Thanksgiving, Belizean style

Today was a bit of an unusual Thanksgiving.  Belize doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, but we are lucky to be included in the big Thanksgiving meal Daniel's school hosts for the American volunteers every year.  Normally there is roast chicken or turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, salad, pie-- the traditional stuff.  Everyone contributes a side or desert, and everyone stuffs themselves to the brim.  This year, for some unknown reason, we had barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, and baked beans.  While I am quite thankful for a nice meal that I did not have to cook or clean up after, I now need to make stuffing this weekend to fill the Thanksgiving stuffing hole in my psyche.

BBQ

The babes brought his own seat.  He travels with staff and accessories.

My contribution today was cupcakes.  I like to stick to a few desserts that I do well.  I've never made a pie, but I've got cupcakes with delicious frosting that doesn't melt in the heat (KEY) down pat.
I added some festive sprinkles to make them Thanksgiving-y though.

Pinterest says you can dye sugar to make sprinkles.  This kinda worked, but not really well, fyi.

Grace from Camp Patton is doing a what-did-you-wear for Thanksgiving link up, which I decided would be fun to participate in.  However, when it came to the actual picture-time things got a bit complicated.  My husband was confused (you want me to take a picture? of you? and your shoes? right now??) and the baby decided that moment was a good time to throw a fit because those rocks over there needed to be in his mouth, dang it, so let him go!  Hence the very odd leg position and sun squint.
 

Outfit:

top: thrifted dress tucked into my jeans

jeans: old navy

shoes: Born

bottle: gerber baby (high fashion)

Happy Thanksgiving!

one day

A lot has changed in my days since the last time I did a day in the life post.   A link-up on Hollywood Housewife  inspired me to carry my camera with me, and document all the ordinary things that I see.  I love reading about other people's routines,  head over to her post of you would like a glimpse of other days-in-the-lives

****

1. discarded diaper  2. what the table always looks like now  3. in-house fashion consultant

1. sunny day  2. no paparazzi please  3. laundry lines

6:45-8am

able to sleep in a bit this morning as the baby is playing contently in his crib.  When the bottle banging on the crib rail gets insistent, take the baby down stairs and set him up in the pen with a bottle and some scattered cheerios. It’s sunny outside after 3 days of rain, so I start a wash.

Quickly check email, and hear a curious squelchy sound.   The baby has removed his diaper and tossed it.

1. sleep  2. lists by us, bite by destruct-o-baby  3. beans

8-11 

Put on beans for dinner (eventually will be chili), do dishes, have chocolate-banana shake for breakfast, rinse baby off after he experiments with eating baby powder,  take out trash, hang out laundry, clean up spilt milk, put baby down for nap, finally bathe and get dressed, sweep, pick up house, sit.

1. BEANS!!   2. car distraction  3. chocolate fail

11-12:00 

Baby wakes up.  Feed beans to baby (the only thing he’s guaranteed to eat right now), get things together for road trip, wipe down and dress baby, get out of house! A little nervous about running errands in Spanish Lookout, cause it is farther than I have ever driven by myself with the baby.  Fingers crossed!

12:45-2:30 

Arrive at Spanish Lookout with only about 10 minutes of whining/crying.  Stores are closed for lunchtime, so buy some snacks and have a car picnic.

Realize chocolate bribe-cookies  + warm baby hands was a bad idea.  Rookie mom fail.  Wipe down baby, quickly stop into store and get vanilla flavor. 

1. Lots of big machines around  2.  The main street  3. Feed mill

Spanish Lookout is probably the most developed community in the country.  It is the farming center of Belize, and mostly populated by Mennonites who have immigrated over the last 50 years or so.  It reminds me a lot of rural Pennsylvania, only with palm trees.  You can find most anything here.  Today  I stop at the tin smith, feed mill, agric supply store, and car parts store.  I'm the only woman at the car store, and I get a lot of funny looks.  

1. favorite stretch of highway  2. new grocery store  3. robbery

2:30-3:30

Heading home,  and decide to stop at a new grocery store.  Wipe vanilla cookie crumbs off the baby's hair, eyelashes, and back of neck before going in. This store is pretty clean and well stocked... and I even find some ginger ale, which is hard to come by and a huge treat.  Not a treat: stopping for gas.  $50.00 for 4 gallons of gas, enough to fill 1/4 of my tank.  

1. racing the rain  2. chasing the baby  3. Daniel is home

3:30-5
Rain is coming, race to get laundry in when I get home.  Put away groceries, and sit for a few minutes to drink my ginger ale.  Then start dinner while chasing a hysterically laughing baby in circles around the table.  Daniel comes home!

1. off to do chores  2. sunset  3.  sign for more food!

5-7
Daniel takes the baby in his carrier while he feeds the goats.  This is the highlight of the baby's day!  Then dinner.  We've taught the baby some sign language, and the most-used is "more." Still working on "please."  The baby gets a bath and a bottle, then off to bed a little early cause he is a bit cranky.  I put away leftovers, and wash the dishes.  

7-10
Sit down to edit pictures and check my email and google reader.  Maybe l will read a book later, although I don't have anything interesting lined up.  Then off to bed...

And to end, my favorite picture from the day, taken at sunset.

switch

The annual temperature drop has arrived.  It is my favorite time of year in Belize.  I can bake apple pies and pretend that it doesn't still get up to 85 degrees at noon, cause it was cool enough to wear a sweater for about an hour yesterday morning!  A few days ago I put a blanket on my bed, and today I switched out my warm clothes for my cool clothes.  This consisted of putting away my light pjs and taking out 1 pair of jeans, 2 long sleeve t's and a cardigan.  Then I looked at winter coats online at Old Navy for a while.  Ah, memories.  On the coldest day of the year here, a sweatshirt and a pair of socks works fine, but I can still dream about layering and mittens.  

little steps

Things have been a bit quiet on this blog because things have been quite busy at home.  We have a little guest who will be staying with us for a few months, and he has quite taken over.  Daniel and I call ourselves slave number one and slave number two.

Those of you who are friends with me on Facebook know a bit more about our situation, but for privacy reasons I won't be going into detail on the blog.   Instead, I will probably be talking about things like how a toddler who throws food + crawling + ants is a bad, bad combo.  This was not something that ever crossed my mind before.  My floors are cleaner then they have ever been, which is still not clean enough some days.   Most babies learn No! really quickly, this one will probably learn Ants! Ants! Move!!

the best dairy-free chocolate banana shake

It is quite an irony that I live on a dairy farm, with milk and fresh cheese available whenever I want, and I happen to be lactose intolerant.  When our goats are milking I am able to drink that milk (something about a broken-down form of lactose makes that possible) but we only milk them for 5 or so months at a time.  In between, I search for substitutes.  Soy milk is not a big thing here (and quite expensive when it can be found) and other products like almond milk have yet to be introduced.

 I was really excited when an experiment with coconut powder gave me the perfect milk substitute for smoothies and shakes.  The powder adds that creaminess which I love, but surprisingly there is not any coconut flavor.  The powder is also quite cheap; a pack costs about 80 cents and lasts several weeks.  The following recipe is the result of several weeks of experimenting to get the best texture and taste :)

dairy free chocolate banana shake (makes 1 shake)

1 ripe non-frozen banana
1 ripe frozen banana
2 tablespoons coconut powder
2 tablespoons chocolate drink powder (milo or nestle or whatever)
1/2 cup water

mix and blend!

NYC part 2: South St. Seaport and Sprinkles

Would it surprise anyone who knows me that I planned the heck out of our NYC trip?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  I'm a huge trip planner, and add in a short stay and not too much money and I went a little crazy.  Needless to say, it all went out the window the very first morning when my lovely husband slept in (and I let him cause he was tired) while I paced around mentally subtracting minutes from our Met visit.  I had to give myself a little attitude adjustment and force some calm, and move on.  Much to my delight we were able to do almost everything I had hoped, and discovered some new, unplanned, but absolutely wonderful places.

South Street Seaport was a really nice surprise.  We had made the trip to the tip of Manhattan to visit the Bodies exhibit (sooooo great, if you are in to science/ medicine/ coolness I can't recommend it enough) which is located in the Seaport.  It turns out that the Seaport would be a great destination in itself.  The area is pedestrian only, and there are bunches of charming shops and restaurants with old-fashioned architecture lining a cobbled street. Then heading out towards the water, you see this:

A maritime museum.  What a juxtaposition, it looks like the ship is going to plow into the skyscrapers, doesn't it?  Unfortunately the museum was closed.  Also unfortunately closed:  a learn-to-trapeze school (!!!).

Looking in the other direction, there is a wonderful view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

After soaking in the sites, we walked a few minutes down to pier 11. I had discovered in my research that a free-with-purchase ferry runs from the dock to Ikea Brooklyn.  Conveniently for us, they also run a free shuttle in Brooklyn from the store to a metro stop 2 blocks away from where we were staying.  So we headed over, taking the scenic route home.

Of course, at Ikea we had to take advantage of the crazy cheap Swedish meatball lunch :)

And now, let's talk about Sprinkle's cupcakes. My original itinerary had included a tour-du-cupcake stores of Manhattan.  Sadly, this (shamefully well planned and researched) tour had to be sacrificed in order to spend time with the family (Rough).  However, I did notice that one store was not that far from the Met, and was also kinda in the path we could take to catch a Metro home.  Also my sister said they were good.

Our walk took us down Fifth Avenue, right along Central Park.

a jazz concert on the steps of the met

Central Park squirrels

Me at Sprinkles, before I had actually tasted a cupcake.  The after picture would probably have been me, clinging with all my strength to the door while rooting through my purse, trying to scrape together as much cupcake money as possible.

Oooh my gosh, Sprinkle's cupcakes.  I got two (WHY?? I DON'T KNOW.  Uncharacteristic modesty in the face of baked goods.)  The dark chocolate cupcake was the best thing I have ever put in my mouth. My entire life.  It was so good, I only ate half, and slowly nibbled away at the rest over the next 2 days.  Is that pathetic or what??  Lets just say that in any future trips to NYC, Sprinkles cupcakes will be priority number one.

NYC, we will be back. Guard your cupcakes.

NYC visit: Metropolitan Museum of Art

 Last week we took a very quick trip up to NYC for my sister's wedding.  We were mainly there to visit with family and attend the wedding, but how can you be in New York and not take advantage of all the things there are to do?  Daniel and I took a few mornings to do a few fun things.  I knew I had to get to Metropolitan Museum of Art, if only to fill up my "culture and beauty" reservoirs for a bit longer.  I lured Daniel in with the promise of medieval armor.....

in front of a Tiffany mosaic

Initially when I researched the Met I was floored by the $25 US per person entrance fee.  But it turns out actually all that is required to enter is a donation of your choosing... which isn't very apparent on the Met's web site for obvious reasons.  I paid what I thought was a fair price, knowing we would only be able to stay for about 2 hours, and the ticket lady didn't even flicker an eye at the much smaller then recommended amount of cash I handed over.  I had also heard the exhibit on the Met's roof was worth checking out.  Since timed tickets were required, we headed up there first.

The sculpture is called Cloud City, and you can climb through. The floors and walls are either clear plexiglass or mirrors, which gives a slightly disorienting effect.  It only took a few minutes to walk through, and there weren't very many other people on the roof.  The weather was just perfect.

enough with this perfect-weather-perfect-skyline thing.  Find me some ARMOR.

Since we were working with limited time, we walked through the ground floor at quite a brisk pace, trying to take in as much as possible as quickly as possible.  Highly not ideal, but better then nothing.  We decided to  budget a little more time on the period rooms and medieval armor, but managed to take in the sculpture halls also.

same nose.

I was geeking out a bit at the absolutely perfect light in the sculpture halls....

Yay Armor!

incredible details

A L-shaped metal bar was welded on the back between the helmet and shoulders of this jousting armor, my theory is that it was to prevent the knight's head from being knocked off.  

Growing up in Belize, Daniel has not had many opportunities to visit museums like the Met.  I really enjoyed viewing exhibits with him, because vague history, so hard for him to relate, began to come alive.  He walked through the sumptuous period rooms from 1700 and 1800's Europe, and silently took in the idea that people had actually lived in these rooms with their glittering chandeliers, gold trimmed walls, and delicate silk-covered chairs.  He stood inches away from a marble statue, carved with perfection 2000 years ago.   When looking at a fabulously intricate metal medieval strong box, he turned to me and said, "I didn't know these things were real.  I thought they were just made up for movies."  Daniel has always been one not to take much stock in history, and always says it is better to remain focused on the present.  But walking through the Met, he commented that he wished his students could come and experience the rich collection of history.  It would open their eyes to the world.

Where a local eats in Cayo District

I have issues with guidebooks and sites like Tripadvisor that review local places to eat.  The guidebook writer probably ate one meal at the reviewed restaurant, and most online reviews are written by tourists who probably eat... one meal at the restaurant.  The highest rated places to eat around here pretty much cater strictly to tourists, and the prices and food quality reflect that.  If a restaurant only has to impress you once, they don't have to try very hard.  And $9 burritos?  You have got to be joking.  I wouldn't say you can expect gourmet cooking at any of the following places (if you are looking for gourmet restaurants you are in the wrong country), but you will get decent food at decent prices.

Benque and Succotz

1.     Benny’s kitchen

      We eat here a lot, because it is the only restaurant in Succotz.  The service and quality can be inconsistent, but when you hit a good day it’s well worth it. Stick with local specials such as rice and beans, or smaller items like tostitos and burritos.  The breakfast is serve all day, and is pretty consistently good.  Juices are freshly squeezed.  Avoid the pizza and burgers. 

2.     Xu’s chinese restaurant

Chinese restaurants are legion in Belize.  Randomly, the best thing to get at any one is probably a $5 plate of fried chicken.  This comes with large section of breast or thigh along with French fries and your yearly recommended dose of sodium.

3.     Panaderia la Gracias de Dios

Right up the street from the Catholic Church in Benque.  This has serve-yourself breads, pastries, and DONUTS.  My favorites are the spicy ham and cheese pastry and the custard-filled donut.  This place is seriously cheap too.  The only problem is the baking hours are kinda random.  I’ve gone in at 10am on a weekday, and they don’t have any stock because they haven’t started the day’s baking.  Well worth checking if you are in Benque.

4.     The BBQ stand across from the Catholic Church (no name as far as I know…)

They only BBQ on Friday, Sautrday and Sunday nights.  It is consistently  the best BBQ stand in the area.  A large piece of thigh or breast + a tortilla and beans = $5bz.

San Ignacio

1.     Sanny’s Grill

This place is hard to find, it is in a residential area outside of the center of town.  The menu is more varied than what you usually see, with interesting chicken and beef dishes.  The salad is good also.  Two caveats: it is only opened after 6pm, and it has a major mosquito problem.  Wear long pants.

2.     Hot Taco

A bit of a step up from the usual taco vendors, this place is clean with freshly made food and friendly service.  The food is more Americanized, but you get plenty for really cheap prices. The chocolate chip cookies are really good too.

3.     Mr Greedy’s

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this place.  It is pretty touristy, and has a sand floor (which ick, how do you clean it?)  But they have really good calzones.  For $12, you get a huge calzone with your choice of fillings.  The salads are pretty good too.

Belmopan

1.     Puccini’s

This place is pricey by local standards, but worth a splurge.  I’ve had their calzones and hot subs—really good.  My favorite is the chicken bacon ranch sub.  Also, sometimes they have root beer on tap (the only place in Belize I’ve found).

2.     The Calladium

Right across from the Bus station.  I usually stick with their chicken sandwich because the menu is a bit pricey.  But the food is good, and best of all there are CLEAN bathrooms.  If you are stuck at the bus station and desperate for a bathroom, go here instead of the absolutely filthy restrooms at the station.  You’ll have to buy something, but it’s well worth it.  Avoid the lunch hour if possible, lots of government workers eat here and it gets packed.  

Spanish Lookout

Midway gas station and diner

Ok, this is totally random.  The set up is downstairs is a gas station/ fast food bar/ convenience/ hardware store.  Upstairs is a variety store (with a pretty good selection of camping equipment and musical instruments—see what I mean about random?)  Separate and through glass doors upstairs (and AIRCONDITIONED) is the restaurant.  It is head and shoulders above any other place to eat in Spanish lookout (and actually better then most places in Cayo).  Large menu, reasonable prices, and CLEAN.  Last time we were there we split a massive chicken Caesar salad and a BBQ beef sandwich.  It can look a bit crowded, but there is more seating out of view around a corner.  

children's day

This morning was one of those mornings.  I went to San Ignacio to do an errand, and when I got there realized that the necessary paperwork was comfortably sitting on my kitchen table.  I ran a few other errands while I was there, and a feeling of foreboding started as I was walking through town.  "Hmm," I thought, "there are a lot of suspicious looking groups of people standing about.  I wonder if there is a parade today."

September in Belize is independence month... because one day just isn't enough.  Actually, several patriotic holidays are scattered throughout the month, and with holidays moving around to avoid weekends and new holidays being added, one can never be quite sure when one will run into a parade.  However, I was reasonably sure that today was not a holiday.  I drove home and back... and on my way back into San Ignacio ran into not one but THREE parades.  Luckily I was able to backtrack and take alternate roads, unlike some unlucky drivers who got quite stuck.

At the bank I enquired what the parades were for.  "Children's Day" was the answer.  Honestly I'm not entirely sure what the point of Children's Day is (when we were little and complained to my mom that there is mother's day and father's day but no children's day, she would reply, "every day is children's day.")  A Belizean parade is not as elaborate as many you see in the States, with a few floats or a band if you are lucky, but mostly people just walking together in the street. Today seemed to be school children walking (and bonking each other on the head with flags and screaming).   It was probably close to 90 degrees out, but it didn't seem to be fazing  the  kids.   For them it's probably one of their favorite days of the semester... cause any day not sitting in class is a good day, right?

someone lost their flag...

mini cadets started the parade.  very cute.

all schools have uniforms here, and each school has their own colors.

the sole drummers in the whole parade.  They were having a lot of fun.