Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007
  • Home
  • About Belize
    • My Move to Belize
    • Living in Belize
    • Belize Tourism Board
    • Blog Press
    • tacogirl.com testimonials
  • Flights to Belize
    • Flying in Belize
    • Flights From Belize
    • Duty Free Belize
    • Aerial Tours
    • World Nomads Travel Insurance
  • Belize Vacation
    • Vrbo Belize – A Paradise within a Paradise
      • Vrbo Ambergris Caye – Sunshine, Luxury & Fun
      • Vrbo San Pedro – Food, Fun, and Adventure
      • Vrbo Placencia – A True Getaway
      • Vrbo Hopkins Belize – Experience Culture
    • Ambergris Caye Accommodations by Price
    • Belize Resorts and Hotels
    • Pet Friendly Hotels
    • Belize Vacation Deals
  • Coupon Codes
    • Big Belize Travel Deal
  • Travel Store
    • tacogirl Recommendations
    • Easy Donations
    • Eco Friendly Belize
  • Fun Activities
    • Getting Around Ambergris Caye
    • Fitness
    • Things to do in Belize
    • Belize Excursions and Tours
    • Voluntourism
  • Travel
    • Central America
    • Yucatan
  • Home
  • Belize Weather
  • Belizean Food
  • Restaurants by Price
  • Beach Bars
  • Nightlife
  • Discounts
  • Virtual Vacation
  • Belize Beach Webcam
Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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

  • Home
  • About Belize
    • My Move to Belize
    • Living in Belize
    • Belize Tourism Board
    • Blog Press
    • tacogirl.com testimonials
  • Flights to Belize
    • Flying in Belize
    • Flights From Belize
    • Duty Free Belize
    • Aerial Tours
    • World Nomads Travel Insurance
  • Belize Vacation
    • Vrbo Belize – A Paradise within a Paradise
      • Vrbo Ambergris Caye – Sunshine, Luxury & Fun
      • Vrbo San Pedro – Food, Fun, and Adventure
      • Vrbo Placencia – A True Getaway
      • Vrbo Hopkins Belize – Experience Culture
    • Ambergris Caye Accommodations by Price
    • Belize Resorts and Hotels
    • Pet Friendly Hotels
    • Belize Vacation Deals
  • Coupon Codes
    • Big Belize Travel Deal
  • Travel Store
    • tacogirl Recommendations
    • Easy Donations
    • Eco Friendly Belize
  • Fun Activities
    • Getting Around Ambergris Caye
    • Fitness
    • Things to do in Belize
    • Belize Excursions and Tours
    • Voluntourism
  • Travel
    • Central America
    • Yucatan

Random Scenes From 5 days in San Pedro

by tacogirl 22/04/2016
written by tacogirl 22/04/2016
Secret Beach Ambergris Caye

Scene One: Celebrate Holiday

I was fortunate that the universe sent my friend Jack over with a golf cart and that he was in a chill mood so was willing to wait for me to finish my work and pack a picnic while my editor Shirlee fixed any bits that came from my dyslexic ADD brain so I could go live.

We set off for gas and headed north so he could see the cave and we would have a nice place to picnic. This time around, in addition to still pictures I have some great 360-degree video footage for you of the landscape beyond Secret Beach. I also shot some video driving out and Grand Belizean Estates area. At one point, Jack slowed the cart down to give the ladies a treat 😉

If we took a holiday -Took some time to celebrate -Just one day out of life -It would be, it would be so nice
Madonna

After hanging out at Secret Beach Jack decided that stopping at Marbucks was in order and I am glad he did. We met new people, enjoyed the neighborhood ambiance and great conversation. Mar was the hostess with the mostess and made me a yummy chocolate banana iced coffee – one of my favorite drinks 😀

Secret Beach Ambergris Caye

Secret Beach area and beyond

Marbucks Coffee shop Ambergris Caye

Pit stop at Marbucks on our way home

A Few Scenes in One – Long Time Favorites and Trying New Things

I was pleased when Shirlee told me that Blue Water Grill was the chosen place for our Red Cross’ volunteer group’s (a dental team from Pennsylvania) welcome dinner. Instantly I knew exactly what I was having – a refreshing Arnold Palmer, luscious Ahi poke tuna salad and Espresso Crem Brulee. All super long time favorites of mine.

We knew long before this group arrived that they were something special and we were right. Breaking bread with them has been a great experience. Not only are we getting to know each other and talking about our future together, I have been getting to try different places – which is always fun.

The other day we ended up at Caroline’s Cookin’ for lunch. She has been on my list and it was a perfect opportunity to visit as we wanted a place close to the Dr. Otto Rodriguez PolyClinic. Not only did I fall in love with my bacon cheeseburger, we got to know each other a bit more and my phone became the portable router to our group. They politely declined use of my MIFI and opted for using me as a hot spot whenever we are together – a job I was happy to do :D.

It was not all about food though. We were buzzing around the dental clinic watching Red Cross volunteer, Brenda sort the donated supplies, watching the dentists serve many and mooning over our new infant ;life-saving practice equipment. Shirlee also made a run to the Sandbar with a big suitcase full of toothbrushes and toothpaste. Another one made it to my house so I could separate the brushes in prep for handing out at the San Pedro Food Bank.

As for trying new volunteer experiences, thanks to our dentists it was great. Both Shirlee and I have always wanted to put in a few hours at the food bank so we could better see how it ran. As it turns out so have Carmen and Dr. Irma Zuniga so they came to watch as we joined some of our volunteer crew in sorting produce and handing out toothbrushes and toothpaste. It was also a great opportunity to let people know they should go to the Poly Clinic Dental Room to get dental treatment this week.

Our group also took a side adventure of their own and drove through San Pedrito, gifting the area residents with toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Even if it is only a short amount of time, volunteering is something I highly recommend you do while on your tropical vacation. Food bank donations are another much needed and easy way to give back to the community you are vacationing in.

Belize Red Cross volunteer vacation group

Pennsylvania Dentists volunteering in Belize

Pennsylvania Dentists volunteering in San Pedro Belize

Seaduced Snorkel trip and volunteering at the food bank

Pennsylvania Dentists in San Pedro

Welcome dinner at Blue Water Grill and lunch at Caroline’s Kitchen. Both excellent meals

Sunday Scene – Standing Still Amid the Waves

Sunday marked the 5k Walk/Run for Autism at SandBar and I was called upon to man our first aid booth for the morning. Martin and Heidi were our volunteers that entered the race as did many – the beach packed up fast that day. I was on hand to administer any first aid that might be needed and thankfully this year we did not give out one band aid or ice pack. We did, however, hand out lots of water. So much so that Sarah Jean had to get a nearby water station to bring their supply. Thanks to impromptu volunteer Trini Karen, seeing that I was alone sprung into action and helped hand out water to incoming athletes. She was even wearing a cute red tank top 🙂 I wore blue for Autism and had my Belize Red Cross badge on.

Ambergris Caye Elementary School walk for Autism

First Aid station and a packed beach road.

Walk Run for Autism at Sand bar San Pedro Hostle

Registration, stretching start and finish.

Walk Run Results and Thank You’s from Sarah Jean ACES School

Congratulations to the winners of the 2nd Annual Ambergris Caye Elementary School Autism Awareness 5K.
Male
1st Place – Eric Donis
2nd Place – Kent Bob Gabourel
3rd Place – Daniel Gregorio

Female
1st Place – Amy Requiena
2nd Place – Allison Lloyd
3rd Place – Luisana Guerrero

Congratulations to all of the participants who stuck with it and ran or walked all the way to the finish line on such a warm day. Many people left with a sense of accomplishment. A special mention for our youngest runner, Tellen Smith, and our oldest runner, Mr. Coconut Leo. We would like to congratulate Fatima Arceo and Savanna Nunez for their participation. A number of runners and walkers were under the age of 15, which shows that our children are excited about both exercise and awareness. Kudos to all of the kids! We would also like to congratulate all of the teams who rallied together to help raise awareness: UNCW (largest team of 18 people), Camp Starfish, Team Saga, Team United, A.C.E.S. Blue Eagles, A.C.E.S. Team Six. One hundred and thirty-two people participated which is a fantastic turn out to raise awareness for Autism!

A special thank you to all of our sponsors: San Pedro Town Council, Sandbar, DC Island Scooter, Palapa Bar & Grill, Ecologic Divers, Carlo & Ernies, San Pedro Belize Express for donating all of the prizes for our winners. Additionally, a big thank you to Mr. Kent Bob Gabourel for his help in coordinating the event as well as all of the staff at Ambergris Caye Elementary School, Lara Goldman of 12 Belize and Dalia Alamilla of Ambergris Caye Camp Starfish for volunteering and helping to make sure things ran smoothly. A big thank you to San Pedro Transport Department for keeping everyone safe on the streets and San Pedro Red Cross for making sure everyone was hydrated!

Lastly, thank you to Karen Brodie, Taco Girl, Robert Hawkins, Ambergris Today & iTravel Belize and San Pedro Sun for covering the event and letting the world know that everyone in San Pedro is working together to raise awareness for those living with disabilities.

For anyone who would like to make a donation towards a scholarship for a child with special needs, you can do so by visiting: Sponsor a Special Education Student – Please feel free to share the link with your friends and family members.

We look forward to next year!

Last Scene; a Comedy of Afternoon Antics in DFC

My friend Debbie also known as Pirate Girl asked me if I would do a short video to promote her upcoming participation at the Inaugural Truck Stop Farmers Market. Packed camera’s, music player, a small cooler and headed off on my bike to DFC to film.

The lighting was perfect and it was cool watching Percy (Deb’s guy) shredding fresh coconut and hearing the squeaky Flinstones sounding shredder. Then came the comedienne footage. Deb was no shortage of entertaining and amusing as we filmed various clips of her pirate rap and baking.

I also got some afternoon delight too – she usually offers me some savory or sweets while there. This time I got a to go pack too 🙂

While at the Pirate house, I captured a few pictures.

Pirate Girl Brownlies kitchen San Pedro Belize

Comedienne in action making yummy treats for The Truck Stop farmers market

DFC area San Pedro Belize

Pirate Girl and Percy’s backyard

3 Important and Delicious Errand Stops

Thankfully I had more cart and driver access, I had a few 5-gallon bottles to fill. You will not see me riding down the road with a 5 gallon on each handle bar anytime soon 🙂

As for delicious – I am within walking distance to rotisserie chicken in the middle pic and juice stop on the way home from a friends house – both on Back Street.

Errand stops in San Pedro

Errands around town

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.

previous post
Tropic Air Employees Benefit
next post
A Whole Lot of Weekend

You will also like

Whose Handling The Food?

12/05/2020

Vacation Volunteering in Belize

19/02/2020

A Different Kind of Birding in Placencia Belize...

11/02/2020

I Ate Bones and Recently Got Stolen From

08/11/2019

TK-421 and the Satellite Tracker

04/10/2019

Setting Strong Foundations

19/08/2019

Solar For 5 Schools In Belize

20/03/2019

I Dodged a Bullet and Admired Some Fancy...

22/11/2018

Heartbreaking and Heartwarming

13/11/2018

Sea and Ocean Conservation

22/10/2018

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Search Belize by Category

Duty Free Discount

Trip Advisor Destination Expert

Tripadvisor logo

Get Social with tacogirl Belize blog

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Flickr Youtube

 

 

 


 

Get the latest posts by email

Search Belize by Month

Find tacogirl On Facebook

Find tacogirl On Facebook
tacogirl Belize blog
tacogirl Belize blog
5.0
Based on 16 reviews
powered by Google
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
Next Reviews

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.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Flickr
  • Youtube
  • Email

tacogirl.com San Pedro Belize © 2020 Content of this website may not be used elsewhere without permission. Sitemap


Back To Top