Belize was another short trip, but one that I am glad that I got to make. Coming into belize City after a downpour, the first afternoon was hot and humid. But as we approached our hotel in Fort George, the rain lifted, the afternoon began and the people began to crowd the streets.
The locals who I met during my time there were some of the most friendly people that I have met while traveling. One might directly correlate this to the fact that several days per week that cruise ships dock offshore and allow their passengers to come ashore on lorries or shuttle boats, but their demeanor seemed more than just on the surface. The were very authentic in their friendliness and pride in their country and many of them were willing to stop and talk with you about it. One man, who described himself as the Prince, son of the greatest storyteller ever in Belize and therefore the second best storyteller, spun a fifteen minute dissertation on Belize, the origin of the name and the history behind Belize, Belikin and the Mayan influence that permeates the area. I hesitate to expound as I could not do justice to the Prince, but it was a highlight to have such a anecdote ridden historical lecture from the man. Let's just say that Belize is unbelizeable and the Prince belized it as well!
We sought out and discovered some very good and authentic caribbean food and even had time to sling back a few Belikin beers, and the local brew always makes a visit worthwhile...well, most of the time!