Officially on Summer Vacation and August Events

Yesterday, after meeting the Reicks for a Coconut Leo house fund donation, my friend Jenna and I made a special trip to Escalante, just past Maria’s new shop – soon to be on Google maps. My trainer Sarah tipped me off that I should catch the last day of a special summer school and help promote it.

When we arrived, teacher Apo was off getting the kids juice and a snack so Claudia showed us around and filled us in a bit on how things worked. This is a great grassroots effort by Apo, who saw a need within the community to help kids who required some extra attention.

Summer school ran for two hours per day and finished for a one month break at the end of July. During the school year, tutoring will resume on Saturdays. 

This neighborhood educational experience is open to kids ages 7 – 9 or any child who needs help reading. Currently, there are about 10 students and they come from New Horizons, Holy Cross, San Pedro Roman Catholic, and Ambergris Caye Elementary School. A small fee of $30 BZD per week is charged for summer school.

The primary focus is on reading and language arts. They also work with puppets, music and do arts and crafts. Some of the kids attending are on promoted probationally status which means that they were advanced to the next grade based on the condition that they do the extra work to improve their skills.

Apo is a Standard One teacher at RC. He observed a need for extracurricular education so that some kids would be able to improve their grades and keep up at the next level. He definitely makes creative use of what is around him to build a cool outdoor classroom. 

If you would like to help this very worthwhile program, I know dollar stores abroad are loaded with inexpensive stuff or Caye Supplies and A&R on the island both have reasonable prices on educational materials. This great group can always use basic reading books, (ages 6-8) puppets, arts, and crafts supplies. Just make contact with me tacogirlbelize[at]gmail.com

August Weather and Events

It has been hot hot hot with temps around 29°C or 84°F. Thankfully there has still been a bit of a breeze by the water. So much so that diving was canceled for a few vacationers yesterday morning due to choppy waters.

Costa Maya

Celebrating 26 years, the Costa Maya Festival 2018 actually began on August 2, with the big pageant being held tonight – August 3 with more high-powered entertainment on Saturday. Eight delegates from the Mayan countries and around the region are being represented.

Fishing Tournament

August 9-12 2nd Annual Grand Caribe Belize Deep Sea Classic – Hosted by Grand Caribe Belize. Great deep sea fishing with the chance to win up to $50,000.00 in cash and prizes. Registration fee is $1,200 – includes Boat, 4 Anglers, and the Captain 1st Place – $17,000, 2nd Place – $11,500, 3rd Place – $8,000, 4th Place – $5,000, 5th Place – $2,000

Additional prizes will be given for: Heaviest Dorado – $1,000, Heaviest Wahoo – $1,000, Heaviest Tuna – $500, Heaviest Kingfish – $500
Heaviest Barracuda – $500, Top Angler – $1,000, Top Female Angler – $1,000 and Top Junior Angler – $500.  All dollar figures are in BZD. 

Calcutta & Captains Dinner – Thursday, 9th August at 6:00 pm at Grand Caribe for a briefing of events. Fishing times are 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on August 10th & 11th, and 7:00 am to 2:00 pm on August 12th. To Register call +501-280-4726 or Email: Grand Caribe Guest Relations

Farmers Market

August 11 – Market Day – Mahogany Bay – Support the small businesses on the island by attending this event. Great deals to be had and samples to try.

Fun Adventure

August 11 – The Amazing Race: San Pedro – The Truck Stop. Get ready to play one of the most fun games ever. Complete in fun challenges, decipher cryptic clues, race between stops. Teams will be competing for a cash prize, among other fun prizes.

There’s a limit of 20 teams, so register ASAP. 2-4 players per team, golf carts only. $20bz per player the winning team wins the entire pot. 

Facebook message  Jacqueline Musante Feldman with the names of all your teammates (and a fun team name if you have one already).

Sporting Events

August 4 – International Friendly Match Football (Soccer) Belize vs. Barbados Ambergris Stadium 7:00 pm. 
Tickets: General-$30.00 VIP-$100.00 Ticket Available at San Pedro Town Hall, Smart Showroom, Football Federation of Belize, Marion Jones Stadium.

August 4-8 Central American Women’s Volleyball Championship. Civic Center, Belize City Five teams will compete with winners moving on to the Continental Championships.

Regular Weekly Ambergris Caye Events

Karaoke. As far back as I can remember, Roadkill has had karaoke on Wednesday evenings. I know it’s been at least since 2010 because my friend Shirlee discovered almost immediately after her move to San Pedro in December of 2009. From 7:30 pm to close, not only can you sing your heart out in front of other patrons, you can serenade the folks driving by. $5.00 Fireball. You can also get the famous “Gringo” burgers and tacos until 10:00. Check out the Roadkill fun on Facebook.

Beach It. Every Sunday afternoon, enjoy smoked BBQ, play giant Jenga or beach volleyball, listen to great music. You can also just watch the action from one of their many beach loungers. Any day (except Tuesday’s when they’re closed). Like and follow Pirate South Beach Pub & Cafe on Facebook.

Burgers, Beers, and Beats. Reggae and burgers night at Iguana Juan’s Restaurant & Bar. Every Friday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm enjoy live music with an eclectic playlist and a great food special – any craft burger on the menu, along with a side and a Belikin or soda for $25.00 BZD.