Saturday, November 20, 2010
Orchid Bay on XM 169 Mind Yo Business Talk Radio
Mind Yo Business Talk Radio interviewed Ari Kahn, CEO of Orchid Bay Belize, today on http://mybtalk.com/ XM 169
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Photo Essay: 20 Reasons to Travel to Belize NOW
Photo Essay: 20 Reasons to Travel to Belize NOW
I’ll go pretty much anywhere.
OFFER ME A TRIP to a Latin American country, though, and I’ll produce my passport in six seconds flat. This part of the world is my beat.
The Belize Tourism Board invited me to Belize earlier this month to, among other things, judge the country’s annual culinary festival, Taste of Belize. I knew pitifully little about the Central American country before I left home, giving myself a crash course in Belizean history (thanks, Google Books) the night before my flight departed.
I don’t like to compare countries, but Belize really is different than any other Latin American country I’ve visited. Its political history (it was a British, not a Spanish, colony) and its geographic location (bordering three countries by land or sea) have contributed to some really compelling social and cultural dynamics.
Here are 20 reasons why you should travel to Belize NOW… and 20 reasons why I can’t wait to go back.
1. Belize isn’t overrun with travelers.
231,249 foreigners arrived by air in 2009, according to the Belize Tourism Board. For the BTB, that number represents a challenge. For you, that represents an opportunity. Go now.
2. You can get around without Spanish.
“Le puedo ayudar?” I asked a disabled Belizean who flew into the southern town of Punta Gorda with me. “I don’t speak Spanish,” he replied. English is Belize’s official language. Though you’ll hear Spanish, Kreyol, or Quechi spoken by members of Belize’s diverse cultural communities, English is Belizeans’ lingua franca, and signs like these (at the Cozy Corner Restaurant in Placencia) are mainly for entertainment.
3. Money exchange isn’t complicated.
The local currency is the Belizean dollar, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted (I used a U.S. $50 bill to pay for a shirt and some baskets I bought from the Pop family, who live in a fairly isolated community at least 15 miles from the nearest bank.) The exchange rate is pegged at $2 BZ to $1 U.S., so conversion is super simple should you choose to pay in BZ.
4. It’s easy to get around.
Seen from above, Belize appears to be a vast jungle with occasional pockets of human life. On the ground, that impression pretty much holds true, but roads are more visible. If you want to road trip Belize, it’s totally doable. There are a couple major highways and they’re in excellent condition (adequate signage and no potholes!). They’re also safe, toll-free, and void of military checkpoints. Traffic’s minimal, too.
5. When was the last time you got so close to a working pilot?
If you don’t want to drive Belize, you can fly. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are regional airlines with in-country flights between cities. The “airports” are little more than a house and planes take off from a small airstrip. Service is reliable, on-time, and more efficient than the New York City subway. Plus, there’s no security. I’d forgotten what flying was like before the days of the hyper-vigilant TSA.
6. There’s lots to do.
Belize has seven World Heritage Sites just on its barrier reef, which, by the way, is the second longest barrier reef in the world. The country also claims more than 1,060 mangrove and/or sand cays. Some of these, like Caye Caulker, are inhabited; others are home only to birds, but there’s plenty for you to explore.
7. There’s also plenty NOT to do.
If all you want to do is swing in a hammock, I’d highly recommend visiting Pelican’s Pouch in October. When I visited, the only people there were the staff. I spent a blissful two hours in this hammock, doing nothing other than listening to the waves and drifting in and out of sleep.
8. People still say “Good morning.”
And “Good afternoon.” And even “Good night.” Within five minutes of borrowing a bicycle from the hosts of the Coral House Inn and setting off on a self-guided tour of Punta Gorda, I’d met more people who wanted me to stop and chat than I’d talked to in the past week in New York. I spent about 10 minutes talking with Mags, pictured above, who told me all about the upcoming Garifuna Settlement Day celebration, which takes place November 19.
9. There’s always a big event just about to happen.
Garifuna Settlement Day in November, Taste of Belize in October (me, with other Taste of Belize judges, pictured above), Carnaval and Independence Day in September, and the Belize International Film Festival in July. For complete event listings, check BTB’s calendar.
10. People still know how to make things with their hands.
And even better, you can watch them while they’re working at their craft. This is Austin Rodriguez, who’s been making drums for more than 35 years…
11. And Mercy Sabal, who’s made dolls for over 20 years…
12. And a family-based cassava bread business.
13. Because “local food” isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life.
Fish makes up a significant portion of the Belizean diet and is the centerpiece of many dishes, like hudut (pictured above). Fishermen must sell their fish with at least 2 inches of skin visible, so buyers can know what fish they’re buying and that it’s local.
14. Because a guy named Gomier can make tofu three dozen ways.
Vegetarians and vegans traveling to Belize should head to the country’s deep south, Punta Gorda, and stop by Gomier’s Health is Wealth Vegetarian Restaurant. Gomier, a St. Lucian who has lived in Belize for 16 years, makes his own tofu. As if that’s not enough, he turns it into dishes even the most die-hard tofu lover probably hasn’t tried. His curried tofu balls were the bomb, and I polished them off with peanut-flavored tofu ice cream.
15. Because you’ve gotta try the local hooch.
When my hosts mentioned that I’d be meeting with a local winemaker, the first question that popped into mind was, “But where are the grapes?” You’d be amazed what can be turned into wine. Lucy (above) makes wine out of sea grapes (!), starfruit, rice, grapefruit, and cashews, all of which are locally grown. My favorite was the cashew wine, which (I was told afterward) is the most potent, famous for its three-day hangover.
16. Because even “high-class” cocktails are made from local ingredients.
Like this Hibiscus Punch at Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn (no, I didn’t stay there). The hibiscus syrup used in this drink is extracted from flowers on the property.
17. You can visit three other countries easily.
From Punta Gorda, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras are each about 45 minutes by boat. The Mexican border isn’t too far, either. Belize should keep you plenty busy, but if you’re jonesing for more passport stamps, this is an easy way to get some ink.
18. Every expat seems to have an incredible story.
My German-born guide, Bruno Kuppinger, was a successful banker who gave up his stressful career after his mother and a close friend died at young ages. He moved to Belize, sight unseen, because of his interest in archeology. “I figured if I couldn’t make it here, I wouldn’t make it anywhere.” Every other expat I talked with had an equally compelling reason that motivated them to move to Belize.
19. The wildlife watching is spectacular.
Some folks spend thousands of dollars to go see birds in the Galapagos. You can see the same species for a lot less in Belize; this frigate bird was resting at the bird sanctuary, Man-o-War Cay.
20. There’s so much to learn.
The diversity of cultures in Belize–the Garifuna, the indigenous descendants of the Maya, the Creoles, and the Chinese–totally stoked my passion to learn more about this country. And, of course, to go back soon.
I’ll go pretty much anywhere.
OFFER ME A TRIP to a Latin American country, though, and I’ll produce my passport in six seconds flat. This part of the world is my beat.
The Belize Tourism Board invited me to Belize earlier this month to, among other things, judge the country’s annual culinary festival, Taste of Belize. I knew pitifully little about the Central American country before I left home, giving myself a crash course in Belizean history (thanks, Google Books) the night before my flight departed.
I don’t like to compare countries, but Belize really is different than any other Latin American country I’ve visited. Its political history (it was a British, not a Spanish, colony) and its geographic location (bordering three countries by land or sea) have contributed to some really compelling social and cultural dynamics.
Here are 20 reasons why you should travel to Belize NOW… and 20 reasons why I can’t wait to go back.
1. Belize isn’t overrun with travelers.
231,249 foreigners arrived by air in 2009, according to the Belize Tourism Board. For the BTB, that number represents a challenge. For you, that represents an opportunity. Go now.
2. You can get around without Spanish.
“Le puedo ayudar?” I asked a disabled Belizean who flew into the southern town of Punta Gorda with me. “I don’t speak Spanish,” he replied. English is Belize’s official language. Though you’ll hear Spanish, Kreyol, or Quechi spoken by members of Belize’s diverse cultural communities, English is Belizeans’ lingua franca, and signs like these (at the Cozy Corner Restaurant in Placencia) are mainly for entertainment.
3. Money exchange isn’t complicated.
The local currency is the Belizean dollar, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted (I used a U.S. $50 bill to pay for a shirt and some baskets I bought from the Pop family, who live in a fairly isolated community at least 15 miles from the nearest bank.) The exchange rate is pegged at $2 BZ to $1 U.S., so conversion is super simple should you choose to pay in BZ.
4. It’s easy to get around.
Seen from above, Belize appears to be a vast jungle with occasional pockets of human life. On the ground, that impression pretty much holds true, but roads are more visible. If you want to road trip Belize, it’s totally doable. There are a couple major highways and they’re in excellent condition (adequate signage and no potholes!). They’re also safe, toll-free, and void of military checkpoints. Traffic’s minimal, too.
5. When was the last time you got so close to a working pilot?
If you don’t want to drive Belize, you can fly. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are regional airlines with in-country flights between cities. The “airports” are little more than a house and planes take off from a small airstrip. Service is reliable, on-time, and more efficient than the New York City subway. Plus, there’s no security. I’d forgotten what flying was like before the days of the hyper-vigilant TSA.
6. There’s lots to do.
Belize has seven World Heritage Sites just on its barrier reef, which, by the way, is the second longest barrier reef in the world. The country also claims more than 1,060 mangrove and/or sand cays. Some of these, like Caye Caulker, are inhabited; others are home only to birds, but there’s plenty for you to explore.
7. There’s also plenty NOT to do.
If all you want to do is swing in a hammock, I’d highly recommend visiting Pelican’s Pouch in October. When I visited, the only people there were the staff. I spent a blissful two hours in this hammock, doing nothing other than listening to the waves and drifting in and out of sleep.
8. People still say “Good morning.”
And “Good afternoon.” And even “Good night.” Within five minutes of borrowing a bicycle from the hosts of the Coral House Inn and setting off on a self-guided tour of Punta Gorda, I’d met more people who wanted me to stop and chat than I’d talked to in the past week in New York. I spent about 10 minutes talking with Mags, pictured above, who told me all about the upcoming Garifuna Settlement Day celebration, which takes place November 19.
9. There’s always a big event just about to happen.
Garifuna Settlement Day in November, Taste of Belize in October (me, with other Taste of Belize judges, pictured above), Carnaval and Independence Day in September, and the Belize International Film Festival in July. For complete event listings, check BTB’s calendar.
10. People still know how to make things with their hands.
And even better, you can watch them while they’re working at their craft. This is Austin Rodriguez, who’s been making drums for more than 35 years…
11. And Mercy Sabal, who’s made dolls for over 20 years…
12. And a family-based cassava bread business.
13. Because “local food” isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life.
Fish makes up a significant portion of the Belizean diet and is the centerpiece of many dishes, like hudut (pictured above). Fishermen must sell their fish with at least 2 inches of skin visible, so buyers can know what fish they’re buying and that it’s local.
14. Because a guy named Gomier can make tofu three dozen ways.
Vegetarians and vegans traveling to Belize should head to the country’s deep south, Punta Gorda, and stop by Gomier’s Health is Wealth Vegetarian Restaurant. Gomier, a St. Lucian who has lived in Belize for 16 years, makes his own tofu. As if that’s not enough, he turns it into dishes even the most die-hard tofu lover probably hasn’t tried. His curried tofu balls were the bomb, and I polished them off with peanut-flavored tofu ice cream.
15. Because you’ve gotta try the local hooch.
When my hosts mentioned that I’d be meeting with a local winemaker, the first question that popped into mind was, “But where are the grapes?” You’d be amazed what can be turned into wine. Lucy (above) makes wine out of sea grapes (!), starfruit, rice, grapefruit, and cashews, all of which are locally grown. My favorite was the cashew wine, which (I was told afterward) is the most potent, famous for its three-day hangover.
16. Because even “high-class” cocktails are made from local ingredients.
Like this Hibiscus Punch at Francis Ford Coppola’s Turtle Inn (no, I didn’t stay there). The hibiscus syrup used in this drink is extracted from flowers on the property.
17. You can visit three other countries easily.
From Punta Gorda, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras are each about 45 minutes by boat. The Mexican border isn’t too far, either. Belize should keep you plenty busy, but if you’re jonesing for more passport stamps, this is an easy way to get some ink.
18. Every expat seems to have an incredible story.
My German-born guide, Bruno Kuppinger, was a successful banker who gave up his stressful career after his mother and a close friend died at young ages. He moved to Belize, sight unseen, because of his interest in archeology. “I figured if I couldn’t make it here, I wouldn’t make it anywhere.” Every other expat I talked with had an equally compelling reason that motivated them to move to Belize.
19. The wildlife watching is spectacular.
Some folks spend thousands of dollars to go see birds in the Galapagos. You can see the same species for a lot less in Belize; this frigate bird was resting at the bird sanctuary, Man-o-War Cay.
20. There’s so much to learn.
The diversity of cultures in Belize–the Garifuna, the indigenous descendants of the Maya, the Creoles, and the Chinese–totally stoked my passion to learn more about this country. And, of course, to go back soon.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Mexican Space Agency to Have Its Base in Caribbean State
Yet another example where Belize is "In the Path of Progress"
CANCUN, Mexico – The headquarters of the Mexican Space Agency will be built in the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo thanks to an investment of $120 million made public on Tuesday by Gov. Felix Gonzalez Canto.
The Space Center will be built in Chetumal, the state capital, on the border with Belize. At the site will be a launch pad, a runway, an underwater training unit and the space museum.
The site was selected because of the similarities it has to the environment at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to a communique issued by the Quintana Roo government.
The state government held a meeting on the subject with Mexican astronaut Jose Hernandez Moreno, who last year participated in a NASA space mission on board the space shuttle Discovery.
State officials feel that the construction of the space center will attract companies in the aerospace industry with resulting benefits for the local economy and the creation of jobs.
The creation of the space agency was proposed by President Felipe Calderon and approved by lawmakers, but the decision has not yet been published in the official gazette. EFE
CANCUN, Mexico – The headquarters of the Mexican Space Agency will be built in the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo thanks to an investment of $120 million made public on Tuesday by Gov. Felix Gonzalez Canto.
The Space Center will be built in Chetumal, the state capital, on the border with Belize. At the site will be a launch pad, a runway, an underwater training unit and the space museum.
The site was selected because of the similarities it has to the environment at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to a communique issued by the Quintana Roo government.
The state government held a meeting on the subject with Mexican astronaut Jose Hernandez Moreno, who last year participated in a NASA space mission on board the space shuttle Discovery.
State officials feel that the construction of the space center will attract companies in the aerospace industry with resulting benefits for the local economy and the creation of jobs.
The creation of the space agency was proposed by President Felipe Calderon and approved by lawmakers, but the decision has not yet been published in the official gazette. EFE
Monday, August 23, 2010
Orchid Bay on HGTV
House Hunters International Will Feature Orchid Bay on September 7, 2010.
The show highlights how Steve from Arizona selected Orchid Bay and a Casita as his getaway.
Date and time is:
September 07, 2010: 10:30 PM e/p
September 07, 2010: 1:30 AM e/p
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Timing Your Investment in Belize
Timing the purchase of international property is critical. To get the most from your investment you need to identify the path of progress and catch a destination on its way to becoming hot, but before prices escalate.
In the Caribbean most locations have already been discovered. Cancun, St. Bart's, and Cayman Islands have peaked in price; however Belize is relatively undiscovered even though it has advantages over all these well know locations.
Real Estate in Belize sells for half the Caribbean average and that will likely change. Property values in Belize are low for the wrong reason – because the country has not been marketed. Belize has the smallest population in Central America (not a bad thing) and therefore a small tax basis for its marketing budget. Belize prides itself as "Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret" but this secret is too good to keep. Today Belize is affordable, its oceanfront is still available, and the environment is pristine with virgin rainforests and the world's second largest reef.
Belize has many advantages over its Latin and Caribbean neighbors. Once this tiny country is discovered your Caribbean dream may suddenly be out of reach. Some of Belize’s advantages include:
- English-Speaking – Only English-speaking country in Central America
- Green – Longest living reef in the world & world’s second longest reef overall
- Accessible – Only 2 hours from U.S. and new flights and airports in progress
- Path of Progress – Billions invested in Mayan Riviera from Cancun to Belize
- Peaceful – No war in over 200 years
- Banking – Strong privacy rights and no capital gains taxes
Within Belize, the Corozal district in Northern Belize has additional advantages. Corozal rests serenely along the Bay of Chetumal, safe from the harsh saltwater air of the islands and protected from tropical storms. Because Corozal is on the mainland the total cost of ownership is lower than the even the Belizean islands. Corozal is the sister city to Mexico’s capital of Cancun’s state. This affords access to excellent healthcare, restaurants, and shopping.
Word of mouth travels exponentially and Belize will soon be a well known destination. The best properties in Belize are still affordable but that will quickly change.
Real Estate in Belize sells for half the Caribbean average and that will likely change. Property values in Belize are low for the wrong reason – because the country has not been marketed. Belize has the smallest population in Central America (not a bad thing) and therefore a small tax basis for its marketing budget. Belize prides itself as "Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret" but this secret is too good to keep. Today Belize is affordable, its oceanfront is still available, and the environment is pristine with virgin rainforests and the world's second largest reef.
Belize has many advantages over its Latin and Caribbean neighbors. Once this tiny country is discovered your Caribbean dream may suddenly be out of reach. Some of Belize’s advantages include:
- English-Speaking – Only English-speaking country in Central America
- Green – Longest living reef in the world & world’s second longest reef overall
- Accessible – Only 2 hours from U.S. and new flights and airports in progress
- Path of Progress – Billions invested in Mayan Riviera from Cancun to Belize
- Peaceful – No war in over 200 years
- Banking – Strong privacy rights and no capital gains taxes
Word of mouth travels exponentially and Belize will soon be a well known destination. The best properties in Belize are still affordable but that will quickly change.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Best Places to Retire Abroad - Belize
The following excerpt is from this month's edition of AARP Magazine.
Let’s fast-forward to Belize’s unique appeal to U.S. retirees: It's the only south-of-the-border country whose official language is English. Until 1973 it was called British Honduras, and was a crown colony of the U.K.; it was granted full independence in 1981 (although Queen Elizabeth II is still head of state). Another goodie: It’s catching up to Panama and Costa Rica's retiree perks. Its Qualified Retired Persons program, known as the QRP, offers benefits and a fast track to residency status.
Squeezed between Mexico’s Yucatan coast and Guatemala to the south, sparsely populated Belize is a Central American paradise, with tropical jungle flora, endless white beaches, an aquamarine Caribbean sea, some of the world’s best reefs for snorkelers, fishing to die for, Mayan ruins, and even casinos. Most expats settle either on the largest island, Ambergris Caye, or in Corazol Town on the mainland’s northern tip. Ambergris Caye has the fancy restaurants and condos, including million-dollar properties. It can be as expensive as South Florida (Leonardo Di Caprio bought an island west of Ambergris Caye). The Corozal district, a few miles’ drive from the Mexican border, is far more affordable. Corozal expats live a laid-back life, with year-round outdoor play (boating, hiking, swimming, diving), but are still only 20 minutes from the malls and cineplexes of Chetumal, the capital of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
After many visits to Belize, Atlantans Walter and Terri Fisher, 55 and 49, built a "concrete ranch house" with a water view for $125,000, including the lot. "The house was finished in 2007," Walter reports. "Last year we sold our house in the States, got off the corporate treadmill, and moved here. I drove down in my truck on my own, and Terri—and five cats—flew down. We're completely happy, though it’s tough being this far from family."
A former educator who moved to Corozal from California, with two of her children three years ago said, "We looked at Nicaragua, but Belize had what we wanted—water all around. We bought a home with one-third of what we got for our house in the U.S. —and it’s three times as wonderful. I'm very blessed to be here."
Squeezed between Mexico’s Yucatan coast and Guatemala to the south, sparsely populated Belize is a Central American paradise, with tropical jungle flora, endless white beaches, an aquamarine Caribbean sea, some of the world’s best reefs for snorkelers, fishing to die for, Mayan ruins, and even casinos. Most expats settle either on the largest island, Ambergris Caye, or in Corazol Town on the mainland’s northern tip. Ambergris Caye has the fancy restaurants and condos, including million-dollar properties. It can be as expensive as South Florida (Leonardo Di Caprio bought an island west of Ambergris Caye). The Corozal district, a few miles’ drive from the Mexican border, is far more affordable. Corozal expats live a laid-back life, with year-round outdoor play (boating, hiking, swimming, diving), but are still only 20 minutes from the malls and cineplexes of Chetumal, the capital of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
After many visits to Belize, Atlantans Walter and Terri Fisher, 55 and 49, built a "concrete ranch house" with a water view for $125,000, including the lot. "The house was finished in 2007," Walter reports. "Last year we sold our house in the States, got off the corporate treadmill, and moved here. I drove down in my truck on my own, and Terri—and five cats—flew down. We're completely happy, though it’s tough being this far from family."
A former educator who moved to Corozal from California, with two of her children three years ago said, "We looked at Nicaragua, but Belize had what we wanted—water all around. We bought a home with one-third of what we got for our house in the U.S. —and it’s three times as wonderful. I'm very blessed to be here."
Friday, July 9, 2010
Tanager Construction
We broke ground on the Tanager for lot 54 this week.
The foundation rests on 25 foot piles.
This home will be 3 bedrooms.
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