hi,

im considering retiring in belize. but.. after doing all the touristy things what kinds of things do the retirees do. for me daytime tv is out, as a matter of fact, many programs are written on a 5th grade level. i cant stand it. i dont know how to play bridge. im not interested in starting a business. geez i sound negative, oops. help

five

Hi five,

There are a ton of organisations in San Pedro and all over Belize that need volunteers, so you'll never have to worry about having nothing to do. In my experience many people who retire here fall into two camps. One - those that get involved in the community. They tend to have full lives and big smiles on their faces most of the time. Two - those that sit in bars. They tend to be rather unwell and unhappy.

Good luck with your retirement.

Collyk is absolutely right. You can do as much or as little as you want her. And that can change with the weather. LOL
There are many civic organizations here and depending on your interest you can meet up with like minded people.
How about telling us what you do for fun where you are now and we will be happy to point you towards those kinds of activities here.

Also, it isn't black or white, all or nothing. It's all about retirement. It isn't about where you retire. If you are ready to retire, that is the question. It's true those that volunteer are fulfilled. If you have spent your life working for others, it is about a balance of how much to do for you and how much to do for others. Your question is valid.
Ambergris Caye and what we do here isn't the question, Harriet is asking you the proper question. Cheers, and we will help if you like...

The drinkers and night creatures are more "fun". That old song "Down to Banana Republic, Down to the tropicaal sun....get it listen...it's all true, The Gooodman (writer) is a better version than Buffet. Also, ask yourself..if you are already in Paradise where do you go???

Hello everyone..my husband and I are looking to semi retire in belize...we are not ready to sit and chill(well at least not all of the time anyway)I have been racking my brain to come up with a business idea. Not anything to serious, just something to do, and have some fun. Maybe something a little crafty like making candles, soaps, jewellery????? I am a realtor and would like to dabble a little in that as well.Volunteer work will take up some of our time also. Any ideas from locals would be greatly appreciated
thx
Terilee

Didn't you just post that above? First of all the kids, and moms of those kids make jewelry, and sell it in the beach, and drive people crazy. Candles melt here, locals make soap too. Have you been here yet?

Gwen - Do I know you? Why are you so crabby? I've read a lot of your posts and your angst concerns me. I'm sorry the kids selling jewelry drive you crazy. I'd rather have them selling jewelry than drugs. All the kids know that I have a favorite and they never try to sell to me or anyone I am with. Word goes out to find Alex and send him my way. I adore him and very proud of what he is making of himself.

I have never been offered drugs here. I guess I just don't fit the profile. LOL

I have candles all over my place and haven't had one melt without being lit.

Where can I find locally made soap?

I love to hear from people who are looking for unique opportunities here. The most recent new one is The Butcher. I talked to the woman owner at length last week and she explained how they came here, spent some time looking around and found a niche that they felt they could fill.

It is interesting that they are German as is the new Baker on Front Street. I bought his bagel with cream cheese today and have to say I have never had a better tasting one in my whole life - including the ones made under Madison Square Gardens in New York City.

The I said to the buther lady, Now we have a buther a bake where's the candlestick maker? she looked at me funny. She had never heard the nursery rhyme. (Silly gringo me)

Remember a few years ago when the new sign company started up and how much better town looks now with these plastic signs?

I like that we don't want big box stores or fast food chains but there are lots of other things to be created. Recently, in one day, two sets of tourists asked me where could people who don't drink alcohol go to socialize. I didn't have an answer. I remember when the Lions Club used to have a chess night and Billy Leslie was teaching the school kids.

With so much jugle being chopped every day I wish some one would come in with a chipper and bag up mulch.

THINK THINK THINK

The half of semi retirement that involves making money is the tough bit. The rest is cream................

Very nice post, ScubaLady! Well said.

Harriette, what a wonderful post. I haven't seen Alex the past two times I've been on the island. I sure hope to see him over Christmas. Glad to know he's still doing well.
I look forward to maybe running into you while Im there....it's been awhile.
See ya soon!!