Belize

Belize is a beautiful and amazing country with wonderfully kind people. I like to watch shows like House Hunters International for ideas of places to visit and possibly live in. It was a great addition at the end of visiting Guatemala as it is also rich in Mayan history.

Belize was once part of the extensive Maya civilization. The Maya built extensive cities that had developed advanced knowledge in mathematics, astronomy, and architecture.

The Spanish arrived in the 16th century, but they found it challenging to control the area due to the resistance from the Maya and the dense jungles.

The Spanish arrived in the 16th century but had difficulty maintaining control due to the Mayans and the dense jungle. In the 17th century, British pirates and loggers began settling in Belize. The wood of value was logwood and mahogany. Eventually the British had dominance.

In 1862, Belize became a British colony known as British Honduras. African slaves were brought in for logging.

In 1964 they earned the right of self-government. But they didn’t gain full independence until September 21, 1981. Belize has a democratic government and its economy is focused on tourism and agriculture.

It has a diverse culture with influences from its Maya heritage, British colonial past, and various ethnic groups (Creole, Mestizo…)

I took a food tour of Belize city. We are fish enchiladas and also taquitos.

Belizean treats which is a jam tart and a coconut tart.

I usually only try new flavors of ice cream. But these two are my favorite: soursop also known as uvilla and craboo which is known as guanábana.

We also stopped at a rum factory. The coconut rum was heavenly.

We toured around the various areas of the city. It really is an amazing city and possibly on the list for a retirement place.

Now to prepare for the flights back to the US and to see family.  I do miss them.