A Fish Out of Water

Ficha 4 × 1

Date: 12/01/2013 to 13/01/2013

Path: We crossed the border to Santa Elena, and take the Northern Highway straight to the heart of Belize City.

Belize – A Fish Out of Water

We take our coffee in the morning in Laguna Bacalar, Tanajura to prepare and we put on the road. After almost two months since we crossed the border at Tijuana, were finally, dismissing us from Mexico, um country that will leave you longing. Mas tínhamos to follow! He was ahead, the unknown for the Americas Expedition 4×1, the region over which knew less. And we come ready with the country that is perhaps the most unique among his neighbors. A nation of different color, different rates, different language. Nothing more exotic than Belize to give a warm welcome to our trip through Central America.

From the moment that crossed the border of Mexico, things began to change. The appearance of the indigenous people in the streets gradually gave way to black. The plates were already scarce in Spanish, and the new indicated all in English. And where were the tacos and burritos? It was as if we had crossed the border and a portal out elsewhere in the world.

Belize is definitely a fish out of water in Central America. Continental countries, is the only one with English colonial influence. Not for less, the country's official language is English. But with an English accent different. To be where you are, Belize also speaks much Spanish and Creole, a language derived from English, with influence from Spanish.

The Mayans dominated the region until the mid seventeenth century British explorers reached the coast, interested in the abundant wood. The Spaniards had not yet reached this region at the time. Known as British Honduras in colonial times, Belize gained its current name only in 1973, when he had greater political independence from Great- Brittany. But even the independence of truth only came in 1981, with U.S. mediation. Your neighbor, in Guatemala, still does not recognize Belize as an independent state and its territory cries for you.

The country is a veritable jumble of customs and traditions of Indians, black and white. Belizenha The population is composed mostly by people of multiracial descent. About half of the population is mestizo origin (Mayan and European), fourth is of African descent and african-European (Creole), about 10% Maya and are about 6% are african-Amerindian (Garifuna). The remainder includes groups of European origin, indiana, Chinese, North American and Middle Eastern.

But not only the cultural richness and uniqueness of living Belize. Nature has been very generous with the country. Besides the rich fauna and flora of the forest, belizenha the coast is something to impress. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (world's second largest) cuts off the coast of the country from north to south and provides a world apart under the sea. O Blue Hole, a huge hole in the middle of the sea, is a real nature reserve, and lives up to the reputation it has among the world divers. Near the coast, several islands (or cayes as local calls) offer paradisiacal scenarios and are the starting point for underwater exploration.

Barely into the country and take direction towards the coast. The destination was the Caribbean islands. To alcançá-what, needed was a stop in Belize City, largest city with just over 60 thousand inhabitants (Belize has in total about 330 thousand inhabitants, smaller than Santos City!) and mistakenly taken as its capital (the officer is Belmopan!). The place was in chaos! Old cars and fill the noisy city center, where crowds wander the slums. The houses were more like shacks, and at first gave the impression that we were in a real slum.

A Tanajura, as it could not be, drew the attention of local, that every time they approached the car to say anything. The Belizeans like to talk, within minutes in the city met a handful of nuts. But we can not deny his sympathy. One, hilarious name was Charles. Obtained our attention by almost 40 minutes to give us a history lesson of Belize. Ele was Professor Universitário, but the appearance was more that of a street beggar. Trial that soon falls apart in a few minutes of conversation. They made us "Ambassadors of Belize" (entitled to everything and pledge!), for us to speak well of the country worldwide. Contained!

Our first mission was to find in the city where we'd grab the boat to Caye Caulker, an island a few miles off the coast and a major tourist destination in the country. After Magdalena (nosso GPS) guide us in circles for a long time, few questions for locals to come and agencies that transport to check prices and schedules. As it was late afternoon and the last boat was to leave, decided to spend the night in the same chaos and then to the island the next morning.

The dollar Belizean worth almost the same as a real, then we lose the advantage we had in Exchange. The country ends up being relatively expensive to eat and stay, if one compares to Mexico. We ended up having dinner at our hostel, o Seaside Guest House, near the waterfront. The place is tidy and the owner / hostess / cook made a supper for us right there. To complete or curriculum, she was active player selection of professional football in Belize. When we asked what we could do for Saturday night, She invited us for a ride in the city.

The owner Elize guided us through the city streets, that were strikingly empty. We found that local people were trapped at home in recent days, after a series of brutal murders bizarrely, result of reckoning between gangs and police, occurred in the city. Really say that Belize City is not the safest, and indeed, feel a little afraid to walk the streets.

That was when she showed us where was the buzz. Num Fomos stop boteco, those well fubeca, where locals were enjoying worth karaoke. Dining! We were not able to take a local beer (Belikin) in the company of a dog that followed us the whole way to the bar. It was a curious experience at least.

We seek to guides and conversations with the locals somewhere to meet in the city, but it was hard to find something. Belize City is not there a very touristy town, much less friendly. Court entered no, passed the Government Palace, and arrived by chance in a Cultural Center, which is home to several presentations in the city. Not so much as a museum, but we could see something, mainly national heritage that is the Punta Rock, a rhythm of traditional Garifuna people.

If we had something we liked in Belize City, was the food. The spices, com pimenta and coco, reminiscent of Caribbean cuisine. Variety had not, but what he had was very good. Seasoned chicken, rice mixed with beans and banana fried or roasted. Simple and tasty.

Log in Belize was like a shock. Looking, already realized that this was the strangest place we've been during the entire trip so far. And those were just our first few days in Central America.

For more photos of Belize City, click here!