I would like to know why each of you find Belize and AC to be your paradise? What does it mean to you now? for the diving? for the laid back life style? for the partying? Do you want to see change, 2,5,10 years from now? BE HONEST, with youself and and this topic.

Rocio

[This message has been edited by Rocio (edited 11-17-2001).]

Caught me at a good moment. We are scheduled for mid-January at Paradise Villas, third consecutive trip for our party to AC. Used to be that Cozumel was our destination of choice, but it got too big, too fast, too many other tourists. Still our choice for diving tho, if we go back.
AC has above all else, nice people. Friendly people that do not resent us (tourists), nice weather, beautiful sunrises, very good food at reasonable prices. And we are not required to bring a lot of fancy clothes. We can relax at our own pace, the diving and snorkeling is fair, going to very good if you want to sit on a boat for awhile (no problem with that). Probably another main thing is our fellow tourists. Everyone who visits has to make a little extra effort to get there, and since the beaches/nightlife/tourist attractions are better in a lot of places that are easier to get to, there only seems to be the serious laid back interesting people that we can associate with if we choose to. So, no masses of casual tourists.
As a matter of fact, we know it isn't paradise, but it is a lot better at this point in our lives than anywhere else we have been. Viva island time! Viva Belikin.

Because it touches the soul and cleanses the spirit!! C Haven't been able to find that here!!

Just returned from Cabo and have traveled extensively all over Mexico. To me, the best place in Mexico is Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen area. Cabo was very commercialized compared to when I visited five years ago and the time share people pester you enough to want to leave. Unlike others on this board, I am not a huge Belikin fan. Mexican beer to me, and a shot of tequila, is the greatest. I would have to agree that the people and the peacefulness of AC are what I enjoyed most. Also, the beautiful scenery. No where in the world beats the blue of the Carribean!

Rocio, I believe a search will bring up a long thread (maybe two) about this very subject.

Regardless of that, I'd like to know why you are interested? If I've been reading you correctly you are in Mexico and very happy to be there. I'm confused by your participation here on the board. For myself, I'd like to understand where you are coming from and what your intentions are.

To that end, I will share with you that I first went to Belize on a dive holiday and came home fundamentally changed. There is something undefinable (to me) in SP. I feel healthier there (even when abusing my body with the local intoxicants ), I feel younger there, I feel more attractive there, I feel more peaceful and relaxed there. I am more inclined to walk, I smile at everyone, I laugh outloud, I feel free to dance with wild abandon. I find the diving to be good to very good and as pointed out by another, excellent when I make a longer boat trip. I like that I can be under the water in 5-15 minutes from the time the boat leaves the dock. I love the music. I like that I feel safe there. I love that the streets are sand. I love that when I walk up towards Papi's, a local will ask me if I'm going up the coast. I love Papi's.

As for the board, I like that it helps me feel like I am still close to all of that and that I know others share similar reactions.

I've been a lot of places, many that are far more beautiful than SP/AC, regardless this is the place that calls to me.

Man, Seashell: so the guy lives in Mexico. If people were not curious about other countries, why would they go there at all?

Seashell!! VERY WELL SAID!! And ditto for us!! C&R

LaurieMar, thanks for the support, I hope to meet you Cozumel someday.

I just asked the questions so that I could understand where some of you are coming from. I am new to this board, as seashell can probably tell you, I have an open profile, it is very easy for someome to find out where I am at, seashell's profile is a closed book.

Today is the 22nd. anniversary of my first visit to Cozumel, I loved it then and I love it now, I wouldn't be here if I didn't.

I have no disire to change any of you or your love for AC amd Belize. I wouldn't want AC, yes, I have been there, to change either, I'll pray that doesn't, but I hear the words; "time share", "condo", and "cruise ships".

I think change is going to be inevitable, but what I hope is that the feeling will always stay the same. And that others who come to visit the island will leave with a tear in their eye and a strong desire to return. That the people will always be warm and friendly and welcoming. One of the things that I was amazed at is that tho' I had only been to AC once and for only a week, I made many friends and they remembered me when I returned the next year. I enjoy reading these boards because it takes me back to the island, if only for a moment. Someday, I hope soon, AC will be my home. My body is here in Nebraska but my heart is north of the cut, sitting on a beautiful lot and staring at the reef. Belize stole my heart from the very beginning. I don't know what it is I guess it's alot of things. Like my friend just said, it is the most unbelievable feeling...sometimes you just can't express it.

Actually Rocio, I did not look up your profile and still haven't done so. I picked up what I know of you from your posts.

I remain curious as to your interest here but I can see that you don't really intend to tell us. It is nice to learn that you have actually been to AC. I hadn't realized that though you may have said so before. When was it that you were in AC?

By the way, my profile is not complete for obvious reasons and there is no shame in it.

Oh for heavens sake! can't a guy ask a question anymore without getting put to grindstone? geez lighten up people. I think this BJR thing has put some of us in a foul mood...yes that's what it is....that's the ticket. Rocio, I know exactly where you're coming form. Paradise is in the individual soul and what they perceive as paradise. I have spent many a good time on SP, and many of the other islands. And all over Belize, and at that time it was close to paradise. Layed back, wonderful music, sweet indigenous people, and let's not forget food, straigt from the soul. There is no food like belize food lol. I myself don't find paradise in belize now at this time. My paradise is where I live now. But then I have had many places to compare and made a choice of what works for me. I must say though that I have brought the way of the belize life with me. I know what you really want to know, but my answer would be too controversial. But if you read between the lines of what people say on this board about belize, you'll understand...where they are coming from. Different strokes for different folk..right?

Mosquitorose

I'll tell you why I said what I said.

One of the very first posts Rocio ever made was to advertise a place he has for rent in Coz. Not only did that seem odd but he posted it into a thread that had absolutely nothing to do renting properties, either in Belize or Coz. So I'm a bit skeptical, that is all. If I were to come on here and the first or second post I ever made was to advertise the rental availability of my vacation property in the US Virgin Islands, would that make you look at me askance, or would you just think I was happy to be able to share my paradise?

Certainly, since that advert posting, Rocio's made an admirable recovery, so we shall see what we shall see.


[This message has been edited by seashell (edited 11-19-2001).]

Rocio --

I don't care about your motives. And I'll give you an answer. It may lie partly in contrasts. Here is a sonnet I wrote after our first trip to Belize.

Bostonians
(on vacation)

"It's lovely here, but I would miss the change of season."
Spring's continual cold downpours, some vapid days
Of high humidity, the glorious brief treason
Of the colouring trees, camouflage for the coming glaze
Of ice-covered sidewalks blocked by blackening snow
Piles plowed across our path. "They invited me to their party.
Such charming people! But of course I didn't go."
We don't talk to strangers in a catastrophe. We keep to our arty
Rounds in reticence, sensible of our city, once ever
Ready to hang its heretics to forestall our collapse
into Humanity. "A place here costs nothing, but I could never
Really live here." Could it be, perhaps,

We still recall the Angel's sword of flame,
And, fearful, flee this Garden whence we came?

copyright James Michael Ryan 2000

I wanted a place like the Cayman Islands used to be 20 years ago, and I'll buy every condo unit they build to keep it that way (Empty) (If I can afford it) (and my wife doesn't find out).

Now.... does anyone want to buy some art? Sounds like a good cause doesn't it????!!!

forick

You're welcome Rocio. We will definitely be back to Cozumel one day. We love the Sol Cabanas Del Caribe.

Every country is different and there is so much to see in this world. AC is just another beautiful place to go, but I wouldn't want to live there, nor return there for every one of my vacations.

Off subject, but a question for you. We are thinking about cruising over to Coz and then heading to AC from there. What's the best way, (if you know approx times and prices that would be great). Will be arriving mid-Jan.
Thanks.

Rocio,
When I read your post, I felt compelled to say this. As I read the posts of dedicated, and sentimental San Pedroans, it seems that they are wishers and wannabes that like to tap the keys of their computers because they either don't have the wherewithall or guts to get their groceries together and go carve out their dreams. Mostly avid vacationers that have found a little niche so small and remote, but with beer and music that will sooth their soul until the plane leaves. YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT 30 YEARS AGO WHEN I DID!
Bud

Budnmary --

Gee, I see postings from lots of people who are building or have built on AC. We're among them. I've gotten private email contact with them and have had lots of help from them. I see stuff from Belizeans in good rough and tumble discussions - susangg comes to mind. I see great usefull info from Lan. (Maybe this hard content is what has apparently driven Binfoot Scary from the board.)

But I really love the stuff from the vacationers able to have some West Indian happiness just a piece at a time.

And for those who long for less than there is now in SP, Hey, there Caye Caulker, and other Cayes less developed than that. A Sailboat can make a big difference in this sort of life. Chosing is not so permanent.

It's a big world, man.

Mike Ryan

Good post Mike!
I have seen a good part of the world and I lived on my sailboat for a year, built a house on the beach in Xcalac and lived there for 3 years. (Solar powered). Still have a lot on North AC. I am over my ambitious days and setteling in Louiaiana for good. Think I'll try a houseboat now that I finished this foam panel (environmental) house.
Nice to know you got grit!
Bud (over 65)

To whom it may concern: the posting to which, "what's her face" has referred, was being directed to Scott, the "Canadian Dreamer" and no one else, who in the Topic that he opened, was looking for info and/or investment property or business. I posted that this property was available, I did not tend to imply in any way that this property was being offered for rent on this board.

Bud, you may know the property, it's 10 kms. north of Xcalak, when were you there last, where is the house that you built located?

Rocio

[This message has been edited by Rocio (edited 11-20-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Rocio (edited 11-20-2001).]

Whatsherface here. Hmm, that's funny. I thought Canadian Dreamer was interested in opening a dance club in San Pedro, not buying property in Mexico. But you know what? It doesn't matter. It really, really doesn't.

I'm here on this board because I love Ambergris Caye. That is all. I don't want to fight with anyone. (though I do have my opinions from time to time, don't I, folks? )

budnmary

Hi, guys. Thanks.

Yeah, I just turned 65 myself this year. I figure if we live long enough not to be able to do ocean crossings, AC looks pretty good. We can play our tunes, play Go, look out at the reef (gotta write a short story about that reef), do some mathematics again, write our poetry and novels, and potter about in little dinghies, write some more music, waltz together on the porch, hang with gentle interesting people who are not caught up in aggressive growth mode of the Northeast US, or who have escaped it, as we hope to soon.

Can't be all bad.

And I guess this is another answer besides my sonnet above.

Michael

A "Thank You" to all who made comments on this topic......

I would like to wish each of you, a very "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" and add a prayer that all of your dreams come true.

Rocio and Family

Rocio,
I built just above Villa Caracol on the beach road wich was just South of where the Good Ol' Mexican Army camps out. Every time I went up to see Ruth & Andy they would want to search my Honda Motorcycle! Did you build up there? How long ago..I have been gone 3 years now.

Mike & Daphnie,
Sounds like we are in the same dingy. I wish I could go back and build on the N. End again and use what I have learned in building about 6 houses. Just got my energy bill on this one for Oct. $38.51 Elect. Gas 26.48. If you really want to settle in AC we maybe should talk, I'm a very reasonable person.
Bud

Bud, "Rancho Cielos Azules", the property is 6 miles north of the village, north of the check point, we always carried a cold 6 pak for the boys, some days we would go through 4 or 5 times, it's not my place, belongs to a good friend from Chapel Hill, I go down with him when he is here, he also has a place here in Cozumel. Rocio

Rocio,
Can't place the rancho, but I guess it is up somewhere near the 5 dome huts rancho. What is the beach road like now? It was all but washed out 3 years ago. I six-pack is wasted on those check point clowns in my opinion. Let me know if you know of someone that may want a lot on N. Amb. Cy. I think I'm out of that area for good. (Too Old).
I just replied to someone on another thread that wanted to know how to drive from AC to Cancun. Not too bad huh! Have you driven from the states to X-Lax? I Did and even did the ferry from Fla. once.
Bud