We headed for the border at day break on a cushy Mexican bus. We followed a Spanish woman who was traveling with her mom and sister. I was panicking about making the bus and she was casual and kept me under control! A Mexican minute can seem like 10! She has been living in Cancun for over two years and was joined by her family for a trip through Central America. Very friendly and helpful. A pleasure to meet!
A helpful hint to fellow travelers: people are watching you and how you represent your Country when you are abroad. I will not mention any particular Countries only to say that I was attempting to use my second language with a group of eight travelers and they were somewhat rude. Looked at me like I had grown another head and slowly moved away. My grammer isn´t THAT bad!!
We cleared customs in Belize easily and I rejoiced in the English language. For those of you unaware, Belize´s National language is English, although it is pronounced with a Jamaican like accent. Most people speake English, Spanish and Creole (a lazy man´s english). Apparently Bob Marley is very big here as are the other Carribean singers, i.e. Rihanna. Nina-There are dreads everywhere here!
We crossed over the border to a lot of greenery. We followed the cost down the country enjoying the view of colourful laundry flapping in the breeze to palm trees and fields of grass and sugar cane. Everything is so vibrant here. Houses of peach and teal, yellow and green, rows upon rows. Plenty to keep the eyes entertained.
We made it to Belize City without a hitch. The sun is shining and so are the faces of the locals. With their big hellos and friendly personalities. Everyone was very helpful when we looked lost and their accents are adorable! I was offered a personal tour of one man´s home town until I mentioned I was married! They seemed to like my rosy cheeks that are always RED because it is so hot here. 32 degrees with high humidity is too hot for me!
In Belize City, we boarded another bus for Dangriga. After beeing spoiled with the Mexican greyhound-like buses, we changed pace and boarded the Belizian bus which is a very used, old American school bus painted blue. Joe would like me to add that they were in much need of maintenance. Every creak and noise, he would lean over and tell me what that sound indicated and what should be fixed! Plus the driver thought he was racing in the grand prix, occasionally swerving in and out of traffic and taking quick turns. It was an adventure!!
We made in to Dangriga in one piece and were pleased to see the ocean so close. This city is quite small and lovely, home to many Garifuna´s or pure African decendants. Others are half African and half English/Scottish and the rest being made up of Mayans. Quite a diverse Country!
We headed out to the docks to catch a boat to Tobacco Caye, a little Island off the cost (in the middle) of Belize. Along the way, we met a young English couple who had been traveling for just over a week together (he was staying longer). We shared stories of travel and ended up staying at the same hostel on the island.
Our boat ride over to the island was somewhat traumatic. Our tiny boat flew over the giant waves until we came crashing down on our hard seats. Joe was at the front, holding on for dear life. We didn´t realize that US$18 would get you such a ride. We were happy to be on solid ground 35 minutes later.
A small complaint about Mexico AND Belize. We´re not all Americans and we don´t want to use their currency. Everywhere we go, they quote us in US $, as if people from all around the world (who are white) naturally have it on hand. We were somewhat forwarned, but I didn´t realize it was that bad. On the other hand, it has been very convenient at border crossings, when we didn´t have the local currency yet!
More on the Island to follow....
A helpful hint to fellow travelers: people are watching you and how you represent your Country when you are abroad. I will not mention any particular Countries only to say that I was attempting to use my second language with a group of eight travelers and they were somewhat rude. Looked at me like I had grown another head and slowly moved away. My grammer isn´t THAT bad!!
We cleared customs in Belize easily and I rejoiced in the English language. For those of you unaware, Belize´s National language is English, although it is pronounced with a Jamaican like accent. Most people speake English, Spanish and Creole (a lazy man´s english). Apparently Bob Marley is very big here as are the other Carribean singers, i.e. Rihanna. Nina-There are dreads everywhere here!
We crossed over the border to a lot of greenery. We followed the cost down the country enjoying the view of colourful laundry flapping in the breeze to palm trees and fields of grass and sugar cane. Everything is so vibrant here. Houses of peach and teal, yellow and green, rows upon rows. Plenty to keep the eyes entertained.
We made it to Belize City without a hitch. The sun is shining and so are the faces of the locals. With their big hellos and friendly personalities. Everyone was very helpful when we looked lost and their accents are adorable! I was offered a personal tour of one man´s home town until I mentioned I was married! They seemed to like my rosy cheeks that are always RED because it is so hot here. 32 degrees with high humidity is too hot for me!
In Belize City, we boarded another bus for Dangriga. After beeing spoiled with the Mexican greyhound-like buses, we changed pace and boarded the Belizian bus which is a very used, old American school bus painted blue. Joe would like me to add that they were in much need of maintenance. Every creak and noise, he would lean over and tell me what that sound indicated and what should be fixed! Plus the driver thought he was racing in the grand prix, occasionally swerving in and out of traffic and taking quick turns. It was an adventure!!
We made in to Dangriga in one piece and were pleased to see the ocean so close. This city is quite small and lovely, home to many Garifuna´s or pure African decendants. Others are half African and half English/Scottish and the rest being made up of Mayans. Quite a diverse Country!
We headed out to the docks to catch a boat to Tobacco Caye, a little Island off the cost (in the middle) of Belize. Along the way, we met a young English couple who had been traveling for just over a week together (he was staying longer). We shared stories of travel and ended up staying at the same hostel on the island.
Our boat ride over to the island was somewhat traumatic. Our tiny boat flew over the giant waves until we came crashing down on our hard seats. Joe was at the front, holding on for dear life. We didn´t realize that US$18 would get you such a ride. We were happy to be on solid ground 35 minutes later.
A small complaint about Mexico AND Belize. We´re not all Americans and we don´t want to use their currency. Everywhere we go, they quote us in US $, as if people from all around the world (who are white) naturally have it on hand. We were somewhat forwarned, but I didn´t realize it was that bad. On the other hand, it has been very convenient at border crossings, when we didn´t have the local currency yet!
More on the Island to follow....
Belize sounds awesome! What kind of foods are you encountering there?
ReplyDeleteEven in Asia USD is accepted everywhere. In Cambodia, although they have their own currency, they much prefer to use USD because it is far more stable than their own. I think that is true of many small or unstable countries.
I have recently been forced to use my second language... my grammar IS that bad. LOL
Now this sounds amazing, I am totally jealous. What a trip you're having. The scenery you describe sounds like what one might also find in Jamaica. Yes, after my experience in Cancun I would never take anything but some pesos and lots of US $1 bills. Forget Canadian currency, they don't understand its value. Oh well, you live and learn.
ReplyDelete