After six months in Mexico, it was with a heavy heart continues to Belize. The departure from Mexico proved generally considered uncomplicated. Unfortunately we had thrown away our receipt of entry fee and thus had to pay the fee again. We learn again what it and then keep on getting all receipts, so meaningless it may seem too because you can never know. On Belizian side everything was different. It spoke English again and everything else was a bit more complicated. Our arrival was not a problem, we got the 30 days tourist visa. Upon entry, it’s free, 20 US dollars per adult are payable upon departure. Our mobile home was close look at even the obligatory look into the fridge. Well, the lady had not been discovered by customs our vegetables in the bottom flap, imports were actually banned. The bikes were noted, they were well on exit still all there. Then Emma had to be presented to the official veterinarian. We had with the necessary papers and yet had to pay just to take our dog to the stately fee of 45USDollar. On import, we then scrape with our motorhome still a terribly high Topes before we bought the compulsory car insurance in the next building. Now our dollar supply was exhausted and we got a first taste of the price structure in the country. Then Emma had to be presented to the official veterinarian. We had with the necessary papers and yet had to pay just to take our dog to the stately fee of 45USDollar. On import, we then scrape with our motorhome still a terribly high Topes before we bought the compulsory car insurance in the next building. Now our dollar supply was exhausted and we got a first taste of the price structure in the country. Then Emma had to be presented to the official veterinarian. We had with the necessary papers and yet had to pay just to take our dog to the stately fee of 45USDollar. On import, we then scrape with our motorhome still a terribly high Topes before we bought the compulsory car insurance in the next building. Now our dollar supply was exhausted and we got a first taste of the price structure in the country.

On the streets there Belizean let himself go easily, even if the highways each consisted of only one lane in each direction and the whole thing with no centerline or shoulder. There were almost no traffic. In Corozol, the first city in the north of Belize, we covered a to invest this right in the next good pizzeria with sea view us with cash. We went on a nice campsite with views of the river through countless sugarcane fields to Orange Walk. We explored the town, covered us with the necessary vegetables one of the stalls and had the first contact with the stores that are all firmly in Asian hands. Not just a shopping experience. The next day we went on a great trip up the river to the pyramids of Lamanai. We were impressed by the lush vegetation, the many iguanas, monkeys and many birds. After a typical lunch at the Pyramids, the tour took us to the highest, with great views of the jungle.

In Belize City, we then tested the health system and were glad to have nothing more serious. Noam had contracted an inflammation in the knee by mosquito bites and had to be fed with antibiotics. Both the doctor as well as the drugs were free for us as tourists.

From Belize City we undertook a two-day trip to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye on, a barrier island surrounded by a great reef. With dog in tow, the hotel selection was very limited and also the owner of the San Pedro hotel was not really excited about the effort we would do with an extra bed and dog. an additional 30 US dollars were paid to be able to stay at all. The island was well filled with Americans and it was noisy and stuffy that everything will run on petrol by many around roaring golf carts. The first impression was rather disappointing and Heike’s mood was not the best, but the trip was not exactly inexpensive. But Stefan and Noam were still full of anticipation for the snorkel trip. We found a great organizer, it was on the small boat space available and both children were free. In the early afternoon we made our two guides and four other guests on the Hol Chan Reef and Shark Alley. Noam snorkeled the whole tour just behind the guide behind and we saw small sharks, giant stingrays, moray eels, lots of colorful fish and more coral. Jala was meanwhile on the body board and was pushed by Stefan. However, the ocean was contrary to expectations cool, so Jala freezing paddled after half the time with Stefan back to the boat. Heike and Noam were frozen at the end of the tour and looked forward to the towels. We went to Shark Alley. Here our guides threw some fish as feed in the water and we were surrounded by more than ten nurse sharks. As long as one does not annoy these animals or harassed, they are peaceful. First we caressed the sharks from a boat and took finally all my courage and went up to these giant animals into the water. This was a truly unforgettable experience and the bad mood was long forgotten.

Back in Belize City we headed back on the road. We wanted to Spanish Lookout, in a true Mennonite community. Away from the highway, within the community, the streets were wide, paved and in good condition. The hills were lush and green, the environment clean and tidy and the houses chic. We felt like we were in Europe. To finally be able to buy good vegetable again we headed to the big grocery store in the village. Here you could get on food, fuel and everything for the crafts’ supplies of good quality at better prices. The people of the traditional community are still dressed like 100 years ago in Germany and talk to each other Low German. This community is the backbone of agriculture in Belize and also to assist you with high quality products. So there are many aluminum processing plants and plants that produce great wooden houses. We spent two quiet nights by the lake of the nonprofit parks and simply observed only.

Then we went further south. We had arranged to meet in Placencia with Gigi from Austria. Gigi has bought there in the Caribbean an island and we were very excited to meet him live. We all were looking forward immensely to this meeting and were overwhelmed how enriching can be such one week previously completely unknown people. Gigi organized about different people love in Placencia a place to camp. Here we were allowed to stand for a small donation to the local school all week. Guests from neighboring Fishing Lodge invited us for lobster and fish food and water, and the Internet, we were allowed free use. Gigi then we got to know Fred, who also owns a small island in the Caribbean. It took us a whole day on his boat with the Bird Iceland. What a paradise. We rounded the island in the canoe and snorkeled through the coral. We saw lots of huge starfish and an octopus. Thank you Fred for this unforgettable experience!

Whenever Gigi’s schedule permitted this we met with him. We had wonderful conversations with each other and the children found in Gigi “their Früünd”. For hours sat Noam with Gigi at the pier to fish and fish Noam was even allowed to keep Gigis fishing rod at the end of our visit. Even weeks later these Noam reminiscent of his great friend and is widely used. We actively pursue Gigis settle in Belize and wish him every day crossed that his project always runs only for his own good. We have full confidence that he can live his dream. Dear Gigi, thanks for the memorable week in Belize, this visit with you will always be our standard. See you again, then on your island!

After more than two weeks in Belize, we made our way to proceed. Blue Hole National Park we explored the St. Hermann’s cave and then drove on to the border town of San Ignacio. Here we first met Walther and Melisa which we then met again later in Guatemala. Equipped with the most necessary supplies and washed laundry to our journey was delayed but then one day, as Jala feverish with beginning cough. But the spit was the next day over and our onward trip to Guatemala was nothing in the way.

You can do it, or not. Our time with Gigi was the absolute highlight and the trip was well worth hundertausendmal. Also to see how the traditional Mennonites still live impressed us. The exuberant nature was nice, but all roads are not paved in remote areas and not suitable for our motorhome. Also can be many tours going to do with a guide, which is really not cheap. The availability of good food is more scarce and up to the shops in the Mennonite church all the others are in Asian or Lebanese hand. Most products are imported from abroad and are twice as expensive as in these countries. We also had time and again on the expiration date of the eighth because often had expired goods for some time. This is also in chocolate bars and pudding powder. The regular presence of Americans and Canadians who with their villas pave over the Caribbean coast and fuel the speculation with all the “for sale” signs has us thinking. In addition, we met namely many locals who live in really very modest circumstances and their chances do not improve by such a parallel society.