Easy to focus on one thing.

I have just reminded myself that in fact, the building of our new home here in Belize is not the only purpose for this blog. It is an important aspect of it, but really, opening people’s eyes to what life is in Belize and both good and bad is the purpose. I want my readers to know what day-to-day life is like, what coming down here to vacation is like, and what you must do before making that decision to become an Expat. Once you do that, you need to know how and where to buy an existing home or build a new one and finding an ethical realtor, builder and what hoops you need to get it done.
Even as a new Expat, in the process of having my new home built, I do need a “release” now and then. After all, this is the beginning of my retirement “fun years,” so where’s the fun?
Over time I have watched and seen what many other Expats do in their day to day life, and many fall into the same old-same old, of having their name on their chair at one of the local “Expat Bars.” Yes, I can see how this can happen, especially if you are retired and don’t have some hobby or job. Of course, this often happens back in the states too, but especially living in a Caribbean Resort area, with beach bars makes it a little tougher to resist.

 Looked all over the Peninsula for one of these bases, got it from Mayan Pride at the Art Festival. Happy wife…Happy Life 😉

Myself, on the other hand, enjoy a different issue, I find myself working more and playing less. As a Freelance Travel Writer, sitting in my Cabana with Oliver, watching the house build, I find I have all this time to allow my digits to dance over the keyboard, that it consumes me.
Yes, my clients are ecstatic, as I have increased my articles, have accepted a new company specializing in Central America articles, and have gone nuts on the two fiction novels I’m writing
So, let me tell you about the fun weekend I just had, and the fun weekend is coming up shortly.
This past weekend was the Placencia Sidewalk Art Festival in the village. I had attended last year with my wife Marsha when we were here for the “Gathering.” This year I attended it all alone, but with a purpose. I intended to meet up with my friends here in Placencia, make new friends, and do a little shopping for the cabana, and my wife.
I accomplished all!

Meet the fishing boats at the Placencia dock for fresh fish and lobster

Now about the Spiny Lobster! If you have never experienced a delicacy, you are missing el mucho destination for your taste buds. I have always prided myself on being one with my New England Lobsters; even ordering them shipped overnight to the west coast after I moved there. And then I met “Spiny.”

 This is what 3 lbs.. of delicious fresh caught Spiny Lobster Tails looks like

They are sweet, delicate and satisfying, just like the love of your life should be, without the claws of course. And cook them on an open fire and OMG!

In preparation for the closed season, I visited our local fishermen on the Placencia Docks and “requisitioned” a few pounds for the freezer, to last me a while.

Cooked on my new drum charcoal barbecue, basted in butter, yummy Spiny Lobster Tail.
As the country prepares its taste buds for the end of the lobster season next week, I already find myself looking forward to the open season later this year, and the Placencia Lobsterfest June 23-25th. This year could be big because, for the first time in years, Caye Caulker has announced that they have canceled their 2017 Lobsterfest this year. So, only San Pedro and Placencia will enjoy a Lobsterfest this year, and lucky me…I live in greater Placencia.
For over 18 years there has been a Lobsterfest here in Placencia, and every year, the crowds grow with hungry, butter -slurping eaters. If you are planning or thinking about planning a visit to Belize this year, this is an excellent event to plan to visit and enjoy a seafood orgy! But I will warn you, start looking for a place to stay now, because you’ll be sleeping in the streets if you don’t.

 If this isn’t your view every morning, ask yourself..why not?

Hope to see ya at the festival this year. If not, make sure you hit the “Follow button” below, and read all about it.

Gary…The Pirate