I just got back from 2 weeks in Belize--most spent on AC.

From dive sites to hotels & bar/restaurants /internet cafes to hurricane damage I can answer alot of questions.

I made quite a few local friends &
I rode a bike everywhere early AM every day (before Mrs Bum awoke) and checked out every nook and cranny of the Caye.

So I feel pretty educated 'bout waasup.

No specific questions at this time but I'd sure like to hear an overall view from you on each of the items you mentioned in your post. Thanks, that would be great!

I second that!

I'm going on Dec 1st and supposed to stay at Ramon's. What is their condition - are they open and ready for guests or should I look for other accomodataions? Also, is there any reason to take my laptop - any easy internet access or are there internet cafe's available? What is the water temp - will a 3m be heavy enough? Thank You

Okay Diver

Unsure of the water temperature, but a 3mm should be ideal.

Ramon's is still under some construction but must be ready for guests because the kitchen sure smells good.

There are 2 internet cafes. Ditch the laptop, more room in your luggage for souveniers when you come back.

Have a wonderful visit.

Amanda

TN---

3 mill is fine. The wetsuit wasn't really necess (other then keeping the weights off the skin) in Nov.
83 degree at surface --
79 at 80 ft.
It will change in Dec. - worst case 79 surface 74 deep- but not bad enough to need anything heavy.


Re the Inet cafes--

The one with the full bar on the beach side of Front St. (Coconet?) was quicker then
the other that is 40 ft South and on the West side of the street (free cookies and coffee to bide the time while AOL loads however)


I walked throgh Ramon's. It had some damage.
Those thatched roofs didn't do well anywhere.

They had alot of guys on it. Ramon's re-opened on Thurs Nov 16. One of my diving buddies @the Blue Hole was the 2nd "new" guest. He was happy with the condition.
The only work still being done by late last week was finishing touches on the pool. So enjoy.

Other Q's-- A little vague. I don't want to write a book.




[This message has been edited by Beach Bum (edited 11-24-2000).]

We are arriving on December 5th. We are staying at Coconuts. Do you know what kind of shape they are in since the hurricane? Where was the best place you ate? Best place to party on Sat night? Do you have a recommendation for a dive guide or a guide for a trip to Mayan ruins? Thanks for the info.

Just got back from Coconuts. We took a group of 20 divers. David worked day and night to get it ready for us. If fact they were just finishing the touch up painting as we arrived. It is in perfect condition except for the cable is still out in half the building. You are going to love Coconuts. DAVID IS THE BEST and the bar is a favorite with both locals and tourist. Say hello from all of us in Sacramento.

OK, Beachbum (or anyone that knows):

1) Can I still walk around in my barefeet everywhere or do I have to be more careful than I had to be pre-Keith?

2) I was told that the Dockside blew away but Hustler's website still advertises the bar. Is it being rebuilt and if so, will it be completed in time for my mid-Dec. visit?

3) How are the trees leafing out? Are there many palms being planted?

4) Does the Island Market have all the usual goods and foods or are there still shortages?

Thanks!

Diet-

Coconuts is 100% OK (other then the barge- but thats another story)
The staff is great and the bar is a great mix of locals & touristas.

If you like hot & spicy "Jam-Bel" Jamacan Jerk right at the town center is terrific.
Sit upstairs on the roof.

Party styles vary. The hot disco is 1/3 mile south of the airstrip. I prefer a touch more mellow, so Fidos in town just a tad north of the center right on the beach is excellent. Always has live music and a good crowd.




Re diving-

Short trips to the reef Aquarius on a pier in town but on the north side. Russell
is an excellent guide and it's less $ then some others. For a Blue Hole trip use Amigos del Mar. Book through David at Coconuts. If you are staying there he'll save you 10% or more. If you need any certification contact Thomas Sharp phone 014-8008. David can make the contact as well. Thomas mostly works out of the Tropica 1/2 mile south of Coconuts.
You'll also see him at the Coconuts beach bar.

Re Mayan Ruins- I don't have a clue. I'm sure someone can give you good referrals.

Seashell-

Though some locals are still going barefoot- DON'T. There is alot of debris in certain places & some pieces of broken glass buried in the sand near town.

Hustlers is open - the bar isn't.
Sharks ( a few piers south of Hustlers) at the end of the pier (where Rasta Pasta once upon a time was) where the water taxis are is open. So if you want the end of a pier drink thats where to go.

Alot of palms died. The greenery is returning. If you take a boat over to Caulker, on approach you really see the stark contrast in dead or bare foiliage vs. the new.
Most of the resorts and even mid-level hotels (such as Coconuts) have replanted and pruned.

The stores are mostly all well stocked. Rock's & The Island market didn't have
the fresh meat & produce section fully supplied. But overall anything you need is there (at a price of course).

[This message has been edited by Beach Bum (edited 11-25-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Beach Bum (edited 12-05-2000).]