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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

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It’s Back and So Am I (Almost)

by tacogirl 31/07/2017
written by tacogirl 31/07/2017
Sargassum Belize

It’s that time of year and Sargasso is coming back with a vengence. Island residents are already feeling the effects. My friend socialite Sandie was feeling nauseous big time from the smell down south yesterday morning and had to postpone our lunch plans. More about that below with lots of great pics, but first a bit on Sargassum in Belize.

Sargassum (Sargasso) is a brownish orange free-floating seaweed, which is a type of algae. It has many species distributed throughout the tropical oceans, where they generally inhabit coral reefs and shallow water. It originates in the Sargasso Sea (where there is millions of tonnes of the stuff) and is brought in by the Gulf Stream and the Atlantic Ocean currents. Until recently (like in 2015 when Belize had record amounts) it only went as far south as Mexico. There are varying theories about why it is making it’s way farther south, from global warming, to pollution, to wind storms.

When it’s not cleaned up off the beaches fast, it produces an awful pungent smell that may cause itchy eyes, breathing issues, nausea and headaches. The Resort owners along the beaches of San Pedro do the best they can and spend thousands of dollars every year to clean up the beach so it’s nice for travelers.

I would not recommend canceling a trip due to the Sargasso, and it doesn’t look like Trip Advisor contributors are even talking about it this year… which means it doesn’t seem to be that much of an issue for most folks.

Lunch on Belize Time

Sandie’s new plan after recovering from her morning Sargassum sickness was to meet up with Aimee, Emily, Rosemary and Adolph at the Palapa Bar. We made it in time to catch some of Dennisito, Keith and Kevin playing live – every Sunday afternoon. Great show as always and the place was pretty packed considering it is low season. 

I Am Almost Back

As for me being back, I recently was down for a good two weeks with salmonella and ketoacidosis. It was a rough ride but I made it through. I am still recouping my energy but every day I get a little stronger.

I received great personal attention and quality service at Dr. Lerida’s Clinic. When I turned up I was immediately treated as an emergency case and given IV antibiotics (Cipro Bayer) and several blood tests. I received an official diagnosis before my visit was done – no wait time.  When at Dr. Reyes office for my ultrasound their service was professional and super fast. He had agreed to see me on the spot when Dr. Lerida called him and I was back at her place within an hour.

I know many of you are planning a move here are interested in Belize Medical costs. Here is the breakdown of what it cost me to get on the road to recovery. In total I did 4 Dr.’s visits; 3 with Dr. Lerida and one ultrasound with Dr Reyes. All pricing is in Belize dollars and the first two totals below include 4% charge because I was paying with my bank card instead of cash. 75% of my cost was medication, medical supplies and laboratory. $981.50 for blood work, hydration IV, meds (7 days Cipro and 28 Metoclopramide) and Dr’s visit. 

  • $208.80 Ultrasound and Dr’s visit.
  • $61.50   Dr.’s visit and meds (2 weeks worth of Esomeprazol)

Sunday Funday Pictures

It was a gorgeous hot sunny day in the 31° C or 87° F range. Perfect for aquatic people watching from our bar stools. We also got a fast rain shower and a rainbow. As you can see in the first pic. Sargasso season has definitely drifted in again.

Sargassum in Belize

Sargasso is back.

Palapa Bar Belize

Perfect day to be by the water.

San Pedro Town

Solo kayak in the rain.

Caribbean Sea

Followed by two girls.

Sargassum in Belize

You can see big patches of Sargassum drifting in. 

Island Dreams Tours

Thankfully the rain stopped before the annual Costa Maya Yolo tour came back.

Castaway Caye Watersports

Next came the Castaway Caye jet skis.

 Jet Ski Belize

Friends enjoying Sunday funday.

Things to do in Belize

Last was the only clear kayak in the country of Belize – that I know of.

Enough on the water fun and onto the real reason we were there, friends, food and music.

San Pedro Belize

Sandie, Aimee, Adolph, Rosemary and Emily.

Palapa Bar and Grill

It was a side order kind of day – sauteed vegetables, coleslaw and smashed potatoes.

 

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

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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