LIFE IS RICH GO GET THE LIFE RUN WEN U RUN BESS BLESS DE RESS

Added on Date: 03:11:48 7/01/99

: LIFE IS RICH GO GET THE LIFE RUN WEN U RUN BESS BLESS DE RESS

NO BED AROSE

Added on Date: 03:14:28 7/01/99

: LIFE IS RICH GO GET THE LIFE RUN WEN U RUN BESS BLESS DE RESS

go hard or go home.....Dennis///////////

Added on Date: 03:18:08 7/01/99

: There is a 9-hole course on Caye Chapel, just south of Caye Caulker. Very controversial, in many ways -- politically, economically and environmentally. There are some private holes off the Northern Highway, but the Caye Chapel course is all you can play now. A couple of courses are in the blue sky stage.

Thanks for the response. Can you give me any more details about this course on Caye Chapel? If nothing else, who could I contact about playing there? I doubt I will go there during this vacation but maybe in the future.

: --Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 10:06:18 7/01/99

This is an issue on the "lovefm.com" site, my response is below. But send your comments regarding the questions to "lovefm@btl.net"

Lovefm :

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
As part of the ongoing radio programme "Facts for Families" Love FM and the National Committee for Families and Children would like to have your opinion on the role fathers should play in the protection of children. Should they only be there to provide financial support? Should they help in nurturing the child? What about fathers who have children with many women? Is that being responsible? Click on the link below to send in your comments which will be included in the next edition of Facts for Families, which will air on
Love FM on the night of Monday, July 5.

My response :

My view on a father's role in a childs life :

In any platonic family that consist of a mother, father and child or children as the case may be, fathers play a very important role in the child's life. Children don't only see their father as a financial provider but look to them for strength, guidance and support. Nothing more pleases a child or his father when a child boast about "boy my daddy could..., and my daddy da..." Children seldom speak of their mothers the way they do about their fathers even if the father is not actively involved in the child's everyday upbringing i.e. tending to meals, supervising chores, assisting in school work etc.. the child still boast about his father figure.

But if we take this relation away from the child both father and child suffers emotionally and physically. But if the child grew up without having met his father the only person that suffers in this scenario is the child, and his longing to belong and fit into some pier group he is presently in "click" with.

As for those men who father many children without due caution or care for the women they impregnate or the fatherless child they spawn should not even be called men. But as seemly as it may be this is the very same reason these men carry on in the manner they do, so that they can be called men and proclaim their right and place as a man in a man's world. They don't provide financially, they don't provide emtionally but yet when the child is of age they can point a finger and say "boy that da mi son" and be proud of something or someone they did not lift a finger to help. And when a child hear's this proclamation of fathership that was not in his life prior to, depending on the age ofthe child they either put blame on their mothers, rebel against the father, or fall prey to an emotional rut that confuses him or her well into their adulthood and beyond.

The damage is unrepairable and often times are not the fathers fault. We have cases where mother and father separates and the mother refuses the father his rights and go through various manipulating tactics to prolong the bonding and meanwhile instigating fear and disgust in the child towards his father. They are the cases where the father does not want to be involved in the upbringing as Belizean men often think its the women's job to tend the house, the children and still make time to tend to his needs. Then we have step-fathers who either don't like the child from the previous marriage or try to take away some of the attention given to the child to focus on himself and his new relation. In this case if the step-father and the child does not bond then the mother is to blame because they should make clear from the beginning of the relationship that if you don't like and accept my child or children then you don't accept me and the same should be presented to the child. But too often as the case maybe the children are the last to considerin relations and their feelings get swept aside momentarily to assuage selfish needs.

But never the less the child is the one who bears the the bigger weight of this emotional burden and then some. And what do we have to offer them not much just a hug and a kiss if at all followed by orders, go do this, go get that, why aren't you this, why haven't you... Instaed of making special time for the child to grow, learn and adjust to any of these situations presented or others.

But the bottom line is involve the child in the matters of the household. Make him feel important in decission making and when this is exercised you will see that the child will make the effort to adjust to family needs and make extra little efforts to make both parents feel as important as they make him or her feel. When this happens it makes the entire family more responsive and in touch with their role as family members.

Avrail Parham

Added on Date: 10:53:15 7/01/99

I've stayed at Journey's End... I'd recommend it!
Oh wait.. I also work there....

Seriously, you can check out:
www/journeysendresort.com/notes.htm

at the bottom of the page is our guest book. Click on it, read what others have said. Feel free to email any of them.
Thanks,
Denny Shane

: I was just wondering if anyone has stayed at Journey's End and if so would they recommend it.

Added on Date: 16:38:29 7/01/99

I AM LOOKING TO FIND A PERSON HER NAME IS JACKIE RAYBURN, DAUGHTER OF THE ONCE CALLED MIGHTY LORD RAYBURN A BAND SINGER IN BELIZE CITY IN 1985. JACKIE WILL BE ABOUT 31 YEARS OLD AND USE TO WORK IN ODETS STOOR AND FREQUENT THE PUB IF IT IS STILL CALLED THAT ..THANKS

Added on Date: 17:23:50 7/01/99

Hello all! Jill here, back from Belize to file a report about hotels, snorkeling and such on the off chance that I can help someone make a decision about where to stay, what to do, etc. Let me start by saying that everyone we met was extremely nice, helpful and sincerely friendly, and even though I feel I must be as honest as possible in this report, I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed the company of all the people I met on this trip—thanks, everybody!

That said, here’s my report (which includes stuff about Jaguar Paw, Pook’s Hill, the Tikal Inn, Ranguana Caye and Little Water Caye):

Jaguar Paw is everything everyone said it would be. The road in is rough and exciting, the setting amid tall, cliff-like hills and semi-old growth forest is beautiful, the rooms are cleverly decorated, the food is fantastic, and the service is excellent. In response to someone’s recent posting about there not being much wildlife at Jaguar Paw, I must say that I saw more animals at Jaguar Paw than anywhere else save Tikal. Chika the howler monkey, if a bit standoffish, was nevertheless always there for the viewing, as was Willie the coati, who helped himself into the restaurant through the pushdoor and scampered through the guests on his way upstairs. Personally, I loved having my own set of guard dogs outside my door day and night (Henry, Chicken Dog, Snake and Shadow), and it was great fun when they went with us on the cave-tubing trip. I also saw toads, bats, fish in the river, and some sort of red flycatcher-like bird that kept battling with himself in my hotel room window. But despite all these great things, the best part of Jaguar Paw was the people. Cy Young was forever milling about the restaurant, bar and front desk area, dropping amusing comments here and there. I had a wonderful time chatting with Donna about Willie’s tendencies to bring “presents” before coming into the house. Emir (not sure how to spell his name) who tends bar, fixes things, sings wonderfully and runs tours, is a great guy to talk to, as is Karina, who likes Al Pacino and will wash your laundry for a mere four dollars. Alfredo at the front desk deserves some sort of award (for which helpful thing he did exactly, I’m not sure, but I’ll pin it down). Everyone—and I mean everyone—was personable and wonderful in his or her own way, and this made my vacation there almost like a stay with good friends. Oh, and before I move on, I should say that everything in the two different rooms I stayed in (the “night” room and the “parrot” room) worked perfectly. Good water pressure, toilets in fine working order, and ice-cold air conditioning. My only tiny little gripe might be the firmness of the beds (too firm)...but I'm weird that way.

The cave-tubing tour at Jaguar Paw is not to be missed. A hike of about an hour takes you to the mouth of a cave, where you slip the headlamps on, slip into the inner tube you’ve been carrying, and float leisurely downstream for what seems like hours. It’s quite relaxing, unless a gaggle of British paratroopers happen to be with you. Then the screaming and shouting and general rough-housing can leave a person a bit deaf. And although I didn’t see the Crystal Cave myself, my travelling companion said it was fantastic, though difficult to get to. I’ll take his word for it.

Also during my stay at Jaguar Paw we went to the zoo. Cy said to visit in the afternoon, near closing time, because the animals are getting antsy for their dinners, and this turned out to be true. The black jaguar paced and paced inches away from us. Little foxes posed, and just about the only animal we didn’t see was the kinkajou, which was understandably asleep in its burrow. Loved the zoo, although it was exceptionally hot on the day we visited, and the lack of trees and shading was a little disappointing to this born-and-bred Northwesterner.

One more note about Jaguar Paw: the website says that breakfast is included in the rate, but this is only partially true. When we arrived, we were given breakfast menus, and no one said a word about what was or wasn’t included in the room rate. We assumed (stupidly) that we could have anything on the menu. Instead, I guess the room rate includes only toast and coffee or something similar, and after four days, this little surprise added a substantial amount to our overall bill. Lesson: ask if you’re not sure.

Moving right along…Yute Expeditions picked us up from Jaguar Paw at 7:30am for the drive to Tikal. Phillip, who drove us in a roomy, air conditioned Jimmy, was great for pointing out sights along the way, explaining things about the flora and fauna and people we were seeing roadside, and telling jokes about the toilet-paper tycoon who was “really wiping up.” The drive didn’t seem all that long because it was so interesting, and soon we were checking into the Tikal Inn at the park. This hotel, though perfectly adequate, was not as nice as the Jungle Lodge according to practically everyone I talked to, and if you stay at the Tikal Inn, beware the rooms closest the kitchen. The staff comes in at 5am, and sound carries easily with the all-open mesh windows in your cabanas. Also, there were bugs in my bed (understandable with the window situation). Other than this, the room was clean and everything worked. And the pool was nice.

Tikal was like any other Maya ruin I’ve visited…NOT! Our guide, Louis, actually knew what he was talking about (many guides in Mexico don’t), and I was endlessly entertained not only by his stories about the various people buried at Tikal, but by his conspiracy theories, UFO tales, and assuredness that the world is going to end ala Nostrodamus. But don’t be fooled by these things—the guy knows his Maya stuff. Phillip (who drove us) said that Louis has trained almost all the guides at Tikal. I’d guess this might very well be true.

The site itself was beautiful, of course, just like all the photographs you’ve seen, but what surprised me was that it wasn’t that far to walk. I’m a wimp and I tend to faint in the heat, but Louis took our tour very slow, and before I knew it, we’d walked to the far end of the site to the tallest pyramid (temple IV?). The other thing you should know before visiting Tikal is that the park employees, if asked nicely, will drive you around the park for a tip of a few dollars. Knowing this could make all the difference in the world for someone with disabilities, older folks, or even just for ninnies like me! It lets a person save his or her strength for climbing the pyramids, right? (Well, that’s my excuse.)

The museums at Tikal are also a must-see, particularly the one with the pottery in it—gives you a chance to see stuff for real that you’ve only seen in books. There’s also a tomb recreation with all the jade and funerary pieces. Pretty cool. And I can’t end my segment about Tikal without mentioning the animals in the park—to me, the best part about the whole experience! Coatis were EVERYWHERE. Troops of them roam the park with their tails high in the air, their noses to the ground in milling amid the tourists. We also saw spider monkeys, paca, toucans, and a family of tiny foxes that had no fear of people whatsoever. Seeing these animals up close and personal was the highlight of the trip for me.

To continue our tour….It was too overcast to see either the sunset or sunrise, so to bed early we went, then had a second morning at the pyramids before climbing back in the Jimmy for the trip to Pook’s Hill.

Going to Pook’s Hill was, for me, like visiting very dear, old friends. Vicki Snaddon greeted me with such warmth and hospitality that instantly I felt as if I’d known her all my life—she’s that kind of fantastic lady. The road to her place was even bumpier and longer, if possible, than the road to Jaguar Paw, but equally filled with jungle mystery and suspense—how much further? Look at those trees! Will the truck make it up this hill? The view from the lounge area is fantastic, with the cohunes and the view across the tree tops quite lovely, and the rooms are cute little thatch numbers with great showers, although the beds are again a tad hard for my taste. My room came complete with baby lizards on the doorstep (the size of a thumbnail) and some sort of beetle with large, fluorescent-green spots on his head that glowed just like those sticks, you know? Fireflies lit up the sky at night, everywhere, even in the room, an owl called at dusk from right next to the main building, and the bird song in the morning was to die for! The only possible bad thing I can say about Pook’s Hill is that I wouldn’t drink the water there. I can’t say for sure, but I think this was the source of my bout with Montezuma, as it was the only water I came into contact with on my trip (I had no ice anywhere, and I even brushed my teeth with bottled water)—either it was Vicki’s table water, or an inadvertent gulp during my swim in the stream. Either way, be careful and play it safe!

At Pook’s Hill, they offer jungle walks and horsebackriding, but Ray (who handles the horses) was gone during my stay, and I was too tired from Tikal to do much hiking. The little I saw on my walk to the river was fantastic. Great cohunes, cooing doves, a picturesque stream crossed by a rope bridge, even a snake lounging in the water. The jungle was even more beautiful and lush than at Jaguar Paw. From horseback or hiking, I’d imagine it’d be heaven!

From Pook’s Hill to Placencia, we took the 11:10am Tropic flight from the International Airport to that tiny little airport way down south (with a stop in Dangriga between). Placencia didn’t do much for me, I have to admit. Can’t say exactly why, but it just didn’t hold the charm for me that San Pedro does, nor did the beach tickle my fancy in any way whatsoever. It didn’t help when the taxi that was supposed to be waiting for us wasn’t. Joy Leslie of Ranguana Lodge had forgotten to send it, which wouldn’t have been so bad if she hadn’t loused up the rest of our arrangements, too. I understand that things work very differently in Placencia, but when you’re putting your life in these people’s hands as they take you out to a tiny spot on the reef on a blustery day, starting off so badly doesn’t give one a sense of confidence. Joy had known I was coming in at around noon, and she’d assured me a taxi would be waiting with an ice chest to take us to the grocery store to buy provisions for our stay at Ranguana Caye (where you have to cook your own meals). She never once mentioned in our e-mails that noon wouldn’t be a good time because the stores close until 1:30pm or 2pm, and that we wouldn’t be able to get out to Ranguana until closer to 3pm, when the wind came up (and it wasn’t as safe). If I’d been apprised of these things, I would have happily made my arrangements around her suggestions. Oh well. When we got the ice chest, too, I failed to notice that it didn’t come equipped with that most essential of things—a plug. Thus, even though we secured the very last bag of ice in Placencia when the store opened, it had melted completely by the time we’d reached Ranguana. Poo.

Despite all my worries, though, our captain, Eddie Leslie, was a superb seaman and had me safe and secure on Ranguana Caye within an hour’s time. When Lan Sluder says the ride is bumpy out to these remote cayes, believe him. One of the roughest rides of my life, but Ranguana was worth it nonetheless, and I can’t stress enough how lovely, peaceful, and divine Ranguana Caye really is. The cabins are perfectly designed to catch the breeze, with beds several feet off the floor to do the same, and a wonderful porch from which to contemplate the grackles’ antics and the pelicans wheeling overhead. There’s also a dog here, Scrappy, and a gorgeous red bunny that comes out at night to root around in the skimpy grass. And lizards, always lizards, who scamper across the countertops when you go into your kitchen, and who also like to wiggle into coke bottles left out on the shelves. They wake you up at dawn with a chirpy little chorus of lizard song that’s quite neat to listen to.

The bathrooms, toilets and showers at Ranguana were clean, private and well-looked after by Jean Leslie, who lives there and reads romance novels (if anyone cares to slip a few extra into their bags for her and Mary Toy at Kevin Modera Guide Services in Placencia, it’d be appreciated, I hear). The stoves in the cabins are easy to use, and the kitchen comes well appointed with just about everything but a can opener—beware, as only one of our two cabins had one. Also, be advised that if the wind blows hard (as it did during our visit), those little cabanas can stand up to A LOT of pounding. Lightning, hard rain and gusts that I swear were up to 40mph scared the bejesus out of me, but in the morning, Mr. Leslie informed me that these same cabins had withstood Mitch, so he must’ve built them pretty darned well. Just so you know.

The snorkeling from Ranguana I can’t really comment on, I’m afraid. Mr. Leslie and Co. were pretty vague as to where the good snorkeling was located, and as Ranguana is out in the middle of nowhere near the open sea and I’m a ninny (as before mentioned) with a nonsnorkeling travelling companion, I didn’t feel comfortable going outside of the reef. I didn’t know what the currents were like, if it were dangerous, or if I’d be able to get back inside to the island again, so I snorkeled only inside the reef, which was vastly disappointing. The outside was probably great (if I’d gone), but you’ll have to confirm this with someone braver.

I caught one snapper from the leeward side of the island, and this on the advice of one interesting character named Shaky (or at least I thought this was his name). As the snapper took the only lure I had which seemed to catch fish, and as I’m not a serious fisherwoman, I can’t comment further on the fishing, either. My apologies.

One last thing about Ranguana: if I were doing it again, I’d go with Kevin Modera Guide Services. They have a deal where they take you out to Ranguana via Laughingbird Caye, and they will cook for you, as well as take you to the best snorkeling, fishing and the best beaches. In hindsight, this would definitely be the way to go.

The final stop on our tour was Little Water Caye. Now I forgot to mention one very important thing about Ranguana, and that is the complete and total absence of biting bugs. In fact, I realize now that I’ve neglected to include this topic as to each hotel I’ve discussed thus far. Allow me to remedy: Jaguar Paw, no bugs (bats eat ‘em). Pook’s Hill, some mosquitoes in the woods, but none in your room, at least not if you keep the doors closed as I did; I suffered maybe three bites during my walk to the river there, and this without bug spray. Tikal, very few bugs; the only ones I saw were in the restaurant across from the main entrance, as well as one lonesome mosquito in our room after dark. Ranguana Caye, no bugs. None. Zip. Nada. So when I climbed into the boat to Little Water Caye, I didn’t even consider applying bug spray. Stupid me! Upon our arrival, I suffered thirty-five or so bites (yes, I counted them, they itched like hell) and all within the first twenty minutes of our stay. The sandflies descended upon me in a swarm…and I’m not exaggerating. To be fair, this was partially because there wasn’t a breath of wind or breeze to be found on Little Water Caye that particular day, and without breeze, the bugs are MUCH worse. Upon application of some good, strong deet (all over the entire body, don’t miss any spots because the bugs will find ‘em, even under your arms!) the problem lessened considerably, and as soon as I got into the habit of always being coated in bug spray morning, noon, and night, I had no problems whatsoever. Soon the breeze kicked up, and then the little buggers were much scarcer. With a breeze, the island proved a paradise, what with the darling cabins over the water, the swaying palms, and the great food provided by Karl, the owner. As with Ranguana, there were limited lights provided by solar panels that were perfectly adequate for my needs, anyway, and great showers with a roomy bathroom and fixtures in good working order. Also the same as Ranguana were the mattresses, which were too thin of a foam to do much good. Just like I did on the previous island, I put the single bed’s mattress on top of the double bed, and thus had a VERY comfy bed and a good night’s sleep, lulled by the sound of the waves coming in beneath the floor. These cabins are right over the water, complete with little damselfish and needlefish for entertainment, and the island’s reef is maybe twenty steps away from your door. Really cool, I tell you. The porch is equipped with two comfortable chairs, and the view of Hatchet Caye and the Silk Cayes is amazing.

Then there’s the snorkeling. Within the first two minutes of getting into the water, I saw what must have been a sixty-pound tarpon. I’m not up on my coral names, but I think it was elkhorn coral that made up the bulk of the reef, huge formations of it, threaded through with giant schools of blue tangs, parrot fish, and the occasional barracuda. I saw one great big fellow who could’ve easily taken a chunk out of me if he’d a mind to. Must’ve been thirty pounds, at least! And on the flats, I saw bonefish, although I couldn’t catch them to save my life. Tried, though. Saw some jacks, too, and caught one barracuda, so I’m guessing the fishing here is pretty good for those more serious about it than me.

Have I covered everything? Think so. We flew home via the Lobsterfest, which was just getting going when we passed through, so I’m afraid I can’t comment much on that, either. Oh, and the sandflies were terrible during the few hours we spent in Placencia, too.

If anyone has any questions about the hotels and places I’ve tried to describe, I’d love to answer as best I can, so feel free to drop me a line, all right?

Hope I’ve helped someone out there with vacation decisions!

Sincerely,

Jill

Added on Date: 02:48:13 7/02/99

Hi Jill...
You have written what has to be one of the Top 2 trip reports I have ever read. I am sure your details will answer many questions for those needing information. Thanks for the time and effort!
Denny Shane

: Hello all! Jill here, back from Belize to file a report about hotels, snorkeling and such on the off chance that I can help someone make a decision about where to stay, what to do, etc. Let me start by saying that everyone we met was extremely nice, helpful and sincerely friendly, and even though I feel I must be as honest as possible in this report, I cannot stress enough how much I enjoyed the company of all the people I met on this trip—thanks, everybody!

: That said, here’s my report (which includes stuff about Jaguar Paw, Pook’s Hill, the Tikal Inn, Ranguana Caye and Little Water Caye):

: Jaguar Paw is everything everyone said it would be. The road in is rough and exciting, the setting amid tall, cliff-like hills and semi-old growth forest is beautiful, the rooms are cleverly decorated, the food is fantastic, and the service is excellent. In response to someone’s recent posting about there not being much wildlife at Jaguar Paw, I must say that I saw more animals at Jaguar Paw than anywhere else save Tikal. Chika the howler monkey, if a bit standoffish, was nevertheless always there for the viewing, as was Willie the coati, who helped himself into the restaurant through the pushdoor and scampered through the guests on his way upstairs. Personally, I loved having my own set of guard dogs outside my door day and night (Henry, Chicken Dog, Snake and Shadow), and it was great fun when they went with us on the cave-tubing trip. I also saw toads, bats, fish in the river, and some sort of red flycatcher-like bird that kept battling with himself in my hotel room window. But despite all these great things, the best part of Jaguar Paw was the people. Cy Young was forever milling about the restaurant, bar and front desk area, dropping amusing comments here and there. I had a wonderful time chatting with Donna about Willie’s tendencies to bring “presents” before coming into the house. Emir (not sure how to spell his name) who tends bar, fixes things, sings wonderfully and runs tours, is a great guy to talk to, as is Karina, who likes Al Pacino and will wash your laundry for a mere four dollars. Alfredo at the front desk deserves some sort of award (for which helpful thing he did exactly, I’m not sure, but I’ll pin it down). Everyone—and I mean everyone—was personable and wonderful in his or her own way, and this made my vacation there almost like a stay with good friends. Oh, and before I move on, I should say that everything in the two different rooms I stayed in (the “night” room and the “parrot” room) worked perfectly. Good water pressure, toilets in fine working order, and ice-cold air conditioning. My only tiny little gripe might be the firmness of the beds (too firm)...but I'm weird that way.

: The cave-tubing tour at Jaguar Paw is not to be missed. A hike of about an hour takes you to the mouth of a cave, where you slip the headlamps on, slip into the inner tube you’ve been carrying, and float leisurely downstream for what seems like hours. It’s quite relaxing, unless a gaggle of British paratroopers happen to be with you. Then the screaming and shouting and general rough-housing can leave a person a bit deaf. And although I didn’t see the Crystal Cave myself, my travelling companion said it was fantastic, though difficult to get to. I’ll take his word for it.

: Also during my stay at Jaguar Paw we went to the zoo. Cy said to visit in the afternoon, near closing time, because the animals are getting antsy for their dinners, and this turned out to be true. The black jaguar paced and paced inches away from us. Little foxes posed, and just about the only animal we didn’t see was the kinkajou, which was understandably asleep in its burrow. Loved the zoo, although it was exceptionally hot on the day we visited, and the lack of trees and shading was a little disappointing to this born-and-bred Northwesterner.

: One more note about Jaguar Paw: the website says that breakfast is included in the rate, but this is only partially true. When we arrived, we were given breakfast menus, and no one said a word about what was or wasn’t included in the room rate. We assumed (stupidly) that we could have anything on the menu. Instead, I guess the room rate includes only toast and coffee or something similar, and after four days, this little surprise added a substantial amount to our overall bill. Lesson: ask if you’re not sure.

: Moving right along…Yute Expeditions picked us up from Jaguar Paw at 7:30am for the drive to Tikal. Phillip, who drove us in a roomy, air conditioned Jimmy, was great for pointing out sights along the way, explaining things about the flora and fauna and people we were seeing roadside, and telling jokes about the toilet-paper tycoon who was “really wiping up.” The drive didn’t seem all that long because it was so interesting, and soon we were checking into the Tikal Inn at the park. This hotel, though perfectly adequate, was not as nice as the Jungle Lodge according to practically everyone I talked to, and if you stay at the Tikal Inn, beware the rooms closest the kitchen. The staff comes in at 5am, and sound carries easily with the all-open mesh windows in your cabanas. Also, there were bugs in my bed (understandable with the window situation). Other than this, the room was clean and everything worked. And the pool was nice.

: Tikal was like any other Maya ruin I’ve visited…NOT! Our guide, Louis, actually knew what he was talking about (many guides in Mexico don’t), and I was endlessly entertained not only by his stories about the various people buried at Tikal, but by his conspiracy theories, UFO tales, and assuredness that the world is going to end ala Nostrodamus. But don’t be fooled by these things—the guy knows his Maya stuff. Phillip (who drove us) said that Louis has trained almost all the guides at Tikal. I’d guess this might very well be true.

: The site itself was beautiful, of course, just like all the photographs you’ve seen, but what surprised me was that it wasn’t that far to walk. I’m a wimp and I tend to faint in the heat, but Louis took our tour very slow, and before I knew it, we’d walked to the far end of the site to the tallest pyramid (temple IV?). The other thing you should know before visiting Tikal is that the park employees, if asked nicely, will drive you around the park for a tip of a few dollars. Knowing this could make all the difference in the world for someone with disabilities, older folks, or even just for ninnies like me! It lets a person save his or her strength for climbing the pyramids, right? (Well, that’s my excuse.)

: The museums at Tikal are also a must-see, particularly the one with the pottery in it—gives you a chance to see stuff for real that you’ve only seen in books. There’s also a tomb recreation with all the jade and funerary pieces. Pretty cool. And I can’t end my segment about Tikal without mentioning the animals in the park—to me, the best part about the whole experience! Coatis were EVERYWHERE. Troops of them roam the park with their tails high in the air, their noses to the ground in milling amid the tourists. We also saw spider monkeys, paca, toucans, and a family of tiny foxes that had no fear of people whatsoever. Seeing these animals up close and personal was the highlight of the trip for me.

: To continue our tour….It was too overcast to see either the sunset or sunrise, so to bed early we went, then had a second morning at the pyramids before climbing back in the Jimmy for the trip to Pook’s Hill.

: Going to Pook’s Hill was, for me, like visiting very dear, old friends. Vicki Snaddon greeted me with such warmth and hospitality that instantly I felt as if I’d known her all my life—she’s that kind of fantastic lady. The road to her place was even bumpier and longer, if possible, than the road to Jaguar Paw, but equally filled with jungle mystery and suspense—how much further? Look at those trees! Will the truck make it up this hill? The view from the lounge area is fantastic, with the cohunes and the view across the tree tops quite lovely, and the rooms are cute little thatch numbers with great showers, although the beds are again a tad hard for my taste. My room came complete with baby lizards on the doorstep (the size of a thumbnail) and some sort of beetle with large, fluorescent-green spots on his head that glowed just like those sticks, you know? Fireflies lit up the sky at night, everywhere, even in the room, an owl called at dusk from right next to the main building, and the bird song in the morning was to die for! The only possible bad thing I can say about Pook’s Hill is that I wouldn’t drink the water there. I can’t say for sure, but I think this was the source of my bout with Montezuma, as it was the only water I came into contact with on my trip (I had no ice anywhere, and I even brushed my teeth with bottled water)—either it was Vicki’s table water, or an inadvertent gulp during my swim in the stream. Either way, be careful and play it safe!

: At Pook’s Hill, they offer jungle walks and horsebackriding, but Ray (who handles the horses) was gone during my stay, and I was too tired from Tikal to do much hiking. The little I saw on my walk to the river was fantastic. Great cohunes, cooing doves, a picturesque stream crossed by a rope bridge, even a snake lounging in the water. The jungle was even more beautiful and lush than at Jaguar Paw. From horseback or hiking, I’d imagine it’d be heaven!

: From Pook’s Hill to Placencia, we took the 11:10am Tropic flight from the International Airport to that tiny little airport way down south (with a stop in Dangriga between). Placencia didn’t do much for me, I have to admit. Can’t say exactly why, but it just didn’t hold the charm for me that San Pedro does, nor did the beach tickle my fancy in any way whatsoever. It didn’t help when the taxi that was supposed to be waiting for us wasn’t. Joy Leslie of Ranguana Lodge had forgotten to send it, which wouldn’t have been so bad if she hadn’t loused up the rest of our arrangements, too. I understand that things work very differently in Placencia, but when you’re putting your life in these people’s hands as they take you out to a tiny spot on the reef on a blustery day, starting off so badly doesn’t give one a sense of confidence. Joy had known I was coming in at around noon, and she’d assured me a taxi would be waiting with an ice chest to take us to the grocery store to buy provisions for our stay at Ranguana Caye (where you have to cook your own meals). She never once mentioned in our e-mails that noon wouldn’t be a good time because the stores close until 1:30pm or 2pm, and that we wouldn’t be able to get out to Ranguana until closer to 3pm, when the wind came up (and it wasn’t as safe). If I’d been apprised of these things, I would have happily made my arrangements around her suggestions. Oh well. When we got the ice chest, too, I failed to notice that it didn’t come equipped with that most essential of things—a plug. Thus, even though we secured the very last bag of ice in Placencia when the store opened, it had melted completely by the time we’d reached Ranguana. Poo.

: Despite all my worries, though, our captain, Eddie Leslie, was a superb seaman and had me safe and secure on Ranguana Caye within an hour’s time. When Lan Sluder says the ride is bumpy out to these remote cayes, believe him. One of the roughest rides of my life, but Ranguana was worth it nonetheless, and I can’t stress enough how lovely, peaceful, and divine Ranguana Caye really is. The cabins are perfectly designed to catch the breeze, with beds several feet off the floor to do the same, and a wonderful porch from which to contemplate the grackles’ antics and the pelicans wheeling overhead. There’s also a dog here, Scrappy, and a gorgeous red bunny that comes out at night to root around in the skimpy grass. And lizards, always lizards, who scamper across the countertops when you go into your kitchen, and who also like to wiggle into coke bottles left out on the shelves. They wake you up at dawn with a chirpy little chorus of lizard song that’s quite neat to listen to.

: The bathrooms, toilets and showers at Ranguana were clean, private and well-looked after by Jean Leslie, who lives there and reads romance novels (if anyone cares to slip a few extra into their bags for her and Mary Toy at Kevin Modera Guide Services in Placencia, it’d be appreciated, I hear). The stoves in the cabins are easy to use, and the kitchen comes well appointed with just about everything but a can opener—beware, as only one of our two cabins had one. Also, be advised that if the wind blows hard (as it did during our visit), those little cabanas can stand up to A LOT of pounding. Lightning, hard rain and gusts that I swear were up to 40mph scared the bejesus out of me, but in the morning, Mr. Leslie informed me that these same cabins had withstood Mitch, so he must’ve built them pretty darned well. Just so you know.

: The snorkeling from Ranguana I can’t really comment on, I’m afraid. Mr. Leslie and Co. were pretty vague as to where the good snorkeling was located, and as Ranguana is out in the middle of nowhere near the open sea and I’m a ninny (as before mentioned) with a nonsnorkeling travelling companion, I didn’t feel comfortable going outside of the reef. I didn’t know what the currents were like, if it were dangerous, or if I’d be able to get back inside to the island again, so I snorkeled only inside the reef, which was vastly disappointing. The outside was probably great (if I’d gone), but you’ll have to confirm this with someone braver.

: I caught one snapper from the leeward side of the island, and this on the advice of one interesting character named Shaky (or at least I thought this was his name). As the snapper took the only lure I had which seemed to catch fish, and as I’m not a serious fisherwoman, I can’t comment further on the fishing, either. My apologies.

: One last thing about Ranguana: if I were doing it again, I’d go with Kevin Modera Guide Services. They have a deal where they take you out to Ranguana via Laughingbird Caye, and they will cook for you, as well as take you to the best snorkeling, fishing and the best beaches. In hindsight, this would definitely be the way to go.

: The final stop on our tour was Little Water Caye. Now I forgot to mention one very important thing about Ranguana, and that is the complete and total absence of biting bugs. In fact, I realize now that I’ve neglected to include this topic as to each hotel I’ve discussed thus far. Allow me to remedy: Jaguar Paw, no bugs (bats eat ‘em). Pook’s Hill, some mosquitoes in the woods, but none in your room, at least not if you keep the doors closed as I did; I suffered maybe three bites during my walk to the river there, and this without bug spray. Tikal, very few bugs; the only ones I saw were in the restaurant across from the main entrance, as well as one lonesome mosquito in our room after dark. Ranguana Caye, no bugs. None. Zip. Nada. So when I climbed into the boat to Little Water Caye, I didn’t even consider applying bug spray. Stupid me! Upon our arrival, I suffered thirty-five or so bites (yes, I counted them, they itched like hell) and all within the first twenty minutes of our stay. The sandflies descended upon me in a swarm…and I’m not exaggerating. To be fair, this was partially because there wasn’t a breath of wind or breeze to be found on Little Water Caye that particular day, and without breeze, the bugs are MUCH worse. Upon application of some good, strong deet (all over the entire body, don’t miss any spots because the bugs will find ‘em, even under your arms!) the problem lessened considerably, and as soon as I got into the habit of always being coated in bug spray morning, noon, and night, I had no problems whatsoever. Soon the breeze kicked up, and then the little buggers were much scarcer. With a breeze, the island proved a paradise, what with the darling cabins over the water, the swaying palms, and the great food provided by Karl, the owner. As with Ranguana, there were limited lights provided by solar panels that were perfectly adequate for my needs, anyway, and great showers with a roomy bathroom and fixtures in good working order. Also the same as Ranguana were the mattresses, which were too thin of a foam to do much good. Just like I did on the previous island, I put the single bed’s mattress on top of the double bed, and thus had a VERY comfy bed and a good night’s sleep, lulled by the sound of the waves coming in beneath the floor. These cabins are right over the water, complete with little damselfish and needlefish for entertainment, and the island’s reef is maybe twenty steps away from your door. Really cool, I tell you. The porch is equipped with two comfortable chairs, and the view of Hatchet Caye and the Silk Cayes is amazing.

: Then there’s the snorkeling. Within the first two minutes of getting into the water, I saw what must have been a sixty-pound tarpon. I’m not up on my coral names, but I think it was elkhorn coral that made up the bulk of the reef, huge formations of it, threaded through with giant schools of blue tangs, parrot fish, and the occasional barracuda. I saw one great big fellow who could’ve easily taken a chunk out of me if he’d a mind to. Must’ve been thirty pounds, at least! And on the flats, I saw bonefish, although I couldn’t catch them to save my life. Tried, though. Saw some jacks, too, and caught one barracuda, so I’m guessing the fishing here is pretty good for those more serious about it than me.

: Have I covered everything? Think so. We flew home via the Lobsterfest, which was just getting going when we passed through, so I’m afraid I can’t comment much on that, either. Oh, and the sandflies were terrible during the few hours we spent in Placencia, too.

: If anyone has any questions about the hotels and places I’ve tried to describe, I’d love to answer as best I can, so feel free to drop me a line, all right?

: Hope I’ve helped someone out there with vacation decisions!

: Sincerely,

: Jill

Added on Date: 04:24:38 7/02/99

I am going to be visiting Placencia in Aug/Sept. and am thinking of staying at Inn at Robert's Grove. Any input that you could give me would be greating appreciated. I haven't seen much in print about this hotel. Thank you !

Added on Date: 17:00:51 7/02/99

Belizeans of Mestizo/Hispanic descent needed as interviewees for research on Belizeans in Los Angeles. U.S. raised 2nd and 1.5 generation also needed.

For more information I can be reached at:

jeromefs@scf.usc.edu

Jerome Straughan
University of Southern California
Department of Sociology
3620 Vermont Avenue
Kaprielian Hall 352
Los Angeles, CA 90089-2539

(213)740-3533 Mon to Fri 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Added on Date: 17:49:17 7/02/99

"The Inn" is pretty upscale for Placencia. It's beautiful; if you are into that kinda thing. I've stayed at Cozy Corner for local flavor.

Added on Date: 20:51:15 7/02/99

: "The Inn" is pretty upscale for Placencia. It's beautiful; if you are into that kinda thing. I've stayed at Cozy Corner for local flavor.

cozy corner roberts is alittle out of town very upscale very nice say hi to robert for me

Added on Date: 08:51:35 7/03/99

kevin do you ever go to the flamboyant i think we met there yes or no

Added on Date: 09:04:52 7/03/99

Would appreciate any info on these accomodations. The price is right, how about the place.
Thanks

Added on Date: 10:28:19 7/03/99

Inn at Robert's Grove is the most upscale place on the peninsula. Attractive (not huge, but nice) A/C rooms, beautiful pool, beach is nice though not the best on the peninsula, tennis courts, very good restaurant. We get nothing but good reports about this place.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 11:55:39 7/03/99

Going on holiday there in January and trying to find info about the people etc entertainment etc

Added on Date: 12:05:32 7/03/99

: Would appreciate any info on these accomodations. The price is right, how about the place.
: Thanksitis a wonderful place to live. my friend wendy livedtherefor several months

Added on Date: 15:52:20 7/03/99

I am going to travel to Belize ,all the info I have about the place I am going to is 13.5 miles from the airport on the northern highway. I am from Costa Rica, and I need to rent an apartment ( 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms,a/c, cable, telephone,patio/terrace, semifurnished.( CLOSE TO THIS ZONE)
I am interested in have somebody who can help us whit this information and during my stay asap.

Added on Date: 21:41:01 7/04/99

We are arriving in Belize on 09 August and will go straight onto Ambrgris Caye where we have booked only one night in anticipation of spending one or two nights on a liveaboard going to and from the Blue Hole. Does anyone have any suggestions on a boat going out to the Hole, and rates attached to the trip? Also when we go back to the mainland we have no itinerary other than we would like to see some of the ruins and spend some time in the jungle areas. Has anyone any suggestions on things to do, places to go, and the costs for them? We are working on a budget, but would like to see all that we can in the nine or ten days inland that we have. Thanks for any input!

Added on Date: 23:37:30 7/04/99

Dear Tony and Kathy,

As I mentioned in my trip report a little down this page, I REALLY enjoyed Jaguar Paw. The cave-float was one of the best things I did on my recent trip, and I'd highly, highly recommend doing it--whether with Jaguar Paw or Ian Anderson. The other tour I would recommend is the trip up the river to Lamanai. Not only do you get to see a lot of countryside, but it seemed that every bend in the river revealed another hawk or kingfisher or wading bird of some type, and at the ruins there were howler monkeys and coati on the day I was there. Nevermind that the view from the top of the pyramid over the lagoon is fantastic. If I only had a couple of days on the mainland (and I wasn't up for the trip to Tikal, which is, of course, awesome), I would suggest doing these two things if nothing else.

Have fun wherever you decide to go,

Jill

Added on Date: 03:57:50 7/05/99

I would be curious to here from any one with imformation on this resort .I 'm thinking of staying there,and any comments would be appeciated

Added on Date: 07:54:34 7/05/99

: We are arriving in Belize on 09 August and will go straight onto Ambrgris Caye where we have booked only one night in anticipation of spending one or two nights on a liveaboard going to and from the Blue Hole. Does anyone have any suggestions on a boat going out to the Hole, and rates attached to the trip? Also when we go back to the mainland we have no itinerary other than we would like to see some of the ruins and spend some time in the jungle areas. Has anyone any suggestions on things to do, places to go, and the costs for them? We are working on a budget, but would like to see all that we can in the nine or ten days inland that we have. Thanks for any input!
The only live on board that I know of that does overnights to the Lighthouse Atoll and Blue Hole would the the "Offshore Express" operating from the Coral Beach Dive Shop. Departs early morning and does a couple of dives then overnights on the north end of LH where you can sleep in bunk on boat, hammock, tent, or pad on beach, your choice. Price includes food, snacks, soft drinks, and diving. Should do three dives on the second day before returning to San Pedro. Can be weather dependent and sometimes this time of the year they have a minimum number in order to make the trip. I cannot give you a price for this and have it be accurate, so contact them as soon as you arrive and check on availability and price. Have fun diving!!!!

Added on Date: 08:17:59 7/05/99

Dan, I posted this reply on another message board for someone else. Hope it helps. Jim

I believe "The village" was formerly called Mayas Katut and is very nice and quiet. It is located in San Pablo, primarily a residential area on the lagoon side and can be rather hot and humid at times. It can be quite inconvenient with regard to the beach and most hotel areas unless you have transport or like to walk in very hot conditions. If you are considering visiting during Sept. to Nov. you might want to consider walking as roads to San Pablo can get very mucky and only 4WD vehicles can get through on some days.
If you want to be on Mar Del Tumbo Beach, being one of the best beaches on Ambergris Caye, and enjoy the advantage of a beautiful freshwater pool in a tropical courtyard setting, I would suggest the Banana Beach Resort.

It is located directly on that beach which is, according to a taxi odometer, 1-1/2 miles south of San Pedro Town center.

The Resort has one bedroom suites with great views of the Caribbean, cable TV, very comfortable queen sofa bed in the living room, full modern kitchens with all the latest appliances, overhead fans in the livingroom and bedroom, air conditioned, telephone, room safes for valuables, after office hours security, bicycles available, a dock used for tour pick ups, and a very friendly and helpful staff who can set up tours, snorkelling or diving, and air transfers for you. The rates are very reasonable for what you get here. One more thing...I have never been in a cleaner resort anywhere. Have a look at their website and judge for yourself: Banana Beach Resort

: I would be curious to here from any one with imformation on this resort .I 'm thinking of staying there,and any comments would be appeciated

Added on Date: 09:59:19 7/05/99

: I would be curious to here from any one with imformation on this resort .I 'm thinking of staying there,and any comments would be appeciated

Jim hit it right on the head. If you want to be in that area the Banana Beach Hotel is as clean and new as you can find with a beautiful pool and great view of the best beach on the island
Greg

Added on Date: 12:56:43 7/05/99

: : There is a 9-hole course on Caye Chapel, just south of Caye Caulker. Very controversial, in many ways -- politically, economically and environmentally. There are some private holes off the Northern Highway, but the Caye Chapel course is all you can play now. A couple of courses are in the blue sky stage.

: Thanks for the response. Can you give me any more details about this course on Caye Chapel? If nothing else, who could I contact about playing there? I doubt I will go there during this vacation but maybe in the future.

: : --Lan Sluder
I played at Caye Chapple a couple of years ago before it was even remotely finished. They loaned us all of the equipment and a cart. It is a long way from a great golf course but definately worth the experience. Watch for the water hazards(aligators)and have fun.
Greg

Added on Date: 13:16:56 7/05/99

Dan,

The Village (formerly Mayas Katut) is not on the beach and it would not be in my top 25 hotels on Ambergris Caye.

Here are my suggestions on some of the best resorts, condotels and budget hotels on the island.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine
Ad-free, candid advice and information on Belize

>>

Hotels/Resorts

Caribbean Villas
Not the most luxurious hotel, no beach to speak of, no pool, but friendly management by Wil and Susan Lala and staff makes all the difference in this comfortable apartment-style resort south of San Pedro Town.

Cayo Espanto
Small, upscale development on private island a few minutes west of Ambergris.

Mata Chica
Trendy, beautifully designed new spot far up on North Ambergris. One of Ambergris’ most romantic restaurants. No pool. Nice beach. Not for everybody.

Sunbreeze
A recent makeover including pool has turned this Holiday Inn-style motel into one of the better, and best-located, choices on the island. Big rooms, with all the modcons. Italian restaurant and Gaz Cooper’s dive shop on site.

Victoria House
Lovely beach-front setting about two miles south of town; potential, not always realized, of being one of the best resorts in Belize; variety of accommodations, some very pricey.

Ramon’s
Extremely popular spot, especially for first timers to Belize. With 60 units, more crowded than we’d like, but still retains its thatch-and-sand ambiance. Beautiful new pool. Best beach in or near San Pedro Town. Rates are surprisingly high.

Coconuts
Friendly, casual spot with big attractive rooms, good beach bar, south of town.

Tropica
Nice rooms in four-plex buildings near Banyan Bay. New pool.

The Tides
New, locally owned hotel with a dive orientation, at the north end of town.

Caribe Island Resort
Increasingly popular for those seeking a full-service small resort. South end.

Capricorn
Opened in 1996, this small spot on north Ambergris has three cabanas right on the beach, plus an excellent restaurant.

Captain Morgan’s Retreat
In many ways, this is what visitors to Belize come looking for — thatched cabañas on a stretch of beach; on the north end of Ambergris Caye, next to the Essene Way. Large pool.

Changes in Latitudes
Canadian-run small inn near the Belize Yacht Club bills itself as a B&B. Smallish rooms, but with recent upgrades.

Ambergris Condotels
For families or groups, Ambergris Caye’s condotels — individually owned condos with units offered like hotel rooms by a management company —and suites hotels are hard to beat. They offer more room for not much more money than regular hotels.

The Palms
Well-located on the water just south of town, with attractive condo apartments, and a nice small pool. Not to be confused with the Royal Palm, a timeshare.

Villas at Banyan Bay
Expanding condo development about south of town, beyond walking distance, with some of the largest and most luxe apartment units in Belize. Nice pool and beach area. Units are fully air conditioned and have jacuzzis.

Banana Beach
New in late 1998, this condo project by the people from Coconuts has Yucatán- style architecture and a pool. South of town beyond walking distance.

Mayan Princess
Convenient “mid-town” location on the water. Very good value in a suites hotel. No pool, though.

Belizean Reef Suites
Well-located at the south edge of town. Attractive units. No pool.

Belize Yacht Club
Within walking distance south of town, Mexican-style two-story units with a beautiful pool. New meeting facilities.

Casa Caribe
One- and two-bedroom units on North Ambergris. Nice pool and beach area.

Woody’s/Corona del Mar
Attractive suites south of town. No pool.

Casa Solana
Nicely furnished, with attractive rates. No pool.

Emerald Reef
Very nicely designed and furnished, at north end of town. No pool.

Coral Bay
New suites spot south. No pool.

Paradise Villas
Florida-style condos at the north of town, adjacent to the Paradise Hotel, with a pool and small beach.

Budget Hotels on Ambergris
Yes, you can get a clean room on the island for under US$25 a night, even in-season. Some rooms at the following hotels cost more than that, but all offer value for the money.

Ruby’s
The clear top choice for the budget/value traveler. Choose from new A/C units or cheaper original units.

Hideaway Sports Hotel
One of the few budget places in Belize with a pool. A short walk from the water. Restaurant. Variety of rooms. Some recent improvements and upgrades.

Lily’s
Recently upgraded a bit, with A/C in some units.

Barrier Reef Hotel
In a colonial-era building across Front Street near Big Daddy’s and Tarzan’s. Pool and restaurant.

Hotel Del Rio
Variety of rooms, under new ownership.

San Pedrano
A favorite with European travelers, on Front Street with a breezy veranda.

Martha’s
Not on the water, but clean basic rooms at a good price.

Added on Date: 13:17:45 7/05/99

Does anybody happen to know when the Bellfest in Brooklyn New York is?

Added on Date: 14:58:15 7/05/99

After months of research on the internet, I have scheduled my first trip to Belize with a group called IZE. Their website was quite enticing and it seemed they could provide both the jungle (Blue Creek) and reef (South Water Caye) experiences that seem to represent this beautiful country. My wife and I, along with another couple, will be in Belize the last week in Sept. '99. I was hoping someone who frequents this chatboard might have some insight, and perhaps suggestions, regarding our trip. This could include former guests of IZE, current staff, or even locals familiar with this company. I am an adventurous man, with a healthy inner-child, who loves to explore, learn, and fish (both offshore and surf) and would sincerely appreciate any feedback. Excited in Denver.

Added on Date: 16:26:28 7/05/99

I've never done an IZE trip but they have a good reputation, and they have interesting choices of locations in Belize.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine
The # 1 magazine on travel, life and retirement on the Caribbean Coast

Added on Date: 19:38:59 7/05/99

: Hey this is Princess. I'm looking for a few e-mail/chat partners. Most of my Belizean friends have returned to Belize. Then I moved away from the area, and now miss so much of the culture. If you'd like to make a new friend my e-mail address is listed. Hope to hear from you soon.

Added on Date: 22:26:03 7/05/99

My husband and I are departing for Mexico on Jul 9 and thinking about driving through Belize. We are interested in archaeology and I like pottery of old traditional designs and traditional crafts. Any info on safety of driving (have heard reports that robberies are frequent)? Actual cost range of accommodations--budget type (a dollar figure would be helpful--when people say "moderate" that is relative--we have no idea!)
Appreciate any info from anyone who has driven and stayed in Belize on their own.

Added on Date: 22:59:59 7/05/99

: My husband and I are departing for Mexico on Jul 9 and thinking about driving through Belize. We are interested in archaeology and I like pottery of old traditional designs and traditional crafts. Any info on safety of driving (have heard reports that robberies are frequent)? Actual cost range of accommodations--budget type (a dollar figure would be helpful--when people say "moderate" that is relative--we have no idea!)
: Appreciate any info from anyone who has driven and stayed in Belize on their own.

Added on Date: 02:08:49 7/06/99

Don't listen to uninformed reports! I've driven virtually every mile of road in Belize, paved and unpaved, and have never had a problem. Belize City has a serious crime problem, but out in the country the biggest problem you're likely to have is a flat tire.

Safe, clean budget accommodations are available in Belize for around US$20 a night.

Belize, once the heart of the Maya culture, has literally hundreds of Maya sites. Even at the most popular ones, such as Lamanai, Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, etc., you may be the only party there ... unlike in the Yucatan with its hordes of Cancun tourists doing day trips.

Check any guidebook or any of the hundreds of Belize Web sites for more information on specifics of hotels and Maya sites.

Belize, however, does not have the handicraft tradition of neighboring Mexico and Guatemala. You won't find too much contemporary pottery or other quality crafts, though some Belize woodcarving is of high standard. The National Handicraft Centre in Belize City is one good place to see what is available.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 10:23:48 7/06/99

: LOOKING FOR TRIP REPORTS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN TO EITHER RESORTS.

: THANKS DENNIS

Added on Date: 12:02:47 7/06/99

: LOOKING FOR TRIP REPORTS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN TO EITHER RESORTS.

: THANKS DENNIS

If those are your two choices, you need to choose Coral Bay Villas. We were suppose to stay at Casa Caribe two weeks ago....but had to relocate...no electricity..pool was cracked and drained....no wind surfers or sea kayaks..and the list goes on.

Added on Date: 12:05:09 7/06/99

: After months of research on the internet, I have scheduled my first trip to Belize with a group called IZE. Their website was quite enticing and it seemed they could provide both the jungle (Blue Creek) and reef (South Water Caye) experiences that seem to represent this beautiful country. My wife and I, along with another couple, will be in Belize the last week in Sept. '99. I was hoping someone who frequents this chatboard might have some insight, and perhaps suggestions, regarding our trip. This could include former guests of IZE, current staff, or even locals familiar with this company. I am an adventurous man, with a healthy inner-child, who loves to explore, learn, and fish (both offshore and surf) and would sincerely appreciate any feedback. Excited in Denver.

You could not have picked a better trip.IZE is great there camps are just the best.What blue creek are you talking about? The one in P.G.comes out of the mountain and is great for swiming,there camp is right there.Your going to have lots of fun.

Added on Date: 16:33:05 7/06/99

This is the editoral from the amandala newspaper and my response follows:

Amandala:
Editorial: Biting the Barry hand

The Dean Barrow-controlled UDP newspaper, The Guardian, launched a sensational attack on business mogul Barry Bowen in its issue published on Thursday of this week.
Essentially, The Guardian is claiming that Bowen will receive a $60 million loan from the Government of Belize in return for party donations during the 1998 general election campaign, and especially for putting up more than half a million dollars in cash to "settle" the Sankey-Bradley PUP situation in the Queen's Square constituency. The Guardian is claiming that Sankey received money to step down and Bradley received money to step up - Bowen money.
The UDP newspaper paid Bowen the respect of having him issue a quoted denial, whether accurate or not, in the text of the same front page article, entitled BARRY INVOLVED IN CAMPAIGN SCANDAL?
Assuredly, the PUP and Mr. Bowen are well able to take care of themselves, but this newspaper must comment on the irony of the Barrow-countenanced attack on his former chief patron. It was Barry Bowen, you see, whose money assisted materially in creating the Barrow myth and legend in the 1984 general election. Who do you think paid for those huge Barrow campaign posters, printed in colour in El Salvador, which were on billboards all over Queen's Square in 1984? Dean Barrow benefited from the fact that his Queen's Square opponent was Ralph Fonseca, with whom Bowen had had a bitter financial struggle a year or two before. Barry had a score to settle with Ralph. Fonseca had been an employee of Barry Bowen's Belikin in the early 1980's. So was Michael Finnegan, a Bowen employee during the 1980's. You will note that Finnegan never attacks Fonseca: they became buddies during their Bowen stint.
Throughout the 1970's, Barry Bowen enjoyed the rare distinction of being good friends with both UDP Leader Dean Lindo and the PUP's Said Musa, even though Lindo and Musa had fought two savage battles (1974 and 1979) against each other in the Fort George constituency. Ensconced safely in the chambers of Uncle Dean's law firm, Barrow benefited immensely from Lindo's relationship with Bowen when he stepped out into electoral politics in 1983. Barry Bowen, we will say it plainly, was Dean Barrow's financial godfather.
Around 1988, Barrow changed patrons. He became the beneficiary of financial backing from the Santiago Castillo millions. This was in return for changing what allegiance he may have had left to uncle Dean, and giving it to UDP Leader Manuel Esquivel. This was why in 1988, Barrow had to go against Rufus X in Belize Rural North, even though both Dean Lindo and Michael Finnegan supported Rufus. Sam Rhaburn, Rufus' target in UDP Belize Rural North, had been an employee at the Albert Street office of San Cas accountant, Net Vasquez, and was a Vasquez and San Cas loyalist.
It is important to know these 1988 events, because ever since then, Dean Barrow is almost completely independent of Dean Lindo in his judgements and decisions. High level leaders of the PUP have had a hard time reading and understanding Barrow, because they have assumed that he has continued acting for and on behalf of uncle Dean. This is not so. In fact, shortly after the 1989 UDP general election defeat, Barrow and Rodwell Williams took some of uncle Dean's accounts and went down Albert Street to form their own law firm - Barrow and Williams.
In the last few weeks, this newspaper has been zeroing in on Dean Barrow because he has been obdurate in his hatred of KREM Radio and the Kremandala Raiders. This issue has forced us into rhetorical confrontation with the Hon. Barrow, because we cannot, for the life of us, see Barrow's position as anything other than personal, as opposed to professional.
Over the years, it has become evident that Barry Bowen's approach to business is more development-oriented than that of the Santiago Castillo group, which is concerned only with profits. Barrow's open declaration of war against Bowen will have political/financial implications down the road. The Barrow decision to cross the Rubicon was based, we think, on a short term consideration - the burning desire to eliminate the Dickie Bradley danger in Queen's Square.
The results of the 1998 election suggest that the voters of Belize are thinking that the Bowen approach may be more beneficial to Belize than the buy-and-sell of the Castillo group. One thing about the San Cas group, however, is that they are wealthy and safe. They do not take chances or run risks. So, although it is never a wise thing to buck Mr. Bowen, the Hon. Barrow, a cautious and conservative chap, felt that the comfort zone provided by the massive liquidity of the grupo San Cas, more than made up for the dangers of BARRY INVOLVED IN CAMPAIGN SCANDAL?

My Response:

Sent to the editor of the Amandala Newspaper, UDP, PUP, Reporter and Belize Times

I've been tuning into Belize news or anything that has Belize on it for the past 2 1/2 years. While doing so I have read many of the confrontational articles you have written towards or against Dean Barrow. While I am not defending Mr. Barrow I am not defending you either.

And, with all due respect that you have rightly earned, what you should be attacking is who or what allowed things like this to happen and not just Dean Barrow alone, for he did not commit his deviancies by himself. Many if not all political figures in Belize have sold out to one self attainable cause 'themselves' and will stop at nothing to get what they want including yourself be you politically financed or not.

It matters not whether the financial backer is Barry Bowen, Castillo, Musa or any other influential Belizean. What matters is how these influences attained their disreputable role in the running of our country without having to lift a finger to support it or its political status. Sure they place us on the marketable world of trade, finances, stock, bonds, and real estates. But who most benefits from their wealth, no one but themselves. Yes they employee Belizeans but for what little of nothing pay scale the labour office choose to set as standard of living. They are the powers of being that set and regulates the rules and boundaries of what Belize and Belizeans can accomplish in Belize.

They are the ones who obtain the million dollar contracts from the government and still do not do the job properly if at all. They are the ones who acquire 'agency' status on goods and materials and retail or wholesale them at outrageous prices to other Belizean small businessmen who do not otherwise have the finances they do, to attain the same status in world trade or bartering. They are the ones who are exempted from taxes at the border and get by with a grin and a smile here or there that gets them these million dollar loans of which they have no intentions of paying back the government of Belize.

But if you look carefully at the powers of being and our political figures you will see that they stem from the same bloodline and carry the same economic strength from generation to generation. And, who or what allowed them to have this much power over the matters of being in Belize? You and I and every other Belizean who go and vote blindly as if we have no other choice and elect the politicians who encourage the greedy in their strife to world dominance or more importantly Belize dominance.

So when you attack Mr. Barrow, take a good look at yourself and what you have attained and how you have attained it; then look at the influences that support Mr. Barrow, Sanki, Dickie Bradley, Cordel Hyde, Mike, Jorge, Mark Espat, Musa etc in their pre-electoral term; and, finally look at both political party figures and attack them as well. Because if you don't you are just the same if not worse, for condoning the corruption that passes through the hands of these people from generation to generation with one eye open and one eye shut.

Avrail Parham

Added on Date: 16:43:54 7/06/99

: Dear Tony and Kathy,

: As I mentioned in my trip report a little down this page, I REALLY enjoyed Jaguar Paw. The cave-float was one of the best things I did on my recent trip, and I'd highly, highly recommend doing it--whether with Jaguar Paw or Ian Anderson. The other tour I would recommend is the trip up the river to Lamanai. Not only do you get to see a lot of countryside, but it seemed that every bend in the river revealed another hawk or kingfisher or wading bird of some type, and at the ruins there were howler monkeys and coati on the day I was there. Nevermind that the view from the top of the pyramid over the lagoon is fantastic. If I only had a couple of days on the mainland (and I wasn't up for the trip to Tikal, which is, of course, awesome), I would suggest doing these two things if nothing else.

: Have fun wherever you decide to go,

: Jill

Jill, we certainly appreciate your timely response! How kind of you. We may make it to Tikal, if the funds hold out, and we can get there at a resonable rate (300 a pop times 2 for a single day tour from our hotel in Ambergris is more than we can go.) We are considering the Lamanai trip, at your suggestion, but were wonderting about the bug problem, (is it severe?)(can you buy deet rich bug goop there, or do you need to bring it from here?)and the cost. We have a good bit of freedom as to the starting points of our tours, as we are not locked into any hotel for more than three days. We appreciate the helpful nature you display! Thanks again!

Added on Date: 18:30:09 7/06/99

Does it rain a lot in the Cayo district in August. Also are there any vaccines needed prior to a trip in the jungle. Thanks BRAD

Added on Date: 22:45:57 7/06/99

Bruce (just 50), me (Lorraine) just 47, need help driving to relocate in Belize. (Looking for place 2-3 bdrms, big porch-screened near ocean $250- $325 US) 2 Vehicles: Great '78 Dodge van towing low trailer 'neath 26' Mac- Gregor sailboat (water-ballast for less weight). In cockpit: '82 110cc. Honda Pass-Thru motorbyke w/350 miles orig.& 10 gears - me prides. Also '95 Nissan Altima (new eng.,air, auto.).
We'll be travelling from Eugene, Oregon, down thru Cal., east to Texas, southeast along Mex. coast, across Yucatan to Belize. E-Mail if interested and not illegal or psycho, or call at (541) 344-0163.

Added on Date: 23:02:58 7/06/99

Dennis recommended an excellent sea chart! I hope the link does work now. Christoph

Added on Date: 07:13:16 7/07/99

Depending on the formation of tropical storms in the Caribbean, it can be rainy in August in Cayo but usually there is a drier period that month. I'm in Cayo almost every August and generally weather is pretty nice.

The CDC recommends chloroquine for malaria outside of Belize District, and also up-to-date sticks for tetanus/DPT and at least Hep A. As a practical matter, many travelers to Cayo don't take any precautions, but better safe than sorry.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 10:29:19 7/07/99

Hi to all belizean looking for friends home and abroad.Iam also a belizean living in the u.s for quite some while now.Anybody intresting in making new friends please email me.Love ya all.Peace

Added on Date: 14:23:50 7/07/99

Jill,

Glad you had a good time at Jaguar Paw. My wife and I spent 3 nights of our honeymoon there last year (July 98) and also enjoyed it tremendously. It's good to know that things are still basically the same a year later.

Anyone interested in my trip report that I posted in August 98 can check the BelizeFirst website. My post is actually divided into two parts (one under the Ambergris section and one under the Cayo section) of the Reader Reports.

Added on Date: 14:24:03 7/07/99

: Does it rain a lot in the Cayo district in August. Also are there any vaccines needed prior to a trip in the jungle. Thanks BRAD

Added on Date: 14:47:31 7/07/99

: Does it rain a lot in the Cayo district in August. Also are there any vaccines needed prior to a trip in the jungle. Thanks BRAD
there is malaria and typhus in the jungle we stay on the beach when er are there and have no problem my husband wants to know if you are related to us his nameis artuhur richard brammer

Added on Date: 14:53:18 7/07/99

Hi

I will be in the Belize Jungles during
the first two weeks of August.

What kinds of snakes my I encounter, and
are they poisenous.

Please reply to:
ghharrac@neodata.com

George

PS: I am also looking for tours. So far I only
have air arrangements.

Added on Date: 16:50:59 7/07/99

Hi George,
If I were you, I wouldn't worry about snakes - if fact I would rejoice in seeing the elusive reptiles. Belize is blessed with approximately 60 species os snakes of which only 9 are poisonous. The venomous snakes are primarily noctornal and are rarely seen - even when they are the subject of the hike. Snakes try to avoid us humas as mush as possible and hence you rarely see them. I have guided for almost 15 years in Belizean rainforest and I have seen about 12 poisonous snakes - so you probaly won't see any of the poisonous ones. Don't worry about the snakes and sit back and enjoy Belize. There are lots of see and the sankes adds to the diversity of the tropical paradise called Belize. For your information, the sankes in Belize have hemotoxic and nuerotoxic venoms!
Enjoy your stay...be sure to visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary!
colin

Added on Date: 17:36:06 7/07/99

Dear Tony and Kathy,

I'm just curious: who charges $300 per person from Ambergris for a day tour to Tikal? (It's probably the going rate, but have you asked around for a better one?) If you were to visit, say, Jaguar Paw, Pook's Hill, Chaa Creek or a similar jungle lodge (with the exception of Chan Chich, which doesn't do Tikal because of their isolated location), you can get a tour to Tikal for more like $150 per person for a day trip. I think duPlooy's runs the cheapest day tours and has the cheapest transportation from Belize City to their lodge, but I'm not sure--do some hunting and ask lots of questions. If Tikal is really too much hassle for your schedule, Lamanai is a fantastic place, too--it's just a different experience, like comparing apples to oranges. As far as bugs go, I've been to a lot of buggy ruins and some really, really buggy islands, both in Belize and elsewhere, and as long as I've applied liberal amounts of bug juice ALL OVER (Deep Woods Off with 95% deet works fine, and you can buy it at any grocery store in the US), I've suffered minimal bites (actually, most of the time I've suffered no bites at all)--just remember to put the bug spray on, that's all. No big deal. (It's when folks say, "No, there's no bug problem, you'll be fine," and you trust them and don't put it on, THAT'S when you get into trouble!) Anyway, bugs are not an issue if you "suit up" with deet before hand...and your skin will be nice and soft afterward! As for the price of the Lamanai trip, I can't remember details, but I think from San Pedro it was something like $80 per person. Again, do some research and check out all the tour operators' websites linked on the Ambergris.com site, and remember to ask a ton of questions. Above all else, have fun!

Regards,

Jill

Added on Date: 20:28:42 7/07/99

:
: : After months of research on the internet, I have scheduled my first trip to Belize with a group called IZE. Their website was quite enticing and it seemed they could provide both the jungle (Blue Creek) and reef (South Water Caye) experiences that seem to represent this beautiful country. My wife and I, along with another couple, will be in Belize the last week in Sept. '99. I was hoping someone who frequents this chatboard might have some insight, and perhaps suggestions, regarding our trip. This could include former guests of IZE, current staff, or even locals familiar with this company. I am an adventurous man, with a healthy inner-child, who loves to explore, learn, and fish (both offshore and surf) and would sincerely appreciate any feedback. Excited in Denver.

: You could not have picked a better trip.IZE is great there camps are just the best.What blue creek are you talking about? The one in P.G.comes out of the mountain and is great for swiming,there camp is right there.Your going to have lots of fun.
Yes, it's the Blue Creek outside of P.G. Is the water as blue as in the pictures? When did you visit with I.Z.E.? Did you stay on South Water Caye? By chance, did you happen to fish while in Belize? Do I sound excited to you?!?!

Added on Date: 20:58:11 7/07/99

where is the best place to see or touch monkeys in belize

Added on Date: 10:24:02 7/08/99

what month on Ambergris are hot,cold,wet,dry
Thanks Josh

Added on Date: 10:26:13 7/08/99

There are black howler monkey troops in several areas of Belize now, including the Community Baboon Sanctuary at Bermudian Landing ... Lamanai ruins ... the Monkey River area south of Placencia ... along the Macal River in Cayo and elsewhere. You'll also see howlers at Tikal.

There also are spider monkeys in Orangewalk district (Programme for Belize lands), at Bladen Nature Reserve south of Placencia and elsewhere. I have read there are capuchin monkeys in southern Toledo but I don't know for sure.

You can also see monkeys at the Belize Zoo.

Last time I was there, last year, Lamanai Outpost Lodge were taking care of a couple of howler monkeys they had rescued.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 11:53:11 7/08/99

: Dear Tony and Kathy,

: I'm just curious: who charges $300 per person from Ambergris for a day tour to Tikal? (It's probably the going rate, but have you asked around for a better one?) If you were to visit, say, Jaguar Paw, Pook's Hill, Chaa Creek or a similar jungle lodge (with the exception of Chan Chich, which doesn't do Tikal because of their isolated location), you can get a tour to Tikal for more like $150 per person for a day trip. I think duPlooy's runs the cheapest day tours and has the cheapest transportation from Belize City to their lodge, but I'm not sure--do some hunting and ask lots of questions. If Tikal is really too much hassle for your schedule, Lamanai is a fantastic place, too--it's just a different experience, like comparing apples to oranges. As far as bugs go, I've been to a lot of buggy ruins and some really, really buggy islands, both in Belize and elsewhere, and as long as I've applied liberal amounts of bug juice ALL OVER (Deep Woods Off with 95% deet works fine, and you can buy it at any grocery store in the US), I've suffered minimal bites (actually, most of the time I've suffered no bites at all)--just remember to put the bug spray on, that's all. No big deal. (It's when folks say, "No, there's no bug problem, you'll be fine," and you trust them and don't put it on, THAT'S when you get into trouble!) Anyway, bugs are not an issue if you "suit up" with deet before hand...and your skin will be nice and soft afterward! As for the price of the Lamanai trip, I can't remember details, but I think from San Pedro it was something like $80 per person. Again, do some research and check out all the tour operators' websites linked on the Ambergris.com site, and remember to ask a ton of questions. Above all else, have fun!

: Regards,

: Jill

The going rate for a day trip from the San Ignacio area to Tikal is about $US85 per person; this typically includes all costs except the Belize Conservation Exit tax ($7.50Bz). You can also go to the border and hire a taxi or van to transport you to and from Tikal. Right now round trip charges are about $40-60US, depending on how busy the fellows are and how good you bargin.
An express bus from Belize City to Cayo District is about $7Bz. So if you're interested, you can do Tikal for a lot less than the $300US per person price quoted you. To be fair, this may have included flying from Ambergris to Tikal, which is a more expensive way to travel.

Added on Date: 11:54:30 7/08/99

It is generally wetter June - October (but there's usually a lot of nice, sunny weather, too) ... cooler December-February especially when 'Northers blow down (but it's never really cold) ... warmest April - September ... driest months are February to April, rainiest usually June and September. June through November is tropical storm season in the Western Caribbean, with storms most likely August through October, and that can really impact the weather.

Figure weather about like southern Florida and the Florida Keys.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 12:00:05 7/08/99

Hi,
The best place to see black howler monkeys (alloutta pigra) up close is the Community Baboon Santuary in Bermudian Landing (13 miles from the international airport). Here the monkeys are in the wild qwhere the local people have abided my certain voluntary rules and stipulations to allow the monkeys to live in harmony with them. Visitors often get within 3-5 feet from the internationally known "SCHOOL TROOP."One word of caution, these mokeys rae in the wild and the guides wouldn't allow you to touch them fopr your own safety and the safety of the monkeys. There are over 2 thousands monkeys at the Sanctuary, so you are 100% guaranteed to see a whole lot. Enjoy your trip to Belize and do your share to keep it the tropical Jewel it is.
colin

Added on Date: 18:20:29 7/08/99

Hi,
I'm also a Belizean studying in the States and I would love to communicate with a fellow Belizean. Send me and e-mail and net's get to know each other.
colin.

Added on Date: 18:23:31 7/08/99

: My husband and I are departing for Mexico on Jul 9 and thinking about driving through Belize. We are interested in archaeology and I like pottery of old traditional designs and traditional crafts. Any info on safety of driving (have heard reports that robberies are frequent)? Actual cost range of accommodations--budget type (a dollar figure would be helpful--when people say "moderate" that is relative--we have no idea!)
: Appreciate any info from anyone who has driven and stayed in Belize on their own.

My husband and I have driven thru to Belize. We went into Mexico at McAllen, Texas (Reynosa, Mexico). We never had any problems in Belize nor Mexico. Felt safe the entire time. We camped out at Clarrisa Falls in the Cayo District and also in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. We have driven all over the country, once in our own vehicle and once in a rental vehicle. The roads between Belmopan and Punta Gorda are pretty bad (some improvements have been made), the Northern Highway is not tooooooo bad and neither is the western highway. We have never stayed in Belize City, have just driven in there and back out. That city does make me feel uneasy, but nothing has ever happened to us there. I believe you will enjoy your experience, if you consider it an adventure and just go with the flow. Don't have any type of schedule or reservations so you won't be tied to a particular place at a certain time. Have fun, I wish we were doing it again.

Added on Date: 20:49:55 7/08/99

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Added on Date: 22:01:49 7/08/99

My husband and I stayed in Belize ofr 19 days from BC to Crooked Tree to San Ignaciq to Dangriga to Caye Caulker and we have aquired multiple bites( mosquitos sand flies or flees or gnats) I don"t know what. We are still being biten. We a;so belives we might have gotten lice. We don't know for sune. My hsband has fumigated everything fro the house to the car. We tayed in budget places, but did not do any camping. The places were moderate. We need help. What can we do to get rid of these critters. We are also going to the doctors Help

Added on Date: 22:26:25 7/08/99

: Hi to all belizean looking for friends home and abroad.Iam also a belizean living in the u.s for quite some while now.Anybody intresting in making new friends please email me.Love ya all.Peace

Added on Date: 02:03:42 7/09/99

Cathy,

Sand flies really cause problems for some people. I doubt you are still getting fresh bites, but often there is a lingering rash or a series of skin infections. There also is another kind of bug, forgotten the name, that sometimes affects people traveling in tropical and sub-tropical areas -- the bites show up at points where clothing or belts are tight.

It doesn't sound like you have this, but botflies, with the help of mosquitoes, lay eggs under the skin, and then larvae are born and live there. One treatment is to spread petroleum jelly over the skin, which kills the larva because it can't breathe. Red ant bites cause strong reactions in some people, too.

Do see a doctor. He or she will likely prescribe an ointment which will take care of the bites quickly.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 11:47:36 7/09/99

jus' chillin' people

Added on Date: 16:43:27 7/09/99

Has anyone heard anything about the 144,000, (as in Revelation) leaving the US and coming to San Ignacio? Is Belize a "secret hiding place?"

Added on Date: 08:42:45 7/10/99

: : Dear Tony and Kathy,

We are so appreciative to those of you who have responded
to our inquiries regarding our upcoming trip. For clarification -
yes the 300 (280)dollar trip to Tikal did include
airfare from Ambergris - and yes, it was far out of
our budget. We will be working off of Judy's suggestion
and basing in the San Ignacio area for a few days and
trying to fit as much in as possible while we are
there. Something else that came up in conversation was:
what kind of small things might we bring from here
that would be appreciated as gifts by the local population.
Small appliances are out of the question (ha) but I have
on many occasion left things like bungee cords and
the like on trip to Mexico. (very useful for divers,
but not sure they'd be of any value to the inlanders.
Any suggestions on this?

Added on Date: 10:55:38 7/10/99

Wow, it's sure going to be crowded. Bring sleeping bags and watch out for crawly things.

: Has anyone heard anything about the 144,000, (as in Revelation) leaving the US and coming to San Ignacio? Is Belize a "secret hiding place?"

Added on Date: 10:58:54 7/10/99

: Wow, it's sure going to be crowded. Bring sleeping bags and watch out for crawly things.

:
: : Has anyone heard anything about the 144,000, (as in Revelation) leaving the US and coming to San Ignacio? Is Belize a "secret hiding place?"

I wonder if these 144,000 thousand are going to ask permission, or if they will just use the "power of god's word" and just move in regardless. Hmmm Makes one wonder how the Belizians might react, no?

Added on Date: 11:17:27 7/10/99

: : Wow, it's sure going to be crowded. Bring sleeping bags and watch out for crawly things.

: :
: : : Has anyone heard anything about the 144,000, (as in Revelation) leaving the US and coming to San Ignacio? Is Belize a "secret hiding place?"

: I wonder if these 144,000 thousand are going to ask permission, or if they will just use the "power of god's word" and just move in regardless. Hmmm Makes one wonder how the Belizians might react, no?

Do you think the Belizean Immigration Department might be hiring?

Added on Date: 14:26:37 7/10/99

Avril,

With respect to the fact that Belize is a democratic
government, change can and will come if and when enough
of the population oppose something. I have no doubt that
you would be able to find several hundred (or more) persons
with like kind thinking. Enough of the population of Belize
however understand that bringing investment dollars into
the country is important.

Perhaps you might look at this situation and take a different
approach. I tend to agree that someone simply sending U.S. $50,000
then is granted citizenship is a bit much. However, requiring someone
to make an investment in Belize (suggesting they might spend time there)
would, in my opinion be a better approach.

I have visited Belize 6 times and plan to be there again 3 or 4 more
times over the next few months planning to build on a piece of property
I purchased there. I would like to later live there for part of the year
and it interestes me very much to become a Belizian citizen. I would be very
proud to tell people that I was a citizen of such a wonderful country with
such great people. I would also like to help (in any way I could) to see
the country and its do very well. I don't want to be there at their expense,
quite the contrary, I plan to give of myself.

This is just another perspective you might be interested reading. I hope
you will consider all angles before you would throw us all out.

By the way, there is no such word as "irregardless". Regardless or
irrespective would suffice.

Tom

Added on Date: 18:03:48 7/10/99

: : : Wow, it's sure going to be crowded. Bring sleeping bags and watch out for crawly things.

: : :
: : : : Has anyone heard anything about the 144,000, (as in Revelation) leaving the US and coming to San Ignacio? Is Belize a "secret hiding place?"

: : I wonder if these 144,000 thousand are going to ask permission, or if they will just use the "power of god's word" and just move in regardless. Hmmm Makes one wonder how the Belizians might react, no?

:
: Do you think the Belizean Immigration Department might be hiring?
...maybe sharpshooters...

Added on Date: 10:16:05 7/11/99

sunday july 11/ 99 placencia has earth shaker any news will put my mind at ease

Added on Date: 11:36:08 7/11/99

While we've not read every posting here, we have,in fact, touched on most of them. One additional question arrises: we saw a reference to "other chat boards" in one of the postings - does anyone know where we might find additional chat boards for this lovely country?

Added on Date: 11:48:36 7/11/99

: sunday july 11/ 99 placencia has earth shaker any news will put my mind at ease

Would us as well, we are going to be there in a few weeks, and would be concerned about the human factor as well - hopefully no injuries...

Added on Date: 11:51:12 7/11/99

Anyone there in Belize because of this last days
encoded language. Looking for residents of Belize
who have moved from America recently. Lots of
questions that I'd like to ask. Thanks, John R.

Added on Date: 11:56:09 7/11/99

Just what has been reported on other Belize boards and mailing lists: Very minor, brief shaking, no damage, no problem. Apparently centered in Guatemala, felt along much of the coast of Belize.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 12:50:17 7/11/99

The most active are the ones on the Belize by Naturalight Board (also owned by Tony Rath, who owns this one) and AmbergrisCaye.com. AOL's travel board, Belize section, is active sometimes. The rec.travel.latinamerica newgroup often has questions/comments on Belize.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 12:53:39 7/11/99

WUZ UP BELIZEAN CREW. I FINALLY FOUND THE NEW BELIZEAN CHAT LINE. IT'S GREAT TO SEE BELIZE PROGRESSING IN THIS WAY. NUFF LOVE TO MY HOME TOWN AND FELLOW PEOPLE. KEEP DA FAITH.

Added on Date: 13:09:47 7/11/99

I, for one, have been following many, many of these posts on this board, and would like to simply offer my thanks and appreciation to Mr. Sluder for the timely, informative, responses that he posts. Our upcoming trip means a great deal to us, and as there is not all that much definative data on Belize, the information from this board, and specifically Mr. Sluder, has been really appreciated. Thanks Lan, for taking the time to keep us posted on what is going on there.

Sincerely,

Tony

Added on Date: 17:02:54 7/11/99

7/11/99
HELP! NEED TO FIND THE E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR A GOOD FRIEND CHARLES EWING. ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

NUFF LOVE
BO

Added on Date: 20:27:15 7/11/99

You're welcome. Hope my suggestions pan out for you.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 21:19:31 7/11/99

: sunday july 11/ 99 placencia has earth shaker any news will put my mind at ease
Heard this a.m. that it was centered at 15 degrees N. Lat. and 88.26 W. Long. which looks like it would be somewhere close to Puerto Barrios. As much rain as we have had in the past 26 hours Belize City shook like the proverbial bowl of jelly. No damage in the country that I am aware of at this time.

Added on Date: 21:27:29 7/11/99

: where is the best place to see or touch monkeys in belize

There are also howlers along the beliz2 River, a few miles east of Belmopan. Canoe trips can be arranged in San Ignacio. And this should go without saying, but no wild howler monkey will let you get close enough to touch it - nor should you want to. They are our genetic cousins and every disease they carry can hop right over to you.

Added on Date: 22:06:32 7/11/99

: Thinking of taking dive trip to Caye Caulker. Wondering if there are air conditioned rooms, resturants, transportation on island? How does the diving compare with Cozumel, Roatan, Bahamas? Thanks in advance.

Since no one else has done it, I will compare Caulker's diving with the Bahamas (I haven't been to Roatan). If you make it out to the atolls, you are going to find diving that the Bahamas just can't match. Glover's and Turneffe have reefs and walls that get a fraction of the visitors that the Bahamas get. The visibility is about the same, but their is a little more diversity in Belize, given its more southern location. But your chances of big animal encounters are actually better in some parts of the Bahamas - more reef sharks and big rays. But you've never seen anything like the Blue Hole. For a trip to the outer atolls, don't trust the people who will approach you on the street in Caulker. Go only with Chocolate or Frenchy. Some of the others have no safety equipment on their boats, no VHF radios etc, and it is a LONG way out to the atolls.

Added on Date: 22:16:24 7/11/99

: See on the Channel 5 news that a German tourist was robbed at gun point by five men on a pier on Caulker. Police have detained five men in connection with the robbery.

: --Lan Sluder

What has happened on this incident since the last posting? Anyone know? We are certainly interested...

Added on Date: 08:16:09 7/12/99

Belize ranks # 83 out of 174 countries as the best
place to live, according to a new United Nations
report on quality of life for residents of the
world’s countries. In the U.N. rankings, Belize
was just behind Peru, St. Lucia and Jamaica and
just ahead of Paraguay, Georgia and Turkey.

The top 10 countries in terms of quality of life
were:

1. Canada (ranked # 1 for six consecutive years)
2. Norway
3. United States
4. Japan
5. Belgium
6. Sweden
7. Australia
8. Netherlands
9. Iceland
10. Britain

At the other end of the scale, the 10 worst
countries, all in Africa, are, from the bottom up,
Sierra Leone, Niger, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso,
Burundi, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Mali
and the Central African Republic.

The survey takes into account health care, life
expectancy, education and income.

In the Central America and Caribbean Basic region,
Barbados ranked #29, the Bahamas # 31, Costa Rica
# 45, Trinidad and Tobago # 46, Panama # 49,
Mexico # 50, Saint Kitts and Nevis # 51, Grenada #
52, Dominica # 53, Cuba # 58, Saint Vincent and
the Grenadines # 75, Saint Lucia # 81, El
Salvador # 107, Honduras # 114, Guatemala #117
and Nicaragua # 121.

The 20 top countries in terms of empowerment of
women, according to the U.N., were Norway,
Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Germany, Finland,
Iceland, United States, Australia, Netherlands,
New Zealand, Austria, Bahamas, Switzerland,
Luxembourg, Britain, Belgium, Portugal, South
Africa and Ireland. This ranking considered
income of women compared with per capita income,
number of women in government and number of women
with professional or tech

Added on Date: 12:36:02 7/12/99

Well, its time for our annual visit to Placencia. This time I think we are going to try out Tradewinds. (I think this is the name) They are the little places right in town on the water. I heard that one had a kitchen. I need the prices and who to talk to to book for Aug.26th thru Sept.4th. I don't mind calling either, I just can't find the number!! If anyone sees Vance Cabral, tell him we said HI and we will see him then!!

Added on Date: 18:49:30 7/12/99

: WUZ UP BELIZEAN CREW. I FINALLY FOUND THE NEW BELIZEAN CHAT LINE. IT'S GREAT TO SEE BELIZE PROGRESSING IN THIS WAY. NUFF LOVE TO MY HOME TOWN AND FELLOW PEOPLE. KEEP DA FAITH.

Added on Date: 19:50:12 7/12/99

I am not in no way trying to player hate belizeans aborad,but a lot of belizeans come to America and forget all about Belize. Probably i should not say forget but some give up their homeland and don't even visit.
I think that belizean Americans should try and go home every other year especially for the september celebrations, Belize is truly a great place and you guys know it too you lived there once remember!

Added on Date: 20:28:57 7/12/99

I will be in California for six months and i miss home(belize) really bad. I would love to feel at home talking to some of my people.

Added on Date: 20:50:56 7/12/99

I honestly do not know how to deal with the American life. i need to feel at home by talking to my belizeans.

Added on Date: 21:01:48 7/12/99

Thank you very for your advice I do belive you are right. Besides the bug bites we hada a fabulous time. Will be writing a report soon: Cathy,

: Sand flies really cause problems for some people. I doubt you are still getting fresh bites, but often there is a lingering rash or a series of skin infections. There also is another kind of bug, forgotten the name, that sometimes affects people traveling in tropical and sub-tropical areas -- the bites show up at points where clothing or belts are tight.

: It doesn't sound like you have this, but botflies, with the help of mosquitoes, lay eggs under the skin, and then larvae are born and live there. One treatment is to spread petroleum jelly over the skin, which kills the larva because it can't breathe. Red ant bites cause strong reactions in some people, too.

: Do see a doctor. He or she will likely prescribe an ointment which will take care of the bites quickly.

: --Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 23:52:27 7/12/99

You are speaking very wisely. Too many Belizeans leave and choose not to return. I like hearing about those that come home to share their education. I like your e-mail address!! Not everyone will appreciate what a fryjack is!!!
: I am not in no way trying to player hate belizeans aborad,but a lot of belizeans come to America and forget all about Belize. Probably i should not say forget but some give up their homeland and don't even visit.
: I think that belizean Americans should try and go home every other year especially for the september celebrations, Belize is truly a great place and you guys know it too you lived there once remember!

Added on Date: 01:45:03 7/13/99

You will find all the info you need at the Tradewinds website. Here it is: http://www.placencia.com/members/tradewind.html
Enjoy your vacation.

: Well, its time for our annual visit to Placencia. This time I think we are going to try out Tradewinds. (I think this is the name) They are the little places right in town on the water. I heard that one had a kitchen. I need the prices and who to talk to to book for Aug.26th thru Sept.4th. I don't mind calling either, I just can't find the number!! If anyone sees Vance Cabral, tell him we said HI and we will see him then!!

Added on Date: 07:30:44 7/13/99

Is Belize ready for the Y2K? If not check us out we have Y2K compliant computers and can steer you in the right direction to upgrade your computer. Don't be left behind you got only 6 months to prepare. Get the latest software you need to determine if your computer is y2k compliant at our software store. Computers at an affordable price. Check us out today.

Added on Date: 09:35:02 7/13/99

I can expect to get jumped on, but this
may have been started by someone belong-
ing to a certain religeous group, which
claims only people from their practice
will enter heaven.
Even if so why go to Belize.
I dont recall anywhere in the Bible
Belize by its name or any other name
was suppose to be the safety net fo any
such group.
Although Belize can do with tourists
I'm not sure all that number of people
could be properly accomodated.
I guess this a just a practical joke.
joelwb

Added on Date: 09:38:21 7/13/99

Just wanted to post a message about Star Tours in Orlando Florida
I just bought two tickets from them at $434 each. Lisa Whaley took care
of my tickets and was very nice during the process. I would recommend Star tours
To anyone looking for great service and a great price. Josh Brewer
800-466-6069 Star Tours

Added on Date: 09:45:57 7/13/99

: I will be in California for six months and i miss home(belize) really bad. I would love to feel at home talking to some of my people.

Added on Date: 13:50:49 7/13/99

This is a response to Tom from my previous post "passport and citizenship's". I am placing back on top because I would not have known any other person responded besides Ms. Symme had I not looked into another post.

Tom's response:

Avril,

With respect to the fact that Belize is a democratic
government, change can and will come if and when enough
of the population oppose something. I have no doubt that
you would be able to find several hundred (or more) persons
with like kind thinking. Enough of the population of Belize
however understand that bringing investment dollars into
the country is important.
Perhaps you might look at this situation and take a different
approach. I tend to agree that someone simply sending U.S. $50,000
then is granted citizenship is a bit much. However, requiring someone
to make an investment in Belize (suggesting they might spend time there)
would, in my opinion be a better approach.
I have visited Belize 6 times and plan to be there again 3 or 4 more
times over the next few months planning to build on a piece of property
I purchased there. I would like to later live there for part of the year
and it interestes me very much to become a Belizian citizen. I would be very
proud to tell people that I was a citizen of such a wonderful country with
such great people. I would also like to help (in any way I could) to see
the country and its do very well. I don't want to be there at their expense,
quite the contrary, I plan to give of myself.
This is just another perspective you might be interested reading. I hope
you will consider all angles before you would throw us all out.
By the way, there is no such word as "irregardless". Regardless or
irrespective would suffice.
Tom

My response :

Tom

You took me way back to my primary level education challenging my knowledge and usage of the words "irrespective and irregardless". You may not like it Tom but they do exist.

Here they are look them up irregardless of your beliefs.

From Websters:

Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
Function: adverb
Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
Date: circa 1912
nonstandard : REGARDLESS
usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927.
The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

Irrespective
Ir`re*spec"tive (?), a.
1. Without regard for conditions, circumstances, or consequences; unbiased; independent; impartial; as, an irrespective judgment.
According to this doctrine, it must be resolved wholly into the absolute, irrespective will of God. Rogers.
2. Disrespectful. [Obs.] Sir C. Cornwallis. Irrespective of, regardless of; without regard to; as, irrespective of differences.

Main Entry: ir·re·spec·tive of
Pronunciation: "ir-i-'spek-tiv-
Function: preposition
Date: 1839

I have never disapproved of any other nationals becoming a citizen of Belize just those who reap and ponder without respect and regards for the people of Belize irregardless or irrespective of their legal or non-legal claims.

My e-mail was aimed towards the government and not individuals. And as I stated before not many Belizeans knew of this program. Since my last post to Ms. Symme I now have 100+ e-mails regarding this issue from Belizeans living in Belize who did not know or was not aware of this program.

And again like I said I have protested along with or possibly more than 300 people with license to protest and signatures to debating the points. As well as many Belizeans politicians before they were elected were not successful in their struggle before they fell prey to the corruption at hand.

However, my encounters were many, many years ago and I have recently read that in Punta Gorda protesters gathered the same way I did and they were successful in there pursuit. This does not mean that any other protest after will be successful either.

So yes, I am privy to change of thought and open to suggestions. But I will defend my country and its government be they corrupt or otherwise against those who mean nothing but harm for my country, its people and its land. If you are not one of these people then you have nothing to worry about but if you are I will pursue diligently.

Furthermore, I believe that my contributions to this board outweighs my errors in word usage, punctuation and grammar.

And, there is no one who has made an entry on this board without mistakes and errors. So if you want to get technical re-check your response to me. And for the the record I was right in my usage of the words "irregardless and irrespective", irregardless of your beliefs.

Avrail

Added on Date: 14:03:04 7/13/99

: This is a response to Tom from my previous post "passport and citizenship's". I am placing back on top because I would not have known any other person responded besides Ms. Symme had I not looked into another post.

: Tom's response:

: Avril,

: With respect to the fact that Belize is a democratic
: government, change can and will come if and when enough
: of the population oppose something. I have no doubt that
: you would be able to find several hundred (or more) persons
: with like kind thinking. Enough of the population of Belize
: however understand that bringing investment dollars into
: the country is important.
: Perhaps you might look at this situation and take a different
: approach. I tend to agree that someone simply sending U.S. $50,000
: then is granted citizenship is a bit much. However, requiring someone
: to make an investment in Belize (suggesting they might spend time there)
: would, in my opinion be a better approach.
: I have visited Belize 6 times and plan to be there again 3 or 4 more
: times over the next few months planning to build on a piece of property
: I purchased there. I would like to later live there for part of the year
: and it interestes me very much to become a Belizian citizen. I would be very
: proud to tell people that I was a citizen of such a wonderful country with
: such great people. I would also like to help (in any way I could) to see
: the country and its do very well. I don't want to be there at their expense,
: quite the contrary, I plan to give of myself.
: This is just another perspective you might be interested reading. I hope
: you will consider all angles before you would throw us all out.
: By the way, there is no such word as "irregardless". Regardless or
: irrespective would suffice.
: Tom

: My response :

: Tom

: You took me way back to my primary level education challenging my knowledge and usage of the words "irrespective and irregardless". You may not like it Tom but they do exist.

: Here they are look them up irregardless of your beliefs.

: From Websters:

: Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
: Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
: Function: adverb
: Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
: Date: circa 1912
: nonstandard : REGARDLESS
: usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927.
: The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

:

: Irrespective
: Ir`re*spec"tive (?), a.
: 1. Without regard for conditions, circumstances, or consequences; unbiased; independent; impartial; as, an irrespective judgment.
: According to this doctrine, it must be resolved wholly into the absolute, irrespective will of God. Rogers.
: 2. Disrespectful. [Obs.] Sir C. Cornwallis. Irrespective of, regardless of; without regard to; as, irrespective of differences.

: Main Entry: ir·re·spec·tive of
: Pronunciation: "ir-i-'spek-tiv-
: Function: preposition
: Date: 1839

:
: I have never disapproved of any other nationals becoming a citizen of Belize just those who reap and ponder without respect and regards for the people of Belize irregardless or irrespective of their legal or non-legal claims.

: My e-mail was aimed towards the government and not individuals. And as I stated before not many Belizeans knew of this program. Since my last post to Ms. Symme I now have 100+ e-mails regarding this issue from Belizeans living in Belize who did not know or was not aware of this program.

: And again like I said I have protested along with or possibly more than 300 people with license to protest and signatures to debating the points. As well as many Belizeans politicians before they were elected were not successful in their struggle before they fell prey to the corruption at hand.

: However, my encounters were many, many years ago and I have recently read that in Punta Gorda protesters gathered the same way I did and they were successful in there pursuit. This does not mean that any other protest after will be successful either.

: So yes, I am privy to change of thought and open to suggestions. But I will defend my country and its government be they corrupt or otherwise against those who mean nothing but harm for my country, its people and its land. If you are not one of these people then you have nothing to worry about but if you are I will pursue diligently.

: Furthermore, I believe that my contributions to this board outweighs my errors in word usage, punctuation and grammar.

: And, there is no one who has made an entry on this board without mistakes and errors. So if you want to get technical re-check your response to me. And for the the record I was right in my usage of the words "irregardless and irrespective", irregardless of your beliefs.

: Avrail

Please explain your use of the word "ponder'

Added on Date: 17:14:09 7/13/99

Princess:

How old are you? Depending on your age, it could make a great deal of difference as to what is acceptable to you. I dare say, I was brought to America, when I was 11 years old. During my first year, I cried everyday. I begged my mom to send me home to my grandmother. That did not happen, and because I was not a social person, it took a long time to adjust to life in America. I have, and I love it! I always planned to move back. When I was old enough, there was much to explore, much to do and I had many new friends, from all over the world. There are few places in this world, where you can actually meet and become friends with people from every nation on earth. To help with some of the doubts, try reaching out to others. There is a Proverb in the Bible, which says that a man with many friends, is one that is friendly. Apart from that, there is lifestyle. Again, that depends a great deal on where you live. Are you in a big city? Which state? Write me at Yvonnerae@hotmail.com

Added on Date: 17:21:57 7/13/99

Latasha:

Why don't you hook up with Princess? She is also in need of a friend to chat with. What part of California are you in? There are many Belizeans in Southern CA. Let me know what City, and maybe I can help.

Added on Date: 17:29:55 7/13/99

An American couple, owns a very nice Hotel in Boom, off the Northern Highway. I cannot for the life of me remember the name of the place, but they do have a restaurant there as well. They may work something out with you. I will try to find their business card. I saw the rooms and thought it was a very nice place. Also, try talking to Verna Gardiner at 13 miles - Northern Highway. She is very resourceful. I believe she was working at a place at 14-16 miles called Mayan Resorts. I am not sure if they are open for business, but Verna might be able to help you.

BienVenidos a Belice.

Added on Date: 17:40:14 7/13/99

: Jerome Straughan
: University of Southern California
: Department of Sociology
: 3620 Vermont Avenue
: Kaprielian Hall 352
: Los Angeles, CA 90089-2539

Not sure if you are aware, but a greater majority of Belizeans are of Hispanic background. You are in a heartland of Belizeans. They are right in your backyard. HOOVER - LA BREA, JEFFERSON - KING BLVD. Just go to the supermarket and listen. They mostly speak creole. Those who speak Spanish, also have a different accent from the other Latinos in the stores. Quite a few of them use to shop at 32nd Street Market, when I lived in LA 8 years ago! Try going to the Churches. You can probably get a good lead at Family Mennonite Church - 65th & Normandie.

Best of Wishes!

Added on Date: 17:47:39 7/13/99

Dear Tony,

I think I've said this before, but books are very hard to come by in Belize--copies of the latest Grisham or Clancy or similar would be appreciated by the men, and I know quite a few women who'd be indebted if you'd pack a few new, fat romance novels. Just a suggestion.

Regards,

Jill

Added on Date: 18:29:45 7/13/99

Just wanted to thank the participants of this chatboard for all the information you provided. My husband and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Belize and the advice we got from the chatboard was especially helpful.
To Lan Slauder... a special thanks. Your information is invaluble to Belize travellers. If anyone has questions about our visit to San Ignacio, Placencia and San Pedro, I'd be happy to share our experiences. We love Belize!

Added on Date: 20:21:38 7/13/99

: I will be in California for six months and i miss home(belize) really bad. I would love to feel at home talking to some of my people.

Added on Date: 21:50:09 7/13/99

Latasha I TRIED TO POST AN E-MAIL TO YOU BUT I GOT A MESSAGE FROM AOL SAYING THAT YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WAS WRONG. I LOOK FOWARD TO TALKING TO YOU WHENEVER YOU POST YOUR NEW ADDRESS.

Added on Date: 21:54:24 7/13/99

I just wanted to add to your deal, my husband and I have flown to Belize before (twice) and this year, we got our tickets from AAA. Believe it or not, $430.00 each with taxes included. This is out of New Orleans. Best deal we have had yet!!! And this is with Continental, not Taca, by the way. Taca being the "fun" airline, Continental being the usual ho hum peanuts as the meal if your lucky... : )

Added on Date: 22:55:50 7/13/99

does anyone have any info on southern beliz2 did they take some shaking do they have phones

Added on Date: 08:07:21 7/14/99

Please excuze me for intruding on your request. I am from Michigan, and I am looking for info. on a ground level, about retiring in Belize. I am looking for sum-one who will take me by the hand and tell me why I should retire in Belize?
My income will be just above the social-security level, so I need to know what to expect!
My E-mail is "taxibob@iserv.net"
I hope that you will take the time to enlighten me as to some of the neuances of Belize?

Added on Date: 08:35:19 7/14/99

: does anyone have any info on southern beliz2 did they take some shaking do they have phones

Try the village phone: 07-22138 and yes, they shook too.

Added on Date: 09:43:36 7/14/99

Just wanted to know if there was a difference in flight times or quality between the two airlines in Belize City. Thanks Josh

Added on Date: 10:16:23 7/14/99

Josh,

Some people seem to prefer one, and others the other, but I personally don't think there's much difference in safety, price or comfort between the two airlines. Mainly a matter of which plane is leaving when you want to go.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 10:51:45 7/14/99

Joan,

I'm sure folks here would love to see any trip report you have time to post. It's always nice to get feedback on a trip.

Remember, too, if you send Belize First an Update/Trip Report and we use it in an upcoming issue, we'll send you a free copy of the issue in which is appears plus a free pound of our exclusive Jaguar Blend fresh-roasted coffee.

Glad you had a good trip!

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 10:54:30 7/14/99

: : > This is not the place for this stuff,please take it someplace else!!!!!!!!

You are wrong Scott, this is exactly the place for this STUFF!
This STUFF as you call it is LIFE!
It is offers HOPE!
It offers PEACE to those who need it most!

Why are some people on the net, and involved in CHATs?
They want to know that somebody cares,someone can HELP!
Someone has the POWER to make a DIFFERENCE!
That someone is everywhere, EVEN HERE!
That someone is JESUS!

And I say AMEN to THAT!

Added on Date: 11:24:23 7/14/99

i just left beliz2 about a month ago and god knows how much i miss home. the basketball season just ended and we do have talent. we have some really talented men and i hope they succeed. partying in belize is fun if you are the party type. the basketball season was really fun. the raiders won again.

Added on Date: 15:45:21 7/14/99

I was in Placencia on Sunday morning, and the quake was quite powerful. It lasted about 5 seconds, and then tremors were felt for about another 15 seconds or so. Aftershock was felt at about 2:20 in the afternoon. No damage at all on the peninsula. A few buildings were cracked in San Ignacio. It was later determined that it had reached 6.6 on the Richter scale, and that the epicenter was in Honduras (I forgot where), about 80 miles southeast of Placencia.

But again no victims. The heavy rains that were caused by the tropical wave on the same day probably caused more damage (Seine Bight was under water).

Hope this helps.
OK

Added on Date: 18:20:40 7/14/99

Lan is correct. I believe that Tropic's planes are a little bigger (Caravans). Prices are very similar.
But in both cases you sit right behind the pilot, and get a great experience. Belize is truly beautiful from up there. Flying to Placencia, we saw manatees in the lagoon...
OK

Added on Date: 18:26:57 7/14/99

My wife and I just got back from a wonderful 2-week trip to Belize. Our destinations included Cayo and Placencia, as well as several tours. I will be following up with a trip report soon.
OK

Added on Date: 18:33:10 7/14/99

Thanks for your response. I left Belize at 16, (graduated from SJC) and have been living in Los Angeles for the last 18 years, so I am very much aware of what you are saying. In fact I spent my remaining adolescent years in the area you are mentioning, and the residential concentration of Belizeans in this area (zip codes 90018, 90062, and 90044)was mentioned in my 1992 Master's thesis on community cohesion and Belizeans in Los Angeles. You can also look up the concentration of Belizeans in Los Angeles in James P. Allen and Eugene Turner's The Ethnic Quilt: Population Diversity in Southern California. It is published by Sage publication. Though the 1990 data on which the demographic profile of Belizeans in L.A. is inadequate, this volume (pg 62), if looked at as a large sample, tells us a lot about Belizeans residing in greater Los Angeles (SMSA - Statistical Metropolitan District). It could have been better, but I think the contributions that I made to the publication was helpful and gave Belizeans a certain amount of visibility.

Now about Belizeans being of Hispanic background, the way in which ethnicity is constructed in Belize is not entirely accurate, because it doesn't take into consideration the fluidity of ethnic identities and the fact that many Mestizo Belizeans have some African Ancestry and more creole Belizeans than we would think have some Mestizo ancestry. Here I am talking about the native Mestizo population, and not lumping recently arrived Central American in Belize as some sort of a panethnic grouping.

In terms of Mestizo Belizeans in Los Angeles, they represent no more than 20% of the Belizean population residing in greater Los Angeles. Therefore, a representative sample of Belizeans residing in Los Angeles has to reflect their numbers. Creole Belizeans followed by Garifuna Belizeans are more numerous and this reflect different migration histories and the utilization of social networks to facilitate further migration. It also reflect the predominance of Belize city and Dangriga in the migration flows to the United States.

Again, thanks for your response, and if their are other questions out there I will gladly answer them.

Jerome Straughan
jeromefs@scf.usc.edu

Added on Date: 19:33:09 7/14/99

: you fags stay out of Belize!Cus we no need no pusshole ina we country!!!!!!

Added on Date: 20:01:09 7/14/99

: You smart people think that gays are bad? Why? Because we like having sex with guys?Your right! Because it is a defiance of nature? Because we'll come up to you and start raping you? It's deeper in our asshole. We are afraid of our own feelings.We are scarred of our own sexuality. It's been proven. Us "pussholes" are nothing more than animals without the love of God. We are fools!

Added on Date: 20:17:30 7/14/99

: : This is a response to Tom from my previous post "passport and citizenship's". I am placing back on top because I would not have known any other person responded besides Ms. Symme had I not looked into another post.

: : Tom's response:

: : Avril,

: : With respect to the fact that Belize is a democratic
: : government, change can and will come if and when enough
: : of the population oppose something. I have no doubt that
: : you would be able to find several hundred (or more) persons
: : with like kind thinking. Enough of the population of Belize
: : however understand that bringing investment dollars into
: : the country is important.
: : Perhaps you might look at this situation and take a different
: : approach. I tend to agree that someone simply sending U.S. $50,000
: : then is granted citizenship is a bit much. However, requiring someone
: : to make an investment in Belize (suggesting they might spend time there)
: : would, in my opinion be a better approach.
: : I have visited Belize 6 times and plan to be there again 3 or 4 more
: : times over the next few months planning to build on a piece of property
: : I purchased there. I would like to later live there for part of the year
: : and it interestes me very much to become a Belizian citizen. I would be very
: : proud to tell people that I was a citizen of such a wonderful country with
: : such great people. I would also like to help (in any way I could) to see
: : the country and its do very well. I don't want to be there at their expense,
: : quite the contrary, I plan to give of myself.
: : This is just another perspective you might be interested reading. I hope
: : you will consider all angles before you would throw us all out.
: : By the way, there is no such word as "irregardless". Regardless or
: : irrespective would suffice.
: : Tom

: : My response :

: : Tom

: : You took me way back to my primary level education challenging my knowledge and usage of the words "irrespective and irregardless". You may not like it Tom but they do exist.

: : Here they are look them up irregardless of your beliefs.

: : From Websters:

: : Main Entry: ir·re·gard·less
: : Pronunciation: "ir-i-'gärd-l&s
: : Function: adverb
: : Etymology: probably blend of irrespective and regardless
: : Date: circa 1912
: : nonstandard : REGARDLESS
: : usage Irregardless originated in dialectal American speech in the early 20th century. Its fairly widespread use in speech called it to the attention of usage commentators as early as 1927.
: : The most frequently repeated remark about it is that "there is no such word." There is such a word, however. It is still used primarily in speech, although it can be found from time to time in edited prose. Its reputation has not risen over the years, and it is still a long way from general acceptance. Use regardless instead.

: :

: : Irrespective
: : Ir`re*spec"tive (?), a.
: : 1. Without regard for conditions, circumstances, or consequences; unbiased; independent; impartial; as, an irrespective judgment.
: : According to this doctrine, it must be resolved wholly into the absolute, irrespective will of God. Rogers.
: : 2. Disrespectful. [Obs.] Sir C. Cornwallis. Irrespective of, regardless of; without regard to; as, irrespective of differences.

: : Main Entry: ir·re·spec·tive of
: : Pronunciation: "ir-i-'spek-tiv-
: : Function: preposition
: : Date: 1839

: :
: : I have never disapproved of any other nationals becoming a citizen of Belize just those who reap and ponder without respect and regards for the people of Belize irregardless or irrespective of their legal or non-legal claims.

: : My e-mail was aimed towards the government and not individuals. And as I stated before not many Belizeans knew of this program. Since my last post to Ms. Symme I now have 100+ e-mails regarding this issue from Belizeans living in Belize who did not know or was not aware of this program.

: : And again like I said I have protested along with or possibly more than 300 people with license to protest and signatures to debating the points. As well as many Belizeans politicians before they were elected were not successful in their struggle before they fell prey to the corruption at hand.

: : However, my encounters were many, many years ago and I have recently read that in Punta Gorda protesters gathered the same way I did and they were successful in there pursuit. This does not mean that any other protest after will be successful either.

: : So yes, I am privy to change of thought and open to suggestions. But I will defend my country and its government be they corrupt or otherwise against those who mean nothing but harm for my country, its people and its land. If you are not one of these people then you have nothing to worry about but if you are I will pursue diligently.

: : Furthermore, I believe that my contributions to this board outweighs my errors in word usage, punctuation and grammar.

: : And, there is no one who has made an entry on this board without mistakes and errors. So if you want to get technical re-check your response to me. And for the the record I was right in my usage of the words "irregardless and irrespective", irregardless of your beliefs.

: : Avrail

: Please explain your use of the word "ponder'

Avrail,I wonder if you employer knows your on this internet all day? And how can you be fighting for beliz2 and not live there? I see your moveing back to belize,why dont you do it!and stop talking about it!

Added on Date: 22:50:48 7/14/99

We will be arriving in Belize on Dec. 24 before joining our family for a week on Ambergris Caye on Dec. 26. We'd like to see some sights other than the beach during these 3 days. Will the Belize Zoo and monkey sanctuary be open on the holidays? What would be some local special events or ways to spend these holidays? Charlene

Added on Date: 23:18:08 7/14/99

Good Morning from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Added on Date: 06:41:14 7/15/99

: I can expect to get jumped on, but this
: may have been started by someone belong-
: ing to a certain religeous group, which
: claims only people from their practice
: will enter heaven.
: Even if so why go to Belize.
: I dont recall anywhere in the Bible
: Belize by its name or any other name
: was suppose to be the safety net fo any
: such group.
: Although Belize can do with tourists
: I'm not sure all that number of people
: could be properly accomodated.
: I guess this a just a practical joke.
: joelwb

No, not a practical joke. I don't think Tom Van Asperen can muster up 144,000 to follow him down to Belize but apparently he does have a following. If you read the newsletter on the link you will see that this man is serious about Belize. I did not post this to be supportive of the idea but to make people in Belize aware that this is going on in San Ignacio. I sense that this is a fearful fanatical religious group. They believe that they have exclusive knowledge of secret Bible codes to which they have the copyright. There are some who have gone and already returned to the US because they were misled.

Added on Date: 08:38:10 7/15/99

: Good Morning from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Hi Bob,

Be sure to check out our retirement community in the Corozal district on the bay of Chetumal. Shopping in Mexico is only 10 minutes away by boat.

Added on Date: 09:22:39 7/15/99

: We will be arriving in Belize on Dec. 24 before joining our family for a week on Ambergris Caye on Dec. 26. We'd like to see some sights other than the beach during these 3 days. Will the Belize Zoo and monkey sanctuary be open on the holidays? What would be some local special events or ways to spend these holidays? Charlene

The Zoo will be closed Xmas Day. Not sure about the Baboon Sanc, but i can find out.

Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 10:32:13 7/15/99

Anyone who is interested in coming to the Cayo District might want to have a look at the Cayo Online web site. It has a lot of great information, especially about the moderate and budget hotels, guesthouses and lodges. There are over 70 licensed hotels in the Cayo District, and very few of them are listed on the Belizenet sites or even with the Belize Tourist Board site. We can provide some information if you have a hard time finding a contact number for a place you are interested in staying.

Also, while you are in San Ignacio you can send email from Top Cat Copy Center, as well as from Eva's. The rates here are charged by the minute, with no minimum, and hours are 8:00 am to 9:00pm. Drop by and say "hi." We're at #8 Hudson Street, the same street as the post office.

Added on Date: 17:26:18 7/15/99

I forgot to provide the link for Cayo Online. Here it is: http://belizex.com

Added on Date: 17:31:39 7/15/99

: You are speaking very wisely. Too many Belizeans leave and choose not to return. I like hearing about those that come home to share their education. I like your e-mail address!! Not everyone will appreciate what a fryjack is!!!
:you ladies are very wise,ilove your patroitism
i go home to Belize every chance i get let"s talk
Belize anytime my e-mail address is ajarno52@aol.com: I am not in no way trying to player hate belizeans aborad,but a lot of belizeans come to America and forget all about Belize. Probably i should not say forget but some give up their homeland and don't even visit.
: : I think that belizean Americans should try and go home every other year especially for the september celebrations, Belize is truly a great place and you guys know it too you lived there once remember!

Added on Date: 19:40:37 7/15/99

: i just left beliz2 about a month ago and god knows how much i miss home. the basketball season just ended and we do have talent. we have some really talented men and i hope they succeed. partying in belize is fun if you are the party type. the basketball season was really fun. the raiders won again.
Where did you go and when

Added on Date: 03:12:14 7/16/99

yo Lan you de dude with beliz2 first tell me have you ever bin in toledo .where?

Added on Date: 03:17:23 7/16/99

Are there any budget priced eco lodges in beliz2 ?

Prices that I have seen are outragious. Having been to other SA countries and our second homeland in mexico, I cannot believe the prices.

If you know of any reasonable prices lodges ..
in the rain forest please let me know.

Is the standard of living in belize very high, or are visitors just charged very high prices in US dollars.

george

Added on Date: 13:24:44 7/16/99

: Are there any budget priced eco lodges in beliz2 ?

: Prices that I have seen are outragious. Having been to other SA countries and our second homeland in mexico, I cannot believe the prices.

: If you know of any reasonable prices lodges ..
: in the rain forest please let me know.

: Is the standard of living in belize very high, or are visitors just charged very high prices in US dollars.

: george

We are not an industrialized nation, and thus, everything has to be imported and high duties are levied on nearly every purchase.

We also have employment rules and regulations with minimum wages, social security and age minimum for employment. Some of our neighboring countries pay 12 yr olds less then US$4.00 per day and therefore, they can charge much much less for the similiar services.

We are a civilized country and think kids should be in school and people deserve a basic minimum wage for their daily efforts.

We also don't suffer the same economic inequities that hamper social development or the wide margins between the very very rich and the very very poor. We are much more stable.

Don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing, but it's a quality of life issue for many in this region.

Belize does has budget eco-lodges and if you let me know your price range, I will be happy to make suggestions for you.

Best wishes,

Katie Valk
Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 16:29:47 7/16/99

I am a Chinese.Would anyone tell me about
the Belizeit's ship register regulations.
please tell me the web site addr.Thank you
very much!

Added on Date: 01:13:34 7/17/99

Katie
You continue to speak wisely and from the heart and soul of Belize. . Please keep it up however frustrating it is.
: : Are there any budget priced eco lodges in beliz2 ?

: : Prices that I have seen are outragious. Having been to other SA countries and our second homeland in mexico, I cannot believe the prices.

: : If you know of any reasonable prices lodges ..
: : in the rain forest please let me know.

: : Is the standard of living in belize very high, or are visitors just charged very high prices in US dollars.

: : george

: We are not an industrialized nation, and thus, everything has to be imported and high duties are levied on nearly every purchase.

: We also have employment rules and regulations with minimum wages, social security and age minimum for employment. Some of our neighboring countries pay 12 yr olds less then US$4.00 per day and therefore, they can charge much much less for the similiar services.

: We are a civilized country and think kids should be in school and people deserve a basic minimum wage for their daily efforts.

: We also don't suffer the same economic inequities that hamper social development or the wide margins between the very very rich and the very very poor. We are much more stable.

: Don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing, but it's a quality of life issue for many in this region.

: Belize does has budget eco-lodges and if you let me know your price range, I will be happy to make suggestions for you.

: Best wishes,

: Katie Valk
: Maya Travel Services

:

Added on Date: 02:11:20 7/17/99

I thank you for this information. If, this is a truely, serious information message you need to sending the info to Belize, not on the message board. I would be happy to give addresses of the places you should be sending.
: Has anyone heard anything about the 144,000, (as in Revelation) leaving the US and coming to San Ignacio? Is Belize a "secret hiding place?"

Added on Date: 02:29:46 7/17/99

Our vacation fast approaches and we are now hearing that we should have about $250.00US worth of shots. We just checked with the CDC and then called a travle doc. Wow. Five hundred is a small fortune and would certainly cramp any side trips (the whole reason for going...). What is the real scoup on this, do we need to spring for the shots, or some, or none of them. As our trip date is fast approaching and some of this is time sensitive I would appreciate any imput ASAP Thanks to all for the vast amount of information gleaned from this forum.

Added on Date: 09:02:26 7/17/99

I'm italian journalist and I research a contact
with friend, athletes, coaches from Belize
that me furnish results or a new corrispondent
to obtain notices about track & field in Belize.
Raffaele Tummolo

Added on Date: 09:58:32 7/17/99

: Katie
: You continue to speak wisely and from the heart and soul of Belize. . Please keep it up however frustrating it is.
: : : Are there any budget priced eco lodges in beliz2 ?

: : : Prices that I have seen are outragious. Having been to other SA countries and our second homeland in mexico, I cannot believe the prices.

: : : If you know of any reasonable prices lodges ..
: : : in the rain forest please let me know.

: : : Is the standard of living in belize very high, or are visitors just charged very high prices in US dollars.

: : : george

: : We are not an industrialized nation, and thus, everything has to be imported and high duties are levied on nearly every purchase.

: : We also have employment rules and regulations with minimum wages, social security and age minimum for employment. Some of our neighboring countries pay 12 yr olds less then US$4.00 per day and therefore, they can charge much much less for the similiar services.

: : We are a civilized country and think kids should be in school and people deserve a basic minimum wage for their daily efforts.

: : We also don't suffer the same economic inequities that hamper social development or the wide margins between the very very rich and the very very poor. We are much more stable.

: : Don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing, but it's a quality of life issue for many in this region.

: : Belize does has budget eco-lodges and if you let me know your price range, I will be happy to make suggestions for you.

: : Best wishes,

: : Katie Valk
: : Maya Travel Services

: Katie,

I know I could call you and tell you this, but thought I would post. Just as a matter of interest, hasn't Belize had labor unions to protect the rights of workers since the late 50's? I also was told the other day that the daily wage for waitstaff in Cancun was similar to the hourly rate here in Belize. See you later
Hugh

Added on Date: 10:19:24 7/17/99

: Our vacation fast approaches and we are now hearing that we should have about $250.00US worth of shots. We just checked with the CDC and then called a travle doc. Wow. Five hundred is a small fortune and would certainly cramp any side trips (the whole reason for going...). What is the real scoup on this, do we need to spring for the shots, or some, or none of them. As our trip date is fast approaching and some of this is time sensitive I would appreciate any imput ASAP Thanks to all for the vast amount of information gleaned from this forum.

All I'd do is make sure my tetnus is current. I live here full time and never had any of these shots or take precautionary meds (ie: malaria, etc). But up to you and your doctor, which I am not.

Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 12:12:26 7/17/99

The roads are REALLY bad now after a week's worth of rain. About 3 feet of water covers the road in some spots along the Placencia Peninsula. The Coastal Highway is almost impassable.

On a lighter side - Placencia now has an OFFICIAL post office - we even get home deliveries! So keep those cards and letters coming.

Added on Date: 17:33:26 7/17/99

Ranguana Cay...Belize City...Mayan monuments...kids...and more to come next week...
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=30873&a=244921

Added on Date: 19:24:06 7/17/99

Check out my freshly updated website. Tell me what you think.

Added on Date: 23:54:14 7/17/99

Dear Ivan,

This is what I think: Your website made my computer freak out! Nice otherwise, but I had to restart because my computer shut down as soon as I got past the "enter" part, and my screen turned dayglow colors!

Regards,

Jill

Added on Date: 02:32:13 7/18/99

Inspired by Mr. Hanson's pretty pictures, I remembered today I'd vowed to make available my MILLIONS of photos from my recent trip to Belize. Maybe somebody is interested in looking at coatis? (Maybe?) There's also photos of Jaguar Paw, Tikal, the Belize Zoo, Ranguana Caye, and one photo from Little Water Caye (I ran out of memory by then). Sorry to steal a good idea, Mr. Hanson, but...it was a good idea!

Regards,

Jill

Added on Date: 02:41:36 7/18/99

: Dear Ivan,

Thanks for checking it out. The language I used was javascript. It is cool and can do alot of other stuff ordinary html can't do. It was geared towards high end computer users. I just wanted to see if it really worked. If you use Microsoft Internet Explorer as your browser- 3.x and higher should give you the web effects I was trying to display. Thanks once again and might I suggest an upgrade. Your Browser that is.
Ivan

Added on Date: 21:09:52 7/18/99

This subject has been visited and revisited a many times on this and the other Belize boards. Take a few minutes and look back at the old messages. Most travelers would probably agree that being up-to-date on tetanus and Hep A is most important, and to consider chloroquine for malaria if you are going to a remote area (there are several thousand cases of malaria reported in Belize each year, mainly in the far south and north.)

But, the US$250 per person figure you quote is ridiculous. I've gotten the whole spectrum of sticks (Tetanus, Hep A, Hep B, chloroquine for malaria prophylaxsis, etc.) at my local health department for around $75. Good insurance for any frequent traveler, in my opinion.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 22:08:18 7/18/99

: yo Lan you de dude with beliz2 first tell me have you ever bin in toledo .where?

Well, yes, I've been in Toledo quite a bit. In most areas of the district.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 22:09:52 7/18/99

George,

Why don't you quote some of the specific "bargains" you've seen for eco-lodges in another country?

In my experience, in much of Latin America there are few true eco-lodges. Slash and burn agriculture and uncontrolled logging have decimated the rainforests in most of Central America and much of South America. Belize is one of the few countries in the region where there are still large tracts of forest. You'll find that Belizeans of all classes and groups in many cases have an active interest in the environment, something that in my experience is rare in most other countries in the region.

In countries where there are eco-lodges, such as Costa Rica (a country I first visited in 1982), prices are as high or higher than in Belize.

And, yes, there is a wide range of prices for lodges in Belize -- from the deluxe places such as Blancaneaux or Chan Chich or Ek 'Tun or Chaa Creek where lodging and meals for two run in the range of US$200-$250 (half the price of a deluxe hotel in resort areas of Mexico)... to moderate places such as Five Sisters, Pine Ridge Lodge, Maya Mountain or Pook's Hill ... to budget spots such as Clarissa Falls, Midas, Trek Stop and many others where you can stay for US$10 to $30 per night, double.

And, yes, Belize is quite different from most of the other countries in the region. No beggars ... you can drink the water ... the police, while not always efficient, are not the corrupt scum you often find elsewhere and at least try to solve crimes. By comparison with, say Guatemala or Honduras, Belize is positively middle class.

You get what you pay for.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 22:26:06 7/18/99

Hi,

Anyone have any advice on obtaining round trip tickets form Boston to Ambergris Caye (via Belize International) for New Year's? Will need at least 3 and the wholesale agent I used last time doesn't have anything. We're flexible on the dates just want to be there for New Year's, don't even have to stay for a full week if that makes it easier. Thanks in advance.
Jennifer

Added on Date: 11:34:40 7/19/99

Reply to Lan Sluder:

Many Mexicans do not paying these high prices, and
I must state that our standards may be below that
of belize, but your rates do appear to be high for
the services rendered ( based on your own descriptions
of the properties and settings ).

I the past I have traveled many times to: Yucatan,
Costa Rica, Cancun, Panama, Venezuela Amazona and
the prices in US dollars were no as high as I have
seen quoted. I once crossed the border into belize
several years ago and at that time thought that goods
in stores were expensive.

George.

Mgd de Kino, Sonora Mexico

Added on Date: 11:58:21 7/19/99

From your postings, I believe that beliz2 is maybe
more like the US and England in terms of wages and
lifestyle than that of Mexico and Central America.

This I did not know. Having spent 1/2 of my life in
the US, I then should expect the type of lodging and
services found say in Aspen/Vail Colorado or a
similar area.

Web sites on belize may not do it justice for the
lifestyle in your country. See you soon.

George

Mgd de Kino, Sonora Mexico

Added on Date: 12:08:22 7/19/99

Belize: a little piece of paradise...Part 1.
My wife Maggie and I recently had the chance to spend a little over two weeks in Belize. This being the vacation of a lifetime, we had prepared ourselves by reading a multitude of books and travel articles on Belize. However, it is the Belize chatboards, especially You Better Belize-It, that provided the most guidance in the preparation of our trip to this magnificent country. In particular, we would like to credit Lan Sluder from Belize First, who proved to be an invaluable source...even when he's wrong!!!

So it all started on June 29, 1999...
The flight from Houston was pretty uneventful, and it was hot and humid when we landed in Belize City.
Immigration formalities were expedited with a smile. We got our 4X4 from Budget right across the parking lot, and Emil the agent surprised us with a free upgrade. Getting used to the organized mayhem they called traffic in Belize City, we were soon on our way to San Ignacio. The road was pretty slick in some places, and driving in Belize definitely requires a little bit of creativity, between the buses that tailgate at 60 mph in a cloud of gas fumes, people that walk on the road out of nowhere, and "unannounced" speedbumps that would be a chiropractor's delight. Horses everywhere, of all shapes and colors, by the side of the road, tied-up or not, and everything so green, almost alpine if it weren't for the nearby jungle and the heat. The temporary bridge leading into San Ignacio was well, temporary...

We checked into the Cahal Pech Village, on top of the hill, where it took the manager, Lenny, a little while to find our reservation. Our thatched-roof cabin (#1 - Tikal) was small, but relatively clean. The much-needed fan worked great, but taking a warm shower proved more of a challenge. Dinner there was a little bit on the improvised side; nobody knew where the chef was... But that intermission gave us plenty of time to get acquainted with the Belikin beer, which Lenny kept icy cold, and in ample supply. The chef finally showed up, and dinner was served under the stars, with mosquitoes keeping us close company. After a good night's sleep (a few roaches decided they liked our cabin too, but we were too tired to mind), and breakfast served on the balcony of our cabin, our host Lenny drew us a map, and established our program for the day. Xunantunich was our first stop (BZ$5). We got an early start, and were the first to cross the river on the hand-cranked ferry that day. The drive up the hill to the site made us more than happy we had an all-terrain vehicle. Our guide Ramon, hired on-site, showed us around this awesome site, in a tour that lasted about 2 hours. What a civilization this must have been. The panoramic view from the top of El Castillo was phenomenal. The site was very well maintained. We learned later that right after our visit, the place was stormed by the army/police looking for Guatemalan bandits...We never saw them.

We had lunch at Clarissa Falls, a great and quiet little place by the Mopan River, where the food was excellent. We highly recommend the Mayan tacos (BZ$0.75/piece) and stuffed squash (BZ$15). This place is owned and operated by a Maya family, and also offers a few thatched-roof cabanas by the river. Unfortunately, it started pouring down right then, and we had to switch tables until we found a spot where the roof was not leaking! The rain was actually quite refreshing on this hot and muggy day! We then drove to Chaa Creek, and still under a heavy rain, toured the Natural History Center and the Butterfly Farm (BZ$10), both very interesting. We passed on the Rainforest Medicine Trail (IxChel Farm), but stopped at the gift shop, where everything seemed a bit on the expensive side. We spent the rest of the afternoon in San Ignacio. There is a small, modern and clean, American-style grocery store called the Crossroads where almost everything can be found. We had dinner at the San Ignacio Hotel. Nice place (American style bar and dining room), but what makes it truly great is the air conditioning! This dinner was also our first encounter with Belizean beef (very tough, definitely not your typical grain-fed USDA choice meat), but the fresh lobster was great! With a Belikin Supreme (Lager), anything tastes good anyway.

We spent the following day driving around, and enjoying our Suzuki 4X4, especially on all the backroads, where we happily drove a little faster than advised. The price of regular (leaded) gas was about BZ$4.90/gallon. Gas stations are plentiful in San Ignacio, and they are all full-service. Recommended: the Texaco station on Benque Viejo road, in San Ignacio.

We had lunch at DuPlooy's, on the outside patio. The place was deserted, except for the giant iguanas sunbathing on the tree limbs. A planked walkway led to a beautiful panoramic view of the Macal River. Although secondary, the forest was very dense, full of insect and bird sounds. Right out of an Indiana Jones movie.

On the spur of the moment (we were on vacation, right?), we decided to drive to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, and see some of the falls and possibly caves. After driving for about ten miles from Georgetown, we reached the gate to the reserve, and the attendant came out. Lonely he certainly was. He explained us about the reserve, and sent us on our way after a good 5 minutes of a friendly small talk that we enjoyed. The weather was, and had been, so bad that some of the sites were closed. Maggie and I decided to play it by ear and just savor the moment. So we drove on, and finally ended up at the Blancaneaux Lodge (owned by Francis Ford Coppola). What a beautiful place. Totally self-sufficient with its airstrip and electric power plant, the lodge sits in the middle of nowhere. Luxury simply surrounds you, without being obtrusive. Everything is soft and peaceful: the lights, sounds and smells. After half an hour there, and a few pictures of the beautiful cabins and main lodge, we had to head home and leave this heaven, but not without spending another 5 minutes in the attendant's company on the way down!!!

Back in San Ignacio, right by our hotel we stopped at the Cahal Pech ruins (BZ$5) where a neat museum is perhaps of more interest than the ruins themselves, which are part of a much smaller site than Xunantunich.

After such a full hot and rainy day, we felt we needed a reward, and got our air conditioning fix by eating another excellent dinner at the San Ignacio Hotel. Again the lobster was fantastic (fresh lobster Creole BZ$22).

Our impressions of Cahal Pech Village: the cabins, although only 5 years old, could use a little bit of TLC. Comfort is decent, but the price is reasonable (US$ 48.15 per double cabin). Some of the main building rooms are supposed to have A/C, and look really good from the outside (private balconies and individual hammocks). The big, thatched-roof nightclub next to the hotel can be noisy at night (though fighting and even arguing are prohibited by the rules posted outside!).
On the plus side, the view of the valley is wonderful, and the grounds are well kept. Lenny tries very hard, and is very congenial. This is absolutely (and gratefully) not your typical laptop port/concierge/room service/valet parking type hotel, nor is it supposed to be. However, a little more sense of organization would be needed to realize the full potential of this place.

After these 2 days in Cayo, we had to return to Belize City to catch our flight to Placencia, where we would spend the other part of our trip. On the way back we stopped at Cesar's Place, about 15 miles out of San Ignacio and shopped for souvenirs (nice pottery, wood and slate carvings - air conditioned, but expensive), and then spent about 2 hours at the Belize Zoo (BZ$15), under a sweltering sun. This is truly a place not to be missed. Sharon Matola, the director, places a strong emphasis on the environment and its preservation, and as a result, the animals are extremely well treated, in their natural surroundings and habitat, not in tiny steel cages. Very much worth the gallons of sweat we lost on that day.

Belize Municipal Airport is a great place to watch the Maya Air pilots simulate Indy 500 pit stops. After a slalom between the buildings from the runway onto the main road, passengers get in and out in a snap, while the propeller does not even come to a stop. Braking is often optional, but it works, all done with a smile!

Next stop: Placencia.

Added on Date: 18:27:34 7/19/99

: Our vacation fast approaches and we are now hearing that we should have about $250.00US worth of shots. We just checked with the CDC and then called a travle doc. Wow. Five hundred is a small fortune and would certainly cramp any side trips (the whole reason for going...). What is the real scoup on this, do we need to spring for the shots, or some, or none of them. As our trip date is fast approaching and some of this is time sensitive I would appreciate any imput ASAP Thanks to all for the vast amount of information gleaned from this forum.

Okay, just off the phone with the National Marlaria Service who had less than 2000 reported cases in 1998. Most of these cases we found in 3 districts in very rural areas in the (they wouldn't identify the groups, but..) migratory alien population. Meaning people from Guat, el Sal and Honduras who work on the citrus and banana farms. Reported cases are also decreasing. Oh, so now you say what about unreported cases? Very good question: Doctors are required to report cases. Additionally, our strain of malaria (vivax) is quite mild and easily treatable with meds. This is not the same strain that is responsible for 3 million deaths worldwide. No one in Belize was hospitalized with the illness and certainly, no deaths.

So I asked this expert who spends lots of time in these areas if he takes preventatives. No, he said, I use repellants.

And don't think that because we live here we have some sort of immunity. We don't, we're just as suseptible as anyone who has just arrived.

But the only way to ensure that you don't contract Malaria is to take the pills before, during and after your vacation. It will definately buy piece of mind.

You're choice.

Enjoy your trip down.

Best wishes.

Added on Date: 18:54:59 7/19/99

: Our vacation fast approaches and we are now hearing that we should have about $250.00US worth of shots. We just checked with the CDC and then called a travle doc. Wow. Five hundred is a small fortune and would certainly cramp any side trips (the whole reason for going...). What is the real scoup on this, do we need to spring for the shots, or some, or none of them. As our trip date is fast approaching and some of this is time sensitive I would appreciate any imput ASAP Thanks to all for the vast amount of information gleaned from this forum.

Okay, just off the phone with the National Marlaria Service who had less than 2000 reported cases in 1998. Most of these cases we found in 3 districts in very rural areas in the (they wouldn't identify the groups, but..) migratory alien population. Meaning people from Guat, el Sal and Honduras who work on the citrus and banana farms. Reported cases are also decreasing. Oh, so now you say what about unreported cases? Very good question: Doctors are required to report cases. Additionally, our strain of malaria (vivax) is quite mild and easily treatable with meds. This is not the same strain that is responsible for 3 million deaths worldwide. No one in Belize was hospitalized with the illness and certainly, no deaths.

So I asked this expert who spends lots of time in these areas if he takes preventatives. No, he said, I use repellants.

And don't think that because we live here we have some sort of immunity. We don't, we're just as suseptible as anyone who has just arrived.

But the only way to ensure that you don't contract Malaria is to take the pills before, during and after your vacation. It will definately buy peace of mind.

You're choice.

Enjoy your trip down.

Best wishes.

Added on Date: 18:56:20 7/19/99

How's it for crossing border, Is the tension bad. Does anybody know anything of interest or concern.

Added on Date: 19:57:05 7/19/99

: Belize: a little piece of paradise...Part 1.
: My wife Maggie and I recently had the chance to spend a little over two weeks in Belize. This being the vacation of a lifetime, we had prepared ourselves by reading a multitude of books and travel articles on Belize. However, it is the Belize chatboards, especially You Better Belize-It, that provided the most guidance in the preparation of our trip to this magnificent country. In particular, we would like to credit Lan Sluder from Belize First, who proved to be an invaluable source...even when he's wrong!!!

: So it all started on June 29, 1999...
: The flight from Houston was pretty uneventful, and it was hot and humid when we landed in Belize City.
: Immigration formalities were expedited with a smile. We got our 4X4 from Budget right across the parking lot, and Emil the agent surprised us with a free upgrade. Getting used to the organized mayhem they called traffic in Belize City, we were soon on our way to San Ignacio. The road was pretty slick in some places, and driving in Belize definitely requires a little bit of creativity, between the buses that tailgate at 60 mph in a cloud of gas fumes, people that walk on the road out of nowhere, and "unannounced" speedbumps that would be a chiropractor's delight. Horses everywhere, of all shapes and colors, by the side of the road, tied-up or not, and everything so green, almost alpine if it weren't for the nearby jungle and the heat. The temporary bridge leading into San Ignacio was well, temporary...

: We checked into the Cahal Pech Village, on top of the hill, where it took the manager, Lenny, a little while to find our reservation. Our thatched-roof cabin (#1 - Tikal) was small, but relatively clean. The much-needed fan worked great, but taking a warm shower proved more of a challenge. Dinner there was a little bit on the improvised side; nobody knew where the chef was... But that intermission gave us plenty of time to get acquainted with the Belikin beer, which Lenny kept icy cold, and in ample supply. The chef finally showed up, and dinner was served under the stars, with mosquitoes keeping us close company. After a good night's sleep (a few roaches decided they liked our cabin too, but we were too tired to mind), and breakfast served on the balcony of our cabin, our host Lenny drew us a map, and established our program for the day. Xunantunich was our first stop (BZ$5). We got an early start, and were the first to cross the river on the hand-cranked ferry that day. The drive up the hill to the site made us more than happy we had an all-terrain vehicle. Our guide Ramon, hired on-site, showed us around this awesome site, in a tour that lasted about 2 hours. What a civilization this must have been. The panoramic view from the top of El Castillo was phenomenal. The site was very well maintained. We learned later that right after our visit, the place was stormed by the army/police looking for Guatemalan bandits...We never saw them.

: We had lunch at Clarissa Falls, a great and quiet little place by the Mopan River, where the food was excellent. We highly recommend the Mayan tacos (BZ$0.75/piece) and stuffed squash (BZ$15). This place is owned and operated by a Maya family, and also offers a few thatched-roof cabanas by the river. Unfortunately, it started pouring down right then, and we had to switch tables until we found a spot where the roof was not leaking! The rain was actually quite refreshing on this hot and muggy day! We then drove to Chaa Creek, and still under a heavy rain, toured the Natural History Center and the Butterfly Farm (BZ$10), both very interesting. We passed on the Rainforest Medicine Trail (IxChel Farm), but stopped at the gift shop, where everything seemed a bit on the expensive side. We spent the rest of the afternoon in San Ignacio. There is a small, modern and clean, American-style grocery store called the Crossroads where almost everything can be found. We had dinner at the San Ignacio Hotel. Nice place (American style bar and dining room), but what makes it truly great is the air conditioning! This dinner was also our first encounter with Belizean beef (very tough, definitely not your typical grain-fed USDA choice meat), but the fresh lobster was great! With a Belikin Supreme (Lager), anything tastes good anyway.

: We spent the following day driving around, and enjoying our Suzuki 4X4, especially on all the backroads, where we happily drove a little faster than advised. The price of regular (leaded) gas was about BZ$4.90/gallon. Gas stations are plentiful in San Ignacio, and they are all full-service. Recommended: the Texaco station on Benque Viejo road, in San Ignacio.

: We had lunch at DuPlooy's, on the outside patio. The place was deserted, except for the giant iguanas sunbathing on the tree limbs. A planked walkway led to a beautiful panoramic view of the Macal River. Although secondary, the forest was very dense, full of insect and bird sounds. Right out of an Indiana Jones movie.

: On the spur of the moment (we were on vacation, right?), we decided to drive to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, and see some of the falls and possibly caves. After driving for about ten miles from Georgetown, we reached the gate to the reserve, and the attendant came out. Lonely he certainly was. He explained us about the reserve, and sent us on our way after a good 5 minutes of a friendly small talk that we enjoyed. The weather was, and had been, so bad that some of the sites were closed. Maggie and I decided to play it by ear and just savor the moment. So we drove on, and finally ended up at the Blancaneaux Lodge (owned by Francis Ford Coppola). What a beautiful place. Totally self-sufficient with its airstrip and electric power plant, the lodge sits in the middle of nowhere. Luxury simply surrounds you, without being obtrusive. Everything is soft and peaceful: the lights, sounds and smells. After half an hour there, and a few pictures of the beautiful cabins and main lodge, we had to head home and leave this heaven, but not without spending another 5 minutes in the attendant's company on the way down!!!

: Back in San Ignacio, right by our hotel we stopped at the Cahal Pech ruins (BZ$5) where a neat museum is perhaps of more interest than the ruins themselves, which are part of a much smaller site than Xunantunich.

: After such a full hot and rainy day, we felt we needed a reward, and got our air conditioning fix by eating another excellent dinner at the San Ignacio Hotel. Again the lobster was fantastic (fresh lobster Creole BZ$22).

: Our impressions of Cahal Pech Village: the cabins, although only 5 years old, could use a little bit of TLC. Comfort is decent, but the price is reasonable (US$ 48.15 per double cabin). Some of the main building rooms are supposed to have A/C, and look really good from the outside (private balconies and individual hammocks). The big, thatched-roof nightclub next to the hotel can be noisy at night (though fighting and even arguing are prohibited by the rules posted outside!).
: On the plus side, the view of the valley is wonderful, and the grounds are well kept. Lenny tries very hard, and is very congenial. This is absolutely (and gratefully) not your typical laptop port/concierge/room service/valet parking type hotel, nor is it supposed to be. However, a little more sense of organization would be needed to realize the full potential of this place.

: After these 2 days in Cayo, we had to return to Belize City to catch our flight to Placencia, where we would spend the other part of our trip. On the way back we stopped at Cesar's Place, about 15 miles out of San Ignacio and shopped for souvenirs (nice pottery, wood and slate carvings - air conditioned, but expensive), and then spent about 2 hours at the Belize Zoo (BZ$15), under a sweltering sun. This is truly a place not to be missed. Sharon Matola, the director, places a strong emphasis on the environment and its preservation, and as a result, the animals are extremely well treated, in their natural surroundings and habitat, not in tiny steel cages. Very much worth the gallons of sweat we lost on that day.

: Belize Municipal Airport is a great place to watch the Maya Air pilots simulate Indy 500 pit stops. After a slalom between the buildings from the runway onto the main road, passengers get in and out in a snap, while the propeller does not even come to a stop. Braking is often optional, but it works, all done with a smile!

: Next stop: Placencia.

I go to Belize fairly often and go to San Ignacio right away but stay at Windy Hills because of the fine accomodations. Blancaneaux and Five Sisters is the next stop, then I drive to Placencia. This drive is very pleasant in any kind of weather with the four wheel drive. I would highly recommend visiting the ruins at Caracol, the Rio Frio caves, and the thousand foot falls, near Blancaneaux. Christmas is very nice in Belize and I find it a good time to visit.
John

Added on Date: 20:44:19 7/19/99

: Check out my freshly updated website. Tell me what you think.
----------------------------------------------

It made my computer lock up after hiting enter.

Had to do a cold start to get back under control..
It went wild..

Added on Date: 23:07:46 7/19/99

: Check out my freshly updated website. Tell me what you think.
----------------------------------------------

It made my computer lock up after hiting enter.

Had to do a cold start to get back under control..
It went wild..

Added on Date: 23:07:56 7/19/99

Great trip report! I can't wait to read Part 2!

--Jill

Added on Date: 00:05:54 7/20/99

Dear Sir,
I introduce myself as Dr.Suresh Batta from Grand Turk and I am working at the Windsor University School Of Medicine.I have come to know of Belize Medical College and that they are W.H.O accredited and that their students are giving USMLE (ECFMG) exams and that are attending regular clinical rotations.
I hereby request you to kindly inform me few queries about the college.
1.How many students are presently at the college?
2.What does the campus comprise of regarding the buildings,laboratories and infrastructure?
3.Do they regularly send students to clinical rotations authentically ?
Please do kindly inform us about the above queries since, this is vital for us to make important decisions with respect to my career and the fate of 21 students.
Thanking You In Anticipation,
Dr.Suresh Batta.

Added on Date: 00:41:36 7/20/99

is there anyone going to the games come on down an parrrrrty.ya man jimmy cliff is playing aug. 5 and it's FREE

Added on Date: 00:44:51 7/20/99

JIMMY CLIFF yes jimmy cliff jimmy the real ting

Added on Date: 00:51:02 7/20/99

We are planning to spend 6 nights in San Ignacio and 5 nights in Placentia in October.

While in the Cayo District, we would like to see/do the following: See the ruins of Caracol, Xunantunch and Cahal Pech; the Ix Chel farm, Community Baboon Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo and the Che Chem Ha cave, as well as doing a little canoing and/or horseback riding.

While in Placentia, we hope to do a canoe trip up the Monkey River, see the Cockscomb Wildlife Preserve as well as do one day of snorkeling on a caye.

Are we planning (or hoping) for too much? Any other places that are a "must see"? Any activities we could do without (and not kick ourselves afterwards)?

Added on Date: 03:33:59 7/20/99

We are planning to spend 6 nights in San Ignacio and 5 nights in Placentia in October.

While in the Cayo District, we would like to see/do the following: See the ruins of Caracol, Xunantunch and Cahal Pech; the Ix Chel farm, Community Baboon Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo and the Che Chem Ha cave, as well as doing a little canoing and/or horseback riding.

While in Placentia, we hope to do a canoe trip up the Monkey River, see the Cockscomb Wildlife Preserve as well as do one day of snorkeling on a caye.

Are we planning (or hoping) for too much? Any other places that are a "must see"? Any activities we could do without (and not kick ourselves afterwards)?

Added on Date: 03:35:25 7/20/99

: We are planning to spend 6 nights in San Ignacio and 5 nights in Placentia in October.

: While in the Cayo District, we would like to see/do the following: See the ruins of Caracol, Xunantunch and Cahal Pech; the Ix Chel farm, Community Baboon Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo and the Che Chem Ha cave, as well as doing a little canoing and/or horseback riding.

: While in Placentia, we hope to do a canoe trip up the Monkey River, see the Cockscomb Wildlife Preserve as well as do one day of snorkeling on a caye.

: Are we planning (or hoping) for too much? Any other places that are a "must see"? Any activities we could do without (and not kick ourselves afterwards)?

You've got a great schedule. The Baboon Sanc is in the Belize District and you would reach there from Belize City on arrival or before departure. I like Jungle Drift Lodge for overnight accommodations and meals.

Only attraction you didn't mention for the Cayo area is Tikal and you can easily arrange day trips there from your hotel or in downtown San Ignacio easily enough.

Otherwise, better to be busy and see as much as you can and rest up on the flight home. If you need some suggestions for lodgings, email me and I'll be happy to help. There are some pretty good all inclusive packages in the Cayo area you may want to consider.

Best wishes,

Katie Valk
Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 09:41:45 7/20/99

: How's it for crossing border, Is the tension bad. Does anybody know anything of interest or concern.

The border crossing between the two countries is easy and mellow. No tensions or problems at all. People pass thru all the time without any difficulty.

Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 09:44:43 7/20/99

I agree with Katie -- you've got a good schedule. It's about right in terms of time. And I agree about Tikal -- a great trip if you can work it in.

As to additions, the town of San Ignacio is worth an hour or two of looking around, especially on Saturday (market day) ... take time on the trip to Caracol to see some of the waterfalls in the area and the Rio Frio caves, and maybe stop at Blancaneaux for a meal or drink (it's a lovely lodge). Also you might want to take in one of the butterfly farms in Cayo. There are three -- Green Hills, Tropical Wings and the Blue Morpho centre at Chaa Creek.

If you're driving to Placencia, the Hummingbird Highway is very scenic. Stop at Five Blues park and at the Blue Hole for a swim.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 11:04:48 7/20/99

No problems at the border. Lots of people cross both ways every day. It's a busy, bustling place.

Melchor is a small town that doesn't offer a whole lot for the visitor. There are some shops which have Guatemalan crafts at fairly good prices (generally better than in Belize, and with more selection).

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 11:07:32 7/20/99

To the Belize Government and Michael Ashcroft.

Through my subscription to the Government of Belize Website I receive bulletins and newsbrief on a daily basis. As they often do conflict with my moralistic views I tend to ignore them and answer the few reports in newspapers from time to time.

On Friday the 23 of July 1999 I re-read the article in the Amandala newspaper about the "British press reports and allegations. Saturday July 17, 1999 I tuned into channel five news and read the supporting article defending Michael Ashcroft and highlighting his interview with Ernesto Vasquez. Today again I went to view my channel five news as I often do and read "Belize Government asks British Press to put up or shut up". Then I went back into the archives on the channel 5 site for July 16, 1999 and recalled " Mr. A. At this station we have known Michael Ashcroft for many years and in fact were it not for his minority investment in this company some eight years ago, you probably would not be watching this broadcast tonight."

For me the reaction of the Belize Government, Channel 5 news and any other supporter of the infamous Michael Ashcroft was simply irrational. The entire body of the PUP Party supporter of their contributor Michael Ashcroft is absolutely astounding, that this government would place our country in the target line of the British Press and do more damage to our international relations than the British Press could possibly have done in their article. The PUP should read a little more of there articles in there well known Belize Times newspaper then they would better understand the disgust they are now experiences towards the British Press.

The old defender of the cause placed the reputation of the Belizeans and Belizean Political affairs to defend one Michael Ashcroft. The question is will Michael Ashcroft defend and support Belize after we have lost substantial contacts with the British Influences and bare the pounding of the British Press because of our government's irrational reaction in attempt to save his disreputable reputation?

Yes, Michael Ashcroft is a contributor to our country but to whom does he most contribute? Stuart Khron couldn't have said it or highlighted it more better than admitting to Ashcrofts contribution to his station and possibly to Ernesto Vasquez as well. Where oh where is Mr. Ashcroft's contribution in helping to needy Belizean? And, I am not referring to the Stuart Khron's, Net Vasquez, and the Said Musa's of Belize either.

The problem with Belize's politicians they give too much power to these high investors who have only their best interest in mind. If the Belizean people would be able to view the long list of ambassadors to country's we haven't even heard of and see that they are one in the same with Belizean High Society Clan and one in the same with the Michael Ashcrofts of Belize they would understand better the law of the land and why they cannot progress like the Musa's, the Santinos, Espats of Belize. Not only are these people getting away with there high value pricing placed and minimal value goods but they are also ambassadors to unknown country's that gives them the right to claim ambassadorialship. Meaning tax exemptions, import and export tax wavers, ambassadorial passports, and any other rule that goes along with being an ambassador of international law. Look in your telephone directories in the green sections and start asking who are the ambassadors and counselors of these places the answers would astound you.

Again I place emphasis on Michael Ashcroft and his billions of dollars. Will you support the entire country of Belize after we loose some of our vital connections to be your defender? Will you run for politics and defend us as our present government so readily gives up Belize to defend you? Will you live in our country and contribute to our economy by purchasing your goods and materials in Belize? Or will you just sit back and watch our government make a mockery of themselves to appease your tainted reputation? What will you do Michael Ashcroft?

But I know one thing for a fact whatever it is you do, do will not be in benefit of our true Belizean residents outside your association with Belize's High Society Clan. They have supported you without the consent of their people of whom they represent and readily place on the target line to defend you. My only hope Mr. Ashcroft is that you put your life on the line to defend us as well.

Defender of the People and not just the cause.

Avrail Parham

Added on Date: 11:39:56 7/20/99

: I am a Chinese.Would anyone tell me about
: the Belizeit's ship register regulations.
: please tell me the web site addr.Thank you
: very much!

Suggest you check with Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Added on Date: 12:19:54 7/20/99

: I am a Chinese.Would anyone tell me about
: the Belizeit's ship register regulations.
: please tell me the web site addr.Thank you
: very much!

Suggest you check with Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry

www.belize.org

Added on Date: 12:20:21 7/20/99

Here's the Channel 5 article:

Belize Government asks British press to put up or
shut up

As the London press continues it's saturation coverage of international
magnate Michael Ashcroft the Government of Belize has issued an open
letter to Britain's media saying essentially that "enough is enough". The
release acknowledges that our government has no intention of getting
involved in the political affairs of the United Kingdom but that the hounding
of Mr. Ashcroft, who serves both as Belize's U.N. Ambassador and
treasurer of Britain's Conservative Party, is inflicting damage on Belize's
good name. Government says that the continuing publication of
unsubstantiated allegations of money laundering and drug investigations is
eroding investor confidence in Belize. It asks that the U.K. media either
produce evidence to backup its charges or cease the campaign against
Ashcroft and Belize. Ashcroft originally came under fire in Britain for his
role as both the treasurer and allegedly largest contributor to the Tory
party. Once Fleet Street smelled blood they extended their investigation to
include Ashcroft's business and political dealings in Belize, suggesting that
he exerts an unhealthily large influence over the economy and government.
That view has been bolstered by the opposition UDP, particularly former
party leader and Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel. In several interviews
with British radio stations and newspapers Esquivel has condemned
Ashcroft's attempts to advance his economic interests here and his close
ties to the ruling People's United Party. For Esquivel, whose comments are
eagerly parroted by the otherwise bored British press corps, it appears to
be payback time against the man whose money he believes ejected him
from office.

Added on Date: 13:41:32 7/20/99

Here's the government press release:

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

OPEN LETTER TO THE BRITISH NEWSPAPERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE

19 July, 1999 - Belmopan
Britain and Belize are separated by 4,000 miles of Atlantic Ocean, but
in many ways we are very close. Her Majesty the Queen is our Head of
State, we speak English, and we are governed by the rule of law. The
ties between our two countries are many, various and strong.

It is particularly distressing, therefore, that British newspapers
should appear intent on inflicting damage to the good reputation of our
small but proud nation.

We have reason to be grateful to Ambassador H.E. Michael Ashcroft, for
his commitment to our country has in recent years become an investment
boost to our developing economy. He has invested in Belize, and others
have followed his example.

This does not mean, as has been suggested, that he exerts an unhealthy
control over our country. His appointment as our Ambassador to the
United Nations reflects our confidence in his ability to represent us
effectively. He has no role in the formulation of policy.

Michael Ashcroft is a very successful businessman, who has earned a
reputation in Belize for being tough. But he is also fair, and, in our
experience, entirely trustworthy and reliable.

We consider as baseless and preposterous recent allegations of improper
influence and pressure, of money laundering and of drug trafficking.

The Government of Belize or our Central Bank have never been asked
questions about Michael Ashcroft by the United States Drug Enforcement
Agency. Indeed, only last week, we contacted the U.S. Embassy in Belize
which categorically repeated that there is no information even
suggesting that Michael Ashcroft is under investigation or on some
watch list. Additionally the structure of our banking system is inimical
to money laundering, and Michael Ashcroft's companies have been amongst
the most active supporters of financial regulation and control.

There are indications of the damage which our country might sustain as a
result of the current rag-bag of unsubstantiated allegations in the
British press which seems to be totally insensitive and unmindful of the
possible negative effect on investors confidence.

We have no wish to become embroiled in the political affairs of Britain,
but the time has now come when the British press should either produce
evidence to substantiate its allegations or cease this campaign of smear
and whispering, which not only stains the reputation of Michael Ashcroft
but puts at risk the economy and livelihood of the Belizean people.

This message was sent to you via the Government of Belize Website:
http://www.belize.gov.bz
If you would like to unsubscribe, please send E-mail to the
Press Office at: bis@belize.gov.bz

Added on Date: 13:47:07 7/20/99

My wife, son and I are going to Belize Aug 7-21st following much the same route you took. We are spending the first 5 days at the Hidden Valley Inn in the Mountain Pine Ridge area. We will be doing a number of tours from there including caves, waterfalls, etc. After completing our stay at the Inn, they are driving us to Placencia. We are renting a house in the village. It is a new place called "Dutch Treat". Not surprisingly from the name, it is owned by a couple from the Netherlands.

We stayed at Rum Point Inn in Placencia in March of last year. We completed our scuba certification with them and plan to do a lot of diving while there in August.

We fell in love with Belize. While there are clearly some problems - Belize City sounds challenging but then we live on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC so we are familar with urban life - we found the country to be beautiful and its people warm and friendly.

Looking forward to your post about Placencia.

: Belize: a little piece of paradise...Part 1.
: My wife Maggie and I recently had the chance to spend a little over two weeks in Belize. This being the vacation of a lifetime, we had prepared ourselves by reading a multitude of books and travel articles on Belize. However, it is the Belize chatboards, especially You Better Belize-It, that provided the most guidance in the preparation of our trip to this magnificent country. In particular, we would like to credit Lan Sluder from Belize First, who proved to be an invaluable source...even when he's wrong!!!

: So it all started on June 29, 1999...
: The flight from Houston was pretty uneventful, and it was hot and humid when we landed in Belize City.
: Immigration formalities were expedited with a smile. We got our 4X4 from Budget right across the parking lot, and Emil the agent surprised us with a free upgrade. Getting used to the organized mayhem they called traffic in Belize City, we were soon on our way to San Ignacio. The road was pretty slick in some places, and driving in Belize definitely requires a little bit of creativity, between the buses that tailgate at 60 mph in a cloud of gas fumes, people that walk on the road out of nowhere, and "unannounced" speedbumps that would be a chiropractor's delight. Horses everywhere, of all shapes and colors, by the side of the road, tied-up or not, and everything so green, almost alpine if it weren't for the nearby jungle and the heat. The temporary bridge leading into San Ignacio was well, temporary...

: We checked into the Cahal Pech Village, on top of the hill, where it took the manager, Lenny, a little while to find our reservation. Our thatched-roof cabin (#1 - Tikal) was small, but relatively clean. The much-needed fan worked great, but taking a warm shower proved more of a challenge. Dinner there was a little bit on the improvised side; nobody knew where the chef was... But that intermission gave us plenty of time to get acquainted with the Belikin beer, which Lenny kept icy cold, and in ample supply. The chef finally showed up, and dinner was served under the stars, with mosquitoes keeping us close company. After a good night's sleep (a few roaches decided they liked our cabin too, but we were too tired to mind), and breakfast served on the balcony of our cabin, our host Lenny drew us a map, and established our program for the day. Xunantunich was our first stop (BZ$5). We got an early start, and were the first to cross the river on the hand-cranked ferry that day. The drive up the hill to the site made us more than happy we had an all-terrain vehicle. Our guide Ramon, hired on-site, showed us around this awesome site, in a tour that lasted about 2 hours. What a civilization this must have been. The panoramic view from the top of El Castillo was phenomenal. The site was very well maintained. We learned later that right after our visit, the place was stormed by the army/police looking for Guatemalan bandits...We never saw them.

: We had lunch at Clarissa Falls, a great and quiet little place by the Mopan River, where the food was excellent. We highly recommend the Mayan tacos (BZ$0.75/piece) and stuffed squash (BZ$15). This place is owned and operated by a Maya family, and also offers a few thatched-roof cabanas by the river. Unfortunately, it started pouring down right then, and we had to switch tables until we found a spot where the roof was not leaking! The rain was actually quite refreshing on this hot and muggy day! We then drove to Chaa Creek, and still under a heavy rain, toured the Natural History Center and the Butterfly Farm (BZ$10), both very interesting. We passed on the Rainforest Medicine Trail (IxChel Farm), but stopped at the gift shop, where everything seemed a bit on the expensive side. We spent the rest of the afternoon in San Ignacio. There is a small, modern and clean, American-style grocery store called the Crossroads where almost everything can be found. We had dinner at the San Ignacio Hotel. Nice place (American style bar and dining room), but what makes it truly great is the air conditioning! This dinner was also our first encounter with Belizean beef (very tough, definitely not your typical grain-fed USDA choice meat), but the fresh lobster was great! With a Belikin Supreme (Lager), anything tastes good anyway.

: We spent the following day driving around, and enjoying our Suzuki 4X4, especially on all the backroads, where we happily drove a little faster than advised. The price of regular (leaded) gas was about BZ$4.90/gallon. Gas stations are plentiful in San Ignacio, and they are all full-service. Recommended: the Texaco station on Benque Viejo road, in San Ignacio.

: We had lunch at DuPlooy's, on the outside patio. The place was deserted, except for the giant iguanas sunbathing on the tree limbs. A planked walkway led to a beautiful panoramic view of the Macal River. Although secondary, the forest was very dense, full of insect and bird sounds. Right out of an Indiana Jones movie.

: On the spur of the moment (we were on vacation, right?), we decided to drive to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, and see some of the falls and possibly caves. After driving for about ten miles from Georgetown, we reached the gate to the reserve, and the attendant came out. Lonely he certainly was. He explained us about the reserve, and sent us on our way after a good 5 minutes of a friendly small talk that we enjoyed. The weather was, and had been, so bad that some of the sites were closed. Maggie and I decided to play it by ear and just savor the moment. So we drove on, and finally ended up at the Blancaneaux Lodge (owned by Francis Ford Coppola). What a beautiful place. Totally self-sufficient with its airstrip and electric power plant, the lodge sits in the middle of nowhere. Luxury simply surrounds you, without being obtrusive. Everything is soft and peaceful: the lights, sounds and smells. After half an hour there, and a few pictures of the beautiful cabins and main lodge, we had to head home and leave this heaven, but not without spending another 5 minutes in the attendant's company on the way down!!!

: Back in San Ignacio, right by our hotel we stopped at the Cahal Pech ruins (BZ$5) where a neat museum is perhaps of more interest than the ruins themselves, which are part of a much smaller site than Xunantunich.

: After such a full hot and rainy day, we felt we needed a reward, and got our air conditioning fix by eating another excellent dinner at the San Ignacio Hotel. Again the lobster was fantastic (fresh lobster Creole BZ$22).

: Our impressions of Cahal Pech Village: the cabins, although only 5 years old, could use a little bit of TLC. Comfort is decent, but the price is reasonable (US$ 48.15 per double cabin). Some of the main building rooms are supposed to have A/C, and look really good from the outside (private balconies and individual hammocks). The big, thatched-roof nightclub next to the hotel can be noisy at night (though fighting and even arguing are prohibited by the rules posted outside!).
: On the plus side, the view of the valley is wonderful, and the grounds are well kept. Lenny tries very hard, and is very congenial. This is absolutely (and gratefully) not your typical laptop port/concierge/room service/valet parking type hotel, nor is it supposed to be. However, a little more sense of organization would be needed to realize the full potential of this place.

: After these 2 days in Cayo, we had to return to Belize City to catch our flight to Placencia, where we would spend the other part of our trip. On the way back we stopped at Cesar's Place, about 15 miles out of San Ignacio and shopped for souvenirs (nice pottery, wood and slate carvings - air conditioned, but expensive), and then spent about 2 hours at the Belize Zoo (BZ$15), under a sweltering sun. This is truly a place not to be missed. Sharon Matola, the director, places a strong emphasis on the environment and its preservation, and as a result, the animals are extremely well treated, in their natural surroundings and habitat, not in tiny steel cages. Very much worth the gallons of sweat we lost on that day.

: Belize Municipal Airport is a great place to watch the Maya Air pilots simulate Indy 500 pit stops. After a slalom between the buildings from the runway onto the main road, passengers get in and out in a snap, while the propeller does not even come to a stop. Braking is often optional, but it works, all done with a smile!

: Next stop: Placencia.

Added on Date: 15:38:38 7/20/99

Making some corrections.

: To the Belize Government and Michael Ashcroft.

: Through my subscription to the Government of Belize Website I receive bulletins and newsbrief on a daily basis. As they often do conflict with my moralistic views I tend to ignore them and answer the few reports in newspapers from time to time.

: On Friday the 23 of July 1999 I re-read the article in the Amandala newspaper about the "British press reports and allegations. Saturday July 17, 1999 I tuned into channel five news and read the supporting article defending Michael Ashcroft and highlighting his interview with Ernesto Vasquez. Today again I went to view my Channel five news as I often do and read "Belize Government asks British Press to put up or shut up". Then I went back into the archives on the Channel 5 site for July 16, 1999 and recalled " Mr. A. At this station we have known Michael Ashcroft for many years and in fact were it not for his minority investment in this company some eight years ago, you probably would not be watching this broadcast tonight."

: For me the reaction of the Belize Government, Channel 5 news and any other supporter of the infamous Michael Ashcroft was simply irrational. The entire body of the PUP Party supporter of their contributor Michael Ashcroft is absolutely astounding, that this government would place our country in the target line of the British Press and do more damage to our international relations than the British Press could possibly have done in their article. The PUP should read a little more of there articles in there well known Belize Times newspaper then they would better understand the disgust they are now experiencing towards the British Press.

: The old defender of the cause placed the reputation of the Belizeans and Belizean Political affairs to defend one Michael Ashcroft. The question is will Michael Ashcroft defend and support Belize after we have lost substantial contacts with the British influences and bare the pounding of the British Press because of our government's irrational reaction in attempt to save his disreputable reputation?

: Yes, Michael Ashcroft is a contributor to our country but to whom does he most contribute? Stuart Khron couldn't have said it or highlighted it more better than admitting to Ashcrofts contribution to his station and possibly to Ernesto Vasquez as well. Where oh where is Mr. Ashcroft's contribution in helping the needy Belizean? And, I am not referring to the Stuart Khron's, Net Vasquez, and the Said Musa's of Belize either.

: The problem with Belize's politicians they give too much power to these high investors who have only their best interest in mind. If the Belizean people would be able to view the long list of ambassadors to country's we haven't even heard of and see that they are one in the same with Belizean High Societal Clan and one in the same with the Michael Ashcrofts of Belize they would understand better the law of the land and why they cannot progress like the Musa's, the Santinos, Espats of Belize. Not only are these people getting away with there high value pricing placed and minimal value goods but they are also ambassadors to unknown country's that gives them the right to claim ambassadorialship. Meaning tax exemptions, import and export tax wavers, ambassadorial passports, and any other rule that goes along with being an ambassador of international law. Look in your telephone directories in the green sections and start asking who are the ambassadors and counselors of these places, the answers would astound you.

: Again I place emphasis on Michael Ashcroft and his billions of dollars. Will you support the entire country of Belize after we loose some of our vital connections to be your defender? Will you run for politics and defend us as our present government so readily gives up Belize to defend you? Will you live in our country and contribute to our economy by purchasing your goods and materials in Belize? Or will you just sit back and watch our government make a mockery of themselves to appease your tainted reputation? What will you do Michael Ashcroft?

: But I know one thing for a fact whatever it is you do, do will not be in benefit of our true Belizean residents outside your association with Belize's High Societal Clan. They have supported you without the consent of their people of whom they represent and readily place on the target line to defend you. My only hope Mr. Ashcroft is that you put your life on the line to defend us as well.

: Defender of the People and not just the cause.

: Avrail Parham

Added on Date: 15:51:34 7/20/99

Lan what are things like in barranco ie.hotwater,electricity,drinking water,phone service,resorts?any pools,nightlife,crime,prices. anything will help nothing i can't find anything on the internet are there any banks or atm

Added on Date: 18:29:52 7/20/99

: Lan what are things like in barranco ie.hotwater,electricity,drinking water,phone service,resorts?any pools,nightlife,crime,prices. anything will help nothing i can't find anything on the internet are there any banks or atm

ATM's in Barranco? Probably not for 50 more yrs. It's a very small Garifuna village reachable from PG by boat. A few hundred people living there, down from 600 years back.. Interesting thing about Barranco is that I figure more people with masters and phd's out of there than many other larger towns and cities. Very, very basic. Village phone # is 07 22138. Very little going on there, but very nice and interesting. Don't expect much other then very basic services, accommodations, etc.

Maya Travel

Added on Date: 19:09:22 7/20/99

Katie has given you the straight skinny on Barranco.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 13:00:26 7/21/99

Nearly 500 people visited the 20-picture Belize album I created last week...so I've added more than 50 new photos, organized into two new albums.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=30873&a=244921

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=30873&a=387888

This is the link to all my albums.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=30873&Auth=false

Added on Date: 18:03:36 7/21/99

: Making some corrections.

Very good... now it's at least readable.
Heres somne more from the press...
Barrow says Ashcroft is okay, it's the PUP
to blame

It seems that they just couldn't
resist the chance to squeeze
one more measure of political
mileage out of the controversy
surrounding Michael Ashcroft in
London. So today even as the
accusations against the wealthy
businessman were running out
of steam in Great Britain, the United Democratic
Party held a press conference to vent their anger
and wring their hands. But it turns out that the
object of their partisan ire was not Mr. Ashcroft; it
was the party that befriended him ...the PUP.

Dean Barrow, UDP Leader
"The conclusion is inescapable: the People's United
Party has been guilty of at least singularly bad
judgement and at the worst a pattern of behavior
that raises several questions as to its probity and
good faith."

"When I say that we are not interested in
undermining Mr. Ashcroft, let me come right out and
tell you this: I gather that there has been some
suggestion of investigations with respect to drug
trafficking. I will stand in front of all of you and say I
do not believe that Mr. Ashcroft is even remotely
guilty of any such activity. And that is what I mean
about our determination not to undermine him. We
don't question Mr. Ashcroft in the context of any
question of suggestion of criminal responsibility. We
dismiss those sorts of accusations. And basically we
are saying in terms of the extraordinary relationship
with the Government, Mr. Ashcroft is not to blame for
that, the government is to blame for that."

Almost as an afterthought Barrow called for an
official inquiry into Michael Ashcroft's activities in
Belize, perhaps in the hope that the British
Reporters here would dutifully report it. Meanwhile
the tide on Fleet Street may be turning in
Ashcroft's favor. The London Times, which has led
the campaign against him has yet to produce
anything beyond rumor and innuendo and the
more responsible media is beginning to question
the substance of the Times' charges. At this
morning's press conference attorney Eamon
Courtenay informed a startled press corps that his
client, Michael Ashcroft, has instituted libel
proceedings against the Times and would not
hesitate to do the same to any media house,
including those in Belize, acting in a similar way.

Added on Date: 22:43:02 7/21/99

Are there any web pages that deal in detail with the process and costs of getting a work permit, importing a vehicle, income tax info and anything else necessary for an American citizen to move to and work in Belize but still maintain my US citizenship? Any help and links is greatly appreciated. I will be graduating college in December and I'd like to try and find a job down there. Belize being such a beautiful country and all.

Added on Date: 23:08:33 7/21/99

: Hi to all belizean looking for friends home and abroad.Iam also a belizean living in the u.s for quite some while now.Anybody intresting in making new friends please email me.Love ya all.Peace

I am a belizean living abroard, I am also looking for other belizean to chat, please return.

Added on Date: 02:39:55 7/22/99

I found your web site and interested in finding belizean to chat and keep in touch, please contact.

Added on Date: 02:42:25 7/22/99

Somebody should try to look realistically at Ashcroft’s role in Belize. He is a businessman, and a very successful one, his primary purpose is to make money. He never claimed differently. He is to the best of my knowledge, the ONLY foreigner to have made any considerable profit from investments in Belize. He is also the only person ever to commit such large sums of money in Belize. I constantly hear of horror stories and large financial losses from numerous investors for numerous reasons, mostly where Belize is at fault.

There’s another way to look at Ashcroft, try to consider how Belize would have been different in the last 13 years without Ashcroft’s large financial injection into the Belize economy. To be fair, you should subtract the last 5 years under UDP where Ashcroft was treated so badly by the Belize UDP government that his business was practically paralyzed in Belize where outside Belize, during the same 5 year paralysis in Belize, he became a world renown billionaire. Too bad he didn’t take Belize on the ride, he could have. Just think, if he was treated fairly in Belize then he might not have had reason to change BHI to Carlisle and sell most of his Belize holdings, then maybe Belize Holdings Inc could have been a part of his next international success as Ashcroft originally intended Belize to be.

Just think, if there was no Ashcroft in Belize, there might not be countrywide telephone services or countrywide electricity, Belmopan, The Belize Bank, Belize Foods, the Raddison, many of the media and entertainment services, etc and all the jobs that these business created.

Ashcroft never claimed to be Mother Theresa, he invested in Belize for a reason, to make money. Belize should realize that investors invest to make money but for some reason Belize thinks investors should just give all their money to Belize for free and on top of that be treated with disrespect. Ashcroft gets a bum rap because Belizeans want to think it’s ok to hate him because he’s rich and a foreigner but the truth is, there are Belizeans who seriously exploit Belize a lot more than Ashcroft ever did but the Belizeans don't receive any criticism.

Another thing to think about. If Ashcroft invested his money in the USA or Asia instead of Belize, he would have made at least 10 times the amount of profits as he made in Belize without any of the headaches and political games.

Belize constantly complained about Ashcroft and said they wanted him to leave; it looks like Belize is getting their wish and Ashcroft is dumping Belize. Be careful of what one wishes because we all only get what we deserve.

Added on Date: 04:19:09 7/22/99

heres a few more
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=54015&Auth=false
: Nearly 500 people visited the 20-picture Belize album I created last week...so I've added more than 50 new photos, organized into two new albums.

: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=30873&a=244921
:
: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=30873&a=387888

: This is the link to all my albums.
:
: http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=30873&Auth=false

Added on Date: 09:26:08 7/22/99

To ***** :

Please e-mail me at avrailparham@yahoo.com or avrail@excite.com at your convenience of course. looking forward to hearing from you.

Avrail

Added on Date: 10:02:35 7/22/99

: Somebody should try to look realistically at Ashcroft’s role in Belize. He is a businessman, and a very successful one, his primary purpose is to make money. He never claimed differently. He is to the best of my knowledge, the ONLY foreigner to have made any considerable profit from investments in Belize. He is also the only person ever to commit such large sums of money in Belize. I constantly hear of horror stories and large financial losses from numerous investors for numerous reasons, mostly where Belize is at fault.

: There’s another way to look at Ashcroft, try to consider how Belize would have been different in the last 13 years without Ashcroft’s large financial injection into the Belize economy. To be fair, you should subtract the last 5 years under UDP where Ashcroft was treated so badly by the Belize UDP government that his business was practically paralyzed in Belize where outside Belize, during the same 5 year paralysis in Belize, he became a world renown billionaire. Too bad he didn’t take Belize on the ride, he could have. Just think, if he was treated fairly in Belize then he might not have had reason to change BHI to Carlisle and sell most of his Belize holdings, then maybe Belize Holdings Inc could have been a part of his next international success as Ashcroft originally intended Belize to be.

: Just think, if there was no Ashcroft in Belize, there might not be countrywide telephone services or countrywide electricity, Belmopan, The Belize Bank, Belize Foods, the Raddison, many of the media and entertainment services, etc and all the jobs that these business created.

: Ashcroft never claimed to be Mother Theresa, he invested in Belize for a reason, to make money. Belize should realize that investors invest to make money but for some reason Belize thinks investors should just give all their money to Belize for free and on top of that be treated with disrespect. Ashcroft gets a bum rap because Belizeans want to think it’s ok to hate him because he’s rich and a foreigner but the truth is, there are Belizeans who seriously exploit Belize a lot more than Ashcroft ever did but the Belizeans don't receive any criticism.

: Another thing to think about. If Ashcroft invested his money in the USA or Asia instead of Belize, he would have made at least 10 times the amount of profits as he made in Belize without any of the headaches and political games.

: Belize constantly complained about Ashcroft and said they wanted him to leave; it looks like Belize is getting their wish and Ashcroft is dumping Belize. Be careful of what one wishes because we all only get what we deserve.

Eddie, You hit the nail on the head,isnt it funny how the beliz2 goverment keeps the people looking at every thing,but whats really going on! I could tell you storey after storey about investers going to belize and leaving hateing belize.When will belize learn? I think never. THIS IS A WARNING TO ALL INVESTERS THINKING ABOUT GOING TO BELIZE,DONT!!!

Added on Date: 13:30:40 7/22/99

Your trip sounds great. We just got back from a similar adventure earlier this month.
One suggestion to minimize hassle & maximize what you see is to take some tours.
I highly recommend Ramon Silva of International Archeological tours
(iatours@btl.net). He took us to Caracol which included the Rio Frio Cave and Rio On Pools.
We also went to Tikal which you really shouldn't miss. Ramon is knowledable &
very friendly. It was great having someone else drive us and offer us information en route.
Enjoy your trip!

Added on Date: 13:35:48 7/22/99

Hello Blaine;

(If anyone out there knows Blaine and Carla
Bower's email address, please forward this urgent
message to them)

Your boats are in danger of being traded. One of them
already has been. "Thistle" has been used as a down payment on a larger vessel
from Belize City. This larger boat has since been re-possessed for non-payment
and "Thistle" is still being held in Belize City as security for the money that was
not paid.

It is VERY DIFFICULT to get a boat back that has been traded to an innocent third party.

This COULD happen to your other boats, "Extreme" and the smaller boat with the
Honda engine. You MUST come to Belize soonest and take control of matters otherwise
you will PROBABLY lose both of your remaining boats.

The guy you leased them to is flat broke and is famous for bouncing checks all over
the place. In the end, he will probably sell or trade your boats to survive. He will deny
this, but you must act soon.

Sorry to be the bringer of bad news. I hope it works out OK for you.

Good Luck
A Friend

Added on Date: 14:11:46 7/22/99

We currently have 200 acres of land for sale in the Yalbac Hills available, 5 acre parsels

Added on Date: 16:08:11 7/22/99

Import and export transportation services available for products going to and coming from Belize and USA.
Monthly or more frequent deliveries. Satisfaction guarnteed

Added on Date: 16:12:54 7/22/99

I've added some more of my photos to my PhotoPoint Belize 2 album...follow the link below...and thanks to the nearly 1,000 people who've visited the site in just a few days. I appreciate your interest.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=30873&a=387888

Added on Date: 18:36:27 7/22/99

It is all yours for free. If you are considering an upgrade or need a new computer and is undecided or confuse about all the technical lingo- I can help. It is totally free.You can email or call me at your convenience with your questions. It doesn't matter if you buy from my company or somewhere else. I will walk you through it all.
All I ask is for you to check out my site and contact me.

Added on Date: 20:35:15 7/22/99

I am a Belizean living in California (27yo)I would like to talk to Belizean hopefully living in Belize about the life style.

Added on Date: 04:40:26 7/23/99

Placencia is a small village at the end of a 17 miles long peninsula. It has beautiful beaches with palmtrees and is close to the Barrier Reef. We own a beachlot with palmtrees and a lovely brandnew house at the edge of the village. It is for rent! It is a big wooden house on posts, seven feet of the ground. It has two bedrooms (11 x 11 ft and 9 x 11 ft) with one kingsize and one double bed. A bathroom with hot shower etc. A large livingroom with open kitchen, dining bar, table etc, fridge, stove and so on. The veranda is 8 x 26 ft and looks out over the Carribean Sea. The house is fully furnished, including sheet-and towelservice and cleaning once a week. Mrs Lydia, who owns a nice budget hotel, which is recommanded in all the travelguides, looks after our place. The price is 500 $ US or 1000 $ Belize a week. We don't have vacany from December '99 until the beginning of April '2000, except maybe one or two weeks in January. Information? E-mail to Susanne & Fred in Holland (Europe) E-mail: fredkrijnen@compuserve.com. In Placencia contact Mrs Lydia: phone: 00 501 6 23117. If you are in Placencia on a low budget, we can highly recommand Lydia's Rooms. It is located on a nice spot near our house. It's cheap and clean and Mrs Lydia is very friendly and helpful.

Added on Date: 06:17:35 7/23/99

Just a quick transportation update for the Placencia Peninsula:
1. The shuttle is out of service until around November when (hopefully) it will be back in operation with new equipment;

2. A group has proposed a water taxi service between Belize City, Dangriga and Placencia. Things are just now in the talking stage, but the organizers seem fairly serious about the project and have already sent around proposed schedules for comments.

3. A ferry between Placencia Village and Big Creek/Independence is gathering support as an alternative to a causeway.

Added on Date: 06:49:39 7/23/99

: Just a quick transportation update for the Placencia Peninsula:
: 1. The shuttle is out of service until around November when (hopefully) it will be back in operation with new equipment;

: 2. A group has proposed a water taxi service between Belize City, Dangriga and Placencia. Things are just now in the talking stage, but the organizers seem fairly serious about the project and have already sent around proposed schedules for comments.

: 3. A ferry between Placencia Village and Big Creek/Independence is gathering support as an alternative to a causeway.

Hey I thought we already had a ferry man going back and forth from Ind.to Placencia twice a day. Is the proposal for a bigger ferry where you could perhaps put a vehicle on?

Added on Date: 08:15:47 7/23/99

sorry i took so long to answer you. the happening place in beliz2 to me is eden. but u have a variety u can chose from. y2k,planet hollywood, the grind and cherrys. all good.

Added on Date: 13:22:31 7/23/99

: Are there any web pages that deal in detail with the process and costs of getting a work permit, importing a vehicle, income tax info and anything else necessary for an American citizen to move to and work in Belize but still maintain my US citizenship? Any help and links is greatly appreciated. I will be graduating college in December and I'd like to try and find a job down there. Belize being such a beautiful country and all.
Please let me know of any info. that you have found regarding this subject- mine has been a difficult search.
I also will be traveling to Belize with the hopes of finding work. I am a creative writing major who needs
some time off from the hustle and bustle of these united states.

Added on Date: 13:47:34 7/23/99

Anyone know what goes on in San Pedro during August 1999?

Added on Date: 14:19:13 7/23/99

: Anyone know what goes on in San Pedro during August 1999?

August is usually a drier month within the rainny season. It's low season, but I expect it to be a bit busier then usual. Same things go on this month as all others. September will be more active with all our holiday beginning Sept 10 and running til the 21.

Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 19:03:58 7/23/99

: sorry i took so long to answer you. the happening place in beliz2 to me is eden. but u have a variety u can chose from. y2k,planet hollywood, the grind and cherrys. all good.

NO what town and when did you go. eden?

Added on Date: 19:53:45 7/23/99

: Anyone know what goes on in San Pedro during August 1999?
Cannot believe that my good friend Katie would forget about the fantastic Costa Maya Festival in San Pedro that starts in Belize City on the 9th of August with the sashing of the queen candidates and then moves to SP for the fun and excitement. Lots of bands, food and entertainment, not only from Belize but also from the Mundo Maya countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador. Wow!!!!!!!

Added on Date: 21:25:49 7/23/99

Thanks for the info. The only problem I see with an organized tour is the size of our group (5 adults and 3 children). We are still weighing the advantages of that vs renting 2 vehicles. Do most tour guides offer group discounts? And do they have a van??

Added on Date: 22:53:13 7/23/99

AND for the first time ever... Puerto Rico is joining in!!!

Added on Date: 22:59:36 7/23/99

August is my favourite month in San Pedro. Lotsa interesting folk
come and visit and the weather is normally wonderful. You should
come and visit...you'll see San Pedro at its best!

Added on Date: 23:16:17 7/23/99

: I found your web site and interested in finding belizean to chat and keep in touch, please contact.

Added on Date: 12:35:58 7/24/99

I'm a Canadian journalist looking for info on Belizean long jumper Michael McKoy. He's competing here in the Pan Am games. Anyone know his home town (or anything else about him)?

Added on Date: 12:36:14 7/24/99

What all does the Costa Maya Festival entail - dancing - street vendors - please fill me in - sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks

Added on Date: 14:15:36 7/24/99

: Latasha: My name is Amber and we are moving in October. IM moving in Toledo and I need a Freind

: Why don't you hook up with Princess? She is also in need of a friend to chat with. What part of California are you in? There are many Belizeans in Southern CA. Let me know what City, and maybe I can help.

Added on Date: 14:21:02 7/24/99

Can anyone point me in the right direction with regards to pre-school/day care options in San Pedro? I am anticipating spending the season (Jan, Feb, March) in the area with my 3 1/2 year old, and wanted to see if there might be part-time options to explore.

Added on Date: 14:36:40 7/24/99

You need to read the Belize Report.

Several articles on these subjects have recently been published.
Check out the "Useful Information" index, and "Business & Investment"

Added on Date: 15:49:09 7/24/99

: How's it for crossing border, Is the tension bad. Does anybody know anything of interest or concern.

One thing you should be aware of is that you may be asked to pay a US$5 "fee" at the border. This fee is not a legal fee set by the government, and you do not need to pay it. Just calmly ask for a receipt or to see the sign which says you should pay. They will back off. It may seem a little uncomfortable, but everyone here is trying to stop this kind of corruption, so it helps if you don't just give in and pay it!

Added on Date: 18:27:28 7/24/99

The Mopan River Resort project in the Cayo District is right on schedule, and we are looking forward to welcoming our first guests on November 7th, 1999.

Book your all-inclusive holiday now to avoid disappointment!! Special packages still available for Christmas and the Millennium.

Added on Date: 18:38:11 7/24/99

Sorry for the impreciseness. Yes, the ferry is supposed to be big enough to carry cars.

Mary

: : Just a quick transportation update for the Placencia Peninsula:
: : 1. The shuttle is out of service until around November when (hopefully) it will be back in operation with new equipment;

: : 2. A group has proposed a water taxi service between Belize City, Dangriga and Placencia. Things are just now in the talking stage, but the organizers seem fairly serious about the project and have already sent around proposed schedules for comments.

: : 3. A ferry between Placencia Village and Big Creek/Independence is gathering support as an alternative to a causeway.

: Hey I thought we already had a ferry man going back and forth from Ind.to Placencia twice a day. Is the proposal for a bigger ferry where you could perhaps put a vehicle on?

Added on Date: 09:32:25 7/25/99

I was told there was another incident on Hummingbird Highway this month (bandits) Can anyone confirm this and say whether anyone was injured?? Thanks

Added on Date: 09:45:52 7/25/99

: I'm a Canadian journalist looking for info on Belizean long jumper Michael McKoy. He's competing here in the Pan Am games. Anyone know his home town (or anything else about him)?

He is not in the pan am games I'm in wpg and only one made it for mountain biking sorry

Added on Date: 09:52:18 7/25/99

There was something in this week's on-line Reporter newspaper (as well as other papers). Here is what the Reporter said:

"Cops skeptical about report of robbery attempt

The Police High Command are not giving much credence to a report that a group of three armed men tried to stage a highway robbery on the Hummingbird Highway last Saturday afternoon.

The cops say they have received no other reports of such an attempt, possibly because the effort failed and no one suffered any loss.

But Miguel Cruz, a truck driver of Las Flores Village near Belmopan , swears the story is true. He and fellow villager Alvaro Bah were driving along the Hummingbird, he said, when a dark-skinned man came out of the bush as their truck neared the Hershey Farm. The man had a black mask covering his face and what appeared to be an assault rifle.

But instead of stopping, Cruz slammed his truck into reverse and moved out of range. While backing up he saw two other men, armed with shotguns, but these made no effort to stop him and he continued until he was safely out of range.

Cruz and Bah then waved down all oncoming traffic to tell them about the gunmen up ahead.

After some indecision, the assembled motorists decided to form a convoy and proceed to Dangriga. One person in the convoy was armed with a pistol, but the motorists were able to proceed without adventure on their way."

Added on Date: 10:49:31 7/25/99

We're going to Belize for 12 days in January, and we're planning to camp, using our own tent, equipment, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions as to great camping places? We're not averse to doing some hiking to get to really secluded places. We are pretty much on a shoestring for lodging budget, and would rather spend our money on side trips. We'd like to circle Belize, and want to see inland Belize as well as snorkle. We are open to any suggestions anyone might have for excellent camping possibilities. Also, we've heard that you can go out to one of the smaller, uninhabited cayes and stay overnight. Does anyone know about this or have actually stayed on one? Any advice would be welcome!

Added on Date: 14:42:50 7/25/99

Here's another story about the same incident.

http://www.channel5belize.com/news/archive/19-7-99-news.shtml#2

Robbers on Hummingbird Highway
Over a year ago the largest armed robbery in Belize's history took place just three miles outside of Belmopan. A BDF soldier was killed and dozens of citizens held at gunpoint and robbed by at least eight men in fatigues who jumped the border to Guatemala. Two citrus workers were arrested, but later released. This past weekend, residents along the Hummingbird highway thought they were in for it again when armed robbers emerged from the jungle. Godsman Ellis, a Belizean businessman, who happened to have been in the hold-up last year, was on his way from Dangriga to Belmopan Saturday evening around six o'clock. He says that as he approached the Hershey factory he saw about eight parked cars and several masked men wearing army fatigues and carrying guns. He reversed his vehicle and managed to get to a nearby farm and asked the family to alert police to the situation. Belmopan police said they would dispatch a patrol to the area. The supervisor and five members of the Dragon Unit drove to the scene in a police pick-up truck but didn't see anything unusual. With nightfall approaching and bad weather they returned to the station. Ellis has since gone to the United States and so far police say only one official report has been made one Miguel Cruz and his traveling companion Alvaro Bah. Cruz told police a dark complexioned man wearing army fatigues and holding a rifle, motioned for him to stop. He says two other men, both carrying pump action shotguns, approached. He reversed his vehicle and the men ran towards him but no shots were fired. Cruz stopped about a quarter mile away where he says he waited for about fifteen minutes, until several vehicles had joined him and they formed a convoy to pass the area. The men in fatigues were gone. People living on the highway remember seeing the vehicles reverse and heard what they believe to be a gunshot. Unconfirmed reports are that one of the members of the convoy fired a single shot into the air to make the gunmen aware that he was armed. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Allan Usher said he had not yet read the report and could not comment at this time. Although Saturday's incident did not result in any injuries and seemed to witnesses to be a disorganized effort, the question remains: a year and two months after the May 2nd Hummingbird Highway robbery, is Belize any more prepared? While San Ignacio and Dangriga police report that they set up roadblocks, residents of Belmopan say when they entered the Belmopan Police Station, the Police Command Center for the country, there was one officer in the entire station. News Five has learned that there were five officers on that shift, however, one was at the Prime Minister's residence and another at the Governor General's residence. This would leave one desk officer, a supervisor and another officer in the station. But where were the other two? According to police sources, the police in the nation's capital only have access to one vehicle, making quick response to calls a problem, this despite the fact that new vehicles for the department were added just last week.

Added on Date: 14:55:14 7/25/99

Someone wrote to me requesting permission to use some copyrighted photos...and when I went to respond realized I'd mistakenly deleted -- completely -- his message. Said he had a website promoting Belize, but I haven't been able to find anything that matches the description as I recall it. Maybe I'll get lucky, he'll see this, and write again.

Added on Date: 18:05:05 7/25/99

There are several good pre-schools in San Pedro. Suggest you post on the ambergriscaye.com message board. Daycare might be more difficult to arrange until you are there. Good luck!
: Can anyone point me in the right direction with regards to pre-school/day care options in San Pedro? I am anticipating spending the season (Jan, Feb, March) in the area with my 3 1/2 year old, and wanted to see if there might be part-time options to explore.

Added on Date: 21:14:59 7/25/99

Have a look at ambergriscaye.com There is a site about the festival. Used to be called the Sea and Air Festival. Have a look.
: What all does the Costa Maya Festival entail - dancing - street vendors - please fill me in - sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks

Added on Date: 21:16:39 7/25/99

: We're going to Belize for 12 days in January, and we're planning to camp, using our own tent, equipment, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions as to great camping places? We're not averse to doing some hiking to get to really secluded places. We are pretty much on a shoestring for lodging budget, and would rather spend our money on side trips. We'd like to circle Belize, and want to see inland Belize as well as snorkle. We are open to any suggestions anyone might have for excellent camping possibilities. Also, we've heard that you can go out to one of the smaller, uninhabited cayes and stay overnight. Does anyone know about this or have actually stayed on one? Any advice would be welcome!

You should contact Belize Audobon (base@btl.net) for permission to camp on both Half Moon Caye and in the Jaguar Preserve.

Maya Travel

Added on Date: 09:50:41 7/26/99

Hi

We are going to stay at Cha creek cottages for a week in August. Since time is limited, what things do we HAVE to do? We prefer hiking and biking before motorized trips. Give us all suggestions.

Added on Date: 11:06:39 7/26/99

"Say not my soul, 'From whence can God relieve my care?
Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere.
His method is sublime, His heart profoundly kind,
God never is before His time, and never is behind.'"

We are here taught the great lesson, that to get, we must give; that to accumulate, we must scatter; that to make ourselves
happy, we must make others happy; and that in order to become spiritually vigorous, we must seek the spiritual good of others.
In watering others, we are ourselves watered. How? Our efforts to be useful, bring out our powers for usefulness. We have
latent talents and dormant faculties, which are brought to light by exercise. Our strength for labour is hidden even from
ourselves, until we venture forth to fight the Lord's battles, or to climb the mountains of difficulty. We do not know what tender
sympathies we possess until we try to dry the widow's tears, and soothe the orphan's grief. We often find in attempting to teach
others, that we gain instruction for ourselves. Oh, what gracious lessons some of us have learned at sick beds! We went to
teach the Scriptures, we came away blushing that we knew so little of them. In our converse with poor saints, we are taught the
way of God more perfectly for ourselves and get a deeper insight into divine truth. So that watering others makes us humble.
We discover how much grace there is where we had not looked for it; and how much the poor saint may outstrip us in
knowledge. Our own comfort is also increased by our working for others. We endeavour to cheer them, and the consolation
gladdens our own heart. Like the two men in the snow; one chafed the other's limbs to keep him from dying, and in so doing
kept his own blood in circulation, and saved his own life. The poor widow of Sarepta gave from her scanty store a supply for
the prophet's wants, and from that day she never again knew what want was. Give then, and it shall be given unto you, good
measure, pressed down, and running over.

Added on Date: 13:23:37 7/26/99

: Hi

: We are going to stay at Cha creek cottages for a week in August. Since time is limited, what things do we HAVE to do? We prefer hiking and biking before motorized trips. Give us all suggestions.

Chaa Creek has mtn bikes and miles of hiking trails. Plus canoeing, horseback riding, trips to Tikal, Mtn Pine ridge, Caracol, caving and more. All great day trips. Caving is extraordinary.

Disfrute,

Katie

Added on Date: 14:13:56 7/26/99

Pan am games W.P.G CANADA YA MAN

Added on Date: 20:12:27 7/26/99

While the US swelters in summer heat... Ambergris Caye is a very comfortable 85F with a lovely breeze off the Caribbean Sea. You should be here to enjoy!!!

Added on Date: 22:42:13 7/26/99

I have added to my site chatrooms for my Belizean friends and family. It is great way to say hi to you Family. It employs special features like Image chat,Booting and ignore. Do check it out. It was made for you.

Added on Date: 23:43:05 7/26/99

All this and more...in-depth articles and reviews on what to see and do, and where to stay in Belize; in the new edition of Belize Report now online. Vol. 5, #2

Added on Date: 10:28:17 7/27/99

Fabulous new legislation is designed to attract retirees to Belize...an offer too good to pass up!

Read all about it in the Belize Report, Vol. 5, #2.

Added on Date: 10:30:18 7/27/99

: I have added to my site chatrooms for my Belizean friends and family. It is great way to say hi to you Family. It employs special features like Image chat,Booting and ignore. Do check it out. It was made for you.

Added on Date: 11:36:09 7/27/99

Much to my surprise I went into my e-mail this morning and foud an e-mail titled "basic economic" naturally I thought it was an advertisement and overlooked it. Untill I was deleting all my junk mail I decided let me take a look, and alas I was alerted to a threat e-mail.

I have been posting e-mails sent to my government on this site as well as chatting occasionally on the boards at "belizeit.com" and the forums at "beliz2.net." And, as disagreeable as I may seem to some I have never received a threat e-mail before. I have "parried" back and forth on the chat board but never to this extremety. Needless to say it is extremely disturbing. While the shock took me by surprise I realize that things like this do occur on a borad not subjected to real names and identities.

My only intent on posting this e-mail is to caution other posters to such distressing ignorance. While Mr. Burlet has singled me out I have searched furiously to see a connection to one of my postings to his e-mail name. I have yet to make the connection. Needless to say whatever name he used to respond was not his own.

I am well aware that I am opening myself to his psycho maniacal behaviour but at the same time would like to caution Mr. Burlet that this is an offense and is actionable by intent alone.

So while the freedom of speech may not be open to me according to Mr. Burlet I caution his use of his renowned freedom of speech.

Sincerely,
Avrail Parham

______________________________________

Date:Fri, 23 Jul 1999 05:11:34 -0500From:Bob Burlet   | Block addressTo:avrailparham@yahoo.comSubject:Basic ecomonics

Stupid girl. You not only have no grasp of basic economics, you make a
fool of yourself concerning anything to do with your country. In fact,
if you keep it up, I'll guarantee I'll reveal every semblence of
ignorance you've displayed about the US.

I will literally tear you to pieces. That is , unless you can
document
any shread of what you speak.. Try it. It'll be fun for me to take any
utterance from you to task.

And:

I really cannot take the time to educate you on why the US should not
pay off their debt (which by the way fuels the economy,

Insult me again, at your own risk. I've been gentle so far cause I
really know you are good of heart about Belize ( and I care about your
country). But, while I have no time to spend on this forum any longer,
I will make the time to refute any stupidity that persists.

Added on Date: 12:50:41 7/27/99

Dear Avrail,

That's quite a frightening thing to find in one's e-mail. Can you trace the man's address in any way, shape or form? Can you contact his ISP and let them know you're getting threatening material from him? There must be some way to find him--are there any computer people out there reading this who can offer suggestions? Because I'm not certain, but this kind of thing is very probably against the law (threatening to "tear you to pieces" and such), so if you're reading this, Mr. Burlet, it isn't funny, and you're certainly not doing Belize any favors by defending your country with threats. Leave Avrail alone.

Jill

Added on Date: 02:19:02 7/28/99

Does anyone know which villages along the Sibun date back to 1795? I'm writing a novel in which my characters will be travelling up the river in that year, and I need to know roughly what they'll see--as in which villages would have existed as logwood/mahogany works. I've found record of a Mrs. Gracey in 1765, so I'm assuming Gracy Rock Bank was there, but what about Churchyard, St. Thomas, Cedar Bank or Butchers Burns? And does anyone know what "Hellgate" is at the juncture of the Caves Branch and Sibun Rivers?

If anyone can help, I'd be absolutely grateful.

Thanks,

Jill

Added on Date: 02:41:03 7/28/99

: Dear Avrail,

: That's quite a frightening thing to find in one's e-mail. Can you trace the man's address in any way, shape or form? Can you contact his ISP and let them know you're getting threatening material from him? There must be some way to find him--are there any computer people out there reading this who can offer suggestions? Because I'm not certain, but this kind of thing is very probably against the law (threatening to "tear you to pieces" and such), so if you're reading this, Mr. Burlet, it isn't funny, and you're certainly not doing Belize any favors by defending your country with threats. Leave Avrail alone.

: Jill

Added on Date: 09:19:28 7/28/99

: Dear Avrail,

: That's quite a frightening thing to find in one's e-mail. Can you trace the man's address in any way, shape or form? Can you contact his ISP and let them know you're getting threatening material from him? There must be some way to find him--are there any computer people out there reading this who can offer suggestions? Because I'm not certain, but this kind of thing is very probably against the law (threatening to "tear you to pieces" and such), so if you're reading this, Mr. Burlet, it isn't funny, and you're certainly not doing Belize any favors by defending your country with threats. Leave Avrail alone.

: Jill

Although it appears to be mild, nevertheless
it is what it is.

Personally I'd suggest you mail your ISP a
copy of this disagreeable email. If they
believe it warrants invistigating, they can
back up or rather trace the original source.

Eventually there will come a special site
which will be the police of all hate sites
and threatening emails.

If you feel like it contact the jewish resource
on hate sites. I'm sure they will give you
very formidable information.
joelwb

Added on Date: 09:26:21 7/28/99

: We're going to Belize for 12 days in January, and we're planning to camp, using our own tent, equipment, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions as to great camping places? We're not averse to doing some hiking to get to really secluded places. We are pretty much on a shoestring for lodging budget, and would rather spend our money on side trips. We'd like to circle Belize, and want to see inland Belize as well as snorkle. We are open to any suggestions anyone might have for excellent camping possibilities. Also, we've heard that you can go out to one of the smaller, uninhabited cayes and stay overnight. Does anyone know about this or have actually stayed on one? Any advice would be welcome!

If you're coming to Cayo, we offer tent sites for $3.50US per person. This includes the use of an equipped kitchen, with stove, fridge, dishes, etc. Guests also have free access to Tropical Wings Nature Center and Butterfly House. For more information, check out our web site:
http://tbcnet.com/dyaeger/susa/trekstop.htm.

Judy Yaeger
The Trek Stop
Cayo District, Belize.

Added on Date: 19:52:40 7/28/99

Has anybody been on the new part of the Placencia road that was to be built through the plantation development? Is it open now and is the old road blocked off? If so is the new one any better during wet wether than the old?

Added on Date: 23:50:03 7/28/99

Hi there, I am a projrct manager/supervisor for a construction company in the states. I would love to relocate to Belize. my background includes residential constrction, commercial, industrial, institutional and hospitality construction. I also have experience in the manufacturing of high end millwork. If anybody know fo anybody can help me find employment in Belize I would be greatfullfor the help.

John Christensen

Added on Date: 08:35:56 7/29/99

Hi there, I am a projrct manager/supervisor for a construction company in the states. I would love to relocate to Belize. my background includes residential constrction, commercial, industrial, institutional and hospitality construction. I also have experience in the manufacturing of high end millwork. If anybody know fo anybody can help me find employment in Belize I would be greatfullfor the help.

John Christensen

Added on Date: 08:36:20 7/29/99

A person wishing to work in Belize must apply for a work permit first and must be able to show that they have a skill not readily available from a Belizean. This can be done in certain needed skill fields but I'm not sure if project management or Construction supervisor is one of those.

You may want to have a look at the immigration and work permit regulations to see if you can qualify. There is excellent information available at the following websites: http://www.belizereport.com/info/immgrtion.html and also: http://www.belizereport.com/info/enrq_wkpmt.html
The work permit update for 1999 is at: http://www.belizereport.com/info/immigration2.html
Good luck in your search.
: Hi there, I am a projrct manager/supervisor for a construction company in the states. I would love to relocate to Belize. my background includes residential constrction, commercial, industrial, institutional and hospitality construction. I also have experience in the manufacturing of high end millwork. If anybody know fo anybody can help me find employment in Belize I would be greatfullfor the help.

: John Christensen

Added on Date: 11:18:06 7/29/99

Early Bird Special: Off-peak rates have been extended and will apply to all packages commencing on or before Dec. 15th. 3 Nights: US$411; 4 nights: US$508; 7 nights: US$677 (all per person, double, all-inclusive).

Dec. 19-26 and Dec 26-Jan 02; 7 night packages only, NO HOLIDAY SURCHARGES! Full schedule of tours (and Tikal) included, special Christmas Dinner; elegant Millennium Buffet with complimentary
Champagne, entertainment provided, too. US$896 per person, double for 7 nights.

Added on Date: 12:17:43 7/29/99

I'll come from france to Belize for diving, may be in 1999 or 2000
i'm looking for informations about diving in Belize after "Mitch"

how are the reefs, not too disturb , or it will be beter to come later ?

thank you for your answer

Added on Date: 12:27:48 7/29/99

I am looking for Belikin Beer in the USA. Can anybody HELP
or does anybody know how to import Belikin Beer

Added on Date: 15:11:36 7/29/99

I will be coming to Punta Gorda soon, and I was wondering what kind of activities I could pursue. I like camping, swimming in the ocean, etc. How far away is Dangriga? Are the beaches good there? What would the cost be to go to somewhere like Half Moon Caye? Thanks for the help.

Added on Date: 16:45:30 7/29/99

Does anyone know what the process is for bringing in a dog from Canada? Is there a quarantine?

Added on Date: 16:48:52 7/29/99

Does anyone know what the process is for bringing in a dog from Canada? Is there a quarantine?

Added on Date: 16:49:24 7/29/99

Does anyone know what the process is for bringing in a dog from Canada? Is there a quarantine?

Added on Date: 16:50:03 7/29/99

: I am looking for Belikin Beer in the USA. Can anybody HELP
: or does anybody know how to import Belikin Beer

The us does not carry belikin any where. and the only way you could get belikin in the states
is if you had someone bring it to you. Josh

Added on Date: 17:07:44 7/29/99

: Does anyone know what the process is for bringing in a dog from Canada? Is there a quarantine?

I believe you need a health certificate from your vet daes no more then two days prior to arrival. But best to email our Govt vet (also my vet and sometimes medical doctor) Dr Mike De Shield at deshield@btl.net and he'll give you the facts.

Best wishes,

Rover
Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 17:54:08 7/29/99

: I will be coming to Punta Gorda soon, and I was wondering what kind of activities I could pursue. I like camping, swimming in the ocean, etc. How far away is Dangriga? Are the beaches good there? What would the cost be to go to somewhere like Half Moon Caye? Thanks for the help.

Best to talk with someone in PG for specifics (Will Maheia at tide@btl.net), but definately all water activies, ruins, hiking, homes stays in the Maya Villages, caving and lots more. Fabulous jungle down that way, nice beaches as well. You need to get to Half Moon caye from further up north (Belize City, Ambergris or Caye Caulker).

Best,

Katie Valk
Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 17:58:15 7/29/99

I was there a little over 2 weeks ago, and it was far from being finished. There were only 2 empty earth-moving tractors, and nothing else. From what I saw, the new road is not much more elevated that the current one, and is closer to the lagoon. Who knows ???
OK

Added on Date: 18:43:38 7/29/99

: : I will be coming to Punta Gorda soon, and I was wondering what kind of activities I could pursue. I like camping, swimming in the ocean, etc. How far away is Dangriga? Are the beaches good there? What would the cost be to go to somewhere like Half Moon Caye? Thanks for the help.

: Best to talk with someone in PG for specifics (Will Maheia at tide@btl.net), but definately all water activies, ruins, hiking, homes stays in the Maya Villages, caving and lots more. Fabulous jungle down that way, nice beaches as well. You need to get to Half Moon caye from further up north (Belize City, Ambergris or Caye Caulker).

: Best,

: Katie Valk
: Maya Travel Services

theres tons to do Toledo Ecotourism ASSOCIATION TTEA@BTL.NET,Dem Dats Doin Ph.(7)22470 Lubaantun,Nim Li Punit,San Antonio&Blue creek check out barranco too

Added on Date: 19:55:35 7/29/99

My in-laws have a liveaboard and they are retiring this yr. We are looking at maybe Belize to bring the boat and live on it, We are inquiring on a few areas in S. America so far Belize is in the top running. Need to know if Marinas welcome liveaboards and if there is any web site on marinas and my be info. on living on a boat, or has anybody done this and would like to share some information with us. Thanks Barry

Added on Date: 23:13:03 7/29/99

: My in-laws have a liveaboard and they are retiring this yr. We are looking at maybe Belize to bring the boat and live on it, We are inquiring on a few areas in S. America so far Belize is in the top running. Need to know if Marinas welcome liveaboards and if there is any web site on marinas and my be info. on living on a boat, or has anybody done this and would like to share some information with us. Thanks Barry
Barry, How big is the boat. Only one protected marina that I know of in Belize and if you draw more that 5 feet and are bigger than 70' forget getting in there.

Added on Date: 00:58:40 7/30/99

:
: I'll come from france to Belize for diving, may be in 1999 or 2000
: i'm looking for informations about diving in Belize after "Mitch"

: how are the reefs, not too disturb , or it will be beter to come later ?

: thank you for your answer

Francois,
I dive the Barrier Reef in front of Belize City, the Turneffe Atoll, and Lighthouse Atoll. Not any major damage to report on any of the sites that I dive. Come on down and have fun.

Added on Date: 01:01:13 7/30/99

I am coming down for a holiday and am wondering what it is like regarding lesbian/gay life in Belize. Does it exist on a level where there are bars, etc?

Added on Date: 10:12:33 7/30/99

Does anyone know how much it costs to get to it?

Added on Date: 10:28:28 7/30/99

: Does anyone know how much it costs to get to it?

They are both snorkeling and scuba day and overnioght trips to the caye. You can get there from San pedro, Caye Caulker or Belize City.

Are you interested in camping there anf ro how long?

Maya Travel Services

Added on Date: 11:35:28 7/30/99

: I am coming down for a holiday and am wondering what it is like regarding lesbian/gay life in Belize. Does it exist on a level where there are bars, etc?

Yes, there are gay men and lesbians throughout Belize, but no gays bars as such. Our population is too small to support a bar specifically for gay people. Our largest city is Belize City with 70,000 people and we've got about 4 or 5 relativly small discos that everyone goes to. Mixed bag really. No problems with attitudes towards gay people, but no gay bars. Well, that I know of, but I'm sure I'd know.

Best wishes,

Katie Valk
Maya Travle Services

Added on Date: 11:43:58 7/30/99

There's a small resort with a fine reputation -- guest rooms, thatched-roof restaurant, and bar -- which you can lease and manage for a year or more...located in the heart of Placencia Village...the owner wants to play full-time for up to three years...write for details.

Added on Date: 12:01:11 7/30/99

: There's a small resort with a fine reputation -- guest rooms, thatched-roof restaurant, and bar -- which you can lease and manage for a year or more...located in the heart of Placencia Village...the owner wants to play full-time for up to three years...write for details.

Glen this sounds intresting E-mail with more info if you could mailto://john_christensen@mindspring.com

Added on Date: 12:37:48 7/30/99

We were in Belize this spring and brought back Gallon Jug Estate coffee. We are out and we are wondering if it is sold state-side? If not, can we have some sent to Wisconsin?

Added on Date: 12:41:11 7/30/99

: We were in Belize this spring and brought back Gallon Jug Estate coffee. We are out and we are wondering if it is sold state-side? If not, can we have some sent to Wisconsin?

Not sure, but you can contact the manufacturer at 011 501 27 7031 and ask.

Java Jane

Added on Date: 13:20:54 7/30/99

: : Does anyone know how much it costs to get to it?

: They are both snorkeling and scuba day and overnioght trips to the caye. You can get there from San pedro, Caye Caulker or Belize City.

: Are you interested in camping there anf ro how long?

: Maya Travel Services

Yes, I would like to camp there. I read that you need to get a permit? Where would I apply for that? What about a guesstimate of the cost to get there from Belize City?

Thanks for the help.

Added on Date: 13:42:39 7/30/99

: : I am coming down for a holiday and am wondering what it is like regarding lesbian/gay life in Belize. Does it exist on a level where there are bars, etc?

: Yes, there are gay men and lesbians throughout Belize, but no gays bars as such. Our population is too small to support a bar specifically for gay people. Our largest city is Belize City with 70,000 people and we've got about 4 or 5 relativly small discos that everyone goes to. Mixed bag really. No problems with attitudes towards gay people, but no gay bars. Well, that I know of, but I'm sure I'd know.

: Best wishes,

: Katie Valk
: Maya Travle Services

So basically it would be difficult to meet other lesbians in Belize? I would like to meet some women to talk and find out about what it's like being out in Belize.

Added on Date: 14:38:12 7/30/99

I read somewhere that there was a meatpie contest going on in Belize - can anyone tell me who the winner was - I would like to try these pies.

Added on Date: 14:43:57 7/30/99

As the premise here is taking advantage of anonimity....I would assume that the person is somewhat of a coward with a great many issues that need a therapists attention. Don't sweat it. If this guy had the courage of his/her conviction/threat they would be easier to track down.This is the same kind of jerk that makes rude noises in the 8th grade school assembly and hopes for a couple of laughs. Not enough guts to stand alone, though.: : Dear Avrail,

: : That's quite a frightening thing to find in one's e-mail. Can you trace the man's address in any way, shape or form? Can you contact his ISP and let them know you're getting threatening material from him? There must be some way to find him--are there any computer people out there reading this who can offer suggestions? Because I'm not certain, but this kind of thing is very probably against the law (threatening to "tear you to pieces" and such), so if you're reading this, Mr. Burlet, it isn't funny, and you're certainly not doing Belize any favors by defending your country with threats. Leave Avrail alone.

: : Jill

Added on Date: 15:59:40 7/30/99

As the premise here is taking advantage of anonimity....I would assume that the person is somewhat of a coward with a great many issues that need a therapists attention. Don't sweat it. If this guy had the courage of his/her conviction/threat they would be easier to track down.This is the same kind of jerk that makes rude noises in the 8th grade school assembly and hopes for a couple of laughs. Not enough guts to stand alone, though.: : Dear Avrail,

: : That's quite a frightening thing to find in one's e-mail. Can you trace the man's address in any way, shape or form? Can you contact his ISP and let them know you're getting threatening material from him? There must be some way to find him--are there any computer people out there reading this who can offer suggestions? Because I'm not certain, but this kind of thing is very probably against the law (threatening to "tear you to pieces" and such), so if you're reading this, Mr. Burlet, it isn't funny, and you're certainly not doing Belize any favors by defending your country with threats. Leave Avrail alone.

: : Jill

Added on Date: 15:59:56 7/30/99

: There's a small resort with a fine reputation -- guest rooms, thatched-roof restaurant, and bar -- which you can lease and manage for a year or more...located in the heart of Placencia Village...the owner wants to play full-time for up to three years...write for details.

Tired of being broke in Belize? I would warn any one to look hard and good at this offer befor you invest any money,check books for money made,bookings,up keep cost.Sounds like they want a caretaker that pays them.

Added on Date: 17:06:51 7/30/99

: I am coming down for a holiday and am wondering what it is like regarding lesbian/gay life in Belize. Does it exist on a level where there are bars, etc?

Lisa,Belizians hate gays& lesbians,last year a gay&lesbian cruse ship landed in Belize and people picked at the docks,the ship said it would never come back,if you come dont tell any one your gay.

Added on Date: 17:13:41 7/30/99

: I am coming down for a holiday and am wondering what it is like regarding lesbian/gay life in Belize. Does it exist on a level where there are bars, etc?

Have to side with Tom on this issue. Belize is still a very religious country. No abortions allowed plus birth control is really a touchy subject. If I were a lesbian going to Belize I would just keep it to myself. Unfortunately your choice of partners would be an affront to the men who still pride themselves on the number of children that they have and to be honest ususally if you have any odd quirks about you, you ususally end up just being driven from the town. Conformity is the norm.

Added on Date: 21:44:49 7/30/99

I will be in Belize, along with four others for one month. I would like to find a house to rent. Any suggestions on any rental property available for the end of January to the end of February?

Added on Date: 00:12:37 7/31/99

Where are you looking at to stay? Belize isn't BIG but you do need to give us some direction....
Ambergris Caye has lots of rentals but fewer are available elsewhere. They are there but you have to decide where you want to be.
: I will be in Belize, along with four others for one month. I would like to find a house to rent. Any suggestions on any rental property available for the end of January to the end of February?

Added on Date: 00:39:10 7/31/99

Once in Belize, how much does it cost for montly internet service.
Is it pay per use or flat rate. If you have any details pass it on. Thanks

Added on Date: 16:48:46 7/31/99

Is Kitty's the best place to stay in Placencia?
Is it easy to walk from Kitty's into town for dinner, etc? Any input appreciated.

Added on Date: 16:58:23 7/31/99

Has anyone stayed at Clarissa Falls?
We've dined and swam there, but are interested in staying there in the future. Anyone know the rates for a room with a bathroom?

Added on Date: 17:00:11 7/31/99

I think Kitty's is one of the best places. It's not the fanciest (Inn at Robert's Grove and the new units at Rum Point Inn are two that are far more deluxe) but it has a barefoot casual atmosphere that's hard to beat, and the beach here is excellent.

I see you're also asking about Clarissa Falls, which is a budget place. If you are a budget traveler, Kitty's may be a bit pricey for you. There are some moderate-priced rooms there, but most are in the high-moderate to expensive range (some are over US$100). In the budget/low moderate end (US$20 to $50), you might look at places like Deb & Dave's Last Resort, Seaspray, Trade Winds, Coconut Cottage, Ranguana Lodge and Barracuda & Jaguar Inn, among others. All of these are in the village.

You can walk to town from Kitty's, but it's a pretty good walk, not one you'd want to do when it's hot or after dark.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 20:03:35 7/31/99

A few of the things to do in and around Chaa Creek:

* Visit the Maya sites -- close to San Ignacio there's Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, El Pilar and Che Chem Ha caves, and in the Pine Ridge Caracol.

• Do a day or overnight trip to Tikal

* See butterfly farms -- besides the one at Chaa Creek there's Green Hills on the Mountain Pine Ridge Road and Tropical Wings near San Jose Succotz

* Go caving

* Go mountain bike riding

* Go horseback riding

* Do a day trip to the Belize Zoo, the capital of Belmopan, Guanacaste Park, and then down the Hummingbird a ways to Five Blues, Blue Hole (this area is very scenic)

* Day trip into the Pine Ridge to see waterfalls (NOT 1000-foot falls, which is a disappointment to most people) and caves

• Spend a morning (Saturday market day is best) in the town of San Ignacio -- really nice little town

* Lots more!

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 20:18:53 7/31/99

I agree with Katie and Judy (and by the way, Judy's Trek Stop is a great budget place).

Here's some info on camping in Belize from our new Belize Book of Lists 2000.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

>>

5 Good Options for Camping
At present, Belize attracts few campers or RV owners. Reason? Lack of facilities, and, at least in the past, discouragement by Belize authorities, who felt camping would encourage backpackers who spend little or nothing. Still, for the hardy camper or RV owner, Belize offers a new frontier. In most situations, a hammock is a better option than a tent. Who wants a fer-de-lance as a bedfellow? To camp on private land, you’ll need permission of the owner or caretaker. No public camping is available on Ambergris Caye, Belize’s most popular tourist destination.

Private Camp Sites
A number of lodging choices in Belize also offer camping space, usually for around US$5 a night or less. Many of these are in Cayo district, including The Trek Stop, Clarissa Falls, Caesar’s Place, Casa Maya, Cosmos, Midas, Bol’s, Blue Mountain Rider, Hilltop Camping, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and Ian Anderson’s. Camping is also available at Jungle Drift Lodge in Bermudian Landing, at Clive’s in Placencia, and elsewhere.

RV Camps
Travel trailers and recreational vehicles rarely make it as far south as Belize. Those that do will not find the kind of campgrounds common in the U.S. and even in Mexico. Two campgrounds are in Northern Belize: Caribbean Village in Corozal Town and Lagoon Campground north of town on the road to the Chetumal border crossing offer basic hook-ups for around US$10 to $15 a night. Some lodges in rural areas allow RV boondocking on their property.

National Parks
Camping generally is prohibited in Belize’s national parks and preserves without advance permission from the Forestry Department in Belmopan. The exceptions are Cockscomb Preserve in Stann Creek District which has a small campground (reserve through the Belize Audubon Society), and near Augustine village in the Mountain Pine Ridge. There also are camp sites near Five Blues Lake National Park at St. Margaret’s village.

Safari Camps
This is an option for those who want to save money but prefer the safety and comfort of a raised platform and other amenities. The Macal River Safari Camp at Chaa Creek in Cayo has the most upscale version, at around US$50 per person, with nicely furnished tents set up on platforms, and hearty meals provided. The Monkey Bay private reserve (there’s a river, but no bay and no monkeys) near Belmopan offers, at US$5 a person, a more basic version.

Remote Cayes
Kayakers and other sea travelers can usually find a place to camp, in primitive splendor, on remote cayes. However, note that many cayes, including some nearest the coast, are fringed with mangroves and offer poor camping and zillions of mosquitoes. Most of Belize’s islands are privately owned, so if there’s anyone around, ask permission before hanging your hammock. Half Moon Caye, in the first marine reserve in Belize, offers great camping, though getting there costs a lot of money and time — ask at the park warden’s office near the lighthouse for permission to camp.

Added on Date: 20:22:25 7/31/99

If you want candid information (as opposed to ads) you might check out our Web edition of Belize First Magazine. Two areas of it have info on living/Retiring in Belize. One is a 50-page section titled Living in Belize. Our Belize news update section also has the latest information on recent changes to the work permit and retirement laws.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 20:26:50 7/31/99

: Once in Belize, how much does it cost for montly internet service.
: Is it pay per use or flat rate. If you have any details pass it on. Thanks

Internet service in Belize is $2.00US per hour plus 8% sales tax. There is
a monthly $20.00US approx. connection fee, but this goes towards your first
10 hours.

If you're lucky enough to be visiting Ambergris Caye, drop by our Cyberplace
and get unlimited access for the day for $10.00US...coffee and cookies included.

Added on Date: 22:21:14 7/31/99

I don't believe Gallon Jug Estate coffee is available in the U.S. Barry Bowen was going to sell it via a Web site, but I don't think that has happened yet.

Gallon Jug only roasts about 25,000 pounds a year now, a small amount even by speciality roaster standards. A single coffee shop in the U.S. would do that amount. So, until production gears up a bit, I wouldn't look for much Belize coffee in the U.S., if ever.

In general, Belize is not suited for high-quality coffee production. The best coffees are grown at 3500-5000 feet (or so) altitude. Gallon Jug is only at about 400 feet, and the highest altitude in Belize is around 3750 feet.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine
(We hand-roast and sell Jaguar Blend, which has a small amount of Belize coffees in it, but it is mostly Costa Rican and Guatemalan beans -- see our Caribbean Coast Web site at http://www.turq.com/equator/ for information on mail order.)

Added on Date: 23:23:47 7/31/99

Godsman Ellis was present at the new incident (coincidentally he also was present at the May 1998 Hummingbird incident) and I believe his report is accurate.

--Lan Sluder

Added on Date: 23:27:14 7/31/99

Excellent people photos!

--Lan Sluder
Editor & Publisher
Belize First Magazine

Added on Date: 23:30:27 7/31/99