THE SAN PEDRO SUN VISITOR GUIDE March 20, 2008 the Island Newspaper FREEFREE Ambergris Caye, Belize Central America Vol
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THE SAN PEDRO SUN VISITOR GUIDE March 20, 2008 The Island Newspaper FREEFREE Ambergris Caye, Belize Central America Vol. 18 #12 Explore the natural world of the Maya, encounter magical creatures, experience Lamanai Outpost Lodge! Reservations: 501-226-2012 Fax: 501-226-2338 Email: [email protected] The Airline of Belize www.tropicair.com March 20, 2008 Visitor Guide Page 1 Greetings to my visiting friends On behalf of the people of San Pedro Town, I extend a warm welcome to all visitors arriving to our shores. I assure you that your trip to “La Isla Bonita” will be no ordinary vacation. Our island is famous for its rich cultural di- versity, where Mesti- zos, Creole and Garinagu blend to form a unique encoun- ter. While here, I en- courage you to ex- plore the Caribbean Sea and find Belize’s abundant trea- vast cave systems and many natural sures. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and sanctuaries that are home to our Shark-Ray Alley are just two of the country’s unique flora and fauna. many spots where you can enjoy our Whether you are spending your coral reef formation and abundant honeymoon at an exclusive resort and breathtaking sea life. San Pedro or looking for an adventurous, yet is also home to world-class fishing romantic escape, San Pedro is surely and scuba diving. the place to be. I invite you to ex- For the more adventurous, “La plore our home and see the many Isla Bonita” offers a wide array of wonders it has to offer. water sports and for those looking We welcome you with open arms. to get a glimpse of the mystical world Bienvenidos a San Pedro! of the Maya, these historical ruins are just a short expedition away. You Elsa Paz, Mayor, will also be able to discover Belize’s San Pedro Town The San Pedro Sun SuDoku! Answers on Page 9 is mailed everywhere. Publisher The San Pedro Sun Ltd. Editor Ron Sniffin [email protected] Editor Tamara Sniffin [email protected] Associate Editor Kainie Manuel [email protected] Staff Writer/ Mary Gonzalez [email protected] Graphic Design Staff Reporter Maria Novelo [email protected] Office Assistant Nathalie Manuel [email protected] Mail The San Pedro Sun, P.O. Box 35, San Pedro Town Ambergris Caye, Belize Telephone 011-501-226-2070 US Telephone (307) 460-4114 Fax 011-501-226-2905 E-Mail [email protected] Internet/WEB www.sanpedrosun.net Main Office #63 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro Name Address Language can link Week. This week, we will us with other cultures, present a couple of words City State no matter how for- in Creole, and translate it eign the tongue may to English, using the Cre- Zip be. In an effort to ole/ English Dictionary re- share this form of leased through the Kriol Coun- Country communication with our cil. Special thanks to Sylvana audience, The San Pedro Sun Woods for our copy of the dictio- E-mail: proudly presents – Words of the nary. Enjoy!!! Receive The San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guide weekly in your Big Shot Big Shat - hihn tink hihn da wahn big shat sins ih mailbox. 26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $60 U.S. Domestic: $60 win di lato BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $110 U.S. Domestic: $100 BZ.(Other locations vary.) BuBu Idiot - Yu big Bubu, wai yu gi di baybi sizaz fi More foreign subscribers than any newspaper in Belize! play wid? Page 2 Visitor Guide March 20, 2008 Lamanai Outpost - a thrilling jungle experience! With all that Belize has to offer it is tain Beto awaits us for final transport not always an easy decision when it to the lodge and at the launch area we comes to choosing your adventure. If board a small, sporty boat and settle part of your visit to one of “Nature’s into front row, large bucket seats in Best Kept Secrets” is a mainland ad- preparation for a trip on the New venture, there are dozens of exceptional River. Once an active Mayan trading jungle lodges to pick from, each as waterway, the river widens and nar- unique as the country itself. One that rows, snaking through mangrove cano- truly encompasses the ultimate pied canals teeming with wildlife. We Belizean experience is Lamanai Out- head south, soaring smoothly on the post. Situated on the banks of the 28- water as Beto slows on occasion to point mile New River Lagoon, the lodge out Snowy Egrets, Snail Kites, North- shares the deep embrace of the ern Jacana’s (he explains that they are rainforest with the neighboring ruins of sometimes called Jesus Christ birds as a major Maya city, Lamanai. Steeped they appear to walk on water), Wood in the jungle magic of Mayan culture, Storks, Great Blue Herons and Great the area is surrounded by an incredible Egrets. It is as if the journey itself is a variety of habitats that offer incredible passage back in time when jungle ruled opportunities for nature excursions, earth and man. wildlife adventure and exotic ambience. In a little over an hour, the river wid- Recently The San Pedro Sun was ens into an expansive lagoon, and as treated to a weekend stay at Lamanai we near Lamanai Outpost, Beto points Outpost and the adventure exceeded out a temple from the ruins that clears every expectation. Getting there was a the treetops of the rain forest. It is a cinch, as transport to the lodge is pro- spectacular scene and the ominous sight vided from the International Airport. of such an ancient structure resting When we arrive at the airport from San where centuries of history has been Pedro we are greeted by Claire from written is the ultimate invitation to Belize Expeditions and at their nearby come and explore; we can not help but office, she offers us something to drink, feel excited! Lamanai Outpost is just a yummy breakfast tacos, and introduces stone’s throw from the ruins, and as us to Mike who will be our driver. For we approach the large reception dock, forty minutes we travel along the North- we can see the lagoon-side cabañas that ern Highway in a comfy SUV where terrace the river bank while the ma- we arrive at Tower Hill toll bridge, just jority of the compound lies hidden in- Upon arrival at Lamanai Outpost, you are treated with a hospitality that lasts south of Orange Walk town. Boat cap- Continued on Page 4 throughout your stay. March 20, 2008 Visitor Guide Page 3 lounge area with books to enjoy and historical photos Lamanai Outpost Continued from Page 3 of the ruins in different stages of excavation. We are then joined by Ruben, who has been their tour man- ager since 1992. Ruben introduces us to the various adventures they have to offer such as a sunset/cocktail boat trip, night time spot light safari, Lamanai ruin tour, Maya medicine trail, airboat tour, sunrise canoe bird watching, howler monkey trek and a variety of nature walks. They all sound fantastic and Ruben as- sures us that over our two-night stay we will have plenty of time to enjoy many of these adventures! We then settle at one of the tables in the open dining room and while taking in the views and sounds of the jungle we indulge in a delicious lunch of home baked cheese and jalapeno bread twists, puffy, fried salbutes which are thick fresh cornmeal tortillas topped with chicken or Continued on Page 5 The cozy lounge area and delicious salbutes make you feel right at home. side the dense, tropical forest. As we below, and the lush green landscape approach, Jordy is waiting on the dock surrounding us is intoxicating. There, and greets us with refreshing rum punch Jordy gives us a brief history of the 15 cocktails. His smile and friendly na- year-old family owned resort and fa- ture immediately makes us feel wel- miliarizes us with the many amenities come and he leads us up a gravel-stone the lodge has to offer such as wireless path to the restaurant and lobby area. internet and a computer area for those The main lodge is open and airy with a who want to correspond with the out- spectacular tree-top view of the lagoon side world, gift shop, bar and large Serving San Pedro since 1980! We at Southwind Properties specialize in the listing & sale of fine island properties - Homes, Condos, Hotels, Commercial, Income-Producing Properties & Land for homes or large parcels for development. Be sure to meet with Marianne, Edwardo or Claudio to discuss your particular needs. Southwind Properties prides itself in being there full- time for full service and full disclosure for all your real estate needs. Call 226-2005/ 2060 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Commercial/Condos/Homes Caribe Island (T41) White sandy beach, coconut palms and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea !! Large beach condo about 2.5 miles south of San Pedro Town center. Beautiful two level, 2 ½ bedrooms and 2 full baths condo with view over the pool and ocean. The condo is located in a well managed resort offering dock, dive shop and beach bar. An excellent price at $297,000.00 US! Beachfront Home (A10) 1st level- 6 apts. 1 bdrm/1bath each; 2nd level-3 bdrm/1-1/2 bath; 3rd level-2 bdrm/1 bath penthouse apt. Enjoy your view of the reef & the ocean breezes from your own Palapa or snorkel & sun off your 100’ dock.