Belize - Travel Logs
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Travel Log 1
Hello, and welcome to Belize!! It's great to be here! We came
to Belize to set up our residency and see what this beautiful country was
all about. No, we would never give up our Canadian Citizenship, just our
residency, for tax purposes. To qualify, we will live in Belize for one full year,
and we are only allowed to leave for the country for a total of fourteen days in that
time period. After one year, we can apply to become Residents of Belize.
Anyway... that's a whole other story. Let's proceed with our update...
Corozal Town, Belize
Before crossing the border into Belize, we had confirmed where we were going to be staying. The border crossing was a bit stressful, but it all worked out in the end. We headed into Corozal Town, and we were a bit surprised at the differences between the buildings and homes in Belize compared to Mexico. We headed straight for Caribbean Village RV Park, located on the southern outskirts of Corozal.
Corozal Town, Belize
On the huge and beautiful property at Caribbean Village we had a great view of the sea. We also had the whole park to ourselves. The owners Henry and Joan Menzie's made us feel very welcome and were a great introduction to the Belizean people. Thanks Henry and Joan!
Corozal Town, Belize
Once we got set up we could hardly wait to go and explore. This is across the highway from the RV Park... Look at that view! Corozal is actually located in a huge bay called Chetumal Bay. As most of you may have noticed, once we got to Belize our updates slowed right down and then stopped all together. To be honest, we needed a break from the website, as much as we loved doing the updates, they are a lot of work. AND we had a new country to explore!
Corozal Town, Belize
We met so many people and saw so much when we first got to Belize, but as we mentioned we were just not into taking pictures and doing updates. So you will have to be patient with us. You will see bits and pieces of Corozal but a lot of pictures were taken in our last few days here, after living in Belize for fourteen months. Also, we met so many wonderful friends and I don't think we have pictures of everyone. Ooops... oh well. A big "Hello" to all of our friends in Belize, we miss you and we love you!!
Corozal Town, Belize
We caught the tail end of Hurricane Wilma when we first arrived in Belize. We got a lot of wind and rain, nothing too serious.
Consejo, Belize
One day we went for a scooter ride out to an area north of Corozal, called Consejo. We drove all around Consejo Shores, a large residential development. And we drove through the little village of Consejo. When we saw this little guy we could hardly believe our eyes, we had never seen anything like it before. It is a 'Coatimundi', or 'Quash', a rather cute looking, rusty brown, raccoon like creature with a long nose and a stripped tail.
Corozal Town, Belize
This is the market in Corozal, where we get all of our fruits and veggies. We also enjoyed the restaurant on the upper level behind the white curtains that you see. We could get a huge plate of chicken, rice & beans and tortillas for BZ$6.00 (US$3.00). What a great deal for a delicious meal!! The restaurant was called Zatina's... ~
Orange Walk, Belize
During our first month in Belize, the Menzie's offered us a 'two for the price of one' trip up to see the archeological site called Lamani. They offered this to us to thank us for staying for a whole month at their beautiful RV Park. Of course, we quickly took them up on the offer. We travelled by bus from Corozal to Orange Walk and got off the bus by the bridge on the outskirts of town. The tour was with a company called Reyes & Sons, we highly recommend them, we had a great time!
Orange Walk, Belize
We arrived at the end of the rainy and hurricane season, so the river was really high. It had overflowed it's banks. Notice the dock and one of the buildings is in the water.
The New River, Belize
The day was gorgeous and we so looked forward to our trip!
The New River, Belize
The others on the tour were friendly and fun. Especially Geoff, a young man, traveling Central America for a time on his own. We thought he was pretty brave!
The New River, Belize
We just loved the boat ride, the weather was perfect, calm and clear. We also got the front seats in the boat so it made for good photo taking.
The New River, Belize
Before heading out to the site, we traveled north of Reyes to a part of the river where a high end, secluded detox center is located. The property and buildings were just beautiful. We saw an Iguana up in the tree and some Howler Monkey's in a huge cage. They are large black monkey's that make this really loud distinctive 'screech'.
The New River, Belize
The New River, Belize
In the same area as the Detox Center, was this rum distillery. Here,
they would process and ferment the sugar cane to make one of the local rums in
Belize.
The New River, Belize
The New River, Belize
It is hard to see them in this picture, but some of the trees were just covered in orchid plants. Absolutely incredible, we had never seen anything like it before.
The New River, Belize
The New River, Belize
If we haven't talked 'bout them before, then we should have. These are Tilley Hats. They are amazing hats. Durable, washable, they let hot air out the top vents. They float, they always retain their shape, they are stain and mildew resistant. They have adjustable straps, which we were making use of on this trip. Great hats and available in Canada and the USA.
The New River, Belize
Another similar boat returning from being up the river.
The New River, Belize
The river twisted and turned as we headed towards Lamanai. We just loved it! After the video plays, YouTube gives you the option to see videos from other people with related content.
Shipyard, Belize
This is an area called Shipyard, a Mennonite village. Yes Mennonite!! Citizen's of Belize are a melting pot of people from all over including, Creoles (25%), Mestizos (53%), Maya (10%), Garifuna (6%) and the remaining 6% is composed of several groups including East Indians, Chinese, Arabs, Mennonites, North Americans & Europeans.
The New River, Belize
The New River, Belize
Lamanai, Belize
After a wonderful 1 1/2 hours boat trip we arrive at the Lamanai Archeological site. Pretty, pretty pretty.
Lamanai, Belize
Lamanai, Belize
Lamanai, Belize
Included in the tour is a delicious hot lunch of Rice & Beans, chicken,
salad, a drink and dessert. Scrumptious! But first the site... then
the lunch!
Lamanai, Belize
The guides where trying to explain to Barry "No, we are sorry sir, but you
can't have lunch until after the tour". ;)
Lamanai, Belize
Cute little wooden souvenir shops...
Lamanai, Belize
Stunningly beautiful flowers... This flower almost does not look
real. The colours were just vibrant!
Lamanai, Belize
We had a great guide. He was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. However, each time we stopped, the mosquito's feasted. So we put on repellant and enjoyed the rest of the tour.
Lamanai, Belize
Wow, look at roots on this tree!! Incredible...
Lamanai, Belize
It was so interesting to hear our guide speak about the different plants and
animals. He was very knowledgeable and also did Bird Watching Tours.
Lamanai, Belize
And now for the actual archeological site...
Lamanai, Belize
Ok, so as you know, we have gone to many archeological sites in Mexico, but we have never seen a face like this one.
Lamanai, Belize
Look at the detail in that face. And do we look like happy campers or what?
Lamanai, Belize
