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A Day With Birthday Boy

by tacogirl 07/11/2011
written by tacogirl 07/11/2011
San Pedro Belize beach pictures

I just saw a 19 year old win a million dollars on a game show. Imagine how different any of our lives would be if that had happened to us? I wonder if I would have moved to Belize or would I have landed in a different Tropical location instead. I can say for sure it likely would not have taken me so long to get there.

I finished up my work early today so I could go out with Dick and Paula to celebrate his birthday. Since it was his day we gave him carte blanche to choose whatever he wanted to do. Paula and I were happy that going for a swim at the beach was what his top pick and we all agreed a nice walk down to Banyan Bay area was a perfect way to celebrate.  We hung out on the dock and got chatting with a nice couple who was repeat vacationing. The November weather was perfect and the water at the end of the dock was gorgeous. It was so shallow that we were able to sit in the sand and relax, I felt like I was at a tropical spa. Afterward we decided that fish and chips at El Divino restaurant was in order, so we walked to Banana Beach Resort for lunch. They make the best fish and chips there and the staff is always friendly and making us laugh. [ If you go fishing and have a big Catch you can take it to El Divino and they will cook it up any style, forget the price but it is very reasonable. Our friend Mary did that when she was here and ordered family style sides to go with the fish]

On a slightly different note, I found an interesting article that many of you will enjoy  – Expat stereotypes: Do we deserve them?

We are all aware of the different stereotypes attached to local groups when we are visiting or living in their country, but it seems to be less often discussed how we expats might also easily be stereotyped. Obviously the locals in a city where many other nationalities are congregating can generalize about each group, and and the expats themselves can also group the others together as well. To read the full article go to Expatify.com

Here are pics from our walk and beach time, a small part of me fell in love with Ambergris Caye all over again today as I was thinking about how it took us 15 minutes to get from my front door to the end of the dock and tropical paradise.

PGIASunset on Tropic Air Flight to San PedroBelize busBelize bus terminal Belmopan

 

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tacogirl

Laure 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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16 comments

Millie 13/11/2011 - 8:54 am

Laurie,
Great pictures, we can’t wait wait for our trip either. T minus 10 days to meet you and try the delicious Fish and Chips.
Seems like you all enjoyed Birthday boy’s beach day

Reply
tacogirl 14/11/2011 - 6:43 am

See you soon MIllie.

Reply
Paula Segrest 10/11/2011 - 4:06 pm

Laurie, I finally got to read about our Birthday Boy Day! What a fun article and great shots. You’re the best and I’m happy to call ya friend. 🙂

Reply
tacogirl 14/11/2011 - 6:43 am

Was a fun day Paula.

Reply
Remo 08/11/2011 - 11:57 am

Laurie let me give you a better example.

Laurie I bet you that if a Chinese man or Syrian man came to Belize and had the same EXACT situation like you in terms of status and passports, he WOULD NOT be called an expat.

That is my point, why are only certain people called expats and others are not?

I never heard of a Chinese man or African or Arab for example being called an expat.

I hesitate to when people like to refer to themselves as expats. Reminds me of the old British colonial system.

And yes, my Grandfather (dad side) came to Belize with the British Army and stayed here until he died in early 90s. he always referred to himself as an expat although he was actually a legal immigrant.

This can be debated right:)

cheers….

Reply
tacogirl 08/11/2011 - 3:13 pm

Have met quite a few friends of different nationalities here Remo and up till now always figured them as expats not immigrants for no particular reason other than expat is the buzz word so to speak. Will have to check in and see what their thoughts are and what they are commonly refereed to as. Interesting debate.

Reply
bob 08/11/2011 - 9:10 am

11 days for us til we arrive. What is the word about any new restaurants? Mathieu’s Deli? Will have to try El Divino for the fish and chips this trip. Great pictures!

Reply
tacogirl 08/11/2011 - 9:19 am

11 days away that is great Bob. Mathieu’s Deli continuously getting great reviews. El Divino is one of our favs because it is so close to us and we love the staff there. There is a good local spot to try on the north side of the old football field in town and towards the lagoon, not really a restaurant but a walk up window they make really good flautas in the afternoon and prices can’t be beat.

Reply
Kathy Furlotte 08/11/2011 - 8:05 am

Thanks for the great shots from Banyan Bay dock. I can try to picture myself there. Only 3 months to go!

Reply
tacogirl 08/11/2011 - 8:47 am

3 months not long Kathy, unless you get hit with weather. You will be enjoying the dock before you know it.

Reply
Alan Slater 08/11/2011 - 12:24 am

Hi Laurie,
Just to let you know…….whilst you guys were whooping it up and deciding what to do for a Halloween or a birthday, here in New England we were dealing with a Nor’easter. We had 18ins. of wet snow onto trees that still had loads of leaves……..result, downed trees and limbs, dropping on power lines. We were without power, heat, phones, tv, Internet, for 9 days. 95% of stores were shut down, banks were closed because the computers were down and could not dispense cash, ATMs gonzo,gas stations could not pump gas, credit cards useless and you couldn’t get hold of a chain saw or standby generator for love nor money. We froze our asses off, as night time temps dropped to 26F. At one stage, there were 8million people without power. It happened at 6.45pm Saturday 29th Oct. Some people are still without power!!! So this year will be a memorable one, as here in Springfield MA. we had a hurricane, followed by a tornado that tracked on the ground for 39 miles and now a power outage that effected MA. NH. VT. ME and northern CT. We really, really must have p…..oed the Gods!!!
Alan S.

Reply
tacogirl 08/11/2011 - 8:43 am

Alan 18ins. of wet snow I feel for you that is rough. Hope everyone has power back and you are all managing to keep warm and dry.

Reply
Remo 07/11/2011 - 10:10 pm

All I know is that no matter what country I have been to in any part of the world the Italians….French…..and Germans have always been labeled as bad tippers and constant complainers.

Talking to my friends here in Belize who work in the tourist Industry, that stereotype seems to hold true for the most part.

Yes, I know there are exceptions to the rule, but that seems to be the general thinking from my experience.

Reply
tacogirl 08/11/2011 - 8:41 am

I have heard that for Germans too but not french. I remember someone passing themselves off as American over Canadian when traveling and travel buddies were behaving badly, at the time it was a common stereotype that Americans were a bit obnoxious travelers in Europe.

Reply
Remo 07/11/2011 - 9:27 pm

Expats or legal Immigrants?

Here are some interesting articles about the Expat “myth” as well.

http://www.pljournal.com/poland/expat-immigrant-kureth.html

Interesting article indeed.

Many people call themselves “Expats” but should they?

Reply
tacogirl 08/11/2011 - 8:39 am

Good point Remo I still think of myself as an expat even though I have residency because I still have Canadian Citizenship. Not sure I would change that unless it made sense or I could get dual. Just read the article you posted great read.

Reply

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
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
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
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
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
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
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
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
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
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
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
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
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
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
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
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
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
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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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.

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