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Living in Belize is Like Living in the Wild West

by tacogirl 22/02/2015
written by tacogirl 22/02/2015
Mahogany Bay Belize

I have always maintained that living in Belize is like living in the wild west sometimes. Yesterday’s shut down of the Control Tower and the resulting airport chaos at Philip Goldson International Airport was a good reminder of how true that can be.

Until yesterday’s parallelization of both flights in and out of Belize. Due to the first and second shift of Air Traffic Controllers calling in sick and the last Professional Air Traffic Controllers strike (I know of one in 1981) the airport was closed.

The ‘Sick Out’ reminds me of the days when they protested with two-week-long bed-ins back in 1969. As a kid, I remember seeing a picture of my Aunt (who was a Hare Krishna at the time) with John and Yoko at the famous bed-in at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal.

I am sure there were a few disgruntled people who had their flights to Belize delayed by up to 24 hours by this incident. There were also those who were receiving an extra day of Belize time as a result of the Belize ATC “strike”.

I was following along with local Belize news yesterday and here is what our two island papers had to say about the incident.

“Sick” Air Traffic Controllers Shut Down Philip Goldson International Airport

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Civil Aviation and its Department of Civil Aviation were informed that the Air Traffic Controllers scheduled to work the 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. shift at the Control Tower of the Philip Goldson International Airport had reported in sick. Subsequently, the Department of Civil Aviation has also received an indication that the Air Traffic Controllers scheduled to work  12 a.m. to 6 p.m. reported in sick. Read the full Operations at Philip Goldson International press release in San Pedro Sun newspaper.

Chaos at Belize Airports Nationwide as Belize International Airport Shuts Down

Information given to Ambergris Today indicates that Delta’s early morning flight from Los Angeles to Belize was diverted. It landed in San Pedro Sula, Honduras after it circled a few times over Belize’s international airport. That flight is still grounded this morning in San Pedro Sula with 150 passengers. All other flight aircraft scheduled to land at the airport have been canceled for the time being. Reasons as to the strike are still unknown and airport authorities are looking into the matter to get the airport back in operations. Read more about how the worker’s strike at the Belize’s Phillip Goldson International Airport shutdown flights to Belize in Ambergris Today newspaper.

The other article that came up on Google for me was from The Belizean (Belize News, Updates and Advisories.)

Air Traffic Controllers Sick Out Shuts Down Belize International Airport

The Belize International Airport, also known as the PGIA was shut down today following a sickout by air traffic controllers. Over six international flights including Delta and Avianca were affected. Some flights were diverted to Honduras and Guatemala. Flights were also being canceled as chaos reigned in the early morning when air controllers failed to show up for work at the country’s only operational international airport.

Back to Everyday Belize Living

While all the Belize Airport chaos was going on Dennis and I were in “get healthy” mode and ready to feel the burn at Rose’s Pilates class. Saturdays are always fun and today she did something a bit different in honor of Feb being American Heart Month. She had us get our cardio on and do lots of dancing fun in between moves to sculpt our bodies into long lean lusciousness.

Two-year-old Tinker joined us for the first part of the class. She did a great job of jumping around and smiling a lot before she got bored of us and headed downstairs to play with Enzo at the Zen Arcade daycare playground (a well-used service).

After we finished Cindy and Tink offered us a ride home and suggested we all go to Rum Bean for a nice coffee treat first.

living in belize

Heading south to delicious coffee

belize coffee

Almost there

homes for sale belize

Another Road less traveled

belize people

Slightly less traveled

belize homes for sale

Mahogany Bay development

ambergris caye real estate

Mahogany Bay houses

ambergris caye real estate

Rum Bean coffee shop and Mahogany Bay Sales Offices

At Rum and Bean with Little Tink

Now for the fun pics. It is always interesting to watch young human beings grow and interact with other adults. Tinker wanted an adult beverage and like a parrot kept repeating ” I want coffee mommy.” Being regulars at the coffee shop everyone knew the drill and Tinker got her wish. A no caffeine version aka white foam which she happily enjoyed with a full out milk mustache and beard. 🙂

While waiting for our coffee to be made Tinker and Cindy were going over a fish guide. Tinker would ask “What’s that Mommy?” or point at a random diver with long brown hair and say “mommy” knowing her mother dives (very smart child).

As for my coffee, I asked them to make my usual (blended iced coffee with a banana and chocolate sauce). As an extra treat, they added whipped cream. Normally I would not go for that (so I am glad they did not ask first) as it is too much sugar, but was it ever good. I would totally do it again! Rum Bean whipped cream was so yummy, I could eat a bowl of it straight up. 🙂

 living in belize

Tinker learning about marine life

living in belize

Tinker knew the names of many animals in the book

living in belize

My iced coffee and Dennis reading

living in belize

“I want a coffee mommy,” said 2-year-old Tinker

living in belize

Tinkers version of a coffee warm foam in a small fry cup

Later that night we decided to skip town (our plan B after playing cards against humanity got canceled). Instead, we had a chilled out evening at home. I went downstairs to Barb’s for a bit to play on our new inversion machine and catch up. There was no new news on the Air Traffic Control strike. Having worked the airline industry in Europe a few years before moving to Belize, she agreed it was a wild west moment.

As we chatted I alternated from couch potato to hanging like a bat to stretch my spine. It felt really good, especially with my lower back being a bit sore. I’m learning just how much my core muscles can use strengthening in Pilates Class.

After “bat” time I came back upstairs and Dennis was cooking dinner. Afterward, he switched to being DJ and then we ended up playing a three-hour backgammon and acey duecey tournament.

A great end to a perfect day! 🙂

Related

tacogirl

Laurie Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
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Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
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We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
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Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
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We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
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I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
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Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
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I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
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I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
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I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
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tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
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As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
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We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
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It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
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I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
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I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
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Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
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I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
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I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
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I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
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Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
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Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
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Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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