BELIZE! From a Child's Perspective
This is a new addition to our web-site. You will see this page transpire and develop over time. We hope you will enjoy reading all the various experiences..........as told through the eyes of a child.
Lunch at Estle's By the Sea!
Trent with a Coatimundi
Hi, my name is Trent. Today mom took us out to lunch - at Estle's By the Sea. I had a hamburger, Lauren had chicken fingers, and Christina had the seafood platter. They were all wonderful. Lauren likes the watermelon juice, which is her favorite. This is my favorite place to have breakfast, as Estle makes the best tortilla's on the whole island.
Estle's is a special place to our family, because it was the first restaurant we went to when we moved to Belize 5 years ago. I really enjoy ordering from the big chalk board menu, the feel of sand on the floor in the restaurant., and listening to (Owner) Charlie play his guitar and drums. It's what makes this place special. If you talk to Charlie very long, you will know, that he is one of the mavericks on this island. If you hear him tell you, he's lived in Belize since Moby Dick was a minnow, and I believe it.
On the beach today, my sisters and I got to pet a Coatimundi (I call them a Coati) right out in front of Estle's place. This is a native animal to Central America and they live right here in Belize. The problem was, my sisters then started begging my mother, to take him home. Mom stood her ground and didn't cave in, watching those sad puppy dog eyes that my sisters produced.
Estle's is a special place to our family, because it was the first restaurant we went to when we moved to Belize 5 years ago. I really enjoy ordering from the big chalk board menu, the feel of sand on the floor in the restaurant., and listening to (Owner) Charlie play his guitar and drums. It's what makes this place special. If you talk to Charlie very long, you will know, that he is one of the mavericks on this island. If you hear him tell you, he's lived in Belize since Moby Dick was a minnow, and I believe it.
On the beach today, my sisters and I got to pet a Coatimundi (I call them a Coati) right out in front of Estle's place. This is a native animal to Central America and they live right here in Belize. The problem was, my sisters then started begging my mother, to take him home. Mom stood her ground and didn't cave in, watching those sad puppy dog eyes that my sisters produced.
SPA TREATMENT & HAIR CUT - Asian Garden's Day Spa & Salon
Lauren getting a haircut.
My name is Lauren and I am 5 years old. Today, mom took us down to get our hair cut at the Asian Garden's Day Spa. It was a real treat. Christina went first, because I was scared. I really liked her haircut, so I told mom - I want my hair to look just like Christina's.
Only one problem, I have a very prominent cow lick on my forehead. There is this story that my mom tells, as to why this has happened. When I was a baby, a cow would knock on our front door and then walk inside our house. He would come over to my crib and lick my forehead over and over and over. Mom would have to swat him on the behind to make him leave, but the cow always kept coming back. I think mom is teasing, but I like the story none-the-less, it makes me laugh.
The stylist cut my hair and I think he did a very good job. He told mom her eyebrows were too bushy, and we all started to laugh. I like having my hair done in a salon, as it makes me feel special. When Christina was my age, she was having her hair cut and fell asleep in the chair. We always laugh about that.
So now and then, we come to get our hair cut and I enjoy the experience very much.
Only one problem, I have a very prominent cow lick on my forehead. There is this story that my mom tells, as to why this has happened. When I was a baby, a cow would knock on our front door and then walk inside our house. He would come over to my crib and lick my forehead over and over and over. Mom would have to swat him on the behind to make him leave, but the cow always kept coming back. I think mom is teasing, but I like the story none-the-less, it makes me laugh.
The stylist cut my hair and I think he did a very good job. He told mom her eyebrows were too bushy, and we all started to laugh. I like having my hair done in a salon, as it makes me feel special. When Christina was my age, she was having her hair cut and fell asleep in the chair. We always laugh about that.
So now and then, we come to get our hair cut and I enjoy the experience very much.
FLYING ON A COMMUTER AIRCRAFT TO THE ISLAND - Provided by Tropic Air
Lauren & Christina in the back seat of a 4 passenger aircraft.
I'm Christina (age 10) to the right, and this is my sister Lauren (age 5), to the left. This is us in our own commuter aircraft, flying home to the island - provided by Tropic Air. It may look like the back seat of a car, but its not.
The plane we are in, takes 4 people. The pilot, mom , my sister and I. It takes us about 15 minutes to fly from the Belize mainland to our island. We don't go to the mainland very much, because we are very happy to stay at home with all our friends.
Most of the time we fly in a 15 passenger plane (but this time), Tropic Air treated us real special and gave us our own plane. If you look at the water from up in the air, it looks turquoise sometimes. There are many islands scattered all over in the water to look at. We have to keep an eye on my sister when we fly, as she gets motion sickness being in a plane. So it's good that the flight is only 15 minutes.
The plane we are in, takes 4 people. The pilot, mom , my sister and I. It takes us about 15 minutes to fly from the Belize mainland to our island. We don't go to the mainland very much, because we are very happy to stay at home with all our friends.
Most of the time we fly in a 15 passenger plane (but this time), Tropic Air treated us real special and gave us our own plane. If you look at the water from up in the air, it looks turquoise sometimes. There are many islands scattered all over in the water to look at. We have to keep an eye on my sister when we fly, as she gets motion sickness being in a plane. So it's good that the flight is only 15 minutes.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - 2010
Christina & Lauren on their first day of School
This is my sister and I's first day of school. Our school is a very special school, as it sits beach front, right on the ocean in the heart of San Pedro. If you look at the picture below, you can see the ocean in the background. So during recess, we sometimes get to see dolphins jumping in and out of the water, trying to entertain us. Thus the school mascot or logo, soon became - a jumping dolphin.
If we are good, mind our manners, and behave, we can earn dolphin dollars. Dolphin dollars, allow us to sit at the "honor" table and have pizza for our lunch, .
I was really scared the first day of school, and won't shake the teachers hand like Christina is doing. But eventually, I came to see, that being in school isn't a big deal - it's actually quite fun. Lady Dixie Bowen is our principle and she is the best principle EVER! She makes us laugh and is a really cool lady. That's why they call her "Lady Bowen".
If we are good, mind our manners, and behave, we can earn dolphin dollars. Dolphin dollars, allow us to sit at the "honor" table and have pizza for our lunch, .
I was really scared the first day of school, and won't shake the teachers hand like Christina is doing. But eventually, I came to see, that being in school isn't a big deal - it's actually quite fun. Lady Dixie Bowen is our principle and she is the best principle EVER! She makes us laugh and is a really cool lady. That's why they call her "Lady Bowen".
BEACH BARBECUE BELIZEAN STYLE
All our friends going up North for a Beach BBQ.
I want you to meet all my friends, we are having a beach barbecue Belizean style! We realize that most families have outings or get togethers in the park or at someone's home. Let me tell you about how we get together.
We go up to the North end of the island, where the Barrier Reef meets the land. The water is really shallow there, and it makes for great swimming and snorkeling. We get out of the boats and swim or wade to shore. Everyone (all the adults that is), carry a tub of food on their heads and we set up our picnic.
The adults work on the beach barbecue, and play games, while us kids play in the ocean. Then after a bit, everyone has lunch together. Our favorite food for a beach barbecue down here is, barbecue chicken, rice & beans, cole slaw, and warm homemade tortillas. Add a couple cold drinks and what could be better? Oh yes, Nathan's grandma's homemade cookies.
After lunch we climbed up coconut trees, and knocked down a few coconuts with a machete to drink. Now that's a beach barbecue Belizean Style!
We go up to the North end of the island, where the Barrier Reef meets the land. The water is really shallow there, and it makes for great swimming and snorkeling. We get out of the boats and swim or wade to shore. Everyone (all the adults that is), carry a tub of food on their heads and we set up our picnic.
The adults work on the beach barbecue, and play games, while us kids play in the ocean. Then after a bit, everyone has lunch together. Our favorite food for a beach barbecue down here is, barbecue chicken, rice & beans, cole slaw, and warm homemade tortillas. Add a couple cold drinks and what could be better? Oh yes, Nathan's grandma's homemade cookies.
After lunch we climbed up coconut trees, and knocked down a few coconuts with a machete to drink. Now that's a beach barbecue Belizean Style!
My Name is Julie, I'm 2 years old
 I love Belize, because it is my home.
You see me here with my mommy. She is a beautiful person and I love her very much. We are here visiting my friends Lauren and Christina today.
See how my mom fixes my hair? She puts all these pretty colored beads in it.    |
My name is Amber, I'm 2 years old
 I love Belize, because it is my home.
Here I am swimming with Lauren & Christina, in their pool. I am learning how to swim today.
This is me below, with my mommy & my daddy. They both love me very much. My favorite food is potatoes. I love anything with potatoes in it.    |
Meet Our Families Belize Adventure Guide - Mark Chal (Ecologic Divers)
Mark Chal, a Professional Guide for the Belize Government.
We'd like you to meet Mark. He is our families tour guide, provided to us by Ecologic Divers. Every time we take our quarterly adventure as a family, into the Belize interior (Mark is with us), to show the way. This is extremely helpful, because we don't know where we're going, nor does mom.
I like Mark, he has helped us on several adventures - cave tubing down the Sibun River, exploring the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins (next to the Guatemalan border), exploring the ATM Cave (which I might add, was a blast), and soon to come, the jungle dirt bikes (which we are looking forward to) this Spring.
If you're looking for a fun time in Belize, then we are going to refer you to Ecologic Divers and ask for Mark Chal as your tour guide. He's our families super duper Belize Adventure Guide.
I like Mark, he has helped us on several adventures - cave tubing down the Sibun River, exploring the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins (next to the Guatemalan border), exploring the ATM Cave (which I might add, was a blast), and soon to come, the jungle dirt bikes (which we are looking forward to) this Spring.
If you're looking for a fun time in Belize, then we are going to refer you to Ecologic Divers and ask for Mark Chal as your tour guide. He's our families super duper Belize Adventure Guide.
Want To Buy A Necklace?
My name is Alex (I'm the one to the left). I live in San Pedro and have for some time. My mother helps me make these pretty necklaces, that the tourists like. Then on my lunch break from school, I sell necklaces to the tourists on the beach.
I first met John Turley in 2005. He was so tall to me, that I called him "Big John", now everyone on the island calls him "Big John". John has a wife and I call her, "Big John's Wife". I don't remember her name........but she's "Big John's Wife". Big John has bought several necklaces from me, for himself and his family. I enjoy seeing them wear my necklaces, and it makes me feel good that they like what I have made. You may see me on the beach one of these days, and if you do, stop and buy one of my necklaces. |
My Life Here on the Island
My name is Nathan, and I live here on the island. I am friends with Trent, Christina and Lauren. My grandfather is a dive master and teaches people how to dive. In fact, he just certified Trent for diving last week.
I go to one of the local schools here on the island. I like to play in the ocean when I have time off from school. My grandmother and my mother are very good cooks. Grandpa says, he doesn't need to eat in a restaurant.....because nobody cooks as good as grandma. I would have to agree with that, mom's not bad either. What do I like about Belize? Well, Belize is my home, and this is where all my family lives. I have lots of aunts and uncles that all live here on the island with me. Most of my family is in the tourist industry, here on the island. I also have a younger sister named Nia. |
MARASCHINO CHERRIES!
I wanted to tell everyone out there, that the absolute best maraschino cherries on the island, are at the Red Ginger restaurant.
Tell them Lauren sent you! |
LIVE JUNGLE EXPERIENCE
You see me here in this picture, holding a boa constrictor. This is my first time, so I'm a little nervous and the zoo keeper informed me he had just eaten. So I'm feeling pretty safe.
This is one of the real treats about visiting the Belize Zoo. Kids like me, get a hands on experience with many Belizean animals. Boa constrictors are native to Central America and you find them throughout the jungles in Belize. |
STEVE IRWIN "Crocodile Hunter" TRIBUTE @ THE BELIZE ZOO
On the wall at this little zoo, is a picture of Steve Irwin, the famous "Crocodile Hunter" from Australia, when he visited the Belize Zoo some years back. He signed and autographed his picture for the owner of the zoo. She has placed this picture on the wall, in the entrance of the zoo, for all of us to enjoy.
I am an animal lover by heart and what makes this zoo special, is you won't see elephants, lions, tigers & bears here. Every animal in this zoo is native to our country and their habitat is my backyard. Over the years, I have really enjoyed learning all about Belize animals, and you might say I never get tired of coming to the zoo for another peek at Belize's wonderful animal kingdom. We visit the zoo as a family at least once a year.
Take time on your vacation to come to the zoo, it will be a trip you will not regret.
I am an animal lover by heart and what makes this zoo special, is you won't see elephants, lions, tigers & bears here. Every animal in this zoo is native to our country and their habitat is my backyard. Over the years, I have really enjoyed learning all about Belize animals, and you might say I never get tired of coming to the zoo for another peek at Belize's wonderful animal kingdom. We visit the zoo as a family at least once a year.
Take time on your vacation to come to the zoo, it will be a trip you will not regret.
CAVE TUBING AT CAVE BRANCH
We wanted to share with you our experience of cave tubing at the Cave Branch Facilities. We have to say, this is one of our favorite tours. We love the whole experience of crossing the river, hiking through the jungle, and then floating leisurely through three cave systems.
Lauren (in yellow) sat on mom's lap, while we floated through the caves. At one point while in the caves, we grouped together and all shut off our head lamps. There was no difference from having your eyes closed, to having your eyes open.
I felt that the whole experience, really helped me to appreciate a little more about what the jungle in Belize is all about.
Every quarter, we go on a family outing. I really enjoy this, because it gives me something to look forward to. It's like taking an adventure every time. There is always something fun and exciting to experience.
Cave tubing is at the top of our family's activity list. Be sure and remember to bring aqua shoes, as it really helps when it comes time to walk on the pebbles along the shore.
Lauren (in yellow) sat on mom's lap, while we floated through the caves. At one point while in the caves, we grouped together and all shut off our head lamps. There was no difference from having your eyes closed, to having your eyes open.
I felt that the whole experience, really helped me to appreciate a little more about what the jungle in Belize is all about.
Every quarter, we go on a family outing. I really enjoy this, because it gives me something to look forward to. It's like taking an adventure every time. There is always something fun and exciting to experience.
Cave tubing is at the top of our family's activity list. Be sure and remember to bring aqua shoes, as it really helps when it comes time to walk on the pebbles along the shore.
