Kids in Action - Bacalar Chico

On Thursday, July 17th, 2008, Belize Diving Adventures (BDA) generously donated a day trip to the Whale Sharks (7 – 9 year old group) from Kids in Action (KIA). KIA is a collaboration between CORAL, Green Reef and Hol Chan, plus dive shops and tour operators. The educational program aims to keep children informed on the value of the natural resources and our reserves. The Whale Sharks headed out at 10 am and enjoyed a scenic route on the lagoon side of the island. Surrounded by the lush mangrove forests, it seemed that we were in a completely different world.

Kids hop on to the waiting boat at the Belize Diving Adventures dock.

Curiosity has these young boys leaning over while the boat is at standstill - checking out the fish and turtle grass that grows underwater.

A quick visit to the San Juan Visitor Center showed several artifacts and models of the tools Mayan trade. Kids were excited to see the model of the canoe and seeds, as well as the full skeleton of a manatee. A quick tour of the grounds provided for some breathtaking views, and the Whale Sharks enjoyed scampering and scaling the large tree trunks.

A cool model of the Bacalar Chico area fascinates these young ladies.

After a tour of the center, it's snack time.

Climbing these giant trees was too tempting for these youngsters.

Afterwards, the boat ride took us out for a quick water tour of Chak Balaam, followed by a delicious lunch prepared by BDA. While we docked for lunch, we noticed the Coast Guard doing their patrolling in the area as well. Good job guys!

The Chak Balaam mound is visible from afar, and the boardwalk to the area is easily accessible.

Ahoy Coast Guards!

mmm...lunch!

After lunch, it was off to the seaside by Rocky Point for some swimming in the shallow waters, and a quick tour to check out an old turtle nesting site. The sight of all the fossilized coral and little eddies was unbelievable, and made for quite the photo opportunities! A special thanks to Belize Diving Adventures for their generosity, and kudos to KIA for enabling such a great day tour.

Who dat?

Many people have lived here all their lives and have seen so many changes over the years. The biggest changes are the many faces of the various people walking down the streets. All of a sudden, we don't know who we pass by on the street at all. So, every week we will introduce you to someone new: a friend, your neighbor, anyone walking down the street. Six questions will be answered, who they are, what they do here, where they come from, when they came and why they chose to live here, and a little extra fun question. Hope you like this fun feature!

Who: Karla Portillo
What: Student
Where: El Salvador
Why: Came here with my mom from birth and stayed
When: 20 years
Status: Committed

More beauties to shine at Costa Maya

Two beauties have been added to the roster for the Reina de la Costa Maya scheduled for Thursday, August 7th, 2008. The new ladies set to represent their respective countries are as follows:

Miss Honduras - Alejandra Mendoza

Representing Honduras, the gorgeous brunette is a professional model and medical student. At only eighteen years old, Alejandra holds the title of Miss Honduras 2007 and competed in the Miss Italia del Mundo 2008 in June and in November she is expected to compete at the Miss Earth 2008 pageant. Her hobbies include modeling, reading, chatting and enjoys a good laugh.
Miss Costa Rica - María Elena Quesada CórdobaProudly representing her country of Costa Rica, María is a twenty six year old who hold a Master’s Degree in Marketing. The brown eyed, brunette was a finalist in the Miss Costa Rica pageant in 2005, Miss Tourism Queen International in 2006 where she took the prize of Miss Photogenic, Miss Caraibes Hibiscus Beauty 2006 and Latin Model of the Year.

A professional model María enjoys reading, photography, the beach, exercising and playing with her nephew. Bilingual and speaking English and Spanish fluently, she stands at five feet six inches in height. In the future, Maria would enjoy working in the editorial, publicity or cosmetology fields.

The two beauty ambassadors join Miss Belize representative Jessie Medina.

Costa Maya Information:

The International Costa Maya Festival is pleased to announce their website which has all the information that you might need; history, photos, schedule of events and more. Visit them at http://www.costamayfestival.com/

Ticket prices are as follows:
La Reina De La Costa Maya (Thursday)
Adults: $25.00BZD Children: $15.00BZD
Opening Gala / Mega Concert (Friday)
Adults: $25.00BZD Children: $15.00BZD
Noche Internacional (Saturday)
Adults: $75.00BZD Children: $25.00BZD
A Night for the Family (Sunday)
Adults: $25.00BZD Children: $15.00BZD
Season Pass (Valid for all four nights)
Adults: $100.00BZD Children: $45.00BZD

Get it while it's HOT!!!

Want to keep informed? Get your copy today. The San Pedro Sun hot off the press, available at your local stores countrywide.

This week's issue, July 17th, 2008. Vol 17 #28

New Ranchito/Corozal Airstrip Inaugurated

On a very sunny day in the Corozal District, the inauguration of the New Ranchito/Corozal Airstrip took place today, Wednesday, July 16th. Distinguished guests, dignataries and the media gathered for the official ribbon cutting ceremonies of of the newly restored airstrip. Mistress of Ceremony was Mrs. Barbara Miller, Chairlady of the Belize Airport Authority who welcomed Hilberto Campos, Mayor of Corozal Town to deliver the Welcome Address. Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr., Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation delivered the Keynote Address in which he stated that with since taking office five months ago, the Government of Belize has taken power. He continued by saying that a lot has been accomplished and a promised that a lot more would be done. After the formalities, the cutting of the ribbon was next and this marked the airstrip officially open. Honorable Manuel Heredia and Chairlady Barbara Miller had the honor to cut the ribbon. The congregate then gathered for snacks, drinks and some celebratory champagne!

Aerial shot of the newly constructed Ranchito/Corozal Airstrip.
A large crowd showed up for the formailities, here, Arthur Hoy delivers the invocation.
Mayor of Corozal Town, Hilberto Campos delivering the Welcome Address.
Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr. gave an elightening speech on the accomplishments of the Government and stressed the need for "value for our money".
Chairlady of the Belize Airports Authority Barbara Miller alongside Honorable Manuel Heredia were given the honor of cutting the ribbon.