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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Expats in Belize a Short Spanish Lesson and Costa Maya

by tacogirl 09/08/2015
written by tacogirl 09/08/2015

Packing it all up and moving to Belize

Ask any expats in Belize and I am sure they will have a few items on their packing list that are not the traditional things you would think of bringing to a new country. How much people decide to bring varies. I know a few people that brought containers or crates full of stuff from their previous lives and some came with much less.

Tacoboy and I fell into the much less category although I know expats living here that relocated with even fewer things that we did. We only brought 4 suitcases plus carry-ons when we moved and 4 more at a later date after literally selling off and giving away everything else. All the material possessions we owned in Canada are all gone except one small Rubbermaid storage bin which remains in the upstairs room of Paul’s parent’s farm.

Since we were not opting for a container, we had to be choosy about what we brought. My goal was to do my best and get everything but the kitchen sink within the small amount of space we were allowing ourselves to transport it. I did pretty good there and got everything from kites to box sets of cutlery and a whole lot more. One of the things I packed that took up almost no space was a piece of paper written by my grandma. It was something I found in her things after she passed; notes on learning Spanish. I never did know what her travel plans were in writing it, but I figured that it would come in handy for my new life and was a nice sentimental reminder of family.

And Now for our Spanish Lesson

Sabiendo solo un poco de Espanol (knowing only a little Spanish) I wrote down all the phrases in English and the answers on my Grandmas notes, then to see how close they were, I checked a translator. Those that have a 3rd choice are answers that Google translate offered different to what she had.Cuento con mi amigo David Ruis me nota en mi leccion de espanol 🙂 (I am counting on my friend David Ruis to grade me on my Spanish lesson.

How are you? A Como esta usted? A Como estas?

Very well thank you. Muy bien gracias.

I do not feel very well. No me siento muy bien.

What do you want to eat? A Que quiere come usted? A Que quieres comer?

Goodbye. Adios.

See you later. Hasta la vista. Nos vemos.

What time is it?  A Que hora es, por favor? A Que hora es?

Did you work hard today? A Trabaja usted mucho hoy? ASaba usted trabaja duro hoy?

Expats in Belize

Spanish lesson in Belize courtesy of my French Canadian Grandmother

More Spanish and a Commonly Asked Question

Is Belize a Spanish speaking country? This is a common question that comes up for both future expats and travelers. It was one of the factors that made moving to Belize come out ahead of Mexico on our list of places. We knew it would be enough of a process to leave everyone and everything behind and we did not want to have to add learning Spanish on top of it all. Even though most speak English here knowing some Spanish is useful as there are some folks that do not speak much English. Plus people appreciate when you make an effort in their native language. The following learn to speak Spanish pictures are from the walls of Ambergris Caye Elementary school.

Is Belize a Ppanish speaking country

Leaning Spanish numbers at Ambergris Caye Elementary School

Is Belize a Spanish speaking country

Leaning common Spanish words at Ambergris Caye Elementary School

This weekend was the ever popular Costa Maya Festival and the town was packed, with many people from all over the country having traveled to San Pedro to enjoy the fun. I was not feeling the mood for large party crowds and avoided town. This morning I woke up to an email with a few pictures from my friend Kendall along with details from his secret sources 🙂

His first source reported the actual party at the football field was very quiet compared to Front street. Everyone was on the beach at Fido’s who wasn’t willing to pay the $25 dollar cover or hanging out for free next door at Marlins.

The second source said “Best turn out for Costa Maya festival in years” and that both hotels he manages are packed were packed this weekend. As it turns out this source was not so much of a secret, the Hotels were Caribbean Villas and Pedro’s Hotel and the source was Paul.

Check out Kendall’s latest post on his blog Reset and Restore dealing a terrifying encounter with a large creature and two of his friends. I got an advance preview today and it will have you on the edge of your seat 🙂

Expats in Belize

Costa Maya action outside Fido’s

Related

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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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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THE ORIGINAL BELIZE BLOG

THE ORIGINAL BELIZE BLOG

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 discounts, Contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

3 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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