I'm sorry it's taking so long for me to post. I know that several of you are waiting patiently to hear of the adventures.
My husband and I bought a house about 3 miles south of San Pedro, "furnished", in very good condition.
The closing was set for June 1, so we shipped 15 boxes of household goods on May 10, with the instructions to deliver these to the house on May 30, our arrival date. We were to be on island for 7 days. We shipped everything, including a tv, microwave, charmin, towels, bedding, kitchen supplies, etc. We also put our dive gear in the shipping, so we wouldn't have to lug it on the plane.
Needless to say, when we arrived, I got the keys from Tricia at Southwind Properties (I highly recommend her!), and went directly to Expresslane to check on our cargo. We were told that our "stuff" was in BC, and would be on the morning barge the next day. I borrowed sheets, we had one towel with us, and we headed for our house. It was like camping out for me that night, which I loathe. I sleep with the tv on, so this was torture. The next a.m. we got up early, filled with anticipation. By noon, we had to leave to go to BTL, BEL, WASA, Coral Cable, etc.(this process went pretty smoothly, although slowly. Just take money with you for deposits, etc. And they do let you pay forward. Note: I tried to get a PO Box for our mail to be sent, but none are available and there is no waiting list. I have a friend who offered their number and they are going to forward to us... just an idea) I couldn't call to check on our boxes, the phone was in them. Stopped by Expresslane, and was told there was a miscommunication, our boxes would be on the next am barge. This was Thursday. Butch had to get his Belize drivers license (we bought a golf cart--check with residents, they can help you with the intricacies of this procedure). That was interesting. Some was just so basic, "A radiator cools the engine", (not that a golf cart even has a radiator), but some was about parking restrictions and one way streets in Belize City. (he passed the test...). Friday, we got up early, sure that our stuff would be delivered any minute. Yeah right... late afternoon, Butch went into town and was told that they were sorry. The boxes got held up because we had to get a permit for Charmin! OK, stop laughing. That's what they said. 6 lousy rolls. But we were assured that, even though they didn't work on Saturday, they had arranged for us to get our delivery at 6 a.m. Sat. Promise. We got up early, and sat there until noon. I was furious. (Butch had bought a phone on Friday), so I called Expresslane and left them a not-very-southern-ladylike message. I then called the Belize office, no answer. I tried the Miami number, no answer. We went into town and went to the barge dock and waited... (Jambel (sp) Jerk is right there, so it wasn't bad duty...) A barge came in, no boxes. The guys on that barge told us it was probably the last of the day. So we went back home, fuming, and took a siesta. About 5 pm, I heard a noise and woke Butch telling him that someone was in our house! Well, our boxes had arrived! (Butch gave them a large tip for working on Saturday, and they repaid us by stealing Butch's cigarettes, his .99 bic, and the sterling lighter cover that his now-deceased daughter gave him.)
I spent the rest of that night unloading boxes, putting away, and decorating. What fun! Sunday, I woke up and could finally get into Belize mode.
We were fortunate to meet some more wonderful people. I took a 6 pack of Bud to Dallas Dave, and had the opportunity to meet him and spend some time with him and Lacey. We met Carpenter Dave (the bartender at Crazy Canucks) and builder of many things (he did work at Mango's). Met James from Mangos, and his friends who all had great accents! Ebby (sp) took us out on his boat to relax one afternoon. It was beautiful. Met many boarders! Munichchick, and others all met at BC's for Debbie's party, and then went to the Palapa to hear Barefoot Skinny jam. Debbie finally showed up! She is just a sweetheart,( but Jane, she was thinking about you). We ended up staying an extra week, did some snorkeling, ate alot, drank alot... If you missed the orgasm joke at Fido's on Monday, you really missed it. Barefoot Skinny blushed, and I don't much can make him blush.
All in all, the process was about what I expected, not as expensive as anticipated, but definatly worth it. We are hoping to go down in September for a couple of weeks, then again in January.
Although this doesn't relate to the move, I want to share this with you... (several of you have asked, and it's no secret). My son, Cheyenne, (16 years), passed away from cancer in January. I needed to get away, and we went to Belize. Both of us just fell in love with the place and the people. We saw this little house, and it called to us. Being on the island, both in February and this trip, it makes the pain a bit easier to deal with. I don't see my son in all the familiar places.
So, I know that some of you are heading down soon, if you have questions, feel free to email me. I know that you will be amazed, frustrated, awed, aggravated, etc... but remember that it will be worth it in the end.
Vicki
[email protected]
AmbergrisCaye.com 
