Well, our first trip was in 1991 and was a 5 day 4 night trip.
Quickly realized this was some place we wanted to return to. The following year I started looking at the properties shown in the real estate windows, then started asking questions about certain properties. Third trip called and extened our stay and again on the 4th trip. In 1996 bought a condo pre-construction at what was Playador and is now E.C.B.R. and was the first condo completed and ready for rental. Managed to get down about once every quarter for 10 days to 2 weeks. This still seems too short.
After Hurricane Mitch (which I got out the morning of the onset of), I was back on the first Tropic flight to San Pedro. Stayed several weeks and really did not want to leave. Same thing with Hurricane Keith (which I did not get out for)but stayed for the duration. By now we not only have the condo but a parcel of land on the north end at Palmero Point.
Now add to that the fact that I am the Official Mascot for San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye Belize and am "TukiTuki Rainbow Heart Princess". We also have a God-son on the Island as well as many many friends. To say that I get depressed when not there is an understatement. I long for the sounds, sights, smells, company of friends and playing cards with the girls on Wednesday afternoon.
Having written a song for Ambergris Caye, I find myself humming the tune or singing it(not well but I try), just to keep me connected. The last line of the song says "Now it's so sad don't you see, we must leave Ambergris Caye, but that's alright we'll do it again, cause in our hearts it will never end".
My husband has been known to tell his co-workers that he is afraid one day I will leave for the Island and not come back.
What can I say, I just love San Pedro Town and most of it's inhabitants. Both those who call San Pedro home all the time and also those who come and go. I miss several who are no longer with us but were a big part of the Island.
I may not be there all of the time right now but a part of my heart certainly has never left.
Tom/Kat & TukiTuki