Caye Caulker on HGTV in Belize !!

Filming of HGTV on Caye Caulker with the Dolls !

Well it happened ! MAYA- CRYSTAL and LITTLE BIT got to work for 2 weeks filing TWO HGTV shows in Belize on the island of Caye CaulKER!

We learned that CUT meant stop filming.

We learned that Caye Caulker is post card perfect !

We learned how to Say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Polish - thanks to our all Polish film crew! 

(YES, THAT'S RIGHT ! The crew flew from Poland for the filming of the Premiere show is Beaches Around the World for HGTV !)

We learned that Caye Caulker is full of charming characters.

We learned that an Eagle Ray can FLY out of the water !

We learned that a drone does not fly in all areas.

We learned that the EXPATS that live on the island, are very diverse and FUN folks !

We learned that the sunrises and sunsets are EVENTS on the island !

We learned that out Grandma has alot of patience and loves helping people find their perfect home location !

From one piece of heaven in the jungles to the island of Caye Caulker- we have determined Belize is for us !!

Here are some photos of our FILMING debut !

Enjoy !! 

TILL OUR BEXT ADVENTURE !!

MAYA AND CRYSTAL – Road (and Lifestyle!) Rescue in BELIZE

MAYA AND CRYSTAL – Road (and Lifestyle!) Rescue in BELIZE

Recently, Maya and Crystal tagged along with GrandMom.  She was showing real estate in SAN IGNACIO  BELIZE to visiting clients from the U.S.   The dolls’ shrieked when they spotted a car in trouble.  They both cried out, “That car needs help!”   GrandMom pulled to a stop.   The car had stalled trying to cross a bridge.  There is no Triple A service in Belize.  Maya and Crystal wondered what would happen now! 

GrandMom calmly reassured them.  “Not to worry!  BELIZE may not have Triple A membership available (yet), but it has something even better to offer.  It’s very old fashioned and existed long before Triple A existed.   It’s free and comes with a warm personal touch.  Can you guess what it is?”

Maya and Crystal wondered what she was talking about! 

“It’s called – A HELPING HAND!  Look at those men approaching the car.  They will help the driver and get him and his car out of trouble.  And they’ll stay until the job is done.  Here in Belize, we depend on each other.  We help each other out when something goes wrong.   It’s the neighborly thing to do.  That’s how it used to be in the U.S.   Once upon a time, families knew their neighbors.  They could always be counted on to help out, no matter what happened.  It was a community way of life – and it still is here in Belize!”

GrandMom explained how many families from America and elsewhere are now looking to RELOCATE TO BELIZE.  They want less stress and more quality of life.  Parents are tired of feeling alone and isolated in urban/suburban America as they rush about.  It’s too hectic.  Working, chauffeuring the kids and getting errands done drains parents.  Next thing they know, they have high blood pressure!   

In addition, many families there don’t have time for each other or to even walk the dog.  

If they ever sit down to a meal together, they whip out their cell phones.  You can go to restaurants and see the same thing.  That’s why there are more families than ever seeking a healthier, more sane and sensible way of life in Belize! 

The dolls were thoughtful.  “You know, it’s really nice here, GrandMom.  We get to talk and do things with you here in Belize.  You’re busy, but you still have time for us.  We get to enjoy each other!”

“That’s exactly what my clients said they want,” replied GrandMom.  

People are all the same all over the world, we want people who want to spend time with us. In Belize, we enjoy this gift !

MAYA AND CRYSTAL - Annual Canoe Race in BELIZE- La Ruta Maya

“Row, row, row your boat” Maya and Crystal sang out happily as they skipped along the river bank. They had
arrived early with GrandMom at the ANNUAL LA RUTA MAYA CANOE RACE IN BELIZE. “It’s named after me!”
gasped Maya. She was quite overcome!
“Well, not exactly, but it’s nice that you and the race share such a lovely name,” smiled GrandMom. “It’s a terrific event. A very good time is had by all!”

Friends of GrandMom’s had come along with them too. Javier Gutierrez is a KW (KELLER WILLIAMS) BELIZE agent.
“He’s going to be very busy, since he’s one of the MC’s of the whole event. He enjoys this task!
Javier has been a friend of your Mommy and mine since before we moved to Belize !
( he is the one on the right )

My friend Pandy is well known. He created the popular, long running PANDY SHOW here
for kids.  Pandy has a very kind heart, and is always out in our community filming coverage of our local events !
He’s very interested in your reaction to it, and says you should give him suggestions!”
( he is on the left)

“My friend, Marcus , is a professor at SACRED HEART SCHOOL IN BELIZE which my daughter Chiara attended also. This school was was founded in 1960 and is highly rated. ( your Mommy went to this school when Grandmom moved to Belize in 2004.)
Here is a video of him helping push a car off the bridge that stopped running ( people here in Belize tend to be helpful, and yes, Marcus is often times barefoot !)

Here is a video you can watch of the Crowds cheering on a crew that got stuck on the bridge, soon after they took off ! POOR THINGS !

Marcus also runs the PARROTS’ NEST LODGE IN BELIZE. It’s set in a jungle environment with a fabulous cuisine.”

The dolls whispered to each other how GrandMom seems to know everyone wherever she goes – and they know her too!
Here are two videos of when a Canoe got STUCK !

It’s obvious how popular the La Ruta Maya Race is in Belize. Once a year, people gather on the riverbanks to see the paddlers set off. It’s very exciting as the teams begin their journey on the Belize River. The festive departure always includes a local marimba band, lots of encouragement, and hearty shouts of good luck.

The race is a 170 mile endurance contest, the longest one of its kind in Central America. It’s spread over 4 days.
Anyone can enter! Three person groups of professional and amateur paddlers from Belize, the USA, Canada, Japan, the U.K. and other countries participate. The race is challenging. There are rapids as well as shallow areas to maneuver, where paddlers have to carry their canoes overland. Some teams take winning seriously.
Others are there to have fun and enjoy themselves. All are welcome!

Everyone has a favorite team and that includes Maya and Crystal. They were hoarse from cheering! The next day, Maya and Crystal approached GrandMom. She saw them coming and knew what was up. I can tell from your expression what you’re going to say,” she smiled. “Ok, it’s a deal. Next year we are going to enter this race together!”
“Yay,” shouted the dolls. “I know we can do it, GrandMom!”
“We’ve got plenty of spirit, for sure,” she winked. “But I think we better start our workout tomorrow and then find a canoe!”

Next year, everyone is urged to come watch GrandMom and the dolls paddle their way into history in the race!”

MAYA / Drumming in BELIZE

MAYA / Drumming in BELIZE

Maya and GrandMom were visiting The Spindrift Hotel in San Pedro BELIZE. Yami (or Yummy as Maya
calls her), the owner, is a friend. Some buddies of Grand-mom's were drumming on the back porch in the warm afternoon sun.

“Yay, more drumming!” shouted Maya. She was perched on the lap of one of Grand-mom's friends.

GrandMom knew these young men were a bit surprised to have a doll come to visit. But they were all
very polite and entertained her. They even serenaded Maya with a special Belizean song!
Grandmom was impressed. “Wow, you are a fortunate little doll to enjoy such hospitality.”
Maya loves how friendly everyone is in Belize. She likes all the smiles and waves. And English is the
official language! Its been so easy to fit in! She especially loves to go visiting with GrandMom. In Belize, this is still a way of life. It’s what people like to do. It is part of the easygoing lifestyle there that allows time with family, friends, and neighbors. And dolls! There’s time to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and lots of holidays. There are always colorful parades, gala festivals, and cheerful picnics to attend together.
Maya says, “I think friendliness is one of the very best things about Belize!”
GrandMom agrees.

She also points out there’s plenty of modern technology readily available too. Wifi and cell phones keep everybody happy and connected. But it’s all kept in perspective. The emphasis in Belize remains on the personal touch – person to person, neighbor to neighbor – and doll to doll!
Maya texted GrandMom’s granddaughters back in the States. “Girls, everyone here is so welcoming.
They all want to meet you. When GrandMom brings you to Belize, they are going to have a garden tea party in your honor. Then she added, “And I know you will love being serenaded!”

Later, Maya said, “GrandMom, there’s a lot of magical things that happen everyday here in Belize.
Like, being serenaded! Now I want to make some magic of my own. I want to give some back!”
Maya had an idea. “Can we go to Yummy’s hotel tomorrow. I like to sing, and I want to serenade
everyone on the porch!”
GrandMom smiled. “That is going to be a special magic no one will ever forget!”

MAYA / Slap Slap (BELIZE)

Slap, slap. Maya, the visiting doll, was startled. “What is that noise,” she wondered nervously. She and
GrandMom were at the house of a friend in Belize. The slaps came from the kitchen. Slap, slap. Maya
braced herself and peeked through the door.
“Aha!” she exclaimed with relief. Grandmom was in there slapping dough around hard on the counter.
“Are you mad at somebody?” Maya asked. Grandmom chuckled, “Not at all, Maya. I’m so happy to be
making one of my favorite kinds of food. I am making PUPUSAS.”
Maya was confused. “Making what?” she asked.

Grandmom explained how she had been raised in the U.S. by her three beloved Salvadorian nannies, Josephina, Dinorah and Vicky.
Because of them, Spanish had been her first language. The nannies had also introduced her to their
native pupusas.
“They are a Salvadorian food offering,” she explained. “And so yummy! I love them and am always in
search of them wherever I go. And oh, how I love the sound of hands slapping the masa (dough). It
takes me back to my childhood.” GrandMom had a dreamy look on her face as she chatted and slapped.

Pupusas are thick corn tortillas stuffed with a filling. They are served with cabbage and tomato sauce.
Pupusas are very popular in many places around the world where Salvadorians have moved.
“You work the dough,” said GrandMom. Maya put on a tiny apron and applied tiny slaps to a small
mound of dough. Ooop, splat– it landed on the floor!
“Ooh, this is fun,” laughed Maya. “The girls would love to do this! Can we slap dough and make
pupusas when we go home?” “Oh yes,” grinned GrandMom.

The next day GrandMom took Maya to a restaurant in Ambergris Caye called La Divina Providencia Store and Cafeteria . They ordered pupusas for dinner. Later, Maya got to watch
the cooks prepare their dough.

“I wonder which filling the girls would choose,” said Maya. “Cheese, chicken, pork, pumpkin or beans. I
tasted a bite of them all, and they’re so delicious. I sure am full!”
“Maya, I’m stuffed, but you’re making me want more pupusas,” exclaimed GrandMom.
We’re coming back to La Divina tomorrow for more!”

Here is an interview for Belize talk radio that  GrandMom did with another Pupusa restaurant Owner in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Belize, when visiting with clients who brought a condo thru her in Belize.

Mappy Drippy Buckets of Belize

MAYA / Drippy buckets of Belize

Maya, the travelling doll, is intrigued. She is visiting the town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in Belize
with GrandMom. This island is uniquely located. It faces the great barrier reef of Belize, the second
largest in the world. Everything in this tropical paradise sparkles in the bright sunlight. Maya loves
sparkles. It’s a perfect day for her!
She and GrandMom called on a friend, Kate of Keller Williams Belize .

Maya noticed something in the corner of a wall outside. Of course, she knew what it was. She knows a drippy bucket when she sees one! A pipe was leaking.

 But this bucket also had a plain, everyday plastic cup added to it to make it even more efficient.

Maya thought about how, if something goes wrong in Belize, no one gets upset. If something isn’t
working in the kitchen or a part goes missing from an appliance, everyone stays calm. That’s because
people in Belize are very good at finding a temporary fix for anything that needs fixing. They are quite ingenious at coming up with an alternate solution until proper repairs can be made.
Maya giggled. “Girls, it was just like the bucket GrandMom used when she got a leak in the roof of her house in the U.S. This bucket with a cup is really good at collecting leaky drips. You know, GrandMom, this is a very good idea if the pipes leak at your house.”
“You are right, Maya,” said GrandMom with a smile.
She was secretly hoping that day would never
come! “I’ll remember that.”

Maya thought about this. “You know, people aren’t so different, are they. I bet everyone everywhere
puts a bucket or some kind of container under a leak. They all do the same thing.”
GrandMom chuckled, “You are wise, Maya , and learning a lot here. I agree with you that people aren’t so different from each other, after all.” Maya grinned and said, “Especially if they have leaks!”

Golden Globes in Belize

GOLDEN GLOBES

“Hi, girls!”  Maya, the traveling doll, did a pirouette on the youtube video to show off her fancy black ball gown. She wanted GrandMom’s granddaughters back in the States to see it. 

“We  have been very busy.  Your GrandMom took me out in my black dress, and she wore one too.  We went everywhere on the island.   We spoke to women and girls about standing up for themselves.  We urged them to use their voices loud and strong to say NO MORE to any kind of female harassment.  This is a very important message!”

“GrandMom dressed me in black everyday to show our support for TIME’S UP.  Yes, TIME’s UP for all harassment of women!   A real movie star named Reese Witherspoon started this movement.  She asked women entertainers going to the 2018 GOLDEN GLOBES to stick together and dress in black.  They did – they dressed just like me!”

GrandMom was proud to see that Maya stood tall everywhere in her dress, even though she is very small.  Maya felt proud to be at GrandMom’s side supporting the rights of women and girls.”

GrandMom has a special message for her young granddaughters.  She says, “My little angels, please remember, it is never allowed that anyone harass you or touch you – ever.  And when YOU USE YOUR VOICE TO SPEAK UP for yourselves, you show others how to do it too.  Never forget you are strong, and your voice always matters!” 

Maya enjoys being a visitor in Belize.  But she has learned she can be more than that.  She can speak up alongside GrandMom and help make a difference for women and girls – wherever she goes.   She and GrandMom are a team now to support women’s rights and that feels very good.  Maya also likes being a positive role model for GrandMom’s granddaughters!  And her black dress is now her very favorite!

Southwest Airlines to Belize

Oh my! “Bye, everybody, I’m off to BELIZE!” This was Maya’s first trip out of the country. She

was very excited! Maya is the doll belonging to the granddaughter of Macarena Rose. She is

going with GrandMom to share her journey as she travels through BELIZE on business. She’ll be

able to ask all the questions she wants, because the OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH. Then

Maya can tell the kids and other dolls back home all about her adventures!

 Southwest Airlines has 2 hour direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Dallas, Texas to BELIZE. Maya was very proud of her shiny new PASSPORT. This is a special document that everyone must have to

travel from the U.S. to other countries. It identifies them as a U.S. citizen. Maya really liked the

VISA stamp used on her passport too. It showed her destination. She likes to stamp things and

wanted to stamp everyone’s passport! 

Maya got a special welcome on the plane. She was invited by the flight crew to visit the cockpit.

This is where the Captain and First Officer sit to fly the airplane. They showed her the

instrument panel with all the flight controls. Wow! Maya even got to have her picture taken.

Then the Captain gave her silver wings to pin on her dress. She felt very honored to have this

souvenir!

GrandMom had reminded Maya to bring snacks. She loves pretzels and gobbled them up. Then

Maya was ready to nap on GrandMom’s lap.

 When passengers arrive in BELIZE, they have to fill out a CUSTOMS DECLARATION. This is a list

of what they’re bringing into the country. Maya does not have 10 USD (U.S. Dollars) with her, so

she won’t have to do that. LOL! Oh look, Maya is at the window pointing out BELIZE in the distance. This magic exploration of BELIZE is about to begin!