Crooked Tree Village in Belize - The Home of the Cashew Festival and A True Bird Watchers Paradise

Crooked Tree Village - The Home of the Cashew Festival and A True Bird Watchers Paradise
By: Will Moreno - 5/9/2011

The past weekend was, as usual, a hot one with cool winds prevailing in Crooked Tree Village. This weekend the village of Crooked Tree in Belize celebrated its landmark event, the Annual Cashew Festival. This is an annual event that showcases the cashew fruit that grows ever so abundantly in the village and its many many by-products. As expected with such an event, many locals and tourists alike, came out to enjoy the music, food and events celebrating the cashew fruit. Cashew is an unusual fruit that has a fleshy pear shaped body that is  normally yellow in color when fully mature and it has an external seed that is shaped like a kidney bean. Cashew by-products can both be made of the fruit and the seed.

Getting to Crooked Tree Village is quite a scenic drive that is definitely worth making. Crooked Tree Village is not only unique, but also, a beautiful place. It is an oasis with access only by a single causeway. The Village is usually surrounded by water from the Northern and Western Lagoons. At this time of year, the waters in the lagoons are extremely low which exposes the fish, snails and crabs which many species of birds feed on. The village is a well known bird sanctuary, and the wetland is vital to the survival of many species of these local birds. As we drove to Crooked Tree Village, we could not help but notice the bright blue skies with luminous puffy clouds. We stopped along the causeway going into the village to observe nature's wonders and the many species of birds like the Jabiru, Herons, Egrets, Swallows and many others feeding by the causeway. We  quickly realized why this area is a well known bird watchers paradise. Upon entering the village, it was apparent that we had arrived as we were greeted with a sign that said,  "Crooked Tree Village, Home of the Cashew." We could also see many cashew trees laden with fruit gracing the street side and yards.

After passing the Crooked Tree Museum and Gift Shop which is a quaint white wooden building you will realize that you are indeed crossing over into village life where the villagers have that laid back, relaxed and go slow mode. While in Crooked Tree Village, a local showed us the inviting hospitality of the Belizean people. We were casually invited to go to a scenic area on their property. We went to the end of a planked wooden pier with a  palm thatched roof overlooking the great lagoon. Sitting there, taking in the beauty of all the birds, and the cool winds blowing was a sight to behold.


After leaving this property, we drove through the village on dirt roads where we saw some children on horseback and villagers just relaxing in their yards. Upon arriving at the fairgrounds, we could hear the sweet Belizean melodies before we even saw the people who were in attendance. The festivities were in full swing with people enjoying the melodic tunes of a live band. Locals and visitors alike with their favorite beverage in hand  swayed and bopped in time to the music while others danced across the basketball court which was covered with a huge tent.  It was great to see locals, visitors and tourists  enjoying the makeshift booths that were shaded by palm fronds. Belizean entrepreneurial spirit was alive as enterprising merchants showcased their local cashew by-products, handicraft and food. Kids flocked to the games and rides as their parents enjoyed everything made from the sweet tasting cashew fruit and nut.

 

We took the time to visit each and every booth to see if there was anything we could find that would be rather unusual. Many know of the cashew nut as a snack, but there was also an abundance of cashew wine, cashew sweet, cashew fudge, cashew cake, cashew jam and, yes, there was lots of cashew fruit and freshly roasted nuts.


We were drawn to the booth of  Mr. Charlie who has been making his famous wines or liqueurs for over 45 years. What drew our attention was the many bottles of wines covering the entire table from one end to the other, while he was offering wine tasting sessions. This wine tasting was so different from the many that we had attended in the California wine vineyards or others around the world. Although unconventional, it was certainly 'intoxicating' tasting so many of Mr. Charlie's savory blends. Soon we realized that we were not only getting giggly, but having a blast tasting the different blends of cashew wine, mango wine, cassava wine, golden plum wine, moringa wine, berries wine and tonic wine among others. Needless to say, it made our decision very easy as to which bottles of wine we would soon be purchasing.

  
 After sampling Mr. Charlie's fine wines, we admired the beautiful handicraft and jewelry which were all locally made. We were stunned to see such beautiful wood turned into great artistic pieces or art and conversation pieces. We were pleased to note that the very affable and knowledgeable young man that attended us was the actual artist of these fine pieces. Ryan told us that he had been doing the carvings and the jewelry himself for many years and has showcased his work at the Altun Ha Maya Ruin for tourists who visit. It was quickly evident why he is so popular and selling many pieces as he had great attention to detail and fine finishes. Ryan is truly a young and talented Belizean entrepreneur who will definitely go a very long way with his artistic pieces.



It is always an adventure to eat at festivals in Belize, and this day was no different offering local village foods. The choices included the local favorite rice and beans with stewed chicken, plantain and potato salad or  deep fried Tilapia. There was also an abundance of bbq, tamales, hot dogs and tacos. Wherever we go we have to try something new, something different and something adventerous. We were introduced to Mrs. Tillett, a local villager who has been preparing the village delicacies for many years, and is known for having some of the best foods cooked over a 'fyah haat' or fire hearth. This is an open wood-fed hearth used to cook meals. We can certainly attest to that after having tried some of her usual rice and beans with stewed chicken, stewed beef and her deep fried fish; however, we wanted to try something more adventurous and she introduced us to a new local delicacy.
This delicacy comes in the name of the Agouti Paca, known locally as the gibnut. The gibnut is a large nocturnal rodent that feeds off the jungle floors eating fallen fruits, leaves and tubers. It is said that on her visit to Belize in October of 1985, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II ate this delicious delicacy. Being totally honest, it did not have the normal gamey taste of game meat, and was wonderfully prepared by Mrs. Tillet. Who would have thought that we would have enjoyed eating a rodent! Mrs. Tillett was very open in telling us that had it been a couple months earlier, we could have tried another local delicacy called the Hicatee, a river turtle who is now on the endangered list in Belize. In trying to protect this endangered animal, the local fish and game authorities have seasonal catching of this turtle and has also designated areas where they are protected.  Sharing a meal cooked over an open fire is truly a way to share great stories of the time gone by with the locals as they told us about when time was time.

 The cashew festival offered many great opportunities for the children with games, horseback rides and lots of space to run freely and enjoy themselves while the parents enjoyed the many booths with cashew by-products and great foods. We will certainly be looking forward to the next opportunity we get to visit Crooked Tree Village again!

5th Toledo Cacao Festival in Belize, 20-22 May 2011

Punta Gorda, Belize 
Tuesday, 10 May 2011 13:15 | Written by Rob Hirons 
EcoClub
It's time to stimulate your senses and head down to Belize's beautiful deep south for the 5th Toledo Cacao Festival. Grown by Maya farmers, the Criollo and Trinitario cacao speicies have over the years naturally crossed to produce new varieties. These new strains along with Toledo's rich soil and the organic methods used by the local farmers have produced a bean with a rich, pungent chocolate flavour which is much sought after by chocolatiers.

The dates for this year's event are the 20th-22nd May 2011. The full schedule of events appears in the May issue of the Toledo Howler (download here). Inside you will also find an article on Making Chocolate in Toledo, which focuses on the Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory in PG. They will be open over the festival weekend, offering demonstrations and chocolate goodies. The factory is open the rest of the year too so don't worry if you miss a visit this time.

The festival always launches with the Wine & Chocolate Evening on Friday. This year the event will be held at Coral House Inn at the south end of Front St. near the hospital. Another special event will be the Cacao Fest dinners being offered at The Lodge at Big Falls on Saturday & Sunday evenings. Space is limited so call in advance for reservations. With mouth watering food, live music, sea and jungle tours, art & archaeology exhibits and more, the Cacao Fest is not to be missed.

Belize Kicks Off Maya 2012 Celebrations with New Museum Exhibit

Belize City, Belize – May, 2011
(Press Release)


As the official kick-off for Maya 2012 celebrations in Belize, the Belizean community is embracing a new worldly era by reflecting on the past at the Museum of Belize in Belize City. Providing a deeply enchanting and personal look at the Mayas’ work in creating famous Belizean jade masterpieces, “The People Who Carved Jades and Their Descendants” is an exhibit that was revealed in April in order to provide visitors with a deeper connection with Belize’s Maya culture, as people look to uncover the truth about the end of the 2012 calendar.

As the first of many celebrations planned for when the world starts anew on December 21, 2012, this exhibit serves as a bridge between ancient times and the future, and sets the tone for a full line-up of Maya-related events, tours, activities and festivals in Belize, scheduled throughout 2011 and 2012.

“Jade signified life to the Mayas, and we are proud to commence our countdown to the world’s rebirth in conjunction with this renowned exhibit,” said Seleni Matus, director of tourism for the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). “The Long Count Calendar fascinates people from all over the world, and we look forward to unveiling the calendar’s true meaning and the Mayas’ mysteries to all visiting scientists, academics and visitors.”

“The People Who Carved Jades and Their Descendants,” which is sponsored by National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in conjunction with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), builds on and personalizes the already successful “Jades of Belize” exhibit by highlighting the Mayas who crafted extraordinary jade objects thousands of years ago.

As the epicenter of Maya culture during the Classic Period, Belize has retained its vibrant Maya community and strong influence throughout time, along with an array of ancient Maya temples, artifacts and more. Information on all of Belize’s most notable Maya sites can be found on the country’s official travel website, but examples include Altun Ha, which is just north of Belize City and is where the largest carved jade object in the entire Maya area – a Jade Head – was originally discovered. Lubaantun in Punta Gorda is a site rumored to be the place where Anna Mitchell-Hedges found the famous Crystal Skull, in 1926. And temples at Lamanai in northern Belize were occupied continuously for over 3,000 years, and are surrounded by a lush and beautiful jungle.

Highlights of upcoming Maya 2012 celebrations planned for 2011 include the 5th Annual Toledo Cacao Festival (scheduled from May 20-22), which celebrates the growth of Belize’s cacao industry since Mayas first discovered chocolate in 1000 B.C., while also showcasing the various ways that the Maya utilized the cacao bean, including ceremonial purposes, food and beverage. In June, Belize will hold the Lamanai Challenge, a triathlon featuring running, cycling, and canoeing, in which participates finish by way of canoe at the New River Lagoon at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.

Road Trip On The Hummingbird Highway in Belize

A drive along the Hummingbird Highway gives visitors a great taste of Belize. Holly Firfer reports for CNN.

10 Natural Wonders to See Before They Disappear - The Belize Barrier Reef

10 Natural Wonders to See Before They Disappear

By Laurel Delp

BUDGET TRAVEL

You've heard the grim timelines: if warming continues, the Great Barrier Reef will be bleached by 2030; glaciers in the Swiss Alps, on Mt. Kilimanjaro, and in Glacier National Park will disappear in under 40 years; and Arctic ice melt will send polar bears into extinction. The immediacy of these timelines prompts flocks of curious eco-tourists to travel to environmentally fragile areas. Tourism is both bane and boon: it can add strain to already distressed areas, but it can also provide income, which in turn can help preserve these wonders. We spotlight 10 areas under threat — some lesser known than others — that can still be visited responsibly. Should you decide to plan a journey, we've recommended our favorite tour operator for each destination. In some cases the price tag may be higher than your average vacation, but consider it an investment in Mother Earth.

Belize Barrier Reef

 
One of the most diverse reef ecosystems in the world is home to whale sharks, rays, and manatees, as well as sturgeon, conch and spiny lobsters.

The Threat: Like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Belize Barrier Reef leads a tenuous existence. A section of the nearly 700-mile-long Mesoamerican Reef that reaches from Mexico to Honduras, the Belize reef suffered a severe bleaching in 1998, with a loss of 50 percent of its coral in many areas, including much of its distinctive staghorn coral. Since the bleaching, its decline has continued, due to global warming of the world's seas, agricultural pollution, development, and increasing tourism, which has given rise to more coastal development and an invasion of cruise ships.
 

Others on the list include:

The Congo Basin

Roads cut by loggers and miners have also enabled poachers and bushmeat hunters to prey on endangered animals like bonobos (pictured), forest elephants, and okapis.
(Courtesy © Frans Lanting/Corbis)


The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest spot on earth (1,312 feet below sea level), has 10 times more saline than seawater (so humans float like corks), and is believed to contain therapeutic minerals.
(Courtesy LiorDrZ?/Getty)


The Everglades

At least 20 species in the Everglades are endangered including panthers, turtles, manatees, and great white egrets (shown here).
(Courtesy Rasmus Bøgeskov Larsenøg/Flickr)

Madagascar

Over 80 percent of Madagascar's flora and fauna are found nowhere else on Earth, thanks to millions of years of isolation in the Indian Ocean off of Africa. This photo was taken in Ranomafana National Park in the southeast portion of the country.
(Courtesy Effervescing Elephant/Flickr)

The Maldives

Only 200 of the islands of the Maldives are inhabited, and none rise higher than eight feet above sea level. Few scientists hold out much hope for the country if global warming continues to melt the ice caps and raise sea levels. Shown here: Baa Atoll.
(Courtesy Sakis Papadopoulos/Getty)

The Poles

In the Arctic, the polar bear is also endangered by the steady loss of sea ice, which has decreased 3 percent per decade since the 1970s.
(Courtesy Ansgar Walk/Wikimedia Commons)

Rajasthan, Ranthambore

Ranthambore, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is one of the best places in the world to see tigers. If extreme efforts are not undertaken, these big cats may be extinct within our lifetime—possibly in as soon as a dozen years.
(Courtesy Saran Vaid/age fotostock)

The Tahuamanú Rainforest

Parrots and macaws feed off of the world's largest salt lick in the Tahuamanu rainforest.
(Courtesy Frans Lemmens/Getty)

The Yangtze River Basin

Exotic creatures such as giant pandas, dwarf blue sheep, Yangtze finless porpoises, and Siberian cranes aren't the only ones who call the Yangtze Basin home—so do some 400 million people.
(Courtesy Tan Wei Liand Byorn/Wikimedia Commons)

To read the full article you may click here.

“Brandi Mermaid, The First Real Mermaid of Belize”

“Brandi Mermaid, The First Real Mermaid of Belize”

 THE FIRST “REAL MERMAID” HAS HIT THE SHORES OF SAN PEDRO - AMBERGRIS CAYE.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize.
April 2011

Brandi Paige will be debuting this week as the first “real” mermaid entertainer to make a splash in Belize! This is a relatively new form of entertainment that has only recently been gaining popularity around the world. Brandi Paige has had the dream of becoming a mermaid since she was a child and after living in Belize for two years decided this would be the perfect place to make her dream a reality.

Brandi Paige has a realistic mermaid tail costume, exactly like the one in the movie “Splash.” She has been training extensively for 2 years practicing breath hold, yoga, and free diving with a monofin. She has extensive practice with underwater modeling, which is an art form in itself.

What is a mermaid entertainer you ask? The sky and your imagination is the limit!

These are some of the many services Brandi will be offering all over the Caribbean as a mermaid…
- Underwater Photography/Modeling
- Mermaid Nyotaimori catering
- Underwater Marriage Proposals
- Films/Documentaries/ Commercials
- Event Promotions
- Advertising
- Acting
- Singing/Playing guitar (can provide music for events as well)
- Entertainment at Pool Parties/ Hotels/ Resorts
- Adult Parties
- Kids Parties
- Writing Music
- Scenery for snorkeling/scuba trips
- Special Events
- Fundraisers/ Charity Events

Brandi is very excited to begin to use her artistic ability in aiding the community to bring awareness to save our oceans and reefs in Belize. She has plans to release numerous underwater videos of her adventures swimming in Belize’s oceans as well as a picture book.

So, keep an eye out for Brandi the Mermaid around the island and in the sea. She is living proof that dreams can become a reality!

Contact:
Brandi Paige – Mermaid Model/Performer
+501-630-3048
Brandimermaid@yahoo.com

 All photos have been used with permission from Ambergris Today - Belize News and Jose Luis Zapata Photography.

Walk in our Footsteps on the Island of San Pedro - Ambergris Caye in Belize

Walk in our Footsteps on the Island of San Pedro - Ambergris Caye in Belize


Easter in Belize is a long 4 day weekend of activities and events that locals as well as tourists visiting Belize get to appreciate the go slow mode combined with the festive mood in other locations. San Pedro was definitely very busy with a sea of people flocking to the island to celebrate the long weekend. We were in San Pedro - Ambergris Caye in Belize this Easter, the largest island in Belize and a well known destination for many tourist visiting Belize.

San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye (pronounced key) in the Caribbean and is the hub of all events and activities on the island which is located just 35 miles northeast of Belize City and just a short 15 minute flight from the Belize International Airport by way of Tropic Air or Maya Island Air which has scheduled hourly flights to the island. You can also get to San Pedro by way of Boat Shuttle Service which departs Belize City on scheduled runs to the island. When on the island your mode of transportation varies, you can walk, rent a bicycle, catch a cab or rent a golf cart to get around and visit the many beautiful spots on the island or places to eat, drink and be merry.


 Ambergris Caye is 25 miles long (40 kilometers) from north to south and approximately 1 mile wide (1.6 kilometers) and named after the patron saint of Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and net makers. San Pedro and Ambergris Caye has come a long way since being a quiant fishing village. Ambergris Caye in Belize has become a popular tourist destination and with popularity comes many real estate developments. The island of Ambergris Caye has seen an influx of foreign investors and can now boast a large expat community who has helped in the rapid development of the island.

On the island of San Pedro - Ambergris Caye you can casually relax on the beaches, beachfront bars and restaurants, central park on the beach or your beachfront hotel. You can also choose to do offshore activities such as, swimming, jet-skiing, kite boarding, para-sailing, glass bottom boat tours, snorkeling, diving, fishing and much more. The island's friendly people and immense year-round sunshine will almost always insure a perfect getaway and pleasurable stay on the island. I must admit we thoroughly enjoyed our getaway on the island and would definitely recommend it over and over again.

Here are some of the places we visited to relax and eat and would definitely recommend if you are visiting the island of San Pedro-Ambergris Caye in Belize.

D' Sea Deli and Bar: Great Seaside location to hang our with friends and have a cold beer and some delicious food from a full menu of items that include wraps, pizzas, subs, salads...

El Divino Caribbean Steakhouse and Martini Bar at Banana Beach Resort: A place well known not only for their delicious steaks, but also the best mixed ceviche on the island of San Pedro-Ambergris Caye.

Wayo's Bar: A rustic beachfront bar visited frequently by the locals as well as expats offering delicious wings as well as margaritas.


Estel's Dine By The Sea: Excellent choice for beachfront breakfast in a beach casual setting with sand on the ground so you never feel like you are leaving the beach. Breakfast and lunch are served all day long.

D and E's Frozen Custard and Sorbets: During the summer season this is an excellent way to cool down your palette. Smooth, cool and refreshing for a hot day. You can choose from a wide assortment of flavors.


Micky's Restaurant: An excellent choice not only for breakfast, but also for lunch and dinner. Offering delicious and generously portioned meals with a home cooked taste and very satisfying.


Fido's Restaurant and Bar: This beachfront location has recently won our readers' poll for best bar on the island of San Pedro-Ambergris Caye. Known not only for their bar but their ambiance, delicious meals and fun nightlife with the rockin band Love Paradigm who definitely entertains the crowd. This is a location you must visit when on the island.


Celi's Deli: Excellent choice and location to grab a meal on the go, Belize's version of fast food. You can choose from many items that include local journey cakes with cheese and beans, flour tortillas with beans, meatpies, coffee and fresh juices just to name a few. Conveniently located on front street (Barrier Reef Drive).


El Fogon: A location that is tucked away but offering delicious and mouth watering meals all cooked on Belizean "Fire Haat" (an open wood fed hearth to cook meals). A location that is quaint and unique with the best Conch Soup with tender bits. A real hangover cure...Just a thought.


Nautica Seafood Grill and Bar: A wonderful restaurant and dining experience with full service bar that offers a romantic escape, very fresh seafood and very attentive service from the staff. You can choose from indoor or outdoor dining experiences. Located just upstairs of Fido's.

Sunset Grill: Aptly named since it's on the westside of the island that offers the best sunsets over the lagoon. A really elegant dining experience with scrumptious, lip smacking, and beautifully prepared meals. It is always entertaining to feed or watch others feeding the resident tarpons who take sardines from your hands. A true dining experience that is a must have.


Albertina Aquino Food Stall in Central Park: Albertina Aquino is a hard working woman that serves up the best mouth watering afterhours street food creations on the island of San Pedro-Ambergris Caye in Belize. She can always be found at the park between the hours of 6pm and 5am and is the last stall on the right when facing the sea closest to the playground. Albertina serves up the best burritos, tacos, hot dogs and much more. Make sure to visit Albertina's Food Stall after you are finished clubbing, partying, or just meandering near Central Park on San Pedro-Ambergris Caye late at night.

Places to shop for groceries and other miscellaneous items:

Island Supermarket - Shop in airconditioned comfort with all the modern convenience with the widest selection of items close to downtown San Pedro Town.

La Isla Groceries - If you are staying on the southside of the island this is another great location that offers air conditioned shopping and a great selection of items.

Marina's Grocery Store - Located approximately 1.5 miles south of town this location offers a great selection of items at very reasonable prices.

A couple activities that we definitely recommend would be a snorkeling or diving trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Shark Ray Alley the most popular site for snorkeling/diving which is just a short boat ride, 4 miles southeast of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye to Belize's famous Barrier Reef. Swimming with a healthy population of sharks, rays, fishes and resident sea turtles will surely add excitement to your visit or stay in San Pedro-Ambergris Caye in Belize. It's an experience that we gaurantee will add to your overall enjoyment in Belize.

We will be covering these locations in great detail in future posts. We have some great photos of the foods, drinks, interior and much more.
We welcome you to visit San Pedro-Ambergris Caye in Belize to share in the experience with others. We are sure you will not be disappointed.