The Mayan Civilization in Belize

Belize is blessed with an outstanding
archaeological heritage of Maya temples
and palaces. It is known that the Maya
occupation began as early as 1500 BC,
and although it began its decline in 900 AD,
some Maya cultural centers continued
to be occupied until contact with the
Spanish in the 1500's. During the Classic
Period (250 AD to 900 AD), the population
of Belize exceeded over one million people,
and it is believed that Belize was the heart
of the Maya civilization at that time.

Although large Maya cultural centers
no longer exist, there is still a significant Maya
population residing within many small villages.

For those who are interested in
archaeological sites, the Belize Institute
of Archaeology has committed to developing
locations which are easily accessible for the
casual tourist. This does not indicate the Institute's
total commitment to the vast archaeological
potential of Belize, but it does
allow visitors the opportunity to appreciate
Maya history, as well as to appreciate the
tremendous undertaking that is required
to restore the Maya Sites.

BEAUTIFUL BELIZE

Belize is located in the Northern Hemisphere, within Central America.

Belize is bounded on the North by Mexico, South and West by Guatemala, and the beautiful Caribbean Sea washes its 174 mile coastline to the East.

Geographically we're located between 15° 52' 9" and 18° 29' 55" North Latitude, and 87° 28" and 89° 13' 67" West Longitude with an area of 8,866 sq. miles including 266 sq. miles of islands.

SAN PEDRO BOAT PARADE

It was a magical night for San Pedro residents as Saturday night they were witnesses to the dramatic evening spectacle; a flotilla of decorated lighted vessels glided through the Caribbean Sea shore for the 3rd annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade. What could be more fun than celebrating the holidays and boating all at the same time? Every year, boaters and sight-seers of San Pedro participate in the holiday boat parade sponsored businesses on the island. After careful deliberation, it was no easy task for the judging panel as they had to choose winners of the night.

The parade kicked off north of downtown San Pedro in the Boca del Rio Area and made its way south to Coconuts Resort where they turned around and returned to the park for the awards ceremony. And, the winners of the night were: First place in the 15 foot to 18 foot powerboat went to #12 “Velie” captained by Milo Paz whilst second place went to #11 “Denise” captained by Wayne Alfaro Construction and Waterfront Realty. In the 26 foot to 34 foot powerboat category; fist place went to #7 North Ambergris Caye Neighborhood Watch (Search for Santa) captained by Harriette Fisher and Scott Harnish. A close second place went to #1 ‘Island Waves’ which was captained by Alex Chan of Extreme Adventures. First place in the 35 foot powerboat category went to #6 Sueño del Mar (Reindeer) which was captained by Jesus and Kevin whilst second went to #10 “Ecologic 1” captained by the crew at Ecologic Divers. For the only Sail Boat that entered the competition, George Eiley’s “Rum Punch” took that prize. In the Catamaran category, #15 ‘Escape” of Searious Adventures took first place honors whilst #14 “Dios da Vida” of Reef Radio and Ambergris Divers took second. Other prizes for Junior Division in schools went to “Outreach” of Holy Cross; “Escape” of Searious Adventures took Most Artistic; Best Religious went to “Outreach” of Holy Cross; Best Overall Boat went to Reef Radio’s and Ambergris Divers “Dios da Vida”, whilst a new addition of “try harder next year’ went to #8 ‘No Rush’ by the 4C Class of the San Pedro High School. Finally, the Mayor’s Trophy went to “Outreach” of Holy Cross. Boats were decorated with dazzling lights and some even carried elaborate displays representing their chosen theme, like Santa and reindeers, to dolphins and palm trees. Spreading the holiday cheer as trophy sponsors were: Dalia’s Store, Lily’s Treasure Chest, Funtasea Jungle Tours, Nasser Grocery Store, Blue Water Grill, Julie Babcock of Caye Casa, and Gil Carlson of Re/Max Isla Bonita.

After the spectacle, land-lubbers and party goers joined DJ Debbie at the Central Park in anticipation of the results. Children also had the opportunity to take a picture with Santa who was on hand to spread the cheer at the Saga Humane fundraiser booth. Other booths included the sale of the new and exciting Belizean produced calendar called “Belizean Cocktails,” as well as the official boat parade t-shirts.

While the idea might be fairly new to some of us, this tradition has been around for three years now. It took the planning committee months to prepare for the event that provided twice the sparkle of the season as twinkling lights reflected on the sea. The Christmas Boat Parade, which has been hailed as one of the top holiday happenings in the nation, was truly a magical memory to jumpstart the Christmas season. Happy Holidays to all!!

SAN PEDRO SUN

MSNBC VIDEO ON TODAY SHOW!

Your turn! Go to the Ends of the Earth Got the travel bug? Follow in Matt, Meredith, Ann and Al's footsteps

By Mark Orwoll

TODAY

Matt, Meredith, Ann and Al went to the Ends of the Earth with full crews so they could share their experiences with you. But if their trips have inspired you to do some globe-trotting of your own, you can follow in their footsteps: Mark Orwoll, senior consulting editor of Travel + Leisure magazine, offers tip on how to plan your own vacation to Belize, Iceland, Australia and Mount Kilimanjaro.

BELIZE

Getting there
There are nonstop flights from Dallas, Houston and Miami to Belize City Airport, where you can rent a car (Budget, National, etc.). From New York, airfare now is just under $600. From Chicago, just under $700.

When to go
From November to April, the weather is perfect. You’ll probably want to avoid the wet season, from June to October.

Know before you go
No special vaccinations are required, but be sure your routine shots are up-to-date. Malaria is a slight risk. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention suggests travelers take the anti-malarial chloroquine. Or you can choose to use a bug repellent containing DEET, and in the jungle wear lightweight pants and long-sleeved shirts.

There are few public telephones along the highways, so be sure to pack an international phone or rent a cell phone at the airport in Belize City.

What to see and do
You’ll want to stay in Ambergris Caye, a laid-back island just off the coast from Belize City, with a nice selection of hotels. The Victoria House, a luxury resort there and part of the T+L 500, has rates as low as $155 a night and close to the island’s main town, San Pedro, where you’ll find dive operators to take you to the area’s top attractions: the Blue Hole and Shark-Ray Alley.

• The Blue Hole: Experienced divers shouldn’t miss a day trip to the famous Blue Hole, a nearly perfectly round sinkhole that's 1,000 feet in diameter and some 400 feet deep. You can do a day trip for around $250, including breakfast and lunch and scuba equipment.
  

• Hol Chan and Shark-Ray Alley Marine Reserve: A little closer to Ambergris Cay is a marine reserve called Hol Chan. Its highlight is a cut through the barrier reef, just 25 yards wide and 30 feet deep. As such it attracts an abundance of sea life traveling from the oceanside to the landside of the reef. That in turn has brought divers to this spot, making it one of the most popular dive sites in Belize. You will see an incredible amount of sea life, including nurse sharks and sting rays. Dive trips from Ambergris Cay cost as little as U.S. $50, including your equipment

On the chocolate trail in Belize

By Joshua Berman

updated 12:00 p.m. CT, Wed., Oct. 15, 2008

Belize's remote southern Toledo region doesn't make it onto many tourist itineraries, but it was at the top of mine this summer. The guidebook I write was due for an update, and I was eager to check out reports of chocolate tours and hands-on lessons offered at farms spread across Toledo's lush hills and valleys. My wife and mother-in-law didn't take much persuading.

In San Felipe, a village of about 65 homes, we meet up with Cyrila Cho, whose family has been farming chocolate for generations. She quickly disappears among the cacao trees and emerges with an oblong yellow pod from a trunk. She splits it open with the whack of a club and presents me with the goo-covered seeds. I imitate her by removing one, placing it in my mouth, sucking off the sweet-tart pulp, then spitting the seed to the ground. The pulp doesn't taste at all like chocolate, which is made from the seed.

Cyrila leads us into her cramped concrete kitchen, where a pile of dried, roasted, and peeled cacao beans lies on an old grinding stone. "With this matate I raised six children," she says, as she leans into the stone with all her weight. The beans shatter and mix with the wild vanilla, allspice, and sugar she has added. A savory odor lingers in the air.