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
  • Flight Discount
    • Big Belize Travel Deal
  • Travel Store
    • tacogirl Recommendations
    • Easy Donations
    • Eco Friendly Belize
  • Fun Activities
    • Getting Around Ambergris Caye
    • Google Maps Guide
    • 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
  • Hand Up
    • SAGA Humane Society
    • RRR Emergency Response Team
    • Island Road Safety
    • Road Safety Assessment
Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right place 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
  • Flight Discount
    • Big Belize Travel Deal
  • Travel Store
    • tacogirl Recommendations
    • Easy Donations
    • Eco Friendly Belize
  • Fun Activities
    • Getting Around Ambergris Caye
    • Google Maps Guide
    • Fitness
    • Things to do in Belize
    • Belize Excursions and Tours
    • Voluntourism
  • Travel
    • Central America
    • Yucatan

Bad Things Happen in Threes

by tacogirl 24/04/2020
written by tacogirl 24/04/2020
Surviving Covid-19 in San Pedro Belize

There is an old wives tale that says “bad things happen in threes.” I am only half superstitious. If a black cat or a pandemic crosses my path I will just focus immediately on being great in spite of what comes my way. Like my instant income loss.

This has been the case since Coronavirus hit Belize.

As for my three bad things, it all started with a chipped tooth on Saturday night. Being that we were on total lockdown for the second Sunday (of three) and not able to leave the house, I Facebook messaged my main San Pedro dentist Dr. Lara and asked him if he would be available on Monday to see me. Thankfully I got an instant yes.

Next came Sunday and bad thing number two. Had I known this was going to happen I almost would have, stayed in bed. Thankfully I didn’t because it was laundry day. Also extremely thankful that my sheets made it through the wash cycle ok. Not happy the next load did not as my washing machine quit.

After unplugging, replugging, and trying different settings it was Google to the rescue – almost. I immediately worked out the possibility my hose filters needed to be cleaned, unfortunately, that was not the issue. My machine just sputtered and tried to do its job but could not make it. So I added it to the list of chores and stayed hopeful it can be fixed and find a repair option Monday.

Washing Machine repairman Ambergris Caye

I have to be honest as Monday morning rolled around I was not thrilled to have to see a dentist that was located inside a (generally busy) doctors office, however, I had already decided to trust the situation as soon as it happened. Sure enough, they did a great job, the door was open and welcoming. I barely had to touch a thing just a knock on Dr Julio Lara’s door, my body on the chair, and my hands were comfortable resting on myself. I was in and out very fast at a cost of $60 BZD. Thank you again for the fast easy service, Dr. Julio.

Reach Dr Julio Lara at +501 627-0176 by text call or WhatsApp or call the office at 226-2660.

Doctor and Dentist Office Ambergris Caye

Back to the washing machine. After my friend Davide helped clean the hoses and throw some sand debris out, it still was not working. I posted on a couple of FB groups to see if anyone had a similar circumstance as chances are a few have the same washer if they bought it on the island. I got a few replies about the inlet solenoid valve, pump, or water relay. Both Franco Tursi and Kate Corrigan (Keller Williams) also reminded me that David Sosa could help me out. He is on WhatsApp +501 624 2874 in case you need a trustworthy mechanic, he installs solar.

Thankfully he was able to diagnose it down and check a few parts with his spare bits. After working out it was my water intake sensor, he used some alcohol to clean it and got the machine half working, but it just was not quite there yet. So he is hunting down more parts and depending on what he finds he will be back in the next day or so to hopefully get it fully working again.

The thought of trying to unexpectedly buy a washing machine right now brings me mixed emotions. A new machine would be really nice, spending money and possibly having to get the same one I was never really fond of due to lack of choice – not so much 😀 Although I did get just over 4 years of faithful service out of it so I really should not complain. I know a few who do not have the luxury of a washing machine or a laundromat (closed).

As for the third bad thing, it was a toss-up, having dry spell worse than our current heatwave on tinder 😀 or seeing a cockroach in my kitchen. Click through to see my last Tinder Roulette fun. My dry spell did not last much past 24 hours so that had the roach take the lead.

taco tip #27 – Always keep some strong bug spray in your house. No matter how clean you are, this is the tropics and eventually, you will find a cockroach somewhere you do not want to.

I was glad I had some on hand. I sprayed behind the stove, around the fridge, and in the lower cupboards.

Government Plays Threes

Something else that also comes in threes right now and has very mixed opinions as to whether that is good or bad are COVID-19 Belize Statutory Instruments (SI) 55 is going to run out Saturday, April 25th. The AG (Attorney General) is live on the Government of Belize Press Office Fb page as I type this. He is telling us the laws from this Sunday 26th (essential outings only) to Thursday, April 30th evening, and as of May 1st, a new SI will be set.

Now we have to wait and see what our island Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) says in regards to the new rules that will happen until May 1st and then after the new proclamation comes out. Even though we were clearly told to follow the countrywide rules, they still opt to put their own in place. Although not in writing which makes things doubly confusing.

What happens and how strict or relaxed things get will depend on the next six days on both the mainland and for Ambergris is anyone’s guess. I know a few people are waiting to see how big a shoe will drop not only in May but after today’s Government-issued rules.

A small shoe dropped on our island today as it was officially announced San Pedro Lobster Festival 2020 is canceled due to COVID-19. This was a main low season draw for Ambergris Caye. Also in our island news, Elito Arceo was on Reef Tv this afternoon outlining an initiative they hope to get approved for fishing to feed people in need.

For more news, my last COVID-19 write up previous to this piece. Thanks to Seven Roberts, Donald Backman, and Michael Zinck who sponsored that write up. The tacogirl team greatly appreciates your support.

If you enjoyed this post please consider sponsoring it. If you would like to choose a topic and have me write about something specific, click through for the choices list. Sponsoring this or a custom blog post can be done by making a donation to my PayPal account with the following email: laurie@tacogirl.com Atlantic Bank Belize and Canadian Royal Bank of Canada e-transfer to tacogirlbelize@gmail.com are also available article sponsor options. A portion of all sponsored posts will continue to go to the Dangriga Cancer Center.

I will leave you with a few shots of around town from earlier this week and last week starting with a quirky fun one. I have always enjoyed transportation here and how people make it work fitting big things on small vehicles.

Surviving Covid-19 in San Pedro Belize

Next comes an Atlantic Bank line shot.

Surviving Covid-19 in San Pedro Belize

I know just how much many of you are missing this view and are eagerly awaiting to start planning or rescheduling your already planned Belize vacation.

Surviving Covid-19 in San Pedro Belize

Everyone loves a good sunset, I am thankful this is pretty much my front yard.

Surviving Covid-19 in San Pedro Belize

Also thankful for anyone who decides to sponsor this post or a custom one. If you would like to pick a topic and have me do a specific write up, click through for the choices list. Sponsoring this or a custom blog post can be done by making a donation to my PayPal account with the following email: laurie@tacogirl.com Atlantic Bank Belize and Canadian Royal Bank of Canada e-transfer to tacogirlbelize@gmail.com are also available article sponsor options. A portion of all sponsored posts will continue to go to the Dangriga Cancer Center.

Related

tacogirl

Laurie 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
Take Virtual Vacation Or Get COVID-19 and Grocery Information
next post
Crazy COVID-19 Update and Farm Fresh List

You will also like

A Local Perspective On The Loosening Of Covid...

04/03/2022

Repeat Offenders Club of Ambergris Caye

15/02/2022

NYE, I Got Tasered I mean Pfizered, Covid...

03/01/2022

Central Park was Dark and Santa’s Afternoon Nap

12/12/2021

Happy Garifuna Day and Two Important Opportunities

19/11/2021

Fish Counting Fun

16/10/2021

Small Group Dive & Snorkeling Tour

08/10/2021

October Updates On The Belize Covid Coaster

01/10/2021

A Great Belize Holiday Tech Tip & Independence...

21/09/2021

Two Fun Beach Bar Trivia Night Options

20/09/2021

5 comments

Richard D Noordyk 25/04/2020 - 8:25 pm

Hi Laure,

I enjoy your FB posts and getting them via e-mail will insure that I will not miss any. I have a condo at Grand Baymen that I lease out long term and I remember giving you ride in my cart on one of my previous visits. Keep up the good vibs and posts and I will give you a free Uber ride the next time I see you.

Reply
Gary Hamilton 25/04/2020 - 7:22 pm

despite all the caos this is still heaven and that won’t change…sun, sea, air and positive ENERGY…can you sat that where you are? We swat the virus du jour like a bug!

Reply
Alan Slater 25/04/2020 - 12:09 pm

Hi Laurie…….always a pleasure to read your e blogs. I am still alive and kicking after a bout of cancer. Glad to say that I have beaten it and am now completely free. I had to cancel my trip to the U.K. this year due to the virus conditions in Manchester and my home town of Bury. The worst part of the deal is that I will miss my brother’s birthday in June……93 and not a problem, whereas I am 6 years younger. We talk to each other through FaceTime about every fortnight. I got a voucher from Aer Lingus for my ticket, so my fare is paid for already. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next writings. Luvsya, Alan Slater.

Reply
Mike Assar 24/04/2020 - 5:27 pm

Hi Laure,
I love your blogs and sad to hear about your problems. I own one of the units at Banyan Bay and it is planned for major renovation soon. There is a very new washer and dryer set that they cannot keep and were going to sell them. Let me know if you want them and I’ll ask my manager to help you pick them up.

Reply
Paul Chaney 24/04/2020 - 2:53 pm

Hang in there, Laurie. You’re a trooper! Thanks for sharing your story. Sponsorship coming your way!

Reply

Leave a Comment

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

Search Belize by Category

belize specialist certificate

Duty Free Discount

Find tacogirl On Facebook

Find tacogirl On Facebook
tacogirl Belize blog
tacogirl Belize blog
5.0
Based on 49 reviews
powered by Google
Darrell Moore
Darrell Moore
13:15 18 Apr 22
Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
B W
B W
18:01 08 Feb 22
Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
Kristi Palm
Kristi Palm
20:40 12 Oct 21
We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
D Zep
D Zep
12:39 01 Oct 21
Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
Kelley Adams
Kelley Adams
20:19 21 Sep 21
We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
Pamela Nixon
Pamela Nixon
18:36 20 Sep 21
I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
Chris S
Chris S
17:12 17 Sep 21
Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
Ty Willingham
Ty Willingham
01:47 20 Aug 21
I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
Greg Cox
Greg Cox
18:58 04 Aug 21
I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
Katherine Jones
Katherine Jones
18:41 02 Aug 21
I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
Greg R
Greg R
02:12 29 Jun 21
tacogirl was very nice to share her knowledge with us and assisted with planning our trip to Belize; thank you for the... help and info, it was helpful and allowed us to plan utilize our time accordingly while both on the mainland and islands of this great country.read more
Katherine Carlson
Katherine Carlson
18:46 02 Jun 21
As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
Kathleen Ward
Kathleen Ward
18:29 02 Jun 21
We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
ksniegoc1
ksniegoc1
17:45 02 Jun 21
It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
Myra F
Myra F
01:30 25 Mar 21
I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
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
js_loader

 

 

Belize Humane Society

 

 

john mcafee story

 

 

 

 

 

Get the latest posts by email

Tripadvisor logo

Search Belize by Month

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Flickr Youtube

Belize Blog Est. 2007

belize travel specialist

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 help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few 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 © 2021 Content of this website may not be used elsewhere without permission. Sitemap


Back To Top