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My mother used to sell Avon. I know all about Avon calling. I also know a lot about getting Avon cologne for every occasion a gift might be given. Those days are long gone, but I was reminded of them during my stay on Ambergris Caye in Belize. My sister and her husband do not sell Avon, but they are very good marks on the island. Some tourists seem to have glaring neon signs on their foreheads that read, "Rip me off! Sell me anything - even cosmetics. Yes, come rip me off!" It's a big sign to put on the forehead, but lots of people wear them.
My sister and her husband don't wear that sign. They just have good hearts and wants to help people in need. And if someone is trying to sell something to make a living, they are going to support them the best they can. One of the easiest places to be spotted in San Pedro is at a restaurant. Recently a group of children approached us selling little woven bracelets. My brother-in-law bought one from each child and then told them to give the bracelets to a friend. Another young man approached my sister as we ate at a thatched roof restaurant over the Caribbean shore. Somebody in our group said, "No, thank you." He immediately replied, "I don't accept no for an answer."
I thought, "That's a good reply!" But, I still wasn't interested in a necklace. I was much more interested in his hat. It had the logo for a hotel on the island that I knew was "adults only". I asked, "How can you have a hat for a hotel that you aren't allowed to go to?" The owner was his god-mother. Our conversation about the hotel was brief because Christian was more interested in a sale. And, my sister left the restaurant with a lovely green stone necklace to match her outfit.
I cannot say that I have been completely unscathed by these local craftsmen. Or, maybe, hopefully, I have some of the generosity that my sister possesses. One time a merchant showed us his goods which included unique seed pods. He had them as key chains. I asked if he also had them as necklaces. He didn't. But, he did real soon. A few days later he showed up at my sister's home with the necklace I asked about. I really didn't want it. I just wanted to see it. But, alas, it makes a lovely souvenir from Belize in my home and I photographed it for one of my Belizean recipes.
So, you may have already noticed. You really aren't safe in your home from door-to-door salesmen in tropical Belize, especially if you are an easy mark. I mean, if you have a good heart. The man who delivers water to my sister's home is also very happy to sell trees, plant them, work on small home repairs, paint your walls, or clean the sewage system. Well, maybe not so thrilled about the sewage, but he knows a guy. I'm not kidding. And, a variety of other people showed up during my stay to sell more flowering plants, trees and souvenirs. Before everything can be planted, one of the neighboring gardeners promised to provide the labor to install a small (but perhaps ever growing larger) flower bed for my sister.
My sister and her husband don't wear that sign. They just have good hearts and wants to help people in need. And if someone is trying to sell something to make a living, they are going to support them the best they can. One of the easiest places to be spotted in San Pedro is at a restaurant. Recently a group of children approached us selling little woven bracelets. My brother-in-law bought one from each child and then told them to give the bracelets to a friend. Another young man approached my sister as we ate at a thatched roof restaurant over the Caribbean shore. Somebody in our group said, "No, thank you." He immediately replied, "I don't accept no for an answer."
I thought, "That's a good reply!" But, I still wasn't interested in a necklace. I was much more interested in his hat. It had the logo for a hotel on the island that I knew was "adults only". I asked, "How can you have a hat for a hotel that you aren't allowed to go to?" The owner was his god-mother. Our conversation about the hotel was brief because Christian was more interested in a sale. And, my sister left the restaurant with a lovely green stone necklace to match her outfit.
I cannot say that I have been completely unscathed by these local craftsmen. Or, maybe, hopefully, I have some of the generosity that my sister possesses. One time a merchant showed us his goods which included unique seed pods. He had them as key chains. I asked if he also had them as necklaces. He didn't. But, he did real soon. A few days later he showed up at my sister's home with the necklace I asked about. I really didn't want it. I just wanted to see it. But, alas, it makes a lovely souvenir from Belize in my home and I photographed it for one of my Belizean recipes.
So, you may have already noticed. You really aren't safe in your home from door-to-door salesmen in tropical Belize, especially if you are an easy mark. I mean, if you have a good heart. The man who delivers water to my sister's home is also very happy to sell trees, plant them, work on small home repairs, paint your walls, or clean the sewage system. Well, maybe not so thrilled about the sewage, but he knows a guy. I'm not kidding. And, a variety of other people showed up during my stay to sell more flowering plants, trees and souvenirs. Before everything can be planted, one of the neighboring gardeners promised to provide the labor to install a small (but perhaps ever growing larger) flower bed for my sister.
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So, in her absence, I went out to the pier to see what there was to see. They had a large catch of stone crabs. I supplied them a knife and they carved everything up right there on the spot. I took photos while they answered questions. Each of them were able to hold their breath underwater for about a minute. They usually have to dive about eight to ten feet to catch the crabs (or lobster when in season). It appears that their clients buy the crab claws but the fishermen take the body of the crabs home. One of the men described the soup his wife prepared with crab meat and all kind of vegetables. It sounded delicious. I asked if he could bring me a bowl of the soup. Of course, I was serious. I doubt if he realized that. If he does come through for me, I'll get another recipe. I have learned, it never hurts to ask.
When the fishermen left, I placed my purchase of stone crab claws in the freezer. My sister returned home about fifteen minutes later. The fishermen saw "Miss Brenda" on her journey and called out to her. So, she knew the crab meat hadn't been in the freezer long. She knew, but I certainly didn't, that you don't just put fresh crab meat in the freezer. You must boil it first or the meat will be much more difficult to remove from the shell. Who knew? Certainly not me.
The one person I most want to stop by the house hasn't done it yet. He still may, because he does if every now and awhile. Fred Trejo is a local artist based in San Pedro. His artwork is mostly tropical beaches, underwater depictions and local street scenes. He does a good job with underwater sea turtles. And, since this is a place that caters to fishermen, he has several paintings that show the sportsmen casting from their boats as well as a close-ups of the fish underwater. However, fishing has no appeal to me. I like his paintings that depict life in San Pedro the best. They give a flavor of local architecture and life. You can either paint architecture correctly or your can't. If you can't handle perspective well, it will never look correct. Fred does it very right.
I didn't want to leave a meeting to chance. When I learned that the best way to contact Fred was by his Facebook account, I looked him up and suggested a meet. Now, I wait and see what happens. I've waited over a week without any luck, but I've done all I can. If you want to see Fred's art, you can also look up his Facebook account.
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Want a tropical souvenir to remind you of Caribbean sunshine in the dead of winter? There is no limit to what you can find in Belize. Sunshine, warm smiles, friendly people, beautiful sunsets and so much more! But, you can't find one of those neon signs for your forehead that scream, "I'm a tourist. Rip me off!" You have to bring your own.