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13 April, 2010

To Dream the Impossible Dream

This last Sunday we were invited by Perry to come out to Consejo Shores, where he's staying at the Don Quixote hotel while building his and Mischele's dream home.

To dream the impossible dream
To fight the unbeatable foe...
...To try when your arms are too weary
To reach the unreachable star
- "The Impossible Dream"- From the movie, Man of La Man (1972)
music by Mitch Leigh, lyrics by Joe Darion
Don Quixote de La Mancha
Our Host, Perry
 He had planned a barbecue and swim afternoon. All I can say is, Wow! What a place.
Don Quixote Main Entrance
 The Don Quixote is located right on the point at the end of Consejo Shores, so there's an unmatchable 270º view.
An Unbeatable View
The hotel has a great pool as well, which only pointed up for Dianna and me how much we were missing our own pool.
Large, Six-Foot Deep Pool
Perry's room (the only one we saw) was huge. On two levels, it opened to the pool area. Perry's just getting too tanned while staying there. This is without a doubt, the best-located hotel in northern Belize, and for only $39.00 US a night too. It would be hard to beat.

That is, as long as you were looking for a little seclusion and quiet. Because you get that in spades at the Don Quixote. Consejo Shores isn't exactly noted for its night life.

I could even see it as a weekend escape for Corazalenos - close by, affordable and just a great mini-vacation. Of course, you'd have to travel up the Consejo road, which wasn't too bad this time. I've been on it before when it's been rough enough that you were sure anything that was nailed on was going to be lost, if you get my drift.

We met some neat folks - Carin and Mario, from Caye Caulker. They own the Iguana Reef Inn (http://www.iguanareefinn.com/index.php) on the Caye. They're going to be building a house in the Consejo area. We also met Tom and Terrie, who are already residing in Consejo Shores - across from Perry and Mischelle's dream home.
 ????, Carin and Mario
Paul and Mario gave me several great pool-keeping tips, which I'll implement as things move along.

Lastly, we were treated to some wonderful sushi made by Tanya, a Russian transplant who, along with her partner, Kayo (sp?) are managing the Don Quixote. Neat people, all.
Sampling Some of Tanya's Great Sushi
Beer flowed freely and the Johnsonville Brauts fresh off the barbie were amazing. Of course we were all in and out of the pool - each of us getting done to a turn, you might say.
Enjoying Don Quixote's Pool
The Don Quixote wasn't always a hotel. It started out life as the Reproductive Genetics Institute - Belize. [See Alan's Comment for an update on the correct history - d].
The Original Medical Facility
The last I remember (I think), the facility was involved in cancer-related stem cell research. We met some folks at Tony's in Corozal who had relatives undergoing treatment out here. Not sure why they were staying at Tony's. It looks to me like there was plenty of room to stay out here. In fact, the owners are building some new apartments or condos on the site as well.
New Construction Underway
All in all, I'd have to say that we had a great time visiting Perry and enjoying the facilities of the Don Quixote. What a day! Light breeze, amazing sunshine (as usual), great water and a wonderful feast of sushi and BBQ. Thanks Perry. That was a treat.

3 comments:

Alan said...

Hi Dave,

The Don Quixote was originaly a hotel. I ate their restaurant in 1976 whilst staying at Bill Wildman's Adventure Inn.

When we first moved to Consejo it was owned by an ex- American Airline pilot who sold it to a Russian, who was to start up the RGI but never did and instead rented it to the EDEN people for stem cell research.

It is once again for sale.

Dave Rider said...

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the info. That fits a lot better than the bits and pieces I've gleaned. It all begins to tie together.

Sounds like they might have been about 34 years or so ahead of the times with a hotel out there. It might still be premature as a hotel. Sure is a nice place in any case.

Cheers,
Dave

Tom Gardner said...

Hi Dave
It's Tom Gardner From down the road. Mario is keeping me posted by sending us pictures of the progress on our house. it won't be long now. hope you guys are doing good. See you in a few months. It took me a long time to find this site. Talk to you later
Tom G