Belize Speaks English!

Central America provides the traveler with an astonishing array of adventure and beauty.  From breath taking vistas a top its many volcanoes, to its’ isolated beaches sandwiched between the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans.  From El Salvador to Panama, the region beckons for exploration, investigation and enjoyment

However, one problem occurs for most U.S. tourists.  That problem is the language.  Better defined,  is the lack of our ability to converse in Spanish.  This problem steals from the experience. Not only does it isolate us from the normal day to day conversations of the public, but it also adds to our frustration in everything from renting a car to ordering food.   Making the inhabitants of Central America seem alien and difficult because of our inability to communicate with them.

One country is different.  Belize.   Perched at the north east corner of Central America, the official language of Belize is English!   Once an English Colony, British Honduras became an independent nation in 1981.  The country changed its name to Belize, but maintained English as the language of choice.   The historic ties to Jamaica are heard in the rhythms and delivery of the natives’ speech.   

Belize is a small country, rectangular in shape.  One can drive from the east coast to the western border in a couple of hours.  Driving the length of the country takes longer due to the increased distance and the decreased maintenance of the highways.

As spectacular as the country is, like all nations, it’s the people that make it special.  Belize is certainly no exception.  Not only is the local population open and cheerful, but they possess a seemingly genuine interest is communicating.  At a restaurant in Belize City, my waitress not only served me, but then sat down and entered into a conversation with me over dinner.  

Another time, the man that was serving as my guide into the rain forest was as informative about local politics as he was on Howler Monkeys.  I learned of his views, his family, his childhood, etc.  In general I learned about Belize as I learned about him.  

Beside the enjoyment factor, safety also comes along with a common language.  Warnings, written and verbal take on more meaning with one can understand and realistically determine the risk.  One lunch time placard advertised a “Cow Foot” soup special.  Perhaps I may have missed out on a local culinary specialty, but by understanding what I was to be ingesting helped me make an alternative selection more to my liking.

Belize, like all of Central America is a land of great scenery and history.  Yet it alone provides the non Spanish speaking traveler the opportunity to really delve into the culture.  The culture communicated to you by, guides, waitresses, taxi drivers and more.  The past and current Belize comes alive as it is told to you by the countries most valuable commodity of all, its people.

Belize Zoo - Lions and Tigers and Bears, "Oh No!"

 

If you are looking for cages filled with animals from Africa, Asia or the Antarctica, you had better reset your course for San Diego.    However, if you find yourself in Belize I would encourage you to seek out the Belize Zoo.  It advertises itself as the “Best Little Zoo in the World”.  Whether that’s true or not, the claim is certainly not without merit.

Located just north of Belize City, the facility is easy accessible.  Housed within the confines of a rain forest, it’s easy for the visitor to feel like they are on an expedition.  The grounds span across 29 acres encased under the tropical canopy.  Well groomed dirt paths lead you to the ticket office where once a ticket is purchased you are allowed to enter into the local menagerie.

Exotic animals abound, over a 150 in total, all indigenous to Belize.    Brightly colored reptiles and amphibians are showcased along with their more camouflaged kin.   Blue frogs and red hued snakes lurk silently behind glass, while crocodiles lay almost lifeless in pools of water.  Information is given to the viewer that new species are still being discovered annually.

With 543 species of birds living in Belize the zoo only houses a small sample of its population.  For me the giant black vulture was memorable, and who can visit a jungle without thinking of the toucan.  

As for the mammals, the large cats are definitely must sees.  Ocelots to jaguars are showcased.  I learned that a black panther was just the latter with a pigmentation disorder.  Tapirs and Howler monkeys may be less dangerous, but no less exotic.  It’s quickly apparent on how close you can actually get to the animals.  Although secure, tourists’ views are not hampered by moats or other large separation obstacles.

There are several paths that you can follow, all wind and meander throughout the establishment.  It is impossible to get lost, but it is easy to pass by exhibits if you are not careful.  Maps are provided and I would strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of them. 

Although it is easy enough to view the zoo in one day, lodging is available at the park.  Three types of hospitality are offered.  The top, a single cabin priced at $84 dollars, $60 dollars will get you a mid level cabana, and for those on a budget, dormitory housing is available for just over $30 a night.

The zoo provides a glimpse into the animals and fauna that abound in Belize.  Arguments can be made for or against the morality of such establishments.  However, here in the dense jungles of Central America, it would be virtually impossible to spot even one of these secretive, illusive animals.  In its favor, the zoo provides education and exhibits on the importance of conservation.  A central theme is that if we were all more attentive and practiced better conservation methods, perhaps zoos would not be necessary.

Belize and My Bucket List Full of Tear

Long before I had heard the term “Bucket List” I had compiled my own set of adventures that I wanted to experience prior to my demise.  Towards the top of my goals was travel to and the exploration of Central America.

Of those Latin American countries, Belize was an easy choice.  First and foremost the nation’s language is English.  Second the cost of living is inexpensive, and last but not least the area holds a plethora of activities.

My order was quite simple:

1.      Relax a couple of days by the beautiful Caribbean Sea

2.      Visit the Belize Zoo and Baboon Sanctuary

3.      Explore the Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha, Xunantunich,  and Cahal Pech

4.      Hike through the jungle and spelunk in the Lost World Cave

I choose to do the hiking and spelunking at the end of my trip as it was what I was looking most forward to and I wanted to save the best for last.  It turned out to be my best and worst trip.

After spending a couple of days in Belize City I took off for the Zoo and Baboon Sanctuary.  Both were interesting as well as educational.  Note to the reader, Belize Baboons are actually Howler Monkeys. 

Next it was off to the ruins of Altun Ha.  It was here the Crystal Skull was found.  Again a note to the reader, the skull was jade not crystal.  Temples and other buildings have been unearthed and now sit amongst well manicured lawns.  Unlike travel in the U.S., here one can freely walk or scramble upon the hundreds of steps of the structures.  Xunantuich was equally as impressive if not more.  Knowing that from the high terraces you can scan the panorama and imagine many of the hills in the distance may well hold other undiscovered ruins.  Cahal Pech was the least impressive, but its completion meant I was closer to the “Lost World” tour. 

That evening things changed.  I awoke in the middle of the night to a pounding headache, a bloated stomach and severe nausea.  It did not take long for my body to begin expelling everything that I had drank or eaten in the prior few days.   

Armed with bottles of Pepto Bismol and Power Aide I made it back to Belize City and my original hotel.  With what little energy I had left I climbed into bed and turned on the T.V.  Low and behold what was on but “The Bucket List”?  For those whom are not familiar with the story line, it involves two men that are terminally ill.  The roles are played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  Amid their misery they talk about the so called “Bucket List” of activities they always wanted to do prior to dying.  Now with eternity calling it appears they will never achieve their goals. 

Its funny how ones mind works.  But when you are sick and alone in a foreign country it’s quite easy to deduce that this could be your final curtain as well.  In between trips to the bathroom I bonded with the movies characters.  Even though I think of myself as a rough and rugged individual I found myself literally crying.  The tears were as much for me as for the movie.  Together, Jack, Morgan and I lay in bed sick, vomiting and sobbing over what could have and should have been.

I now travel with a different action itinerary.  I would encourage the reader to adopt these tips as well.

            1.  Always schedule the most desirable activity first

            2.  Always travel with someone if possible

            3.  Always travel with plenty of Imodium A.D. and Tylenol Flu

            4.  Remember to keep your mouth shut in the shower

            5.  And last but not least -Never watch sad movies on vacation.