Why do you come to Belize and Ambergris Caye?

Is the people?
The culture?
The environment?
Diving, fishing, bird watching?

Why did you decide on Belize and not another country?

Do you want us to direct, easy, inexpensive flights to Belize? Will the additional influx of visitor destroy the peace and harmony of the area?

Why can't those that live here be entitled to improve their quality of life, make more money, build and develop their businesses and enjoy nice things?

Why do folks think that while the world us changes, San Pedro should stay the same?

Why do so many people spend so much time on this board making suggestions and criticism - but not out pounding the streets actually trying to make a difference?

And this is for Chris Burkey - why don't we build stocks and erect them in Central Park!!

I'll answer them out of order:

I chose Belize initially because of the reef, the English speaking locals and the climate. I choose to come back because of the people, the culture, the ocean activities, the excellent food, the healthy lifestyle the island allows and the relative lack of crime. I feel safe there.

Yes, I would like cheap, direct airfare. It would allow me to visit more often.

The locals not only ARE entitled to improved quality of life, a higher standard of living and 'nice' things, I wish them all good things. The people are, for the most part, kind and welcoming, friendly and warm.

People (visitors and ex-pats) probably want things to stay the same becsue they fell in love with Belize and AC they way they were when they first saw them, not with the way they will be in the future, which is uncertain everywhere. We tend to romanticize places we fall in love with, and fear change. That's a pretty common if not a universal human trait.

I try not to make too many suggestions, because I am a visitor, even if I will soon be a long-term visitor, I will act like a guest in your country and on your island. I will not comment on perceived problems with the government, nor make comments about how things should be, because I am a guest. Things are the way they are, and if I find myself dissatisfied with them, I should leave and find a place more to my liking. That doesn't mean I won't say 'geez, the road north of the bridge is a mess', that's an observation, not a criticism. As for others on the board that "spend so much time on this board making suggestions and criticism - but not out pounding the streets actually trying to make a difference?", I don't know. Human nature is to bitch.

As for the stocks in the town square, I'll leave that to you. It's a decision regarding law, and as I said, it's not my business to voice an opinion.

In short, I love the island and the people. I wish both all the best things...things they determine for themslves to be best. I do hope that we don't "love the place to death". I hope it's a beautiful place to live forever. When I move there, I'll volunteer at SAGA, and I'll clean up garbage along the roads and the beach. I'll do my part to be a good guest.

I'm not sure what you were looking for with this post, but it's my 2 cents (that's 4 cents BZD) worth.

I have to agree with Dutch on this and it was very well put. Thanks Dutch.
But as to WHY I like San Pedro I have included snippets of my trip Report when I was down in August.
I’m sorry if I take your questions as very “caustic” but I do. Especially one in particular.
“Why do so many people spend so much time on this board making suggestions and criticism - but not out pounding the streets actually trying to make a difference?”
Probably because a large portion of us are NOT there. Many of us WISH we were but due to whatever reason, the best that we are able to do is visit, put OUR hard earned money into the local economy, donate to charities that we chose to support and I feel reasonably sure that IF most of us lived there we would be attending meetings, voicing our opinions and yes “Pounding the streets”. If you feel that some of the fund raisers for different places in San Pedro (Reapers Poker Tourney for the school one year, the library this year, different silent donations to SAGA, and various schools around SP) is not enough or to your liking, I’m sorry, but it is the best that most of us can do. And IMO I feel that is part of making a difference.
As Dutch so eloquently put it, I too am just a visitor and I do my best to be a good visitor.
Here are some of MY reasons of why I love San Pedro.
As I climb aboard the Tropic flight and take off for San Pedro once more, I am thrilled by the sight. I catch a glimpse of several rays, dark shadows gliding over an emerald green reef. Waters turning from emerald green to turquoise to a dark shade of indigo, only divided by the waves that break over the reef looking like a strand of pearls that had been laid out by Neptune himself. As we round the corner and head for Front street, I’m aware if the roads. “Pavers” as they are called have taken the place of the sandy streets that used to be so quintessential San Pedro. But amidst the “improvements” (or modernization that some are opposed to) I still see things that have not changed, nor do I believe that they ever will. For one, the children, heading to school in their uniforms, smiles and laughter greet us as we pass by. Later in the evening we see some of the same children, playing on the beach, light-hearted and carefree. What a time to be a child and living in San Pedro. Looking at the reef, watching the kids and island dogs and in retrospect I am reminded how funny life is. As an adult, looking for my “blue heaven” I feel as if I have found it, but I wonder if the children in San Pedro really know how lucky they are to be living where they are. At the same time I wondered that as a child if I was ever mindful of how lucky I was to be living where I grew up.
Even though the weather is unusually warm I still welcome the tropical breeze that envelopes me like a favorite comforter. I recline in a well worn hammock. The smell of the sea/salty air, the sound of laughter and music in the distance I’m beginning to understand what the magic is that is part of San Pedro. It’s more than just one or two things. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds and smells. From the blues/greens of the reef, the colorful costumes during fiesta, the smell of the sea breeze, the various vendors cooking their wares and the music that you hear from live bands and juke boxes to the musical laughter of the children and adults alike all form a tapestry that is forever in-twined in the hearts and souls of the ones that call San Pedro “home.”

Hi guys

Thanks for responding. That is what I wanted to hear. Lots of positive reasons why you love this place and continue to visit and keep it in your hearts.

Yes, sometimes being caustic gets people riled up enough to say something.

Dutch just hit a big nail on the head with his/her comment regarding people romantisizing places that they fall in love with.

Each and every time I have gone "back" to somewhere that I loved, most of the charm had been changed and could never live up to my treasured memories.

Many do not realize that if 2008 and were your first visit to the island it still represents a raw & beautiful appeal to the tired and the weary.

For those that visit often- you need to come more. If you see the changes happening on a regular basis it isn't as painfully apparent.

Please, everybody keep the comments flowing - this is one of the reasons I enjoy this board... getting to know you and finding out why you are here.

Amanda, When you asked these questions of ex-pats AND tourists I'm certain that you will receive two different sets of answers. Probably most of us on this board are of the tourist variety, at least that will include me. I just finished counting the stamps placed in my passport placed by the officers at Belize City airport during the past two years. There were ten. That may qualify me as a 'frequent visitor'. The responses to your questions by Dutch and DC are right-on in my view and I can only add one more reason that brings me back to San Pedro 5>6 times a year. I can leave Kansas City early in the morning and be on the dock ready to go fishing by lunch time. SP is the only place in the world that I've found where I can do that. Every other place requires TWO days of travel to get to a fishing dock. Now,, do I need a break on air fares?? Damn betcha. The Dept of Tourism said yesturday that they plan to spend $1.5m to promote the sagging tourist industry. I wrote to them and asked that they consider subsidizing Continental, like the Mexicans do, with fuel and/or an increase in number of "X" promotional class fares to BZ. I need more trips to feed my addiction to fly fishing the Congrejo flats.

Finally, there are some things about the island that I would not like to see the GOB change. I would not like to see the law changed to allow North American or European medical doctors to practice medicine in BZ. IMHO, doing so would cause an invasion from Miami Beach upon San Pedro. The only reason they are not retired there now is because of the lack of medical facilities.

Don, I am adding my 8th stamp in November in a course of 2 years as well. I would be down more often if:
1) My boss wasn't such a tyrant and let me leave at least every 2 or 3 months
2) Flight tickets were under $300
3) I haven't worn out my welcome at the Taco Mansion.
4) I won the lottery.

The diving.


I travel to other countries, as well.


Yes.


I don't know why they can't develop their businesses. Maybe it's the tax structure. Maybe getting reliable employees is a problem. You tell me. Why can't they?

I'm not sure that anybody is entitled to improving their lives. You're entitled to strive for the life you want to have, but at the end of the day you may fail to improve your life. Some people improve their lives, others fall short.

Making more money doesn't in and of itself improve one's life. I've known some bitter, unhappy rich folks. I've been quite happy myself when I was flat broke.



You're kidding, right? San Pedro was a great place to go diving. Now, it's nearly as crowded and noisy as Cozumel. I'd have liked to see San Pedro preserved as a nice, laid back spot, but greed kills.



You presume that nobody is out there, pounding the streets, making a difference. Maybe that's not true. We're out here doing what we can on the causes we chose. Myself, I don't think that I can go out knocking on doors in San Pedro, telling people that building high rise condos (or whatever) on their property is a bad thing. But as San Pedro becomes more and more developed I find myself spending less and less time there.




Knock yourself out. You might as well build it while there's still a few square meters of open land.

Amanda,
As you know when I first came to San Pedro seven years ago, Kristine and I fell in love with the place. The people, the view, the warm clear blue water, the food, the adventure. As the visits increased and we made wonderful friends such as yourself and your family, we started thinking of a life in San Pedro. Finally getting the "Boogie in Belize" off the ground and meeting many different people in the nation it opened my eyes to a lot of different things. I have had the privilage of meeting the Minister of Tourism, past and present and the former PM. I have also met many of the top business people in Belize. As you know my goal for ten days each February is to leave the island a better place than when we found it.
Here are some of my thoughts,
It is getting very expensive to vacation in Belize. The room tax, departure tax and food is all escalating. From year one in 2005 to next February the cost of my package skydive trip has risen from $1,200usd to $1,800usd.
Flights to Belize are difficult for many Canadians. No one wants to go through US and then Belize Customs. Flights are VERY expensive from Los Angeles. And now a domestic flight from Goldson to San Pedro is over $100usd.
Most of the regular message board contributors are frequent visitors to San Pedro. We enjoy coming down and seeing all of you that live there and also seeing each other. I will go way out on a limb now and say that 90% of the people that frequent this message board care more about San Pedro than 90% of the residents that could change things there. Yes, some on here just [#%!] and moan about certain issues, but there are MANY here that truly care and have given thousands of dollars and much of their time to San Pedro, and other Belizean causes.
I have asked this question before. Do Belizeans get tired of needing donations for certain things to operate, or be improved?
I hear things such as "You don't live here, you don't understand." or "Don't come down here and try to change things to be like where you are from".
I have read nearly every post here in every forum for the past four years. I haven't really seen anyone objecting to any local making a buck or improving their lifestyle. But if more development and jobs mean a better San Pedro, then don't ask us to donate any more. If Holy Cross is full of migrant workers kids, let the developers fund the school. If the Fire Department needs training aids, let the GOB pay for them. If the Police need ATV's to patrol up north, let the GOB pay for that also. I have seen some local folks blast posters here for trying to help out. There was a recent thread about a US doctor, Belize-N-Us, wanting to come work on the island. Some people thought he was coming down to sell crack cocaine in the park with their reactions. I have seen the line up of ill children at Ambergris Hope Clinic, and donated thousands of dollars in medical equipment to them. To think a doctor wouldn't be welcome to help out on an island bursting at the seams with children is ludicrous. While I agree that some don't like the good doctors blunt approach, I think he is a good intentioned human trying to make a difference in a place he loves.
So I guess my suggestion to the locals is, if someone wants to do a well intentioned thing, but it rubs you the wrong way for whatever reason, point it out in a way that makes more sense than you just not liking the cause they are trying to help.
I cannot ever not vacation in Belize now. My family has made too many wonderful friends there. We don't go to Maui anymore because we save to go to Belize at least twice a year.
The island is a microcosm of other places. Population growth, funding problems, traffic, development, etc. But I think the big thing worrying most is the rise in crime. The big developments like South Beach won't stop too many of us from coming to visit, but a rise in criminal activity will. The gang problem on the island is growing and the transients are causing a lot of havoc. This is an issue that MANY cities world wide face, or have dealt with. It can be curbed with the right police management AND funding.
I for one still love San Pedro, her people and the weather! I will work hard to continue to grow the tourism business in Belize and support the island in any way I can help. I couldn't imagine my life without meeting all of you, or never seeing the beauty of Belize.
I'll see many of you in November, and most of you in February!

One more thing...I can't live without the Blue Water Grill's key lime pie, or Estel's fry jacks!

I moved to Belize because:

1. I like Belizean people.
2. I like the scenery.
3. I like the food.
4. I like many of the expats here.
5. I like warm weather.

Not reasons I moved to Belize:

1. It is cheap. It is not.

Reaper: You are the right kind of people to move here! You understand!

I can be myself and make friends. Being around happy, pleasant people makes me happy, too.

I've been waiting for this question. I came because of Jerry Jeff Walker. I've been a fan for years and his "Cowboy Boots And Bathing Suits" spoke to me. I finally got the chance to come down last January for his "Camp Belize" week. Once I got to the island though I found out what a great place it was. I loved it so much I came back in late May. Here are some of the things that I love about San Pedro and Ambergris Caye.

The people are almost universally friendly. Walking down the beach to Estel's to breakfast everyone from the school kids, the guys on the dive crews, the locals and even most of the tourists all say good morning with a big smile. I have never been in any country where everyone was so friendly. I swear.

There are no chain hotels or restaurants to be seen.

You can find live music any night somewhere on the island even in a tropical storm.

If you're very lucky you can sit and listen to Charlie Worthington talk about music all day while eating some of the best bbq anywhere thanks to Charles.

I don't dive but I hear that it's great out on the reef.

I can go out on the Paradise Villa's dock, read and get some sun. When it get's too hot I can swim over to Wet Willies and get a pulled pork sandwich, a Belikin and some good company with wet money.

The Chicken Drop

Dennis Wolfe and the island musicians. Gary, Dale, Jim, Casey Moore, Ted and Nancy, Hurricane Keith, Conrad, Drummer Dan, my buddy Sherry, and of course the incredible Derrick. Who'd have thought that on an island off Belize you could find a true prodigy like Derrick.

Mostly I like Ambergris Caye because it's not like Cancun, Mazatlan, St. Marten, Nassau or any other touristy Caribbean destinations. I like that San Pedro is still a small town and it hasn't gone the way of other tourist traps. Plus there are a ton of great people there who seem to feel the same way.

See ya'll in January.

Like she said.

We first came to Belize City on a cruise. We loved the environment, but didn't meet many residents. When we got back home we talked about how much we loved Belize and several friends who'd been there raved about it. I found this board and heard many more great things about San Pedro in particular. We when were there in February, it was all we expected and more. We met some wonderful people and felt an immediate bond withe the island. I love the culture, the climate, the attitude and the people. I don't know if we'll end up living there, but it certainly fits my lifestyle and we'll definitely explore the possibility. Since 2008 was my first visit, I don't have that feeling of it's "not what it used to be." San Pedro will change. Some will like some changes, some will like others, some will like none. I'm not thrilled by the changes in San Diego since I moved here 15 years ago, but it's still the place I want to be (right now). I agree that the changes are much less apparent when you live there than if you visit once or twice a year.

Good discussion questions, Amanda.

Our first trip in September of 2004 was a last minute accident, because Greece, where we had planned to vacation, was still overcrowded due to the Olympics. Next month will be my 13th or 14th trip. I keep returning because I love the ocean and I've come to love the people even more.
Because I have easy access to TACA, for me flights are, comparatively speaking, pretty inexpensive. When I have the time, I still prefer the water taxi to the puddle jumpers.

Why does your question presume those who live there are not entitled to improve their quality of life, make more money, build and develop their businesses and enjoy nice things? Who "disentitled" them? However, yes, of course the additional of visitors will change the peace and harmony of the area - whether it will "destroy" it will be up to the people of Belize. Will they allow so much development that the environment which draws people there no longer exists?

What "folks" think "that while the world us changes, San Pedro should stay the same?" And why does what those "folks" think matter?

Why do you generalize about "so many people spend[ing] so much time on this board making suggestions and criticism - but not out pounding the streets actually trying to make a difference?" That is an inaccurate statement and it completely discounts a great number of amazing accomplishments on the island which would not exist were it not for this board and the people who spend "so much time" here. We brought school supplies and volunteered at the library our first trip. On every trip since I have contributed in some significant way. I'd wager that goes for the vast majority of regular posters on this messageboard. I know this probably sounds at least as "caustic" as your remarks, but your post leaves me wondering whether you genuinely dislike the vast majority of us or whether you just find it easier to criticize us than to say thank you.

Amanda: My wife and I first visited San Pedro in 2000. We fell in love the place and it's people immediately. Since then, we have returned every Feb for a month and feel that arriving in San Pedro is like comming home. It's only natural to want to see something as unique as this island remain the same.

We do not begrudge anyone for raising his or her standard of living but question at what cost. The development north of the cut without sewer and water or roads is,to me, frightening. I am a small town mayor and have been for many years. Here we make developers pay for infrastructure through access fees. Who is going to pay for it on San Pedro once many of these resorts are in place? I also wonder a what point the reef will be overfished and destroyed by too many divers.

Lastly, is the standard of living improving any faster than the cost of living for the average resident? It seems that the people making the biggest finacial gains are the developers who are putting the enviorment at the greatest risk.

I have no axe to grind with anyone and only wish for San Pedro to grow at a pace that will alow it to remain the best little destination in Central America.

San Pedro is a beautiful place...too beautiful for its own good. While I have advocated minimal growth...I know this only comes from wishing for the crime free, innocent past of long-ago. I'll continue enjoying San Pedro from the slow lane, mindful of the fast moving traffic when I stoop to pick-up a piece of litter.

We came to San Pedro 5 years ago and loved it because

We truly felt safe there.

The people are happy, open and friendly.

The beautiful scenery.

And it does not feel like many of the other places we have visited, to busy, touristy, and yes to many chain restarants, high rises and lots of crime

Yes, I would love to have lower cost flights from here in Michigan, it would allow us to visit more than once a year and we would!!!

We have seen several of the changes over the last few years and that can't be avoided, but that hasn't changed our love for San Pedro and the people and friends we have met and won't stop us from visiting. The thing that would stop us is the crime, I can tell you we have traveled to many islands and countries and have never felt as safe as we have on AC.

We love you all and can't wait to see everyone in Febuary!!

Methinks that at least 95% of those who post here regularly would agree with 95% of what has already been stated. So, no hyperbole from this dude.

Having visited Belize for longer than this board has been around, and nearly every visit including some time on AC (island time being anywhere from a week to a month), I've seen more physical changes to the island than most of those posting here. No need to discuss the pros and cons of that. That horse has been beaten to death, IMNSHO. One thing that has not changed, however, is the warm, caring friendliness of virtually everyone there - San Pedranos and ex-pats alike. The same human characteristics hold true for mainland residents as well. Those of you who have not visited the mainland, and by that I mean more than a day trip to the caves, ziplining or ruins, please consider doing so. It's the only way to really discover what Belize is all about. Yet, when my friends ask why I keep going back, I say AC is like Spring Break for Adults.

That said, one of most cherished images of SP is the one posted below. Taken in 1998 with an artsy alternative camera, in my mind, it displays a calm, peaceful childlike innocence to our beloved island. An innocence that today may be lost and impossible to re-create.....

'bout time you shared that picture

It was time........

and prints up in the darkroom better than the neg scans and Photoshops. Loses something with progress. Hmmmmm

We met Obie and Becky at the Banana Beach and got to know them during our 10 day stay. What happened with them since then?

ExOkie - look up Kelly McGuire for your next island musical sensation.

My folks took me with them to Cayo back in the mid 80's. I absolutely hated it until we moved back to NY. I fell in love with a girl with a local girl and drove back to Belize as soon as I could in a dump truck out of Chicago.

I moved here, San Pedro, with $40 in my pocket looking for a way to make an income of more than $75 a week so we could build a house in Cayo for me, my girlfriend and our little girl. Jim Jam gave me a job and Malcolm gave me a room above Fido's (within two hours of stepping off the Caye Caulker Water Taxi. I really got to know Barefoot Skinny and Dennis Wolfe very well (including their lyrics, jokes and play list). Hanging out with Malcolm, Mary, Pablo, Cappo, Louie, Pedro (burro) and Shaggy was the best days of my life. The salary was better but we spent every dime on food and drink (drinks). I can still recall the horrible smell of this octopus we forgot we where boiling on the gas stove in the apartment where the offices are now located.

I am now married and have three more kids. Needless to say I am still working here as the house plans kept changing over the years. The income is better, I still miss the simpler life of Cayo very very much.

I've given a lot back to the community of San Pedro and Belize. I got burned out a few times and now stay more focused on family.

The house is almost done.

Personally, solely my viewpoint, I would like to see other areas of Belize dedicated to "large scale developments". Areas where you really could build a golf course and airport (not strip) and not be dependent upon the infrastructure of a small town until no longer needed. Areas that desperately need jobs and can offer an affordable and fulfilling lifestyle for it's employees and families. The coast of Belize and other areas of the mainland are ripe for development, especially if plane loads of charter people are just waiting to come to Belize from Europe. I would like to see Ambergris Caye's sunsets studded with golden palm tree silhouettes rather than humongous concrete boxes. I would like to see the island move forward with smaller, more intimate and more expensive products and services with less people spending more money amongst lower density of business owners and employees. I would like to see the children of this island offered the same types of schools and parks offered to them on the mainland.

I think whatever had been done as far as police work over the past 15 years is not working. I would like to see new ideas regarding crime prevention including public humiliation rather then merit badges for committing crimes.

It's all good.

Ding, ding...we have a winner!

One great reason I come to San Pedro!
http://aphidairdesigns.smugmug.com/gallery/3943592_XfxXC#229117337_ukMz3-A-LB

Amanda, Our first visit to SP came in Jan. 2005. We have been looking for a place to retire for some time now. We have returned each year since for a few weeks and have purchased our soon to be home. Raggirl and I have visited about every Island in the East and West Caribbean but never found quite what we wanted. From 1990-1995 we lived in the East Caribbean on our boat moving from Island to Island when the mood fit us. The early education of our two children was mostly on board but sometimes in the local schools on the Islands. We love the sea, reefs, Island people and their way of life.

On AC we found what the Eastern Caribbean was probably like years ago. Conveniences but not too many. A comfortable life in a way that time has passed on other Islands. The Island has it’s warts but many advantages are found on AC. Actually the warts some how add to the mystique of AC. The people are great and certainly there are a lot of "characters". We enjoy being around these people. We agree with most of what was said in previous posts.

In addition, I agree with LA in her questions to you Amanda. I'm sure you and I will meet in person in the next few years and you’re a great gal but your questions come across a little strange to people who have helped in the past and can be counted on in the future to be a positive influence. I myself have not contributed much but any place I've been I always end up active in the club or community and I doubt that will change when we move there in the future. Making suggestions and criticism is part of communicating our feelings and if done respectfully adds to the good of all. Thank you AC for what I expect you will give me and when the time comes it would be nice for a small recognition to all our indiviual efforts.

This post has garnered some very good responses and after our first trip there 3 weeks ago I see why many of you have returned multiple times.
We too have fallen in love with many aspects of AC and have already started looking into arrangements for our Spring trip there. My little sister and her husband are making the next trip with us after listneing to our stories and seeing some of the pic's.

One - the people. We felt welcome. Aruba is the same but way too far.

Two - The water and the reef.

Three - 2 hour drive to Dallas and we are there before the end of a good movie.

In regard to anyone having the opportunity to improve their lives, absolutely, but I did not see that. As with most of our trips to new places, I started researching and communicating in advance. We were prepared for the trash, the non-swimming beaches, and above normal cost.

I was shocked at how little regard the residents had for the island by trashing it up. Yes I realize many visitors contribute to this problem, but we got away from the main streets to see the real AC. It was worse there. The GOB must assume the responsibility of removing trash. I walked the beach nearly every a.m. early and as I promised in my post I picked up trash. Picking it up is not an issue, where to put it is. I saw the trash containers being built and most of them were overflowing and we were there during low season. I can not imagine what it must be like during high season.

We have traveled up and down the Eastern Carribean and love the smallness of AC. We do not like the high rises many islands have built or the crowds. AC still has a local feel and you do not have to travel far to get it.

But, let me add, we were on vacation. A time when we travel and spend our hard earned money. AC cannot expect visitors to fly in for a week and spend a day of their time volunteering or out on the streets stumping for improvements. The locals need to look at themselves for that. If ex-pats and relocated visitors want to invest in AC and/or open a business there they need to get involved. It is in their best interest to keep the visitors coming back.

As a traveler, if AC overdevelopes, we will probably continue to explore new places. Until then we'll come back. No I do not want American businesses there (imagine the golden arches on front street - ugh), I do not want big highrises, no golf courses. AC is not big enough to entertain both a local laid back crowd and the flash in the pants big spenders. The mega developements being discussed on this board ARE going to make an impact on AC. IMHO it will not be a positive impact, but as a visitor, all I can do is decide if I want to return or look elsewhere. Developement is going to happen. Prepare for it.

This board is a wonderful tool for gathering information and opinions from visitors that should be used for a positive approach to change. AC is a tourist destination and the economy depends on it. Big developement will NOT improve the lives of residents. It will make foreign investors wealthy, increase immigration for job seekers (thus more crowding in poor areas), and it will overwhelm the utility demands including waste collection. IMHO AC is not prepared for it.

Hey all. Thanks so much for you concise responses to the questions.

Yes, I might be a little odd and caustic and ask questions that appear strange - but I am receiving what I was aiming for - a deeper insight as to why people consistently visit the island, why they will continue or discontinue those visits, why some have settled here and why some have goals to retire here in the near future.

I am sure there are more comments out there.....

If a search is made on this board there are tons of notes of praise and thanks for the gifts, donations, and tireless efforts of board members. There are also acknowledgments of good deeds in the local newspapers. Even misguided & misfired efforts are praised.

As I dig through the mail, march of dimes, salvation army, red cross, rotary, lions, oxfam, ronald mcdonald house.... I realize that requesting charity is not an activity exclusive to Belize. If you would like to contribute that is fantastic, if you don't please don't berate others for doing so.

Great shots of AC and San Pedro!

How can you not fall in love with this place?

First timer last year for jjw camp belize 08 wk 1
A birthday present from my wife.
stayed @ Paradise Villa's came in with bags in hand when capt ron out of the blue
handed me a belikin and said he was with the welcome wagon
I was hooked..
The music & diving , zip lines, cave tubing we did it all.
A one time trip has now found us returning to
camp belize 09 week one another trip to Paradise Villa's
to meet up with more "friends we'll keep for life"




See you end of the month

Food for thought at a perfect time. My husband and I moved here in July, after two years for building a house the way we wanted it and not the way the contractor did, and after visiting yearly since 1996 (sometimes twice a year). I am ready to say why.
It's different, but still great. Sitting in my great living room, looking out the window at ocean, palms and sand; listening to my beloved pets who also moved here...this is a place to be contented.
Contentment doesn't mean complacency, either. Contentment means staying happy even though things change, or need to change, and needing to make things change. It means appreciating the great gift that we have worked for to be here.
We still need to work, and my husband humps onto an airplane almost every week to work as a consultant all over the world. I am still looking for something to do here, and have offered myself to SAGA.
Why, also is about reasons for not living in the States. I wish I could put it diplomatically but I can't. It's expensive to live here. It is way more expensive in the States, and the carbon footprint there is almost immoral. Also, in the land of the free, we have red light cameras, speed cameras, sitting in the park cameras, and taxes that offer a middle aged baby-boomer no representation.
It also comes to people, which many have said. We looked around and found we care about more people here than anywhere else. And, whether they care about us or not we like them.

I was abducted by aliens.....






........cute Belizean females.

GwenA, that's very well put. Thank's for sharing your thoughts.