Whenever I talk to someone about how we sold everything and moved to Belize in 2013, I often receive the same questions. Did you work? Oh, then what did you do to stay busy?
Our days during this extended visit are somewhat the same as 2013, but logistics play a major role with what we can do. Some activities are easily reached on foot or bycicle, but many are not.
One form of entertainment is watching the critters on our porch. We have quite the food chain buzzing around from mosquitos to dragon flies to various birds, frogs, and all sizes of iguanas.
These porch viewing activities require zero energy from us. After our 3-5 mile walk each morning, we can sit on the couch and see what invaders come to life, or death, unfortunately.
It is common to see a bride and groom at any of the resorts on the island. We have a perfect view from our porch. I feel sorry for some of the grooms on a hot day!
There are two venues that advertise a farmers market once or twice a month. We drove south of town to one on the newest Hilton Curio property, Mahagony Bay Village.
I have to say, the participants offered a good variety of food and goods for sale. Delicious bakery items dominated, followed by jewelry, wine, women’s accessories, salsa, hummus, pet supplies, and make up.
This weekend I will be stopping at the holiday market closer to our condo. Not that I need to do any shopping, but I might want something for myself, or my tummy.
Crocs recently opened on the lagoon side of the island, facing the west, with beautiful views of each day’s sunset. We can stop there any day for an hour to watch the sun go down.
When the wind is calm, Darin likes to get out on the water on a paddle board. If we strap on our snorkel gear and head to the reef, we can swim around the coral and search for any sea life.
Mornings seem to be the best time to go out. We also try to time our trips with high tide because the water gets very shallow in places, especially at low tide.
I love taking pictures with my waterproof camera. I documented a lot of damaged coral from Hurricane Earl, but I’m only sharing happy pictures right now.
As we headed back to shore one day, two eagle rays swam around me. You never know what you will see, but I am happy for the exercise I get when we head out on the water. We are anxiously waiting for some new kayaks to arrive so we can give one a spin.
Once in a while we are invited to go boating. Our friend lives on a canal and we show up for an adventure armed with drinks and snacks. All of us load up in his boat and take off!
One day we headed north on the lagoon side. The water is shallow and usually very calm and clear. This side of the island has recently exploded with development, despite the crocodile population. I have also heard about sewage being dumped into the lagoon.
There are numerous fish traps not far off shore. Sticks are placed in the sand in a circle or square pattern with chicken wire wrapped around the perimeter. A hole is cut so that fish can enter but they can’t find their way out. Seems like easy fishing to me.
We pulled up to Secret Beach, which is far from secret now. Originally, it was a secluded area at the edge of a failed neighborhood development. Only one off-grid house was built when I visited four years ago. Now you can find bars, lounge chairs, and cottages going up. It is quite a drive from town if you travel by golf cart.
Another beach club has popped up south of town. We discovered it after we stopped for a drink at the Cozy Coconuts bar that opened under new ownership. South Beach didn’t look open the day we drove up.
I’m not sure what they are offering, but I will go back to check it out on a sunny day. It looks like they just opened for business a week or two ago.
One place we frequently visit is the Truck Stop. It is made up of five storage containers that are filled with eateries, a bar, and an ice cream shop. There is always something going on and it is a big hangout for expats, locals, and tourists.
We have played trivia several times and we attended the most recent family game night. Now you can see a movie on the outdoor screen while sitting in a brand new pool. The clever owners just added a second movie night each week. You can find something going on any day except Monday and Tuesday when they are closed.
Previously, when we lived in town, we would walk the shelter dogs on Friday mornings. I also led water aerobics three days a week with friends. The absolute best way to spend our time is playing tour guide for our visitors. We now have a golf cart to go anywhere on the island and a good friend will be arriving next week! Stay tuned for more adventures!