Still painting the sign...

Actually, I have the sign for the end of the driveway done but will wait a bit more before installing since I'm supposed to have our new hotel license before advertising and I assume signage is advertising.
Still working on the big one but it will be OK. I just finished tonight one side of it. But, since each side is visible from each direction on the highway, I have to do the same thing on the next side. Sigh...

I finished painting #3 and it looks nice. Rusty has to lower the ceiling in the bathroom and then I have to finish that out, but that room is almost ready. #2 is the same. #4 is just getting a decor facelift now and will paint later since we have to install a new sink in the bath and that paint isn't terrible.
I worked in the casitas on Friday and feel pretty good about them. Not too much more to do in any of them. Just cleaning all the linens and freshening it all up.
So, we are getting there. #1 is my big painting job for this week.
We had the buildings pressured washed on Fri so this week also starts the painting outside. A couple more weeks and it will be a new place.

Sign painter in the house

Today is a day at home in Cattle Landing, but that doesn't mean the lodge takes a backseat. I will be working on new signs for the lodge. We want to rethatch the sign at the driveway entrance. It's got a zinc over it now and just doesn't have the look I want. So, I have Santa Maria boards to do the words, then Rusty will attach them and then we get Bobby Sho to make a thatch to go over the zinc.
Also, I have a big piece of sheet metal that they had a sign on it. It hung from our sign post out at the big road by the bridge. Really hate the look of that sign, but I hope I can repaint it and add our new name and logo. Will report on my success or failure.
This week has been full of painting for me. I'm working on the lodge rooms. Still conflicted about those ceilings but I will just repair the one in #3 with sheetrock mud and repaint. I had already done half of it so finishing that one shouldn't be crazy hard. Then, I have to decide about the rest. #3 isn't as bad as others either. I just wish I could get some paintable wallpaper or the like.
Saw our lone monkey yesterday. He lives right behind the lodge and is easily seen and not much bothered by us. I guess he figures he's home and we are just visiting.

The painting begins -- again

Spent the day painting #2. I got about two thirds done but, wow, what a difference some creamy white paint makes! Still haven't decided what to do about the ugly ceilings. I'm going fabric hunting to see what might be available. Of course, down here, it's usually not much.
Rusty started on our old house. We are going to fix it up for another guest accommodation but what he's doing now is just getting the exterior of the building better looking. It's a 2-story concrete structure and we have Ted and Senaida living in the first floor. They are staying on-site for us. But, upstairs we think can be a nice guest room. It's in the trees so is great for birding and it's larger than the other rooms so I think group leaders will like it. Anyway, this building is the first thing you see as you enter the property so it needs to look good and that just isn't how it is right now.
And while we were trying to get at our reno projects, Roberto and Edgar were cutting down more trees and cleaning up the grounds. We love trees but anyone who lives in the bush knows that if you have trees close to or touching your house, you will have animals visiting you. Too many nocturnal animals live in trees and like to visit. So, trim your trees and keep everyone in their own home.
Tomorrow, I have a list to complete for the Belize Tourism Board. Can't wait. Nite...

Snakes, monkeys, and floods...a day in the life

Yeah, a snake outside one of the casitas. Actually, as long as it isn't poisonous, I like them. And this one wasn't. It's just a little frog-eating snake minding his or her own business. And the main reason it was out and about anyway is we are having a flood almost every night right now. Crazy. It is rainy season but the creek isn't usually flooding its banks constantly! It doesn't get anywhere near the lodge and since we are closed, it's no big deal. And, it hasn't driven the monkeys away. They are right there howling at 3:00 in the afternoon. Love that.

Progress

I applied for the new hotel license on Friday. Things have changed here in Belize - there are lots of new requirements to meet to open a hotel now. Thankfully, most of the items we were already compliant with before we sold the lodge so should be able to get it licensed without too much drama.
Rusty has been cutting down trees this week. The property was overgrown but also there were some dead trees and encroaching trees that had to go. So, at the moment, things are a bit messy.
I've been plotting out the changes I want to make to the rooms. We have to do a complete paint job, but will also do some small structural renos as well. When you've already got it torn apart, you might as well go for it.
It's mainly the lodge rooms that need further work. The casitas are in good shape. I just had to take down all the linens and do some dying and cleaning and bleaching. Even though the casitas are supposed to be the thatched eco-experience, I like the bedding and towels to look really white and plush against the rustic interiors so guests feel pampered while enjoying the jungle vibe.
In the lodge rooms, my biggest hurdle is figuring out what to do with the ugly concrete ceilings. I wish I could get my hands on some grasscloth wallpaper, but to get it from the States is out of my budget. I'm still mulling that one over.
Anyway, progress is being made - on Belize time.

Chaab'il B'e Lodge and Casitas

It's a new day, a new name and a new lodge. We registered a new name for the lodge - Chaab'il B'e - which means good trail in Q'eqchi' Maya. Some of my down time the past four and a half years has been spent learning Q'eqchi'. I don't know if I'll ever get it, but I at least know enough to know that this is an appropriate name for the property.
We've been out working at cleaning everything up since we reclaimed the property July 11th. I do love the place - I love the birds and flowers. And the howler monkeys are on the property making a big welcome racket about 3pm every day.
But, I feel like we are starting over again. All the licenses and permits have to be put in place again. And internet and cable TV and all those old struggles are being fought again. But, we did it once and can do it again. Here's to starting over...

We're back....

We're back running the lodge...or we will be soon. Five years ago we sold the lodge on terms. Terms have not been met, so as of July 11, we take possession again. And, yes, this feels crazy and, yes, we have a ton of work to do out there. It's sort of like starting over. We will be changing the name because we have to and want to. After the take over, I have to go register the new name, which will be Chaab'il B'e Lodge and Casitas if the name is available. More on that next time.