Moon Solstice

The moon rose over a navy blue sky...it was a gorgeous night

Last night saw a breathtakingly HUGE moon over the Caribbean! This year's Solstice was on Wednesday, June 18th. A larger than average moon rose from the east - and science tells us that the moon was hanging especially low last night!

The moon plays peek-a-boo through buildings and cabanas over at Belize Legacy Resort

The eerie glow was interesting

Right on cue, the power went out...but came back just as this shot was taken - oh well!

Miss Bikini 2008!

With a rowdy crowd in a full house at the Jaguars Temple Night Club on Friday, Gina Wallace won the hearts of the judges with her savvy moves and overall presentation to ultimately take the crown at the Lime Bar’s first Miss Bikini Pageant.
Six dazzling ladies embraced the Miss Bikini challenge for a chance to strut their stuff in four swim suit changes. The decision was a tough one and the top three contestants: Gina, Helen, and Ebony were given one last chance to gain points with a final question. The crowd favorite was evident and loud screams resonated inside the club, but the crowd's support was not felt by the judges. Second runner up went to Ebony, whilst first runner up went to Helen Foreman, and ultimately Gina Wallace was crowned as Miss Bikini 2008! Wallace walked away with one thousand dollars in cash and several other prizes.
The six participants included: Gina Wallace (winner), Helen Foreman, Ebony Arnold, Roshani Rivero, Vannessa Sanchez and Adelita Ifield. Judges for the show were: Angie Belend, Jean Harmouche, Bill Todd and Penny Bonilla, Jorge Castillo, Garth Longsworth, Alba Marin and Humberto Torres. According to organizer Mandy Casanova, the Lime Bar will be hosting different events every month. “We will be hosting shows every month to try to get exposure for the Lime Bar. We have a women’s only show “El Show Solo Para Los Mujeres” which will take place on July 18th. The response from the public has been extremely great.” Mandy ended by thanking the general public, participants, judges and everyone who made the Miss Bikini Pageant a tremendous success!

Belize vs. Mexico

Heading out to check out the game!

Crazy Canuck's had a crazy crowd cheering on Belize as well!

Even the t-shirt says it all! GO BELIZE!

While they grill, Belize is on the mind!

Cholo's was PACKED!! Xcalac (Mexico) visitors were welcome as everyone cheered on their favorite team.

No one thought Belize would make it past the first round. In the first round, St. Kitts guaranteed a stunning victory against Belize, the small country that doesn't even have a properly regulated playing field. For our home games, Belize has had to travel to Guatemala and yesterday, to Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
But, the Little Engine that could has proven to be full of heart and Belizean pride. Belize proved themselves and St. Kitts was eliminated from the first round, despite their guaranteed victory.
Belize went on to face Mexico, the 14th ranked team in the world while Belize comes in at 172nd, right before the Phillipines and after the British Virgin Islands. So, for the many football fans in San Pedro and throughout the country, yesterday's game meant more than any other game played before. For the first time, Belize has made it past the pesky first round, and faces a worthy opponent.
That opponent, Mexico, had many fanatics guaranteeing up to 8 goals in the first half. Belize was described as a poor nation, lacking resources to pony up top quality players.
At half time on Sunday, June 15th, 2008, those same broadcasters and naysayers were eating their words, saying that their predictions were sorely off mark. The score? 0-0.
Belize had proven itself they said. Mexico's biggest rival was Mexico. Despite the obvious half court game, where Belize spent most of their time defending their goal post, Mexico was unable to kick in the 8 goals in the first half. And they never kicked 8 goals. Instead, a truly unlucky tip from the goalkeeper Orio garnered the first goal. A penalty kick resulted in the second goal to finish the first game of Belize vs. Mexico at a 2-0 victory for Mexico.
For Belizeans however, it was a victory m- a victory over the naysayers, who, not knowing what Belizean players are capable of, spoke too much too soon.
There is one more game left, and the general sentiment is that even if Belize is eliminated in the second round by Mexico, Belize is still a winner! They will have proven a point: that even if the opponent is the almighty Mexico, that opponent still had to work for their victory.
And Belize is gracious enough to cheer on Mexico further into the future. Because that is just how Belizeans are!

Go Team Belize!!

RIP Jim Kavanagh

Dear Friends,

As most of you know, Jim has been battling cancer for the past few years and I regret to tell you that my best friend and beloved husband, passed away at home late Saturday, June 7th.

Jim spoke of his friends often and fondly...usually with a funny story that began, "You won't believe what we got ourselves into the time we..."

A memorial to celebrate his life will be held in the town of San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize at 6:00 p.m. on June 18th, 2008. It will be held on the beach by BC's. Jim asks that everyone let the flowers grow and instead would prefer donations be made to assist the other cancer victims of San Pedro, so they too may receive the excellent cancer care provided in Merida, Mexico, as he did.

Donations may be made by:

Local Donations should be made directly to:

Dr. Lerida Rodriquez

Coconut Drive San Pedro,

Belize

Phone: 226-2197

During this hectic time there are many more friends I need to contact but don't have the information, have outdated/incorrect addresses, phones, etc. and would greatly appreciate your help in notifying other friends I have been unable to contact.

You are all in my prayers. Take care of each other.

Sandy Kavanagh

Open Day at Ambergris Caye Elementary School

Open Day - a day when students showcase what they have learned throughout the year. Those bits of knowledge profess themselves when they all start working in groups and bring about an incredible array of items, tidbits and ideas about the subject they present.Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) had its students present on the cultures of Belize. Those main cultures are: Garifuna, Maya, Mennonites, Mestizos, Chinese, Creole and East Indians.

Garifuna Drummers

Watina Girls - lovely dancers!

Grand finale for Garifuna presentation

Connor shows the Mayan Pottery - very knowledgeable!

Mayan food includes, vegetables, atole, tortillas (of maize of course) and caldo! Yum!

This beautiful 'Mayan' girl showcased the gorgeous colors of typical Mayan Dress

Another Mayan beauty presented the embroidery and dolls of the Mayan

What a fierce warrior! He hunts with bows and arrows, spears, traps, nets and more! This young man knows his stuff!

The traditional Deer Dance was quite a hit!

And to cap it off, the group picture showcasing all about the Maya. Good job!

The Mennonites made sure to dress the part!

Traditional Mestizo dance is an integral part of Belizean culture

Color and beauty - the Mestizo!

Organized and knowledgeable - the Chinese booth

Bright students showed those present the typical Creole outfit.

Dancing the Brukdown to the tune of Belizean Brukdown queen Leela Vernon's "Palo Palito"

The East Indian's perform the traditional dance.

Even in the hot sun, the students managed to pull off their show and did a great job. Thanks to the teachers and organizers - you did well!