Belize So much More

More than just a Destination 

Belize is a little-known country located in Central America, to the West it is bordered by Guatemala, to the South Honduras, to the north Mexico and to the east it is the Caribbean 

A population of just over 400,000, but what makes this population amazing is the diversity that you will find inside of it.

I learned the other Day that the Belize comes from the Word Belixet which means Muddy waters, it was only Changed to Belize because it sounds so much better. 

You can access Belize directly from USA, Guatemala, Mexico and Panama via plane. If coming from Europe you have to take the more unconventional route of stopping in USA, Cancun or Guatemala to get here. But hopefully in the future this amazing country will get more direct international flights so people can discover the beauty and diversity that it holds. 

Local Experience

Enjoy the local experiences. Many people do not simply want to experience a life similar to their own, but in a different location. Instead, they want to experience an authentic way of life in the location they visit. Belize is responding to this, in order to cater to these demands Belize provides local products, to offer a more authentic guest experience. collaborate with local enterprises to deliver to you those different experiences 

Some people like to vacation without a firm schedule or plans. They say it makes them feel more like locals and less like visitors. 

One of the best ways to experience Belize like a local is to travel the way locals do. Some of Belize's highways are wonderfully scenic, and driving along them gives you the chance to check out some new places.

Since roads can be confusing and difficult to drive for a newbie, we recommend hiring a shuttle service for those longer trips. If you're traveling to one of the islands near Belize, take a water taxi for a scenic ride across the water. In some places, you'll have to go slowly whether you want to or not. Several towns and cities are off-limits to cars, as is the entire island of Caye Caulker: When you explore by foot, bicycle or golf cart, you get a chance to truly savour your surroundings. Eat Local Favourites If you get hungry during your explorations, eat at a local restaurant 

A Country with so Much 

What a lot of people do not understand about Belize is the actual size of the country, it is very small and therefore travelling from one destination to the next is far from time consuming and the pleasure you can obtain from see the change in the country’s topography is satisfying, so satisfying that your mind imagination can wonder. 

Put it this way in the Space of 12 Hours you can go from Reefs, to islands, to coastal, to savannah, to farm lands, to hills and mountains and then into jungle without leaving the country. There are not many countries that can do that in the space of 12 Hours. 

Diverse Food & Drinks

Here in Belize there is a diverse range of cuisine with melting pot of cultures, Belizean cuisine is like no other. Belizean cuisine reflects the countries culture and rich history encompassing a blend of Mayan, Indian, Chinese, and many other cultures.

As Central America's gateway to the Caribbean, the beautiful beaches of Belize welcomed a fascinating parade of immigrants from remote corners of the globe. When all of these cultures came to peacefully coexist in such a small geography, their food was magically infused with a worldly flair. That is why Belizean cuisine today is unlike that of any other country, yet hints at certain familiar tastes and influences you may have experienced from all corners of the world.

Food takes us on culinary adventures around the world, engaging all our senses, invigorating our taste buds, and leaving us craving more.

Food - it sustains us, brings people together and comforts us. It excites us and leads us to seek immersive and culinary travel experiences. Today, Belize is fast becoming a foodie destination. Agritourism and environmental sustainability are at the forefront of many resorts core practices, allowing guests to experience food served in its purest forms. The rich soil all over this Jewel of Belize allows for much wholesome and nutritious produce to be served.

The Mestizo; 

Spanish, Mexican, and Maya influences dominate their palette. Corn is a staple and plays a significant role in all meals throughout The day, whether it takes the form of a tortilla, or in tamales, bollos or tamalitos. Spicy and colourful peppers are an essential ingredient in virtually every dish, while black beans, squash, plantains and fresh fruit accent most menus. Owing to the far reach of the Mestizo across Belize, and the savory appeal of the cuisine, traditional Mestizo foods like Relleno negro, escabeche, tamales, tacos, panades, and garnaches have become favorites of all the diverse cultural groups in Belize.

The Chinese

The Chinese have been able to maintain the richness of their unique culture, religious beliefs, customs, celebrations, language, and especially food of course, Chinese food in Belize had to adapt some tropical substitutions for traditional ingredients, which is what gives our Chinese food its distinctive Belizean Flair A lot of the food here in the Caribbean and Belize is concentrated on Starch, flour, bread 

The Garifuna

A rich tapestry of rituals, traditions, and artistry, Garifuna culture is a vibrant blend of African, Caribbean, and Belizean influences. The fascinating Garifuna language is an amalgam of Arawak, French, Creole, Maya, Spanish, and English words. Further, their dishes include Garifuna fish sere, cassava bread, bundiga (fish soup), hudut, and darasa.

The Maya   

Hunters and progressive farmers, the Maya grew most of their crops locally and harvested the animals needed to sustain such immense populations. A variety of fruits, vegetables, animals, plants, and spices were imported and heavily influenced the Maya palate. While Maya culture contributed many savoury foods, that endure to this day, most foodies would agree chocolate is among the greatest gifts the ancient world provided to modern-day civilization.

The Creole

The creole diet can be as diverse as their genealogy. Breakfast is usually Johnny cakes or fry jacks. Rice - and beans is virtually a daily occurrence, usually with some kind of meat which could include: chicken, fish, conch, iguana, deer, peccary or gibnut. Food is always accompanied with fried ripe plantains. Other delicacies also include Cow foot soup and conch soup. Desserts may include fudge, tableta, potato pound, lemon pie, and milk cake. In addition, common homemade local wines are typically made from berries, cashews, sorrel, grapefruit or rice.

The Mennonites

Belize is land of infinite contrasts, and one of the more intriguing contrasts is the Mennonite people in Belize. Virtually every Belizean in the country benefits from Mennonite agricultural and lumber products. Moreover, Mennonites supply the entire country with Chicken, rice, milk, vegetables, eggs, cheese, fruits, furniture, woodcrafts and much more. Their contribution to Belizean culture and the economy cannot be overstated.

The East Indians

Today, East Indians or Indo-Belizeans represent about three percent of the Belizean population. In fact, East Indians were some of the first to be brought to Belize a large majority turned to entrepreneurial - ventures through their saved wages. Undoubtedly, East Indians have immensely contributed to Belize's culture landscape, including food. Favourites still enjoyed today is cohune cabbage, dhal roti, turmeric-based curry, and more.

The Lebanese

Lastly, known for their hospitality and generosity. Lebanese people share their delicious food traditions with Belizeans. Favourites include kibbeh and hummus. Lebanese foods are characterized by the liberal use of herbs and spices, especially mint, thyme, saffron, and turmeric. Many meals feature lamb or chicken, accented by tahini, yogurts, and grains. People want to be as healthy as possible, with people becoming more aware of the things they are putting in their bodies, leading to healthy food and drinks trends.  but when you see the way of life in Belize you have to think to yourself “wow” that is different!

THE WILDLIFE & NATURE 

The eco system in Belize is second to none with such a diverse level of product, plants, flora, fauna and wildlife, that you are quite literally spoilt when you come here. Yes, Belize does not have the so called “big 5” that Africa has but they have their own level of animal which are in their own right substantial animals if you meet them face to face alone in the Jungle. The Jaguar may not be the biggest cat in the family but it has the strongest bite, a bite that can crush a crocodile’s skull! 

From the Jungles of the west to the Islands in the east and the savannahs in between and the bountiful rivers that you have flowing through the country amounts for a lot of fertile land. 

Away from the wildlife you have so much history here with the Mayan Civilisation and I presume there is so much more to discover, just the other day a new area over 1000 years old was discovered

One of the great adventures you can enjoy in Belize is the “Cave tubing” where you sit on a inflatable tubes and catch the streams in caverns and float through the caves where the Mayans once used to perform rituals to the gods, yes sacrifices were made in these caves and you will come across some artifacts that are well preserved in the caves for all to see. 

So, people who have moved here have created some amazing adventures like zipline and have used their skills for the pleasure of others to enjoy, yes there is Zip lining but how about ziplining into a cave and through it, now that is a Surreal experience. Not only do you zip line, you get to immerse yourself with the jungle and learn about the Mayans living in the jungle and how they survived without all the modern day technology. 

 Other people who came here have taken their love of a product and turned it into a business just like the owners of Lamanai Chocolate, it is nothing spectacular like Hershey, Nestle or Cadbury but it is true to the routes of chocolate of how is should be and how it was 

So, when all is said and done Belize is a country with so much potential, it is discovered and lived in but has so much more to offer and build, it is like having a blue print of some amazing potential of what it could become and what it has to offer. 

If you have not thought of a place to visit, well do your research on Belize and try something new, or if you are an entrepreneur with an amazing idea that could work here well this country has the potential to be your platform to be different. 

We need to look outside the big countries to support the smaller ones, get back to a way of life filled with living.