Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Another Year Older!

On the morning of my birthday I went to Dangriga to go to the bank, get a PO box, get a cell phone, go to the store and the market. My employee, Des, offered to go with me to show me some of the ropes of banking etc. Well.... Another lesson about Belize. You can expect to stand in line at the bank for a hour or more... on any given day! Best to not go on a pay day as well. So needless to say, I got to the bank. I also got to take a quick spin through The Price Is Right grocery store. I had time to drop Des off at a store for her, dash into the market and get my tomatoes and cilantro. I picked up Des and we were back to the spa by 11 for her client. So needless to say I still have no cell phone and no PO box.

After a bit more research on a PO box, we found out that non are available in Dangriga. I get mixed stories of PO boxes in Hopkins a well. So... Here is our address. It is the same as everyone in Hopkins.
Phil and Vicki Cross
C/O Jaguar Reef Lodge (this could help narrow it down)
Hopkins, Stann Creek District
Belize, Central America.
Yes, there is NO POSTAL CODES in Belize! So when UPS and the USPS tell you they can't send it without a postal code... you can tell them that is not true. Also, spell out Central America, or things may go to California.

So, when I returned form Dangriga, I had one more errand to run on the other side of Hopkins at another resort. Our friend of the Spa, Debs, asked if I could bring her to her the Spa for an appointment. I gave her a lift and then she told me that there was a guest I should meet in the Owners Suite. I was confused as I knew no one could have checked in...and Hook, Line and Sinker... I fell for it! There was my staff and our two Guest Services Specialists, Kim and Laurel, with a big surprise birthday lunch for me. It was SO Sweet!! (Thanks too, Pat!)


So let me introduce you to the gang! At the far left is our Cosmetologist, Desiree (Des). Next is Ray, one of our Massage Therapist. Then its Erin, our front desk "specialist" and resident braider. Just below her is Reina and Eunes. They are our other two Massage Therapist. There is always smiles laughter in our Spa. The group is close and they have really welcomed me.
The other woman in our group is Debs our Number One Spa Guest. She is from South Africa and is a GM of a neighboring resort. We all just love her and she keeps us laughing.
A very special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Steve too!! Miss ya! And Buddy the dog too! And Kip! There were two other birthdays just at the resort on Monday too!

3 comments:

Bridget said...

It sounds like you had a fun birthday! I am glad! you come home soon right? hope to see you soon!

Milbrandt's said...

I am so glad you had a wonderful birthday surprise! Hope to see you soon - you make my days brighter with your sunny picture posts....it is still snowing here!

The Majestic Farm said...

Happy Birthday Vicki!! Glad there was someone to give you a little party!! What was for lunch? I hope I can take you for lunch or maybe a pedicure (I think that's been a birthday treat for us before!) while you are home! Let me know!