One of the truly interesting things about moving to a different country is that you don't realize the things you didn't know until you know them. Bananas. I've eaten them my whole life. Getting them is simple—you go to the grocery store, there they are. You buy them and you eat them. End of story.
Even if you haven't been to Belize, you've probably read articles or blogs that mention the "Belize Experience." This is a common way of describing how life in Belize, or a vacation there, has a unique vibe. There are a number of reasons for this—and it is a real thing.
Coming from Tampa Bay, Florida, my husband, Scott, and I have always been warm weather people. Back in the U.S., we worked taxing jobs—Scott as a firefighter and emergency medical technician, and me as an emergency trauma nurse. Knowing all too well how short life can be, we longed for adventure in a tropical climate.
On one of my early visits to Belize, I asked the taxi driver, "What's new with Belize?" He was a big man, filled the entire driver's seat, and we talked the whole way. He shared lots of information on that ride into town, but one comment stayed with me.
Cayo is quiet, very quiet, unless you live right in town. Living in town, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, or smaller villages like Christo Rey or San Antonio, you would not require a car, but you could be subject to the locals’ love of music, played at high decibels no matter the hour.
Expat life in Belize runs on Facebook. If you are considering Belize, one of your first ports of call should be all the expat groups on social media. A five-minute search on Facebook will deliver a long list of popular, active groups. These groups cover anything and everything. While not a substitute for expert advice—especially when it comes to legal or visa matters—the groups can be a good starting point to gather information on a topic you're interested in, or to find out what's happening among expats on the ground.
If you’ve never heard of Caye Caulker, it’s a very small island near Belize City, in the Gulf of Mexico. A haven for divers and snorkellers due to its proximity to the Barrier Reef, you can actually see the waves breaking on the reef on the horizon. A feast for the eyes, this small island offers stunning views, tropical sea life, snorkeling, and diving excursions and a “go slow” attitude that will charm you into staying.
There is something truly delightful about getting a seaweed shake from The Shak near the point (the very end of the peninsula) and wandering up the sidewalk with my little dog, Beau, in tow.
I had become intrigued with this small central American country after reading articles touting it as a retirement destination. I liked the fact that English was the official language, that it was affordable, warm, and not too far away.
If you've been to San Pedro, you've probably had the pleasure of a golf cart ride "north of the bridge." That is what the neighborhood is commonly called, once you pass over the bridge from Boca Del Rio. This area is undergoing a pretty substantial transition—and has been for quite a while.