I just got back from one of my bi monthly shopping trips to Belize City This time to purchase a few Christmas items (namely LED lights). I found it quite depressing this time. Except for the area around Mirab the town seemed even seeder than in the past. I think that in the future I will go to Mexico. Even if I spent the night (the taxi price for a day in Belize is equal to a decent room in Chetumal + taxis to get around) the cost would be about the same. Cost of goods with duty included would be about the same but a nice shopping experience. Belize City needs to wake up. That said - I ended up buying my stuff in San Pedro.

I go to BC about once a month for bidnez. Years ao I used enjoy it and may even stay a couple of days to play. Now I can't stand it. Driving in town is rediculous and peeps on bikes and walking just go right in front of you like they are hoping you will hit them. Other drivers are very aggressive. Begars , don't beg, they hassel you. Even in broad daylight you have to watch yourself 360 degrees when walking around. There are streets that even the popo won't go down. I do my best to get in and out as quick as possible. It's sad.

I enjoy Belize City! Wagons brings in shipments from TJ Maxx, Riverside Tavern is JUST like a TGI Friday's, Lee Chee has the best fried chicken in Belize (ask for steak sauce on it). The Museum is a real trip, Smokey Mermaid is a great place to meet people and the Casino is tons of fun. Although my friend picks me up in his X5, a lot of islanders use Damian. @ Food and Beverage I can get my Asian specialty items and American products (a small version of Costco). Southside meats has killer USDA Rib Eye, NY strip and tenderloin and D&S Produce has a lot of great imported produce. Government House, Yarborough Cemetery and The Museum are all worth a trip. If you need Damian's number, send me a message.

I agree with you ColdwellBankerSP. I love Creole Wagons. I've bought some excellent clothes and shoes there. I took a group of friends there shopping once and we had a blast. Riverside does the most delicious burgers. Lee Chee for sure! Museum is fantastic. I learned so much there about the history of Belize and the stamp and insect rooms rock. Smokey Mermaid, is one of those must do hang out spots. You can get products such as Olive Oil for like a third of the price than here in San Pedro at Food & Beverage. I do tend to favour Chef's Meat Market over Southside myself. But either way, both are great. Couldn't agree more. Get a good cab driver and have some fun. Watch out for great cultural events at the Bliss Centre too!

All the places I go to as well. Damian is my guy too and is great! I guess it was just an off day for me. Next time I'll go with girlfriends and it will be more fun. It's also fun and way different to go to Chetumal.

If I had a 'girl friend' I would go too.

AHAA! perfect together Ernie and Collyk, frolicking in Belize City! Does that not conjure up a :)multitude of thoughts?!

Two smart and very nice people enjoying a day in the old capital of Belize comes to my mind.

Thanks Chris. I would enjoy a day trip to BC with Collyk. I would like to take along my best friend also (looking for my old bazooka)

Time before last I was in BC over by the Swing Bridge. An old man fell down and started having seizures. Everyone just stepped over him or went around. As I tried to talk and reassure him, and make sure he wasn't swollowing his toung, two special constibles walked right on by. I saw a police truck driving up and hollered at them to come come help this guy. They looked. They saw. They just kept on driving by. Finally a lil old lady came by and had the right number to get some EMS peeps there. Yup, The City is a real sweet place.

Ty-Sounds like alot of places around the world (recall the recent video of the child being run over by a few cars in China before someone did anything) and your experience reflects more on us as humans than as people from Belize City. I know a different kind of Belize City; people who do get involved and help. Ernie, why don't I need a bazooka to feel comfortable in the city? My best friend is not a weapon. Yes, reality is certain areas are not safe, but the throngs of us who hit the streets without guns and constant fear can't all be wrong. Go where you feel comfortable and stay away from places where you don't. But go in peace.

Fer cryin out loud Katie, the bazooka was in jest. What has happened to peoples sense of humor ? Hell, maybe its me.

Your ok Ernie, its just the rest of the world forgot how to read between the lines about life~humor etc.. yikes!!!

Things said to me about Belize (in general):

Gentleman hearing people speak Spanish, "I sure wish people would speak English here!" My reply, "Yeah, I know, just like in Texas! ..... or Florida ..... or most of the US"

Person who lost money here, "Everyone here is a crook trying to rip someone off" My reply "Yeah, Bernie Madoff is Belizean, wait, sorry, he's AMERICAN"

US news media, "Drug trafficers are taking over Belize!" My reply, "Who's buying the drugs? Oh Americans. Do they buy them at the border? No? Oh. So more trafficers (and users) are in the US?"

Belize City is just another third world port town, but where many of my friends work and live and where I have spent many years visiting wihtout incident. That being said, I feel safer in some parts of Belize City than some parts of Houston or Miami (where I frequent the most). If you are from Mayberry, you may not like the feel of a third world city and it is VERY different from San Pedro but does have some nice things to offer a tourist. Thousands of tourists a day decsend on the city to check it out, it can't be that bad.

Drinking first cup of coffee and no spellcheck isn't working!

Things said to me about Belize (in general):

"Gentleman hearing people speak Spanish, "I sure wish people would speak English here!" My reply, "Yeah, I know, just like in Texas! ..... or Florida ..... or most of the US"

Person who lost money here, "Everyone here is a crook trying to rip someone off" My reply "Yeah, Bernie Madoff is Belizean, wait, sorry, he's AMERICAN"

Yup, guess if I had to listen to that crap everyday I would be as "sour" as you are. Might want to think of a different line of work.
"WE" know all about those evil bankers!!!

1) "Bankers", lol, the village in Kenya put your picture on their milk cartons.
2) If you would change your old man eyeglass script you may read that everyplace on this Earth has issues (like your wife has with you).
3) I would LOVE to spend the day with you in Belize City. They named a street after King George of England, some of my friends there specialize in a walking tour that is very exciting, especially for someone sweet like yourself.

I do hope to share this experience with you soon.

3) "I would LOVE to spend the day with you in Belize City."

Have to let Ernie fill in for me on that one - would have trouble with the wheel chair on those streets.

Sorry Ry, Katie wont allow me to take my bazooka.