July 4, 2016
Belize - Day 2&3
For us, rough starts usually lead to smooth sailing. Our second day in Belize was no exception. If you read our Belize Day 1 Blog Post: “How about a little Jerk with your chicken?” then you know our first day didn’t go so well. The next morning, we packed up and decided to move on to a campsite on the other side of the Bay.
First, a stop at the local ATM to get some Belizean dallahs, as money is called locally. The exchange rate here is basically 1 USD to 2 BZN, a far cry from the 18 to 1 we experienced in Mexico.
Seeing past blog posts from other Overlanders who’ve gone before us, we knew we needed to take a hand-cranked ferry over a river to get to our destination. What we didn’t know is that there would be two ferries to board or how cool an experience it would be.
The ferry cost us nothing but a small tip and dash of courage. Its always hard putting the well-being of your vehicle, in our case everything we own, in the hands of another person, particularly when there is a body of water involved.
Once over the river we road down a long dirt road to our campsite, a place called Backpacker’s Paradise. When we first pulled up, I wasn’t sure what to think – it was dusty, a little rundown and had a few barking dogs to welcome us. After meeting the owner and getting a full tour, we knew this was the place we wanted to stay – its awesome! The campground has small cabinas, three horses that live on site, mango trees, excellent wi-fi, clean bathrooms and showers (with toilet seats and toilet paper!), power hookups and offers breakfast with organic Belizean coffee. The owner, Nathalie, has a French mother, a distinctly European look and an Asian last name. She embodies the diversity we have found in the locals – complete with Rastafarian Asians, Mennonites, Spanish-speaking farmers and European expats.
We circled our wagons, and began setting up camp, filled with relief that there would be no middle of the night harassment.
After setting up our little overlander square, we headed down to the shore for a swim. What we found was nothing short of amazing.
First impressions aside, I think Belize is going to be a rockin' good time – there is Reggae music and crystal blue waters all around us. There are ruins and Cenotes to explore, islands to invade, Caribbean towns to check out and lets not forget the snorkeling that is supposed to be some of the best on earth.
So long for now - or as the Belizeans say, "Cut da rope shaut" (or, don't take so long on the toilet).