Apartments – Canal Front $255,000. Terms

UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIESHoliday Lands area 2 miles south of town. Home site lots available - priced between $33,000 - $82,500 Terms 15% down 10 yrs 8% interest.Victoria House Area 4.5 ac commercial parcel fully fenced all utilities available $1.5MDevelopment tract 2 acres 2 miles south of town Ideal for development of a commercial or residential venture good elevation and drainage $850,000Mexico Rocks beachfront 200ft x 400ft 1.68 acres $700,000Punta Alegre 2nd row lot $60,000Club Caribbean Beach front double lots measuring 100 x 90ft. Asking $350,000 for the pair.Club Caribbean beach 50ft x 100ft road accessible. 4 miles south of town. $150,000Esmeralda two adjoining lots on main road 100ft x 75ft - $170,000 Robles 75 ft x 360 ft with back lot bonus $155,000Palm Bay Club beach front lots from $49,000Palmero Point beach club lot # 2 $125,000Palmeros 2 x beach lots with pier 80ft x 200ft each. Asking $235,000Basil Jones 145ft beach lot $375,000Mata Grande one off the beach 75ft x 150ft $55,000Mata Grande 100 x 300ft one off the beach. Cleared - $220,500Mata Grande 100 x 200ft prime beach lot with pier permit $445,000Mexico Rocks area 4.6 acres beach 300ft x 460ft inquire Eiley Subdivion lagoon and canal Lot $65,000 Boca Ciega 4.5 acres 174ft beach front. $350,000West Coast Beach Lots 1, 2, 3 sold as a package 180’ x 100’. Terms. $330,000West Coast Beach Front 60ft of beach with a depth of 100ft. Terms $112,500Laguna Estate off beach lots. Each lot is 60’ x 100’. Terms. $75,000West Bay private sandy bay with 260 ft frontage only $399,000West Bay oceanfront 100ft x 500ft with seller financing $99,000San Marcos Double lots measuring approximately 100’ x 90’. Fenced. $90,000 pairSan Marcos 2 adjacent lots 50x90ft lot $55,000 eachHabaneros area – 2nd row $85,000 3rd row $45,000 multiple lots available.

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change without no-tice. For further details on these properties and much more call

your AMBERGRIS CAYE SPECIALISTS

Answer: The match.Riddle: Q. You enter a dark room. You have only one match. There is a candle, a furnace, and a stove in the room. Which would you light first? Answer below...

Diagnosis “Grandpa, how long are you going to be in

there?” Davin yelled through the bathroom door.

“Ah, leave me alone.” A few minutes later Dulce came to the door and said, “Dennis, that boy needs to use the bathroom. When are you going to be out of there?” “It may be a long time,” I said. “I have a problem.” “When I came out Dulce said, “Maybe you should go see the doctor. You’ve been in that bathroom most of the morning.” “I’m kind of worried about going to his office,” I said. “I’m afraid to get too far away from a bathroom.” “Hey, I could get you some Depends; you know one of those adult diapers.” “Very funny!” I sat uneasily in the doctor’s office as the nurse took down my information. “The doctor is very busy right now,” he informed me. “What is the problem?” I did not want to go into a lot of detail so I said, “Just tell him I’m having trouble going to the bathroom.” “O.K.” When he returned from the doctor’s office he said, “The Doctor says you are prob-ably suffering from having a locked bowel. He said to sell you some laxatives.” “You go back in there and tell him his diagnosis is wrong. I’m not constipated, for God’s sake. I have diarrhea.” The assistant came back out to the waiting room. “The doctor said to sell you a bottle of Pepto-Bismal instead of Ex-Lax.” “That’s a little more like it,” I said. “He also said to tell you that his diagnosis is correct. You are suffering from having a locked bowel. It’s just locked in the open position.”

Page 8 Visitor Guide May 6, 2011