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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

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Spotlight Sharon Hiebing

by tacogirl 03/06/2011
written by tacogirl 03/06/2011
San Pedro Belize beach pictures

I am overdue for a Spotlight and I decided since many of you who read this share the same dream of moving to a new country and starting new life – I decided to feature someone who has done just that.

I know you wear a few hats – in your words who is Sharon Hiebing?
Sharon Hiebing is the life of the party, driven, organized (my closet is color coded), honest, loyal and can keep a secret better than anyone you’ll ever meet.

After going through the experience of moving to Belize, I have become quite passionate about helping other future Expats. That’s why I developed my Wealth Ships’ Expat Relocation Consulting Service.

I am also a passionate real estate investor, so when I moved to San Ignacio, Belize, and realized there was no one exclusively specializing in property management (something I’ve been a client of for years), I decided to open my own firm, Red Roof Property Management.

I also am a writer (working on my second e-book now), hiker, and traveler.

What led you to move to Belize? Was it love at first site?
Previous to Belize, I owned a high-stress service business in California. I felt my life was passing me by, and I definitely wasn’t getting any younger. I did not feel in control of my destiny in the States. Through all my years of travel, I had developed a strong desire to live in another country. After researching many possibilities, Belize was the perfect choice.

I wouldn’t say it was love at first sight – it was more like confusion at first site. With so many different things to offer – ocean, rivers, rainforest and ruins – it was so hard to pick where in Belize I wanted to live. That’s why I’ve already moved once since coming here.

How do you feel personally that living in the Central America has changed your life?
I’m much calmer and relaxed than I used to be. When I look at how some of the locals here live, I feel so grateful for what I do have in my life. It’s hard to complain about anything when you wake up to singing birds, palm trees and the shining sun every day. And when I do get a chance to visit the ocean, I have to pinch myself that I’m lucky enough to live here and see that gorgeous blue color! Belize is giving me an opportunity to do things I’ve always wanted to, like learn a new language (Creole and Spanish), start two new businesses, and shop in an open air market.

Three things / places you would recommend people see do or eat when they come to Belize.
1. You must go visit one of the Cayes and experience island life – especially the turquoise
blue waters – it’s indescribable!
2. You must go visit one of the ruins and step back in time, seeing how the Mayans lived.
3. You must eat from one of the street vendors (they’re in every village or town). “Street
food,” as we locals call it, is some of the best food I’ve ever had!

What are your thoughts on success in relation to people and ideas?
I believe that if people have a big enough “Why,”they can do or be whatever they want. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to identify what their why is, and therefore spend a lot of time and money spinning their wheels on things or people that were just never meant to be.

I also believe that people are too willing to be conditioned by the society they live in. They go along with the status quo far too easily. Anyone who up and moves to a new country is by definition adventurous, but I don’t think we’re necessarily risk takers. I think we just aren’t afraid of change and doing something that is outside the norm for most people. If more people had a sense of adventure in their lives, I think they’re idea of success would be redefined.

What’s your claim to fame? (Someone recently told me theirs was eating 16 American style in a row)
I’m very adept at reading body language. I can instantly tell if someone is lying to me or holding something back. Usually my first impression of someone is correct. This talent of mine freaks my friends and family out!

What are 3 things that can always be found in your refrigerator?
Cranberry juice, water, and whole-wheat bread.

One book or movie you recommend everyone should read or watch? Both if you like.
To this day I still love the movie “The Sound of Music.” It’s fun, has a gorgeous setting, is historical, and is a fascinating study of family dynamics. Plus the music was amazing!

For a book recommendation, I still think one of the most life-changing books ever written was “Rich Dad, Poor Dad,” by Robert Kiyosaki. I simply don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t been given that book to read ten years ago.

If you could be doing anything right now what would it be?
Hanging out with my grandkids – I miss them terribly since moving to Belize.

One last question – What advice do you have for anyone considering making a move to a new country.
My advice for anyone moving to a new country is to research it thoroughly.  Too many people move on a whim, and then find out later they hate something about it – the climate, the language, the cost of living, the lack of access to certain amenities, etc.  By doing your due diligence, as well as making one or more trips to the country you’re considering, you can avoid that happening to you.  Oh, and bring a big supply of “Patience!”

Links to Sharon’s business websites and facebook fan pages.
Wealth Ships
Wealth Ships facebook fan page

Tropical Storm Richard Belize

Belize Rivers

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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7 comments

Renee 05/06/2011 - 12:27 pm

I’d really like to live on Ambergris Caye and I certainly wouldn’t mind living in town so I’m glad to hear it’s possible. Thanks so much for the information!

Reply
Renee 05/06/2011 - 10:33 am

Laurie & Sharon–I’m hoping to move to Belize in a year or so. I’m looking to rent a one-bedroom place for about $350 to $450 usd a month. If that’s not possible on Ambergris Caye, what other “beach area” of Belize would you two recommend?

You both have wonderful blogs; thank you for all the useful information!

Reply
tacogirl 05/06/2011 - 10:56 am

Renee we paid $450 usd for a one bedroom apartment in town [electric and water were extra] when we first moved to AC so it is possible. Placencia another area to look at for beach.

Reply
al salter 05/06/2011 - 10:09 am

It is very refreshing to read Ms Hiebing’s non rose coloured glass reports on Belize. Like crummy mattresses, office supplies, and most importantly the absence of decent wine and vodka at affordable prices. God created Chetumal however to reduce this pain. And now Laurie I am going to Horton’s for bagels and the LCBO for dry red Pelee wine for $8.95 and a bottle of Grey Goose for $24.95 Wanna care package?

Reply
tacogirl 05/06/2011 - 10:54 am

You got me on Horton’s Al that could be my care package lol LCBO not so much missing that.

Reply
Sharon Hiebing 03/06/2011 - 4:15 pm

Thanks for the spotlight, tacogirl! I’m happy to answer any questions folks may have, either publicly or privately, so feel free folks!

Cheers!

Sharon Hiebing
Relocating Without Rose-Colored Glasses!

Reply
tacogirl 03/06/2011 - 4:55 pm

Anytime Sharon

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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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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