Farewell to Belize: Tuesday, June 9

We had another nice (free) breakfast at the GVH. I noticed the imprint on the back handle of my spoon:
FLING EAGLE MACE IN CHINA
There was a flying eagle picture in the middle of the words.

We relaxed in our room and then checked out at about 10:30 a.m. On the way into Belize City, we stopped at the best grocery we found, a big, modern store called Brodies. It was similar to a Fred Meyer, with all the grocery, non-food, clothing, hardware, etc. that you could want. Depending on the item, the price could be reasonable or high. It was the only large building we entered that was completely air conditioned. I saw one employee with her arms under her apron, trying to keep warm! There appeared to be nice apartments near the store, with a gated entrance. It's one of the few areas in the city that felt comfortable and safe to us.

We drove around Belize City a little, then found HL's Burger and stopped for lunch. Two cheeseburgers and one fry order came to $12.50 BZ. It was a slightly scary location and a small, run-down joint, but the food was awesome, much better than US fast food! The burgers had a rich, sausage-like flavor and the buns were fresh and made locally. The fries were crisp and slightly sweet. It was interesting – Dean saw the gal take the burgers out of the pop machine. I guess that serves as an all-purpose cooler! She also grabbed a couple plastic forks, rinsed them off, then handed them to us. We decided not to use them. Some adorable schoolgirls in uniform came in briefly. All schoolchildren seem to wear uniforms there, each school used unique colors.

Next we kept driving and found the Ford George Lighthouse area. We sat in the sun for a little bit. We're both very anxious to get home! The trip was over at this point and we wanted to see our kids right then! Dean was also a bit nervous to get checked in at the airport. We drove the scenic route to Ladyville and returned the Trooper. We nicknamed it the “Trooper in a Stupor” because it had no power, particularly when it came to passing on the highway. We got all checked in at the airport, choked at the $35.50 US we each had to pay as exit tax, and settled in the terminal to wait the 1½ hours until it would be time to board the plane. It was nice and cool at least!

Miscellaneous Memories:
Several times we saw an adult riding a bicycle with a child sitting in front of them on the bar (perhaps with a special little seat?)

Many people riding motorcycles while doing other things (eating, dialing a cell phone, carrying things) and none wearing a helmet.

Truckloads full of people sitting or standing in the back, driving fast.

Crazy driving, passing, recklessness. Multiple cars passing at the same time, passing in all kids of conditions, etc. I don't think there is a driving test in Belize...

Those crazy speed bump and pedestrian ramps!

The coastal areas are far more humid-feeling than inland, but they also seem to have better, more consistent breezes.

Small restaurants and shops were everywhere. Many roadside fruit stands. Almost everyone is selling something to try to make a living or supplement their income.

Don't judge a business by its appearance.

Don't judge a road by the first few miles – you never know what is beyond. A rough, dirt road can lead to something very nice.

Don't take hotel amenities for granted. In Belize, we usually did without Kleenex, washcloths, white towels (old, gray ones are the usual), a separate hand towel, the ability to flush the toilet paper, lots of water pressure, bathroom fan, phone in the room, and drinkable water.

Smile, say hello, and strike up a conversation with people. They all have a story and interesting things to share.