Chimole a very popular soup in Belize

Chimole is a very popular food that is served in Belize. Chimole is also known as Black Dinner for its dark color after adding in all the spices and some black recado spice block.

This traditional food in Belize is predominantly Mestizo in origin but with Belize's cultural diversity has found its way to the tables of many Belizean homes.

Chimole Recipe:

1/2 Block of Black Recado

1 Chicken (cut into parts)

6 Apazote leaves

2 Tomatoes (diced)

2 tablesppons Tomato Paste

1/2 Onion (sliced)

3 cloves Garlic (Mashed)

Salt and Pepper

6 boiled eggs

Method:

• Season chicken with salt and pepper and brown in a hot pot with little oil.
• Once browned add enough water to cover the chicken and then add onions and garlic.
• Simmer for 30 minutes.
• Dissolve recado and add to the chicken.
• Add the diced tomatoes and apazote leaves. Add more water if necessary.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Served hot with boiled eggs and corn tortillas

Try this recipe and see if you love it as much as we do and then let us know.



11-11-11 the date for Veterans Day and Remembrance Day in 2011

As you have not noticed everyone is making a great deal about the date 11-11-11 and to take it even further 11:11:11 AM. This day is said to be a lucky date and next year's 12-12-12 will be the same however we do not have a 13th month so we will not see another 11-11-11 for another 100 years.

Most importantly though is the fact that American in the United States are celebrating Veterans Day. November 11th every year is a day thats a federal holiday and a time to honor military veterans who has paid the ultimate sacrifice and all veterans who are currently serving or have served the country. According to Wikipedia, 'The U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said:"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." '. With this today American are honoring those veterans with parades and monumental services at Arlington National Cemetary at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Coincidentally the United States Holiday of Veterans Day also coincides with Remebrance Day also known as Poppy Day. Remembrance Day is also a memorial day celebrated in Commonwealth countries after the end of World War I. This day is also a day to remember those that have died in the line of duty. The poppy flower is a very symbolic of Rembrance Day because some of the worst battlefields where blood was spilled brilliant red poppies now grow in abundance. The famous poem "In Flanders Field" has made the poppies very famous for this special occassion.

Whether you are celbrating Veterans Day or Rembrance Day make sure to take the time to honor those that are currently serving or have served and the many that have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for our freedom.

12-12-12 is another date that will not occur for another 100 Years. What will you be doing for that special date?

Amazing Opportunity To Own Land Very Close to the Beautiful Caribbean Sea in Corozal

Amazing Opportunity To Own Land Very Close to the Beautiful Caribbean Sea in Corozal!

Listing Price: $30,000 USD

Here is an amazing opportunity to own land very close to the Sea in Corozal and less than a mile away from the heart of Corozal Town.

You could take advantage of this magnificent opportunity to build your primary or vacation home making the most of the beautiful Caribbean and Corozal Bay views as well as the cool Belizean sea breezes.

Don't miss this magnificent opportunity to own land in Consejo - Corozal at a bargain price!

For more information or photos follow this link:
http://bit.ly/Land-Consejo-Corozal

Pristine 1.12 Acre Land Parcel in Mountain View Area of Belmopan For Sale

Pristine 1.12 Acre Land Parcel in Mountain View Area of Belmopan For Sale!

Listing Price: $89,000 USD

Beautiful 1.12 Acre Land Parcel in the Mountain View Area of the City of Belmopan overlooking the rolling hills just outside the city. The property is located within the city limits yet just far enough to find peace and tranquility. The location atop the hill surely has its benefits with gentle rolling breezes and offers approximately 140 feet of street frontage.

This wonderful property would offer a wonderful setting for your primary or vacation home.

For more information or photos vist this link:
http://bit.ly/Pristine-Belmopan-Belize-Land

Beautiful 1.34 Acre Land Parcel in Mountain View Area of Belmopan For Sale

Beautiful 1.34 Acre Land Parcel in Mountain View Area of Belmopan For Sale!

Listing Price: $89,000 USD
Few of us Real Estate Agents ever see an opportunity like this!

Beautiful 1.34 Acre Land Parcel in the Mountain View Area of the City of Belmopan overlooking the rolling hills just outside the city. The property is located within the city limits yet just far enough to find peace and tranquility. The location atop the hill surely has its benefits with gentle rolling breezes and offers approximately 300 feet of street frontage.

This wonderful property would offer a wonderful setting for your primary or vacation home.
Give us a call today for more information or to make your offer.

For more information or photos click on the link:
http://bit.ly/Belmopan-Belize-Land

Belize in Photos during the September Celebrations

Being chosen as the official photographers for the Belize September Celebrations for NICH, National Institute of Culture and History, has truly been an honor and we have so many photos to share with you all.

Here is a small sample of a couple of the photos we took during the September Celebrations and I promise there will be more coming soon.

More Coming Soon!!!!!!

Hurricane Preparedness Kit

Hurricane or Disaster Supply Kit

Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days

Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils

Blankets / Pillows, etc.

Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

Special Items - for babies and the elderly

Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

Flashlight / Extra Batteries

Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

Spare Keys

Toys, Books and Games

Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.

Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

Vehicle fuel tanks filled

Pet care items
— proper identification / immunization records / medications
— ample supply of food and water— a carrier or cage
— muzzle and leash

Updated Results of the Belize Female Junior Volleyball Team for matches played over the weekend

PRESS RELEASE

August 8^th, 2011

THE CENTRAL AMERICAN FEMALE U-18 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Belize Female Junior Volleyball Team took on #1 ranked and host country, Costa Rica, last Friday night.  Our girls started each set strong but Costa Rica would show its experience and height superiority winning in 3 sets, 25-13, 25-09, 25-21.  Analisa Habet was high scorer for Belize with 6 points and Clara Sabal with 5 points.  Costa Rica is the oldest team averaging 16.8 years old while Belize is a whole year younger than the next youngest team averaging 15.1 years old.

On Saturday evening, the Belize girls took on Nicaragua but after the emotional effort of the night before, played flat and lost 25-12, 25-10, 25-15.  Analisa Habet and Clara Sabal scored 8 and 6 points respectively.

Yesterday, the girls took on Guatemala, the only team expected to challenge Costa Rica and again the girls were competitive at the start of the sets but lost 25-13, 25-17, 25-11.  Analisa Habet was high scorer for Belize with 4 points.

At half way through the tournament, Belize’s 14 year old Sherika Burton is 3^rd best blocker.

Today, Belize plays Honduras at 6 pm.  The game can be seen live at www.livestream.com.

If you require additional details please contact us.  You can also find more results at:
http://www.afecavol.org/webpage/S20CRC11.aspx

Belize Volleyball Association

P.O. Box 1839, 1 Hyde’s Lane,
Belize City, Belize
Tel: (501) 223-1725/02
Fax: (501) 223-0738/3533
Email: BelizeVB@yahoo.com
Website: www.belizevolleyball.org

ForSalebyOwner.com founder gives up on own listing, hires real estate broker

AGBeat News | August 3, 2011

Former FSBO CEO sells home the traditional way

Founder and former CEO of ForSalebyOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto listed his 2,000 square foot New York condominium on his own through online classified ads and FSBO sites, but after six months, he opted to hire New York broker Jesse Buckler who immediately advised a price change as the listing was not attracting the right buyer.
After giving up on the DIY route, Sambrotto’s decision to hire a broker led to attracting multiple offers, closing for $150,000 over the original asking price. The Wall Street Journal reports the listing sold for $2.15 million including a 6% commission.

Many FSBOs turn to Realtors

The news stands as an enormous validation of the real estate profession and while some may tease, it is no laughing matter and the former FSBO CEO made a good financial decision.
AGBeat columnist Herman Chan said, “If people want to take a stab at For Sale By Owner (ie FSBO), go for it. But well over 80% of FSBO’s eventually have to list with an real estate agent to get their house sold. It’s harder than it looks!”

Read the full article here: ForSalebyOwner.com founder gives up on own listing, hires real estate broker
__________________________________________________________

Here at Platinum International Real Estate in Belize we are experiencing a similar situation. Many For Sale By Owners have been turning to us to sell their homes after having in on the market in some cases up to two years.

If this professional who claimed he could help For Sale By Owners chose to sell his Real Estate Listing with a Real Estate Professional what do you think he is thinking of the For Sale By Owner Real Estate Market?

Team Belize Departed Today for Costa Rica to Play in the Central American U-18 Volleyball Championship

PRESS RELEASE

August 3^rd, 2011

THE CENTRAL AMERICAN FEMALE U-18 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP – Belize Team departs for Costa Rica

The Belize Female U-18 departed today for Costa Rica to participate in the XIV Central American Female Junior Volleyball Championship.  The Belize Volleyball Association is proud to announce the team members:

Analisa Habet (as the Captain)                        Kaitlyn Woods (as the Libero)

Sherika Burton                                                 Kadijah Broaster
Nandi Sabal                                                     Nayala Tun
Leandra Betson                                                Xiomara Quan
Alina Scott                                                       Briany Staine
Kevanna Sebastian                                          Jahshema Sauders

The coaching staff is headed by Ms. Lupita Quan and assisted by Ms. Sherlene Johnson.  The team manager is Ms. Rosanni Pariente and Mr. Ken Vasquez is the physiotherapist.

The tournament is one round robin.  Matches start on Friday 5^th, with Belize taking on #1 ranked Costa Rica at 8pm, immediately following the inauguration. Then Belize plays Saturday at 6pm vs. Nicaragua, Sunday at 4 pm vs Guatemala, Monday at 6 pm vs Honduras, Tuesday at 4 pm vs El Salvador and return home next Wednesday.  The results and photos will be posted (and possibly streamed live) at www.afecavol.org.

The BVA is grateful to its sponsors in providing the training requirements, uniforms, and travel for the team.  We wish Team Belize a very successful tournament and look forward to the good results.

Belize Volleyball Association

P.O. Box 1839, 1 Hyde’s Lane,

Belize City, Belize

Tel: (501) 223-1725

Fax: (501) 223-0738

Email: BelizeVB@yahoo.com

Website: www.belizevolleyball.org

Team Belize Attending The Central American Female Junior U-18 Volleyball Championship

PRESS RELEASE

August 1^st, 2011

THE CENTRAL AMERICAN FEMALE U-18 VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Belize will be attending the Central American Female Junior (U-18) Volleyball Championship to be held in Costa Rica from this Wednesday, August 3^rd 2011, to August 10^th, 2011.  Belize will be featuring most likely the youngest team with players ranging from 12 to 17 and one player that participated in the last junior championship two years ago.  The Belize Volleyball Association is proud to announce the team members:

Kaitlyn Woods as the Libero

Sherika Burton

Kadijah Broaster

Nandi Sabal

Nayala Tun

Leandra Betson

Xiomara Quan

Alina Scott

Briany Staine

Kevanna Sebastian

Jahshema Sauders

Analisa Habet as the Captain

The coaching staff is headed by Ms. Lupita Quan and assisted by Ms. Sherlene Johnson.  The team manager is Ms. Rosanni Pariente and Mr. Ken Vasquez is the physiotherapist.

The BVA is grateful to its sponsors in providing the training requirements, uniforms, and travel for the team.  We wish Team Belize a very successful tournament and look forward to the good results.

Belize Volleyball Association

P.O. Box 1839, 1 Hyde’s Lane,

Belize City, Belize

Tel: (501) 223-1725/02   Fax: (501) 223-0738/3533

Email: BelizeVB@yahoo.com

Website: www.belizevolleyball.org

Belize Hosted the 2011 Central American Beach Volleyball Championships

It was that time of year again when Central American countries sent their male and female beach volleyball teams to represent their pride and glory. The Belize Volleyball Association was host this past weekend to this years XI Central American Beach Volleyball Championships.

The venue for this years beach volleyball event was the Marion Jones Sporting Complex with 2 brand new beach volleyball courts. The sun was out the sand was ready as the beach volleyball fans were in attendance to support their teams.

The teams that were known as a dominant force going into this years volleyball competition in the female division was El Salvador and Guatemala and in the male division was Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

The beach volleyball teams were fully prepared to take on the task of representing their home countries which included Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and El Salvador.

Beach Volleyball excitement began on Friday the 22nd of July and continued through Sunday the 24th with teams battling for this years Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The fans roared as the players concentrated on every service, reception, set, spike, block and dig. There were some real nailbiting games where teams rallied back and forth set after set.

In the end there could only be one one team victorious for the gold, silver and bronze in both the mens and womens beach volleyball divisions.

For more photos of the 2011 Central American Beach Volleyball Championships you may visit the facebook page of the photographer, Will Moreno.

Final Results of the Central American Beach Volleyball Championships!

Mens Division:
Costa Rica - Gold Medal, Gatemala - Silver Medal, Nicaragua 1 - Bronze Medal.

Female Division:
Costa Rica - Gold Medal, Guatemala 1 - Silver Medal, Guatemala 2 - Bronze Medal.

The Teams and Players for the 2011 Central American Beach Volleyball Championships

Male Division:
Belize 1 - Arvid Arnold and Ernest Broaster
Belize 2 - Tico Requena and Juan Marin

Guatemala - Andy Leonardo Blanco and Erick Garrido Ruiz

El Salvador 1 - Jeovanny Medrano Valle and David Vargas Correa
El Slavador 2 - Carlos Leiva Mata and Carlos Escobar Talavera

Nicaragua 1 - Gerald Lopez Umana and Danny Alvarado Lopez
Nicaragua 2 - Winston Calderon Urbina and Francisco Castro

Honduras - Walter Montoya Sanchez and Ruben Miller
Costa Rica - Esteban Escobar and Bryan Monge
Female Division:
Belize 1 - Barbara Cadle and Jasmine Anderson
Belize 2  - Emma Hoare and Rebecca Rath

Guatemala 1 - Susana Gomez Alvarado and Anna Lourdes Ramirez Sarti
Guatemala 2 - Maria Jose Arrelana Aragon and Ruth Guzman Gomez

El Salvador 1 - Diana Romero De Leiva and Marcela Avalos Pineda
El Salvador 2 - Kathya Vasquez Menjivar and Ma Fenanda Vargas Claros

Costa Rica - Ingrid Morales Munoz and Natalia Alfaro Paniagua

Escabeche Recipe - Belizean Style

Escabeche is a delicious and very flavorful meal most commonly made in Belize on the weekends when families most often gather to have a communal meal.
Some refer to this delcious meal as onion soup because the flavorful broth is filled with onions that have been cooked therein.

Here is a popular escabeche recipe brought to you courtesy of:
Platinum International Real Estate

Escabeche

Ingredients:
3-4 pounds of chicken
2-3 tablespoons white vinegar or to taste
10 Spice seeds
2-3 Jalapenos
3 pounds white onion, sliced
10 dried oregano leaves or 1 Tbsp of crushed dried oregano leaves
1 head of roasted garlic
black pepper and salt to taste

Method:
Boil spices in water, upon boiling add chicken and cook until tender.
Remove chicken and keep the chicken broth.
You may bake the chicken at 400 degrees or you may fry the chicken to create a delicious and crisp brown outer layer.
Add white vinegar roasted garlic and jalapeno peppers to the chicken broth.
Add sliced onions and cook until tender (approximately 5 minutes)

Best served hot with fresh corn torillas.

Enjoy this tasty Belizean Escabeche Recipe!

Brought to you courtesy of:
Platinum International Real Estate
"The Strenght of Teamwork...The Reputaion for Results!"

Beautiful and Spacious King's Park Home in Belize City! Completely Move-In Ready!

Beautiful and Spacious King's Park Home in Belize City! Completely Move-In Ready!

This property is a superb 4 Bedroom - 3 Bath Home in Kings Park Area of Belize City... boasting a secure, residential location, within five minutes walk from the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

List Price: $450,000 USD ($900,000 BZD)

The downstairs level is spacious, open and elegantly finished, with both formal and casual dining areas, a breakfast nook, living area, utility area, numerous storage units, an office/den and bathroom.

The upstairs level boasts three spacious bedrooms and a bath, with an additional, very large Master Bedroom and Bathroom ensuite. All bedrooms have ceiling to floor storage lockers, and the Master bath has the additional convenience of a bidet installed.

Floors and Lockers throughout this well maintained home are treated mahogany, giving a look of distinction and class to the entire home. It is fully Air Conditioned, with the added security of an Alarm System set in place.

Two of the bedrooms on the upper level have private balconies, and the Living Area on thebottom level also contains its own balcony. There is a spacious verandah overlooking the back yard, absolutely perfect for enteraining on weekends! There is a small storage facility out back for placement of washer/dryer, and this also has a bathroom, making it a perfect changing/shower room in the event that a swimming pool is installed.

This Elegant Kings Park Home sits on a large fully fenced lot (90' x 120'), is fully landscaped, and also has a basketball court.

This is the perfect home!

For more information, photos or to make your offer contact our Platinum International Real Estate Belize Agent - Michelle Rudon.

Beautiful Lot in Vista Del Mar Area of Ladyville - Perfect for a Dream Home in Belize!

Beautiful Lot in Vista Del Mar Area of Ladyville - Perfect for a Dream Home in Belize!

 

Vista Del Mar is perfect for your Dream Home... located just far enough from the hustle and bustle of the city to ensure peace and tranquility, yet close enough in case of emergencies. It is only a five minute drive from Belize's Philip Goldson International Airport, a Catholic Church and School, and various large Supermarkets. There is a Marina and Park to be found within the development, along with various stores, restaurants and bars.

This lot is high, developed, and in what is considered the more residential area of Vista Del Mar. There are very large homes currently being constructed nearby, adding to the value of the lot. It is ideal for the placement of a beautiful home, and owners are guaranteed privacy and quiet since it is away from the large number of houses and stores located in the center of Vista Del Mar. All utilities available on site including water, electricity, telephone and cable.

Lot is within walking distance from the Sea, and a stone's throw away from one of the waterways scattered throughout Vista Del Mar.

List Price: $15,000 USD ($30,000 BZD)

Purchase now and start seeing your dream of a lovely home and place to live, come through!

For more information, photos or to make your offer contact our Platinum International Real Estate Belize Agent - Michelle Rudon.

Perfect Income Generating-Residential Listing with Commercial Rental on King Street in Belize City

Perfect Income Generating-Residential Listing with Commercial Rental

on King Street in Belize City

This property is an ideal Investment Opportunity!

Priced attractively, it has a 3 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom Home upstairs, with an open space below that's perfect for the placement of a store, boutique or commercial rental, and a 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment located beside it.

List Price: ONLY $81,000 USD ($162,000 BZD)

A new owner can have peace of mind knowing that he or she can easily get two rentals downstairs to help with the mortgage payment, and live upstairs... or, get three rentals from the entire building, and purchase strictly for Income Generating purposes.

Located only five minutes from Albert Street, it is within easy access to downtown Belize City and as such, numerous stores, churches, a supermarket, the Bliss Institute, and four local banks, making it extremely attractive for potential residential renters or for someone interested in putting a store there.

Don't hesitate.... grab this deal and start seeing a fast return on your investment!

For more information, photos or to make your offer contact our Platinum International Real Estate Belize Agent - Michelle Rudon.

Ideal Combination of Residential and Residential Income-Generating Property in King's Park Area of Belize

Ideal Combination of Residential and Residential Income-Generating Property in King's Park Area of Belize

 

What better way to purchase a Home in Belize than to get an all-in-one combination which allows you to live upstairs, and generate income from the two apartments below?

List Price: $213,000 USD ($426,000 BZD)

This corner lot property is spacious and found in the King's Park Area of Belize City, conveniently located within walking distance of three Supermarkets, Schools, Private Hospitals, an Ice-Cream parlor and a Park.

There is a large 3 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Home upstairs, with a verandah at the back, perfect for weekend parties and bar-b-q's. The kitchen, living and dining areas are spacious, with an additional enclosed verandah upon entering the home.

On the downstairs level are found 2 apartments, each containing 2 Bedrooms - 1 Bath, kitchen, dining and living area.

The yard has a cement driveway which can accomodate two vehicles, with a water storage facility at the back. It has a fully fenced yard, secure, and ready to become some lucky owner's dream property!

Don't hesitate!

Take advantage of this superb offer and contact our Platinum International Real Estate Belize Agent - Michelle Rudon