Un-Belizable

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I stumbled upon Belize truly by accident. I was looking for somewhere to escape to for the weekend and Belize appeared. I wanted a warm place with about three hours or less of flying time. Belize is only about 2 ½ hours from takeoff to touch down. Belize is a small country in Central America, no larger than the state of Massachusetts with only about 330,000 people residing there. It has a Caribbean feel and a culture all of its own.

I stayed in the Ramada Princess Resort and Spa. Although we had a standard room it was rather comfortable. All of the rooms face the ocean and you are greeted with a wonderful sunrise every morning. After watching the sunrise, you can stroll down to the restaurant for a buffet breakfast, packed with some Belizean favorites. The hotel has some age on it but it is well groomed with many extras. The Princess resort has the usual pool and restaurant, which is pretty much standard these days. But take a walk around and you will find a nightclub, a three screen theater, a spa, a bowling alley plus a casino. With all of this in the same building you may not want to leave…sorry but that is not me! I must go and explore.

The first time I was in Belize it seemed that a taxi was the best way to get around. The second time was much different! As I moved about by taxi, I thought, I can drive these streets, so I rented a small SUV. They drive really slow and the traffic was nowhere near the traffic I deal with back in Atlanta. Navigating those narrow streets was a bit of a task but I succeeded in grand fashion. Because I like to see it all, I cruised around Belize City from the slums to the well to do areas. While driving around I tried to take in every amazing detail and all of its sights.

The average temperature is about 80 degrees, it was pretty hot but it was a great day to visit the Craft Market. When the cruise ships are in port local vendors set up shop and showcase their hand made merchandise. It is no doubts a buyers’ market due to the exchange rate, one US dollar is equal to two Belizean dollars. Most shop owners are willing to bargain some and that helps to stretch the dollar just a little bit more. On many corners you will find food carts with Plantains or fresh fruit for sale. The pineapple is succulent and sweet beyond words. As for the Plantains chips, fresh and crisp and for a one Belizean dollar, who could resist.

After shopping at the Craft Market and driving around all day it was time to relax and that means heading to the casino! We played slot machines to kill time and indulge in the free drinks until the bingo game started. I have not played bingo in years but there was a $5000 pot for one game and that was too tempting to pass up! I did not win the $5000 pot but it was fun trying.

There is so much more to do in Belize, Mayans, the Jaguar Preserve, the Belize Zoo and much more, you have to see why I say it is…Un-Belizable!

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