And “how do I get back?”

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to St Georges Caye (http://gooddiving.com/) It was the best trip that we have ever had. I have one of those jobs that all I need is the internet and the phone. It really does not matter where I am. Last night we again discussed packing it all up and moving to Belize. My questions is what are the disadvantages to an American living in Belize?

Question from http://www.gettoknowu.com/Catagory/Geography_03.php

Disadvantages? hmmmmmm
I guess it depends on who you are. If you like to dress up and go to the opera theater on occasion your screwed.
There are tons of Americans living and working here.
My wife was a high-tech head hunter in California during the dotcom days and thought working here would be no problem.
Phone service , iffy electrical service and slow internet changed that thinking right away.
There is also, sometimes, a misconception of how important the occasional lunch with a client is.
I would encourage you, but also warn this ain't the Jimmy Buffet experience people generally think it is.

The only disadvantage I've seen some expats encounter has been unrealistic expectations.

We're in the same boat, slowly making those same moves, heavily dependent on internet and phone service to run our businesses and so far, though it's taken a lot of research, those things are surmountable with the right phone and, if you pay enough, for high speed. The pros outweigh the cons by far. I've done 'test' runs and am still working on it with every trip, but it's doable and the rewards, the feeling when I wake up in the morning (and I mean every morning) that I am in the most beautiful place on earth, by far outweighs any minor frustrations I've had so far. I moved to Europe years ago and found adjusting to Belize far easier, so maybe I am more prepared than others when moving to a new country. However, another point is, here in a major North American city, I have been slamming my phone against the wall every day recently as every phone and internet company here has screwed up my service for various reasons (it's like a bad Monty Python movie) and I am left on hold forever with each one of them, bumped from department to department by 20-somethings who can only read from a script (I'm so sorry you are being inconvenienced...blah, blah,blah...). I think our 'advancement' in our so-called developed countries is over rated and being a nameless, faceless human being in this fast paced culture is more frustrating and stressful than anything I have ever faced in Belize. Our neighborhood here has been subjected to numerous power outages over the years, so I've had to find internet cafes around town to work out of, and not having heat in the winter is not fun as they try to figure out what's wrong. My internet goes down here too (probably due to too many power surges burning out my modem) and I wait up to 48 hours for service and the guy just shows up and scratches his head. Honestly - I get better service in Belize these days. For those of you who have been in Belize for years now, believe me, this is getting worse not better in N.A. I'm still 'in the process' but so far haven't found any major reason to turn and run with my tail between my legs. Quite the opposite.

We moved here almost 3 years ago and must say it was a bit frustrating at first trying to find a few of our basic creature comforts like good coffee, cookware, etc. It seems that there are more options these days (or maybe we have just learned where to get what?). Still trying to figure out where to buy dental floss...

Like you, I always prefer "running to" vs "running from" scenario. Best of luck to you in finding your paradise

Sorry, love AC but:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw3CVQNVMnc&feature=related

Ry, Oh, the memories, Marsh Harbor, Green Turtle Caye, Hopetown and numerous other little harbors and cayes. Snorkeling, diving and fishing. But come hurricane season, watch out. Hurricane alley.

San Pedro is close enough to paradise for me.

Visually, the most beautiful place I have yet to see on Earth is Bora Bora....

gottcha ragman - tough choices eh?

This is a big help. Thank you all.

This is how close I have been to paradise

http://tacogirl.com/2009/01/west-snorkle/

My visit to Aitutaki Cook Islands is about as close as I have gotten to heaven on earth.

This may not be what very many of you folks have for an idea of paradise. But, August '08 I'm fishing the flats north of St.Geo. We're staked out late in the afternoon, way past "normal"time. 2 solid hours of squadrons of 40#-50# tarpon just coming. 4 or 5 fish at a time, and, you see them coming at about 100yds. They were all were aggressive and on the eat. God it was something. john

sounds close. throw in some 10 lb bones and 20 lb permit an occasional small bull shark and you've got it... and a hummingbird sitting on your shoulder............you are there!!!!!!!!!!

I spent some time considering this question ... so many places in the world travels could be the closest I've been. I tried put them in order in a list, but that didn't work . . . in the end, it occurred to me and amazingly so, that it was a meadow surrounded by a young forest, near my childhood home.

Most recently, the closest I've been to Paradise was Iguazu Falls, Argentina. Truly, truly amazing.

Truly an "ecological blockbuster"...Niagra on Viagra is an understatement. Miles and miles of hundreds of waterfalls. Don't cry for me Argentina!

Kalamaki Bay, Corfu, Greece!!

My date with Pam Anderson .LOL.

wow of all the women you could pick you choose her. C'mon your a stud muffin now start looking higher up the scale.............

and who would you pick Phil?

Phil that date was a while ago . she liked my Personality LOL .Now that I look hot and fit .the choices are Endless need to re think this ..

Marie, of course.

OK, it was an actual date rather than hyperthetical. That's different. Spill the beans and post the video.....................

Good answer Phil. I just wanted to make sure it was not one of the local spots with the lovely women in a back room.

SP has those?????????? whodathunk!

THIS POST IS GOING TO THE DARK SIDE FAST LOL.AND THAT IS NOT A DATE.. THAT IS BUT A QUICK MEETING OF WELL YOU KNOW LOL.AND FOR SURE NOT CLOSE TO PARADISE AS WE KNOW IT LOL.

The closest to paradise could be a place or place in time not always a date. For me it is a combination of all of these.

You mean it wasn't singing "Stop in the Name of Love" at Karaoke?

Oh yes that could be my paradise! Good times...