86.5 F
Belize
Home Blog Page 21

2008 Mazda CX-7

2008 Mazda CX-7 comes equip with 2.4 litre 4 cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and dark interior, with a mileage of 100,000. Asking price is $16,000 or best offer.

Other Features:

  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Tinted
  • CD Player
  • Air Condition
  • CD Changer
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Fog Lamps
  • Cruise Control
  • Tilt Steering
  • Cup Holders
  • Floor Mats
  • Steering Wheel with Audio Control
  • Air Bags

For more information visit https://autos.mybelize.net/details/1111 or call 607-5153

2016 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Big Horn

2016 4X4 Dodge Ram SLT Big Horn comes equipped with 5.7L V8 engine with eco mode and has just under 49,000 miles. Also features keyless entry with remote start, automatic locking tail gate, reverse camera, with front and rear proximity sensors, courtesy lights & bed lights, LED headlights & fog lights, uConnect infotainment system, and original Dodge floor Mats. Asking Price is $58,000 or best offer.

Other Features:

  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Tinted
  • Air Condition
  • Power Seats
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Anti Lock Brakes
  • Cruise Control
  • Tilt Steering
  • Cup Holders
  • Floor Mats
  • Steering Wheel with Audio Control
  • Power Outlets
  • Alarm System
  • Air Bags
  • Running Boards

For more information visit https://autos.mybelize.net/details/1110 or call 615-7077.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta

2013 Volkswagen Jetta comes equip with 2.5 litre 5 cylinder engine, automatic transmission, leather interior, with a mileage of 102,000. Asking price is $17,500 or best offer.

Other Features:

  • Power Windows
  • Power Locks
  • Tinted
  • Air Condition
  • Child Safety Locks
  • Fog Lamps
  • Cruise Control
  • Steering Wheel with Audio Control
  • Alarm System
  • Air Bags
  • and more…

For more information visit https://autos.mybelize.net/details/1109 or call 615-6798.

Prestigious Law Firm Vacancies Filled

NOTICE: All positions have been filled. Thank you for you applying for our job openings. We appreciate your interest and the time it took to apply with us. Feel free to apply for future positions for which you may be qualified. All the best with your career pursuit!

Fly With Ease and Comfort With These 7 Tips

Flying for long periods of time can be draining – mentally and physically. In addition to the stress of airport security procedures, ensuring all your essentials are packed and aboard the plane, you’ll also be navigating tense personal emotions and traveling companions.

Though the aforementioned traveling challenges are commonly mentioned, the physical toll your body takes during traveling is sometimes underestimated. Besides the feet swelling, dehydration, dry skin, headaches, poor sleep, there is – of course – jet lag and often dramatic changes in temperature and humidity.

It’s clear: the body and mind need to be extra prepared for these stressors, and simple steps can be taken to avoid the fatigue and overwhelm that too often accompanies flying. Especially if you suffer during longer flights and are looking to ease your flight comfort, these flight tips are for you!

1. Get a good seat

When you check-in, ask the person assisting your flight details if they could book you a specific seat. Some people prefer to sit in a window seat, to better enjoy their view and lean against the cabin. Others, mainly people who prefer extra space or those who may feel uncomfortable going to the toilet throughout the flight, enjoy the aisle seat. Whichever seat or location in the place suits you better, see if you can book your ideal seat!

2. Upgrade your flight comfort

Of course, if it’s possible, it’s recommended to upgrade your flight. Moving into business and especially first-class allows you to sleep, eat and rest in complete comfort. One should not undervalue the impact that even medium-haul flights take on the body. The top tip is to fly in comfort.

To enjoy utmost comfort during your flight, there are also options to fly to your dream destination in absolute style! Traveling all around the world are luxurious air services, such as bitluxtravel.com/, which specializes in high-end travel options. If traveling in style is more to your liking, consider whether a private jet or even helicopter charter would work better for you.

If you’re flying to a smaller, more secluded destination like Belize, its small runway cannot comfortably accommodate larger planes. Therefore, you may as well take advantage of this perfect excuse to spoil yourself and your loved ones – with the holiday starting before you even arrive!

3. Check in early

If you are traveling on a commercial flight, it’s important to check in early – ensuring your seat, punctuality, and relieved nerves. If you choose to fly privately, this does not apply to you, as your flight will cater well to you, prioritize your every need and satisfy any time concerns.

4. De-stress on the flight

Though the physical impact of travel is only now becoming better understood, it is best to make sure you feel comfortable and physically fit during your flight. Ensuring physical relief will be easier if you choose to fly in comfort (tip number 2), but it’s essential to remember to use a pillow, a blanket, and even some earplugs for better sleep. To make sure your body is relaxed, stretch whenever you feel the need. If you are on a smaller plane, personalized care will ensure your comfort will not be a concern.

5. Dress wisely

Dressing smart is about understanding your comfort needs and preparing for temperature fluctuations. It is advisable to wear layered clothing during your flight, as you can remove or items as you need – affording you many options during your flight.

It’s also wise to consider your shoe wear, making sure your feet won’t feel too restricted by potential swelling or uncomfortable while you’re relaxing. Avoiding heels and heavy boots are a great idea. Plus, consider bringing along some socks to assist with swelling.

6. Proper nutrition

Good nutrition is essential before, during, and after your flight. It’s important to stay hydrated and to eat some light snacks during the flight to boost mood, stabilizing blood pressure, and reducing your risk of motion sickness.

If you’d like to take your own snacks onto the plane, make sure they’re compliant with flying regulations. Additionally, there are some recommended foods to eat and those which are better to avoid before and during the flight. Do some research and see what works best for you.

7. Personal entertainment

Lastly, bring some entertainment for yourself. From music, podcasts, a journal, or a book, longer flights are likely to be somewhat restrictive. So, allow yourself to make good use of your travel time. Side note: Another benefit of higher-end travel is the likelihood of wifi on the plane, plus a great selection of movies and in-flight entertainment.

Enjoy your travel – and flying – experience! It may make all the difference to your restful time away, minimizing the physical impact of flying and leaving you more energy for your days in paradise.

Best Way to Launch your Kayak from Home

For many of us trying to stay fit and healthy during these troubling times with Covid-19 has become a paramount concern. With governments and health organizations suggesting that we all try to do at least 1 hour of exercise each day to help with our physical and mental condition. Whilst it is difficult to safely practice social distancing and keep fit at the same time there are many options that should ensure our safety and the safety of others.

Water sports are one of the best ways in which to keep in shape and ensure a lack of contact with others. It is not always easy to do so for people who are in inner-city environments but many of us live near lakes, the ocean, or rivers. There are many different water sports and activities that can be practiced on these bodies of water that we are lucky enough to live by. Amongst them is kayaking. Kayaking can be great fun for all ages and relatively inexpensive but without the proper means to access the water safely, a Kayak Lift is a great option to help lower the craft into the water and also help to retrieve the craft, they can also be used for other vessels to enter or exit the body of water you have been enjoying.

The Health Benefits of Using A Kayak

Kayaking is a very popular sport and hobby throughout the world it has become very popular whether it is kayaking in the seas of Belize or lakes and rivers in Switzerland people enjoy the freedom it gives them and the numerous health benefits you can gain, including:

  • Increasing body strength, the upper body will greatly benefit from kayaking. Shoulders, back, and arms will soon become more developed.
  • The health of your heart will also be increased as the rate of exercise will increase the red blood cells in your body.
  • Some foods including beef, fish, and cheese are high in fat and produce Vitamin D but are not a substitute for getting natural sunlight which also produces the vitamins we need to sustain healthy bones, helps to boost our immune system, and can even help with our brain functions.

There are many other benefits from being a casual or avid kayaker including the social aspect that the sport brings.

Increasing Your Happiness by Kayaking

Spending time outdoors is proven to help with keeping our mental health and our overall levels of happiness higher. With all the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and exercise it naturally makes us feel better. Chemicals when kayaking and exercising are released throughout the body including dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and norepinephrine. These natural chemicals which the body produces can help with depression and a feeling of wellbeing.

It is possible to also purchase a kayak with a clear bottom letting you enjoy the beauty of the fish and the body of water you are on. Very relaxing for the mind and giving you an insight into your environment.

Improving Friendships and Family Connections 

Kayaking is a great way to help improve family and friendship relations, being out on the water has a special way of helping people to bond especially during these troubling times that we face. It is important to maintain these relationships and being a fairly easy sport or hobby to practice kayaking is great in helping with this.

Whilst we need to practice social distancing, being out on the open water is a great way to still socialize with other people whilst maintaining a safe distance. Try joining a local club and experience the joys you will get from kayaking and help to keep yourself healthy and still being able to interact with other like minded people.

How to Choose the Right Type of Kayak When Buying

There are many considerations when choosing the right kayak for you or your family. First is the body of water on which you want to use the kayak on, sea or ocean kayaks are different to fresh water vessels. There are two main types to consider, both with equal attributes to take into account.

  • Sit-on-top kayaks are generally the more popular of the choices you have. They are child friendly and are very stable affording ease of embarking and disembarking. Although generally larger which may require a kayak lift to help you with launching they can be used in both salt water environments and fresh water. Many people enjoy fishing with them due to the room and space they afford.
  • The second alternative is the sit-inside version which you can seal and are mostly used by experienced kayak enthusiasts and for sporting purposes. Once sealed in if you have turned the kayak it takes some practice to turn back over, before you set out trying out techniques for righting yourself is important.

Both are great options depending on your needs and budget. Before purchasing you could ask the advice of a local club to help you choose the type and even brand best suited to you.

Tips for Maintaining Your Kayak

It is very important as with any vessel to maintain your kayak and keep it in safe working condition. Kayaks are often an expensive investment for many of us and the same rules apply as with anything expensive, taking care of is important. Here are some tips to help you maintain your kayak and ensure the safety of yourself and family:

  1. Before taking out the kayak make sure that the inside is clean and free from any animals that may have thought they have found a nice new home. Spiders and rodents could be a major distraction once you get out on the water.
  2. After being on the water, especially salt water it is very important to clean the kayak both inside and outside using a mild soap or detergent to help combat any sand, mud or salt accumulating.
  3. Keeping the kayak out of the sun. This may sound ironic as the main point is to be in the outdoors but sun damage when storing can have a detrimental effect on the boat.
  4. Make sure to use appropriate transport. And if necessary use a kayak launcher to help reduce the damage to the bottom of your craft, avoid starting from a rough or uneven surface.

Good maintenance is essential for your enjoyment and takes very little time once you are back at home or the boat yard. Buying a kayak is an investment and should be regarded as such.

Summary

Whilst water sports are not for everybody it is well worth before buying a kayak to ask around with your friends or colleagues if anyone has a kayak of either description and that you may join them the next time they are venturing out. Apart from the health aspects, the sheer beauty of the nature you can enjoy is worth it. 

Almost all areas where there is water there will be a local kayaking club and will give you advice on the best ways to enjoy the sport, whether it is just for pleasure or for a more adventurous activity it is something that most people enjoy so long as it is done in a safe fashion. Next time you’re on holiday aslo you have the opportunity to explore more and see things your friends may have not.

Ode to the Belize Beauty Queen

It takes a lot to be a successful beauty queen. In a way the role epitomizes what an “ideal woman” is — even in 2021. You must be svelte, intelligent, caring, gracious and have a mission to save the world in one way or another.

For many young women around the globe, being a “Miss” is the key to a future of education, opportunity, financial security, finding a worthy partner.

For me, it was education: A full scholarship courtesy of the taxpayers of Belize.

Others may turn up their noses and invoke their sense of outrage at the notion of the “Miss.” Not me. Not ever. The work is hard. The critics are many. The disappointments are many. The expectations are sky-high.

But there is a profound sisterhood. There is a deep understanding of the journey and what comes after. These are women with ambition, smarts, tenacity and grit. We are sisters.

I will always celebrate these qualities, as well as their physical beauty, which can only manifest from within.

Here’s to every Miss Belize! Including our latest, Iris Salguero.

Source: HollyWorld by Holly Edgell

How To Sell Real Estate In Belize

Selling real estate in Belize is actually very easy. They do not have the same requirements as in the United States. However, the most successful real estate agents here normally first have successful real estate careers in the United States first.  Here is what one can do to begin a career and succeed in Real Estate in Belize.

Decide if Real Estate is the Right Career

Attaining success in Real Estate may not be an easy peasy task. It is accountable for the ebb and flow of the local economy in Belize. It is essential to understand the market and willingness to put oneself out there and connect with consumers and other professionals. One should carefully weigh the pros and cons of being in the Real Estate line of study. While potential income may be a source of joy to your heart, in tough times for the housing industry, one may need additional funds to fall back on. Success in any area is also dependent on one’s passion and willingness to become the best, helping guide clients looking for the right neighborhood, negotiating a sale, or even deciding whether to hold off on selling for the time being.

Meet the Minimum Age and Education Level

Unlike the USA, one does not necessarily need to have a formal real estate education or pass high school to engage in selling real estate here. In fact, we know of two agents who took advantage of free real estate educational resources online and applied that knowledge to selling here.

Take Real Estate Education Courses

The journey to becoming a real estate agent begins with classes from an accredited real estate licensing school. To help clarify one’s priorities in the Real Estate studies, some of the questions to ask oneself may include:

• First, does one want to study online or on-campus?

Real estate online programs offer tremendous convenience and flexibility, especially for students who need to balance their studies with jobs or family obligations. The significance of on-campus learning is that it may offer students the structure and support of a traditional classroom setting.

• Does one need to undertake full-time or Part-Time Classes?

For the students who would want to take up a real estate degree as a chance to advance at their company or expand on existing business, various schools provide part-time classes to students who need to keep studying while at the same time working. However, full-time students have the benefit of earning their degree faster.

• The Associated Cost

The cost of tuition varies largely from program to program. The costs should be inclusive of additional expenses such as accommodation and the required books. While undertaking online courses, the costs may reduce considerably. However, some learning technology and distance learning fees may be necessary.

After answering the above questions, one can then begin their bachelor studies with general education courses in math, science, and communication. As one progresses in their major, one should expect to study economics, taxation, and appraisal topics. Some of the five standard courses found in real estate programs are:

  • Principles of Real Estate
  • Principles of Real Estate
  • Real Estate Practice
  • Real Estate Economics
  • Property Management
  • Legal Aspects of Real Estate

How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelors in Real Estate?

To earn a real estate degree, one must complete about 120 credits. It usually takes about four years for full-time students. Part-time students may require additional time ranging thus may take about six to eight years to graduate. With an associate degree, one can potentially earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as two years.

However, some online programs offer future accelerated courses of study, which means that students taking the online study route take a higher number of credits per semester to meet their graduation requirements quickly. Self-paced courses are available in which students can go through the educational material needed a bit faster as soon as they demonstrate mastery of critical concepts.

Resources for Real Estate Students

These may entail:

Ministry of Education

The government may help in funding the education fee via grants if one qualifies after applying for them.

Real Estate Exam Ninja

The owner, Chris McGuire provides a ton of free material to teach you about real estate and has helped 1,000s get their real estate exam in the United States.

The Appraisal Institute

The institution offers both educational resources for those working in the field and a list of state agencies governing appraisers’ work. It also provides scholarships.

• Purdue Online Writing Lab

The resource comes in handy when writing a college paper or a property advertisement. Real estate students and professionals have to know how to write well. Purdue Online Writing offers advice on all areas of writing, including grammar and conducting research.

Pass the Exam

The pre-license courses all lead to the real estate license exams issued by the state. They cover various topics on working with clients, negotiating, closing a deal, and following real estate law. There is an average of 70% that is required for one to pass. However, if one fails to attain the minimum requirements to pass the first time, one is guaranteed the chance to sit for a retake exam. The retakes do occur till a maximum number of attempts.

Adjusted 2021 Belize Holiday Listing

The Government of Belize had published the official list of 2021 Public and Bank Holidays for Belize in June 2020, however, some adjustments have been proposed by the new Government via the Belize Gazette on December 30, 2020. After discussions, it has been agreed that the following holidays will be observed as follows:

  • January 15, 2021 – George Price Day
  • August 1, 2021 – Freedom (Emancipation) Day
  • October 12, 2021 – Pan-American Day (to be renamed)

A special committee will be established to determine the official list of public and bank holidays. An official announcement with the final list of Belize public and bank holidays will be done at a later time.

El Día de los Reyes

El Día de los Reyes, the 12th day of Christmas also known as the “Feast of the Epiphany” or “Three Kings’ Day” is celebrated on January 6th of each year. It marks the end of the holiday season for most Christians.

This day symbolizes the biblical adoration of the baby Jesus by the Three Kings AKA the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar — representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa respectively). According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Three Wise Men traveled by horse, camel, and elephant in order to present baby Jesus with three symbolic gifts — gold, frankincense and myrrh. They found the Baby Jesus by following a star across the dessert for twelve days to Bethlehem.

gifts of the magi

Each gift had symbolic representation to the Baby Jesus. The gold represents Jesus’ royal standing as “King of the Jews.” The frankincense represents the divine nature of the Baby’s existence, since He is not an earthly king, but the Son of God. And finally, the myrrh, often used to embalm corpses, represents Jesus’ mortality — foreshadowing His death as a means to cleanse humanity of its sins.

The day is celebrated widely in various ways, but one of the most common details included in the day’s festivities is the traditional “Rosca De Reyes” or “Kings’ Bread”. It is usually round in shape to represent the King’s crown. Usually hidden within the sweet bread is a Baby Jesus figurine and the individual who finds the toy in their slice must then host a party and serve tamales on the Day of the Candles, which is celebrated annually on February 2nd.

Rosca de Reyes