Belize | Words & Tricks

Travel to the Yucatan, Belize or Costa Rica

March 29th, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Uncategorized by Chris Pommier

If you’ve been debating a trip to the tropics this Winter, I can offer some advice about countries that I’ve visited. Mexico (specifically the Yucatan Peninsula), Belize, and Costa Rica.

I hope these articles are helpful to you in choosing your destination. It’s by no means an exhaustive list of what I learned during my trips. So, please, ask questions in the comments section, or send me an email at chris [at] chrispommier.com, and I’ll answer your questions as quickly and thoroughly as I can.

Where to?
How to choose a tropical destination

What to visit while you’re there.
Example Itineraries

Nearby Belize: Cancun, and Cozumel
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

A view from the tropics:
Pictures and photos!

Costa Rica, 2008
585 photos

Rainforest
277 photos

Reef
39 photos

Ruins
97 photos

4 differences between Belize and Costa Rica

January 30th, 2008 | 4 Comments | Posted in Advice, Travel by Chris Pommier

While Jonah and I braved the winding mountain roads above Arenal Lake on our way to Monteverde, I couldn’t help but think back to our travels in Belize a year ago. I’m admittedly biased against tropical vacations, and I’m easily distracted. Put those two traits together and I found myself wondering, what the hell was I doing here? Didn’t I see this palm tree last year? I swear, didn’t I hear that same bird in Belize?

To take my mind off the dizzying drop to my left, I listed a few of the differences between the two destinations. Our van dipped and lurched and clambered into the foothills as I counted … More »

Three Things I learned in Belize, plus One

January 15th, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in Advice by Chris Pommier

Here are some things they don’t tell you in the guidebooks:

The food in San Ignacio is phenomenal. No one really made much mention of food, generally saying that it wasn’t much to write home about. But Jonah and I beg to differ. The stewed chicken, rice and beans at Hanna’s in San Ignacio is right up there with the ruins at Xunantunich as one of my favorite experiences on this trip. Everything we had at Hanna’s was just wonderful and cheap! Two people could eat top-notch grub for around $20 US or less. We also recommend Serendib for curry and Sri Lankan food and Cafe Sol for some vegan and vegetarian options.
They don’t believe in sidewalks in Belize. When walking around town, watch for cars! You’ll get crowded onto the shoulder by speeding SUVs, Honda’s Toyotas (which seemed to be the manufacturer of choice down there) and other various and sundry vehicles. Also, watch the hills. Gravel can send you tumbling.
Toilets don’t generally take toilet paper. There’s usually a small waste paper basket near the toilet for your dirty TP. If you try and flush it might not go down. The what are you going to do?

Updated 1/19/07

I just remembered another one. Belizeans like running electricity into your shower. I noticed this my first night when I was in a dumpy hotel in downtown Belize City and reached up to turn the shower head. I thought I felt an electric shock bite my finger. Squinting up through the cascade of water over my eyes I saw a length of electrical cable in a plastic casing running the length of the wall from the ceiling and ending in a dual outlet box right behind the showerhead. I stepped back out of the falling water and noticed, to my amazement the frayed black tape holding the red, black and bare ground wires to white wires going into the showerhead itself. There were droplets of moisture dripping from them. I decided to end my shower. Turns out that’s how most (of not all) showers in Belize operate. When you think about it, why have hot water available in a tropical climate, anyway? Most of my showers in Belize were cool, and I was happy for it.

Back from Belize!

January 15th, 2007 | 1 Comment | Posted in Travel by Chris Pommier

We’re back from Belize, and boy are my arms tired. It was a great trip with some ups and downs and I will try to catch up on my blogging now that I’m back. There are plenty of pictures to share, and experiences to be learned from.

Belize Itinerary, with Pictures

December 28th, 2006 | 6 Comments | Posted in Travel by Chris Pommier

So, if you’ve been to any of these places and have suggestions on what to see or do, please leave a comment! The more, the merrier.

Day 1: January 2, 2007
Depart Minneapolis 6:30 AM
Arrive Cancun, MX 11:45 AM
Shuttle to Playa del Carmen
Fairy to Cozumel
Hotel: Meson San Miguel
Hotel Cost: $70 USD