Thursday, December 29, 2005
What the hell is going on
We went to Pook’s Hil Lodge where we hiked on the trails and did tubing on the river through the rainforest. The other days I was busy to fix my Dutch new website about Belize and talked a lot with Lenore on the phone. Thursday morning, it’s time to visit Chaa Creek Resort in Cayo. Friends of my parents are working there ask us to come by. It was also the morning that I had an upset lover on the phone. She didn’t sleep well and called Amsterdam again, they send my Police Record already on December 23 to the Embassy in Belize. With email, fax and DHL.
When you call them her they said yes we got an email but the papers are not there you must wait till next week. Lenore was so pissed off that she called the General Consul in Belize and she was agreeing with her statement. Hopefully we know more tomorrow even if they don’t do the Visa stuff.
One thing is for sure about this situation, IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Rib eye
I helped my mom wrapping presents for some kids (26), she always give them something on Christmas. I didn’t help her with all the cakes she made for friends; damn it’s a bakery here.
At 3pm I have an appointment with doctor Craig (not Greg) for a biopsy on my foot. Since March I have spots from insect, normally they go away in one Month but no these are still there. He did the job very professional so I went home again. My mom and I had a good idea; we go out for dinner at the Sibun Bite Restaurant what is next to The Old Belize Museum. My parents like the restaurant very much but we never tried the import Rib eye. The beef from Belize cows are terrible. My mom was so smart to order her Smoke Pork Chops plate. First the meat was not really warm, but ok this is Belize, they don’t know what steamers are. My steak was burned on the top and was done instead of medium. My father couldn’t eat the steak normal, the meat was stringy.
The poor guy who serve our food for this night, we where not nice to him but ok the food sucks.
Then the cook came, this is not import beef, yes sir you are right. But why is this standing on the menu. Tony’s food was not on the bill and mine was half priced. Conclusion of the day, never eat beef in Belize before you make sure it’s import.
On our way home we stopped at the Italian restaurant just one block before their home, they have delicious Ice-cream.
Of course we finish the night with Rum, mmm.
Saturday morning, I waked up at 6.30am, some idiot start to cut the grass at the neighbors. I put the pillow over my ears and sleep further till Lenore called. Till that time I think to start the day good, clean the floor of my room. Shower with a plastic bag around my foot and next what I should do is call Lenore.
In the afternoon its time to help my mom with backing bread, I bought one for them as a Christmas present. Only thing is that I didn’t have enough wrapping paper, so they got it already.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Christmas is coming soon
Well I hope that my Christmas gifts, which I send on the last moment, are there on time.
Love you much darling.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Things can change in hours
Well on thing was for sure, I couldn’t walk with my right feet, No Chaa Creek today, the Resort is in the jungle and you need to walk if you want to see some.
I wasn’t happy so Bep en I went to Universal Health Service today. Well I can tell you after the parties I know the docs better then before. So when I came in they told me that I danced to much this weekend. I went to doctor Hidalgo, he send me directly to the X-ray. Afterwards I told me to see doctor Sosha because he’s better with bones structure. The guy is a really busy man so we told him to come later back. He told me not be worried but take a rest and start in a few days walking for 40 minutes a day. No problem, there is enough to see here. In September I had also already contact with Doctor Greg, who is a dermatologist. I have since March spots from I think sand-flies, I got some creams what didn’t help so now he want to take a sample on Friday afternoon.
I though to do something else then rest but ok, that’s live.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Party time

She and a colleague of my father where busy for weeks to organize the party, invitations, food, drinks, chairs, tables, tent, DJ. We where suspect to come around 2pm, Tony was very surprised that there where +/- 100 people. Even the old prime minister came for the party, well Tony I know you have a lot of friends but I didn’t expect this.
Tony with all the lady'sFriday, December 16, 2005
Friday afternoon

My parents house
Yesterday Constance came over to my parent’s house; the lady is around 82 years and stayed overnight. Her daughter Ginny came from the States to visit her mom with Christmas. Constance is living in Cayo a two hour drive while my parents life 20 minutes from the international airport in Belize. 
Playground with Carribean Sea in the background
We chat a lot and start later the game Kolonisten from Catan. Other thing was that I moved to a smaller room for the night, so no internet connection. It’s not bad for a few days; I must enjoy my time and want to visit Ingrid next week in Hopkins. I don’t expect a phone call from the Embassy and other wise I can always drive or fly back quickly.
I know that Croc (a good friend from Ingrid) wants to visit Tobacco Caye next week, I have some information on my website but I never bin there.
The last few days I start always with a Dutch radio program named Somertijd, I like the program very much and try always to listening.
In the afternoon its time to help my mom to get the drinks for the weekend, my father has his 70th birthday and he expect a few friends from the Dutch group over here.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
That is love (including update)
Nice start to begin with but here is the whole story.
Yesterday My mom was so kind to drive with me around, so I have my medical record complete.
After dinner time and a nap it was time to fill in the paperwork, well I can tell you that this can mine profession later on. I don’t count anymore but for one thing it’s good, my memory. Questions like; where did you live and work the last 10 years. Don’t forget my educations.
Still it take three hours but ok, I was just finished for The Daily Show with John Stewart. For the people in the Netherlands, this is a talk show during the week and I like it very much. Lenore tried to get tickets last August when we visit New York, to see the show live.
This morning I was standing in line for the Embassy around 6.45am will the office get open at 8am. There where 9 people in front of me and later there where some people with an appointment. The Belizeans who came exactly for a Visitor Visa should thought what that white guy is doing here so early. I refuse the umbrella from my mom but oeps it starts to rain, I have a light jacket with me so that was easy. In front of me there was a lady who had an umbrella, so I stand close to her. The Security check opens and I got closer where the sign was, Visitors Visa between 8-10am and Immigration Visa between 1-3.30pm. Damn I’m too early, it was my time to get in the small building and talk to the friendly guys. The best time to get back is around 12.
I called my mom while is walking, along the boulevard where all the busses where waiting for the tourists what should come from the two cruise ships. I can’t complain, walking in the Carribean with a little rain while the sun tries to get through the clouds.
Here is the update, all the papers where alright, the only thing what we missing is the Police Record. I think this must be Murphy’s Law.
The ladies from the Embassy were at least friendly, and ask her colleague in the Netherlands if she send it already. Mmm I try to call the same lady tomorrow and see what happens. Or must I call my government if they can do it quicker. Please can I see with Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Phone call
My mom and I drove downtown, I went inside while she was waiting. There where a lot of people waiting but lucky me that I had the name from the nice woman. Next stop for pass photo’s, with a small digital camera he make the right shot for the 2 by 2 inches photo. At the time I get out there was a police man writing a parking ticket for the car who was parking behind us. Damn, my mom told me to drive so I have that ticket. Cost BZ$ 25,-
After paying the bill at the office we went to Doctor Mendez; she was on the list from the Embassy. She gives me the note for the blood test and the X-ray. The blood test was done in a few minutes and I can pickup the results in an hour. Next stop X-ray, there where a lot of people waiting. I get an appointment for 12.30pm.
Between the hectic, my mom and I have time to stop at Neal’s house. He’s an old drive from my dad who had a big car crash 9 years ago. He’s still not the same but I visit him every time when I’m in Belize.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Arriving Belize
I had a great birthday party, after two hours of sleep it was time to travel to Düsseldorf in Germany. It was also the first time in my life that I flied first class; well it was my birthday why not.
Don’t get use to it, they spoiled me on the trip to Cancun. After a taxi ride to Playa Del Carmen it was time to travel by bus during the night. I slept almost the whole time so that was perfect.
I arrived in Chetumal on the border of Mexico/Belize and get contact with a German guy named Michael. Very nice person and we decide to travel together, our destination Belize City where I drop him on the bus later. Our language was a mix between Dutch, German and English.
Arriving at Park Avenue was really easy, the bus stopped almost in front of the street where my mom was waiting with her dogs Spot and Slimpy. After a couple of Heinekens and Red wine it was time for me to take a quick nap. My mom and Michael went around Belize City and later on it was time to drop him on the bus to Dangriga where he want to stay a few days.
In the evening, after finishing my email to my Dutch friends it was time for dinner at the Old Belize Restaurant. My dads favorite place; good food and not far away. I was so tired afterwards that I went directly to bed and just get up at 8am the next morning. In the morning it was time to talk with Lenore and take a shower. I went with my dad to Universal Health Service where I met his colleagues again.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Busy week
Monday morning, Gertie came to help me with the boxes what I should send to Oakland; we took them to the transport station and went for lunch. Gertie went home while I visit some wholesalers, and took a toilet seat with me for Danny and Isabel. I had also an appointment with Eveline who cut my hair; now I’m looking the same as at the pictures. In the evening it was time to drive first to the supermarket and later to Danny. Cheese fondue was on the menu before we start playing Kolonisten and of course I install the toilet seat.
Today it was hurry up, first to Merten. It’s a company who makes switches and domotica (intelligent switching). I get a course about the domitica; he tuned the program on my computer and showed me what I can do. In the afternoon it was time to visit the Electra Expo, talked with a lot of manufacturers. Then a birthday party from Monique, I was so tired that I went home in 40 minutes.
Now it’s time to jump in my bed.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Last Sunday here
Friday was the last day on the office,
Saturday was the last day that I was working in Gerco and Judith’s house,
Saturday was also the last Sinterklaas party in the Netherlands with my friends,
Sunday is the first day of the week (last week) in this house.
Anyway, I don’t want to think about this and had yesterday a perfect Sinterklaas evening with some of my friends. Everybody took a name few months ago, problem for me was that I got Yannick´s wife Hester. I know that she’s a very nice lady; she’s creative and likes Rosé. I ask Karin what to buy because I didn’t have any idea. So Wednesday night I went downtown for shopping, before I could buy anything for her I saw an apple store. Oeps I have buy some connection wires for my I-pod. But finally I found a store with nice candles and a bowl, me and another guy where standing next to each other for 20 minutes to get the best results. Pfff the present is ok but now the difficult things, make a surprise and a poem. Well lucky me that I went to Gerco and Judith so they came up with some more idea and make both on Saturday afternoon before I went to party.


Sam
I was a really good party; first the two kids start to pack out their presents. Luka and Sam where busy with it. After 15 minutes to go around with the presents and the surprise.

Karin draw me and had a really good poem about me, you good see that she is one of the people who’s following the Blog every day. The nice thing I got was a towel and some work gloves for my hot tub. Karin got a really good poem about her trip to Kenya but of course every poem and present where top. 

It’s time to take a shower and pick up Marloes and Vincent; I think this is the hard part of the week or better from the several years. Say your kid’s goodbye and hoping that they visit us soon in the US. Marloes traveled already a few times with the plane but Vincent did it only one time when he was a baby. They can come on the direct flight with KLM.
I want to make a nice day from them and buy some presents today and stop at the Greek restaurant for dinner.
I hope I get the time this week to see them more and hopefully also on my party on Friday night.
Oeps, I'm think that I was dreaming. Yannick was the person behind my surprise.
Thanks Karin that you nothis.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Waking up with ...
The government send my papers to the Embassy in Amsterdam instead of Belize City, then you think well go to Amsterdam.Wrong I can’t do it, the people in Amsterdam must send it to Belize City. Well I’m glad that I didn’t buy a ticket to Oakland yet.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Short message
Karin is LTU minded and old me that the service is very good, she was also so friendly to show me the page with the cost from the flight. It was cheaper then Martinair and ArkeFly; they heave also one way tickets with normal prices. Danny and Isabel told me to go even if they must clean there house on there own.
After I came home, I talked to my mom and chat with my brother Wilbert. He is so kind to bring me to the airport in Düsseldorf, even after my party and also on my birthday. I looked again online and there where only a few seats left so I bought the ticket. Now it’s real, my parents are picking me up on the border so the travel thing is perfect.
Tomorrow I call the people who send me the estimate about the shipping so that my stuff is there around the second week of January 2006.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Lazy Sunday
Should I take an earlier flight or not, Arke fly has a nice last minute on my birthday.
Problem is three things; I have my own party on Friday and on Saturday night a 10 years anniversary from the Climbing hall. The third is time from that last minute flight, Saturday morning around 11am. I don’t want to think about and wait one week more before I decide what to do.
Nice thing was last night that Lenore just finished her work and talked a little with my lover.
This morning I start the day a little earlier, I want to pick up the kids on the normal time. On my way back Marloes and Vincent stepped a few times out of the car to push me through the snow.

After several games of Kolonisten Vincent ask me to make a snow pop, we went in the garden and make a nice one. After I brought the kids back it was time for me to check the boxes what I want to send to Lenore. Everything is finish now so I can’t wait till the people with the estimate call me.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Snow, snow and snow,
The streets are still dirty or the snow is packed on the side so that you can’t park.
First thing I did was looking on my street and yes it was white, people try to push the car.
But there was too much ice on the street. The big streets are almost clean but the busses are not driving. In a town further they still don’t have power and there where no traffic jams after 6am this morning.
First to the shopping mall with my backpack, I came back and found out that there was more tolerance on the street; we all have the same problem. I cleaned with my neighbors our parking space and warmed up the glùhwein. With my neighbors I had a good afternoon and after drinking the second bottle it was time to go home and cook. The news is almost starting and sees how terrible it still is.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Let it snow
I know that they don’t clean this way but ok, I want to drive home. Normal time 40 minutes now it took almost 3 hours. Still I’m lucky when I hear that people are blocked on the highway since the morning. The problem to park my car in the street was the next problem; I cleaned the parking place before I could get him in the right way. Tomorrow is the next problem, how can I drive away.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
What a day
This morning the alarm clock went of at 5.30am, 40 minutes later Lenore and I start the car to drive to Schiphol airport. Normally it takes 2 hours, with a little traffic jams it can be 2 1/2hours but today it was 3 ½ hours. We where lucky that Lenore did the check-in online otherwise it could be a problem. After a cappuccino, a big hug and kisses it was time to say goodbye, but not for long.
I take the car to IJsselstein what it’s closed to Utrecht, with a tourist route and a lot of nature landscape I stopped at a Shell service station. I closed my eyes for one hour and drive further to IJsselstein where I have a course about a light calculation program. At 7.10pm I was finish from where I try to get home quick as possible. I promised Lenore to call the US Embassy in Belize about my immigration; I ask them if I can make an appointment with my Visa, I told the lady that I have all the papers etc. Well sir you filled in the wrong paper etc. you can call back at Tuesday and Thursday between 9-11am. Well people I get crazy about this whole thing.
I just tracking the flight of lenore, in one hour Lenore she is back home.
damn I miss her already!!!!!
Monday, November 21, 2005
It’s always something
Saturday morning we drove to Aalten where e visits Erwin and Monique. Erwin is my colleague and I promise him already a year to come bye. In the afternoon it was time to drive bye Paul, Erna and Maud to see Jesse. He is really cute baby.
Saturday evening we should go to the Greek restaurant but some friends called who we didn’t saw yet. Of course we went to Venancio and Veronique to see the other friends and drink something with them but they where already gone. In the night we had an appointment with Jacqueline who remodels the house totally and also here we had a lot of fun.
Sunday and yes it´s time to play with Vincent and Marloes, also the first time for Lenore to play kolonisten before Monday evening. But Lenore was first so kind to take us out for brunch, Sam Sam was the place. In the afternoon John, Aynur and Calvin came visit us. In the evening it was tapa night at Anja and Edwin’s house, mmm lovely food with a lot of chatting and music. So loud that the neighbor starts to complain just before 1am. Today we had time to get see what stuff I have where I want to get throw away. In the afternoon there where Gertie and Martine to visit us before we go to Isabel and Danny for dinner. Mando and Karin came to because afterwards it’s kolonisten time. Oeps, on my way back I saw that Sander called me 3 hours ago. Did I have an appointment at the beauty Salon?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Mmmm, she´s back
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Sunday evening
Yesterday it was time to visit Jesse; he is now 2 weeks home and Paul ask me when I finally visit them. I told him that I visit him with Lenore next week but he was a little disappointing.
It’s a really cute baby to see and of course I had some presents with me.
Last night I had a guy’s beer party in the bar from Roy. He has a small bar in his garage and loves to give a party like this. I called Wilbert if he had time to bring me, so before I no this we where already singing and drinking. And after a night like this I have always troubles to get out of my bed. Lenore was so kind to call me on time so that I pick up the kids without any delay.
The first thing what Vincent did when he came in the living, right he put the board game (kolonisten) on the table. After the came Marloes went behind the computer for a chat with her friend, Vincent and I start the other computer for a Risk game.
We went to the Greek restaurant for dinner; I didn’t have enough food in my house.
In 10 minutes I drive for an hour to Dirk and Monique to make the wire for their internet connection upstairs and then the day is over.