The first question most people ask is "where is Belize?". So for clarity, Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. Bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala in the south and the Caribbean sea in the east, its the only country in the region where English is the official language. Its a small country of about 22,800 square kilometres and a total population of 320 thousand plus people. But it is a beautiful, lush country that sits right on one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.
So with a pretty hectic and stressful month behind me, I decided to escape the hustle and bustle of the Houston front yard for some peace and quiet in Belize's backyard. The first thing I noticed was how amazingly friendly and welcoming the Belizians are. They love their country and are very proud to welcome you into it. Everyone from the kids on the street, to the golf buggy about to run you over, is happy and smiling. That's the other thing - no cars on Ambergris Caye where I escaped to. Only golf buggies and push bikes. So the air is clear, the sky blue and the ocean like bath water!! And the water and beach was what I was really looking for. The Belize Barrier Reef, as its known, is about 300km long (part of a much bigger 900km reef system making it second to the GBR in Queensland). The reef is Belize's top tourist destination and has some brilliant snorkeling and diving. Apparently, old Charlie Darwin described it as the "most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842 and he wasn't wrong.
San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, is tiny and reminded me a little of Thailand. It had some great little restaurants and bars - some of which are built out over the water, and serve not only great Rum Punch but also more lobster that this gal could ever eat! So that was a huge bonus. But I guess the main attraction for me was its history. Belize was (and still is) part of the Maya civilization which emerged three millennium ago on the Yucatan Peninsula. This fabulous culture still persists in the area despite 500 years of European settlement and domination. Locals will still tell you that they are Mayan and you can see it in many aspects of life from the architecture, to their paintings and sculptures and in the jewellery designs.
Having been to a couple of other Caribbean countries, Belize has a much slower pace and none of the big touristy glitz and glamour that you might find in say Grand Cayman.
Its old world and charming and is genuinely a place where "foot wear is not required"!!
