Boydie's Belize Blog

Carts Belize

2010-09-23T07:39:00.001-07:00

I have been meaning to do this post for a couple of weeks now as I need to praise up Carts Belize here in San Pedro. Not only are they great golf buggies to be whizzing around in cause they are clean, maintained and rather nippy but as a company they are huge supporters of our Saga Humane Society.
As those that know me know I have two four legged friends that come out and about around the island with me. Any time they think an outing is on the cards they are ready to leap onto whatever vehicle may be parked outside hoping to be heading to the beach. For a couple of weeks our good friend and dedicated Saga supported Gale Simpson came to visit us and hired a Carts Belize to help with rounding dogs up.

Check out Jackie and Lisbon ready and waiting for me to take them out. Are they just the happiest dogs in San Pedro or what! To be honest who wouldn't be, the sun is shining as it is most of the time and the sea is calling.

I think Jackie is thinking what the heck are you doing taking photos when we want to be off and chasing iguanas on the beach!

This is the lovely Gale again who comes back and forth from the States and helps tirelessly at Saga Humane Society. This particular morning we had gotten a call from a Saga board member who spotted a stray that we had been looking out for. As you can see once we got him on the buggie and gave him some TCL he was a happy doggie. Check out the back of the picture as we nearly got a second one to come along with us to be put in the shelter where they are checked over and fed and safe.

For those of you that follow this blog and hire a golf buggie when you come to the island let me know as Cart Belize will give a 10% discount if you quote this blog. Just email me at boydiebelize@gmail.com and I will book it for you and have them meet you at the airport ready for your stay. Like I said they are great carts and great people for all that they do for us at Saga Humane Society, cheers for now.

Change of colour!

2010-08-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe it has been so long since my last blog! Sounds like what you would say to a priest I would guess, never having gone to confession I wouldn't really know but I assume it's along those lines. Maybe that's where my parents went wrong all those years ago letting my sister and I choose our religion? Umm food for thought and maybe another blog, lets get back to this one.

There have been a lot of changes in my life here in San Pedro of late and the biggest one is that I am no longer working at Lime. Therefore there will not be as many green pictures as there used to be and I think we will be back to my previous favourite colour, which is blue.

While walking the wee furry ones this morning I knew I wanted lots of blue in my pictures so I grabbed the camera, my very faithful friends and headed off to the beautiful beaches we have here in Belize. I started here with these condos as friends of mine own here and they follow this blog so here you go guys, we are all still standing! ( You can't help but start singing the Elton John song at this point I know!)

To be honest it wasn't the brightest day to photograph but it was dry and the dogs are happy to be out in whatever the weather. This is just past Victoria house and Lisbon loves this area as there is so much to see, smell and pounce on. It is very rare that she doesn't end up giving the odd iguana a free ride up the beach-in her mouth I am afraid to say. She doesn't hurt them but I fear so may have a heart attack wondering if she will.

Never far from each other, this fearsome twosome are keen to explore everywhere.

The sea was pretty calm today so at least the trips will get to head out without too many problems.
Think I spoke too soon as it started to cloud over and looked like maybe taking the waterproof was a good move after all. I bought a couple of new ones whilst back in the UK in February as for those that have been there know, it is a wise move to have wet weather gear always to hand.

So what am I going to do now that I am no longer working at Lime I am being asked, well watch this space and you will find out.

Of late I have been clearing out my house which when you have a spare room full of the Humane Society fundraising gear in it can take quite some time. I have been clearing out cupboards of clothes and shoes and have been ruthless as we all know how we can accumulate way too much stuff. I have had some quality time with some friends here in San Pedro and the mainland, and of course some fantastic walks with Jackie and Lisbon.

I am off to the UK in September for my parents 50th wedding anniversary, which looks to be a two week affair. I have a lot of family and friends to catch up with and of course Kevin that those astute followers have gathered from this I have been with for the past six months.

I have so much material for blogging that you would think I would have them backed up so a big sorry for being so slack but guess what? I am back, Boydie Belize is raring to go so please stay tuned and tell me what you want to see from our little piece of paradise, cheers and TTFN.

Beth's birthday bash!

2010-07-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

It was just looking like a quiet Wednesday afternoon so I rang Beth and asked her to join me for lunch at Lime.
She came we took pictures which is nothing knew as I always have my camera to hand.

We ate a stunning sweet n sour chicken thanks to our cook Karen who made up a new recipe today.
Then there was cake!

Karen our super star cook had made the cake in the morning and just put the finishing touches on for us to have it as dessert.

We had a bottle chilling waiting for just the right occasion and this fitted the bill perfectly. JD did the honors after sending the cork into 2011!

That evening we found ourselves in one of Beth's favorite restaurants Pinocchio's, which has the best four cheese pizza you have ever tasted. Happy birthday Beth Hart one of my BFF in Belize, supporter of everyone and everything and all round good egg as us Brits would say. Here's to many others together and in our lovely San Pedro.

Once again thanks to my many followers and apologies for the complete lack of recent events being blogged. I haven't caught up from the craziness of June and have so many posts that I will get out to you asap. Cheers for keeping up with myself, the dogs, Lime and the many good people we have here in Belize, TTFN.

Long time no see?

2010-07-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been following this blog for a while now you will recognize this as myself and Karen from The Belize Jungle Dome. Karen and I became very good friends over five years ago now and pop back and forward to hang out with each other when time permits or when we are about to lose our minds!
I went to visit her last week as she is about to head home and have her baby very soon. Yes Karen is now married to Omar Cruz and about to have a little girl with him. Lots of changes in both of our lives this past 18 months however we will always stay in touch and you know I will blog any pictures she lets me.
I am sorry to have been so slack on this once again but I have had a lot of visitors over the past month and haven't sat still long enough to blog about it. All is well with everything in San Pedro and the crazy gang that live here. Fingers crossed that they are wrong about it being a bumper hurricane season this year, cheers and TTFN.

Cook off -June 2010

2010-06-20T09:32:00.001-07:00

Here we go again a month on from the last night of great food and the best of the best in San Pedro are at it again! This months theme is Mediterranean and wow did we have some seriously tasty dishes to try.

Check this display out, very colorful and just loaded with delicious things to get stuck into.

Myself, John Hassmann, from Louiville Kentucky and the lovely Crystal from Banana Beach. Mr Hassmann has been a faithful follower of this blog for a number of years as he is an owner at Grand Colony where I used to work. He is also a very generous donator to our Humane Society Saga and was thrilled to be here when there was an event. A shout out goes to you John finally you are in it for real. It was great to see you again now hurry back!

The lovely ladies that are always on hand to help serve up these divine dishes.

Heidi is a good friend of mine and also on the board of Saga, therefore wherever you see Heidi there will be a dog or two.
Happy people having just eaten for only $10.00bz and enjoying many different types of food.

For just $10.00bz which all goes to charity we have many happy local residents and tourists that come to support us.
Time to count the votes and see who takes the title for this month, Kathy means business as the glasses are on the face not the head!

The winner this time is Maureen Dalgarno with this amazing presentation of food.

We raised $300.00bz which went to Saga Humane Society as Maureen is a huge supporter of them. It was not as busy as it usually is as there were many other events going on this particular Friday evening. However as always the food was great so a huge thanks to the people that put in dishes, Fido's, Nautica, Fusion, El Divino, Lime and Portofino. Without the community spirit these events wouldn't be nearly as good. We are so lucky to have a great team of people and businesses here in San Pedro that all support each other. The next cook off is TBA, any ideas for theme would be gratefully received cheers for now from sunny Belize.

Tuesday nights in San Pedro

2010-06-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night is English style fisn n chips in Lime. We have the local catch of the day served with home made chips, Tatar sauce and of course malt vinegar. The best start to the night which is bound to include one or two beers or toher liquid refreshments.

Looks good enough to eat you think?

Kevin came all the way from the UK not anticiapting eating fish n chips in Belize but gave them a big thumbs up.
I try not to have them every week but gave in this week just to be sociable and very happy to do so.
Forrest stopped by to have them also this week and JD swears by them in his weight loss victory, along with the odd Jager!

What is Kevin doing to JD's back? The story behind this is second to none and one that is repeated many times in the company of friends, so stop by and ask next time in San Pedro.

Kathy and I were having a good chuckle from our side of the bar.

After Lime it is up to Legends to be part of their fantastic jam night which is every week with different artists. If you have musical talent you are encouraged to join in and make it a unique night.

Gino rocks

Dancing in Belize

Tuesdays are just one of the many fun nights to be had in San Pedro through out the week. The music is great as is atmosphere, good food good drinks and great people to hang with. The hardest part is keeping up with it all as tomorrow is Wednesday and then you have the chicken drop! It is hard to keep up with this life but we do try, cheers for now.

Sunday afternoons? Crazy Canucks!

2010-05-30T13:35:00.001-07:00

Sunday afternoons can be relaxing after a hard week/weekend and getting ready for the new week ahead. Or as can be seen by my two furry friends chilling out on the sofa if I am not watching and just taking it easy.

Well the cheeky white one sneaks on the sofa whilst Lisbon knows what her bed is for.

The adults in San Pedro however head to Crazy Canucks to hear the music, hang out with some friends we may not have seen all week and sometimes get on the dance floor.

This particular Sunday either the music was extra good or the measures were as I didn't sit still for very long.
There were a great crowd of women this Sunday who also felt the need to keep on moving.

Unbeknown to me my photographer Kevin kept on snapping away.

Crazy Canucks is right on the beach with the fantastic restaurant Blue Iguana upstairs so you don't need to move anywhere else for a few hours.

Keith and his band really mix it up and once again if you have musical talents you just get up there and join them.
I like this picture of the lovely Marie and her other half Phil ( not always as lovely) who more often than not makes silly faces when there is a camera about.

A great way to finish of the weekend ready for another tough week in paradise, TTFN.

North of San Pedro

2010-05-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

So another day off in San Pedro and the plans this week were to go north of the island up to Playa Blanca and hang out for a couple of days. This is a rental property that can house large groups and comes with your own fishing guide. My good friend Beth had some work to do and needed some peace and quiet to do it in. Why take me along I hear you say, I was very good and stayed out of the way and in the sun.

It is very private with this wall all the way around it so you can topless sunbathe if you like. I would suggest you use a very high factor unlike some people we know who forgot how strong the sun can be here in Belize, even on a windy day it is fierce.

It is situated in a very quiet area, not too many neighbors on either side.

Isn't this is what it is all about, chilling out on the end of the dock just watching the odd boat go by.
What is one to do, have a lovely dinner cooked by one of your BFF's and then have a glass or two of vino.
The kitchen is completely decked out to cook whatever you have and fancy. Beth had been shopping before we left town and have the ingredients of a fabulous meal.

Next day we took a stroll next door for lunch as Beth had been at it for hours, as you can see another clear day in SP.

Poor Beth had to pose regularly as there was only the two of us and a few four legged friends along the way.
Well it was sort of beer but a shandy which doesn't really count as drinking during the day in my book as even Mrs Boyd does partake in these on a hot sunny day in England! Beer and sprite mixed with ice is perfect when you want something refreshing but don't want to get knocked out.

Where there are people, food and cosy sofas you will find the odd hound or two or three as in Rojo's case.
These guys just appeared out of no-where and seemed to know that we were big dog lovers.

Chilled out or what?
Beth loved this cheeky little character too.

Rush hour
OMG will they clash?
Think they have done this before, once or twice?

Lunch
Conch fritters, all very yummy if you like conch which I don't but many do. Soon we will be having lobster ones again, now that is appealing.

Check out this guys face, he really is smiling, I had just fed him a lot of pork so you know he is a happy dog right now.
This wee Gremlin also got fed as I remembered that I don't really like pork and the panini was full of it, not for long.
Another furry friend came along but too late for lunch.

And another one.
Check this guy out, he knows where to be cool and shaded from the sun, wish I had been so sensible.
This was my view the next morning while waiting for the boat taxi to take me back into town. Is that not just the best start to any day of the week?

It made up for having to get up so early and catch the 6.00am one to be in for work on time.

Ok I'm up but not really too awake.

Sun's up, ta ta for now Playa Blanca.

No-one else around.
Even though we were on the same island just going up north for a couple of nights was a great break. How lucky are we that this is what we get to see each and every day, it takes a day out to appreciate it but for sure life can be good in Belize.

May's Cook Off

2010-05-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here we go again, another fantastic night ahead in Lime. This is where the community of San Pedro come out in force, create some great dishes and help to raise some money for local charities.
We have Laura Sutton who lives here in Belize and was very keen to enter her stuffed pork with Vodka and tomato sauce. She was very promt too which I am sure will change after a while!

Matt and Jo King from the Roadkill Bar were also nice and early to drop of their Beef Bourguignon.
Tanya of Lime welcoming our favourite youngster Legend the name sake of Legend's burger joint north of San Pedro.
Time to make your mouth water-warning do not go any further if you are at all hungry!

There is no mistaking that smile, the lovely Tanya aka Tizzler was in charge of desserts.

Our ever faithful helpers, the lovely Christine, Tanya and Laura who not only cooked a dish but helped to serve them also.
Once we kicked off people were happy to come and taste the scrummy offerings this month.

Jo is always happy to add a smile and glamor at any given opportunity. Next month if you have your Saga Humane Society calendar you will see her on display for a whole 30 days!

Deep in conversation about what they have just tasted, Peter Jones on the right put in a very potent fruit salad.
Still they came, the papers on the other side of the camera for a change.

Christine surrounded by some of her favorite men! Wow a variation of suntans amongst that group eh?

Jamilla and some of her gang who were hoping to win and donate the money to the local football team, the Seadogs.
Time to work out the winners of this alcohol cook off.

Jamilla came thundering through to take first place with her Chicken in coffee and Kahlua, winning an Ipod shuffle and $450.00bz for the Seadogs.

I am not sure what I am doing here but luckily Phil is nearby to keep the crowd quiet and make me heard=like I need help!

Second place was the lovely Laura with her stuffed pork in Vodka and Tomato sauce.

Matt King was one vote away from second place, lets hope he enters again as that man can cook.

Ok I know it's silly but it made us smile to dress poor Ella up, you know Lisbon and Jackie get put through this from time to time. She doesn't look too pleased though and neither would Phil so they were taken off pretty quickly.

There was a lot of love going around tonight after some good food good people the odd drink or two it was time to hug the one closest, Tanya and Helda, bossom buddies!

It was another successful cook off so now onto the next one, June 12th and the theme is Mediterranean. Grab your cook books or get google on it or your best friends, be the next winner of the Lime challenge.

Days off in paradise!

2010-05-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

So a day off in paradise and what is one to do? Luckily for us our good friend Forrest has a Hoby Cat and offered to take us out on it. So we packed a few beers a change of clothes and away we went.
When you live in paradise you don't appreciate it enough but on this fine day we got the chance to be on that beautiful clear blue sea.

Our fine captain Forrest who had 3 very willing assistants, not sure how able we were by the end of it but our enthusiasm was there for sure.

Kevin and I were happy to let Christine and Forrest show us how it's done while we kept everyone in beers.
We headed up north of the island to Belizen Shores as they have the coolest pool with a swim up bar.

We pulled up at their dock very smoothly and tied our ride up for a few hours while we checked out the pool and bar!
The crew!
After a couple of leisurely hours it was time to head back to base camp, McFeeley was feeling very mellow and in holiday mode.

Look no hands this baby rides herself!

Two BFF's happy to be out at sea for a few hours.

I can sail too and make it look so easy! Check out those sea fairing legs!

We know we are in capable hands when out with Forrest as he has lots of practice now and know how this lady handles!
This picture needs some explaining but lets just say it has to do with running along the beaches of San Pedro and being the bionic women.

Anyone would think that we had just had a great day, hang on we did, great weather for sailing great people to hang out with and some great drinks to help the day along.

Like I said some fantastic people to hang out with helps to make it another perfect day in paradise.

Saga Humane Society has a new vet

2010-04-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here she is the lovely Lauren Henckel, our long awaited for Saga Humane Society vet, along with her dog Chiquita. They are both happy to be here and are spending a few quiet days getting their bearings. We are so happy that they are here and are going to do our utmost to keep them both smiling.
Here is the wonderful Ingrid, who is the office manager of Saga and has been a very hard working employee for nearly nine years.

Myself new to the board and Lori who is on the board, very happy to have the breeze messing up our hair tonight.
Grant who was the fund raising man on the board has now jumped over to maintenance as I have been elected to fill that post.

Ari who is also on the board was deep in conversation about Grants which is her domain.

The lovely Kathy who owns Pampered Paws and has also been on the board for many years and has kept Saga going and made it as strong as it is today.

Katie and her partner George, She is the chairperson of Saga and does an amazing amount for the community and especially the animals. I believe she has fostered over 100 puppies to date.

We spent the evening at The Blue Iguana and all had some fabulous food as always. A few of the gang had the special which was this combo of Fillet Mignon and shrimp.

I had the stuffed chicken breast with bacon and cheese which is divine and a side of cucumber salad.
A few others had the pasta and shrimp which has a wee kick, served with garlic bread.

I gave them time to pose for a change and look how they glow.

The whole gang having a very happy night out as it has been a stressful few months for the board getting someone and making sure it will be a goof fit for everyone.

This four legged member of the team seemed to be pretty happy now also. Chiquita loves the water so knows where she is going to have some fun here in San Pedro.

A group shot of most of the board, we are just missing Heidi in this photo. Saga has been serving San Pedro for over ten years now and with this crowd of strong positive people it will continue for another ten. Thanks to all the people that support it from near and far logs of wagging tales at you.

Asian cook off

2010-04-20T09:11:00.001-07:00

It's Friday night and what goes on this week in Lime? It is our monthly cook off and this time the theme is Asian food and people have been busy cooking up a storm all week to compete with each other.
Our very own Tanya was supposed to be doing her dish with Mike Song who pulled out at the last minute so being the trooper that she is she went ahead and put their dish together herself.