Live Like a Local

Belize is a country that may get easily over looked when travelling through Central America, but it shouldn’t because it full of life and beautiful people. Just off the coast to the north of Belize you will discover the island Ambergris Caye which offers you a paradise which hardly travelers are yet to fully discover. For some good tips and ideas for your visit to Ambergris Caye we have talked to a home town local, Lara Goldman who has so kindly shared her knowledge so you can visit Ambergris Caye “Like a Local.”

What are your top 5 places to go in your city?

Hol Chan Marine Reserve – a marine reserve in the world’s largest living barrier reef

Shark Ray Alley – swim with the sharks and sting rays. These creatures began populating this area off the coast of Ambergris Caye, when the fishermen cleaned their conch and fish there. The sharks and rays began hanging out there to get scraps, and now, they come when they hear a boat engine,

Palapa Bar and Grill – float in inner tubes under the 2 story bar and grill, and they will drop beers down to you in a bucket,

Marco Gonzalez Maya Site – receiving its designation as a “Park” by the country of Belize just this year, it is in the process of being excavated. Watch where you step, pottery shards, tools, and other ancient artifacts are absolutely everywhere. Please don’t take them though – they belong to Belize; as with all things in Belize, leave only footprints, take only memories.

Tranquility Bay Resort – very far north on the island, go here to see “the aquarium”. This resort is in a marine reserve, so in the evening, the restaurant which is built over the water, is lit from beneath, lighting the surrounding waters. Watch as first the little fish come, then the bigger fish; then the spotted eagle rays, tarpin and others come to feed in the light

What are the Top 3 places that visitors must go to feel like a local?

Rocky Point – at the tippy top of Ambergris Caye, it’s a Caribbean wonder to behold!

What are some typical activities for locals in your city?

Snorkeling, scuba diving, hanging in a hammock, climbing Mayan ruins, visiting the Belize Zoo

How can you spot a local in your city?

Besides the beautiful brown of the Belizeans, you can tell a local by their attitude (no shirt, no shoes, no problem), their laid back spirit, their calmness, and of course, their feet – which seldom have shoes. Also, due to the large Maya Population (we are the epicenter of the Maya World); you’ll notice the broad faces, enormous gorgeous deep brown eyes, and flat noses. For the expats, you can tell us from our tans, and our relaxed style

Where is the best district for food lovers?

Central Park and “street meat”. Tourists are often afraid to eat from these street vendors, but truth is this is the best food in the country

A few Do’s and Don’ts

DO – Eat, eat, and eat

Do- Leave behind your insecurities. No one cares if you are fat, short, tall, rich, poor or educated. They will only care if you have a pure heart, and they will notice it in you in a nanosecond.

DO – Bring bug spray, we may be paradise, and even the bugs think so sometimes.

DO- Bring sunscreen and use it! I don’t care that you lay out with baby-oil at home, or that you’ve been to other islands, but trust me you will get burned.

DO – Listen to the local when he tells you to put vinegar on your sunburn (see above). It really does take the sting out. The first time i was told to do this, i was sure i was being marinated, but it really did work!

DO- Rent a golf cart (it’s all we drive) and go exploring. You can’t get lost, and there aren’t any really bad neighborhoods, so during the day you are safe as can be.

DO- Eat street meat

DO – Attend any local events in town. We are still so small and undiscovered, we don’t have a ton of tourists, so any events going on are authentic and truly for local enjoyment, but we love for you to join us! It’s a treat to see a local culture being naturally cultural

DO – Come in June for Lobster Festival. YUM!

DONT – buy drugs, while we are very laid back about drinking, but drugs are still very much illegal.

DONT – forget to bring your common sense. It’s best to walk on the roads at night and not the beach when you’ve had too much to drink on your way home from a night of partying.

Local un-miss able food

Chicken, Rice and Beans. I know you’ve had it elsewhere, but not like this. And BBQ…..oh how we love our BBQ, Amazing stuff!

Are there some great day trips from your city that aren’t well known?

The Belize Zoo is amazing, and completely natural. All animals are rescued and are in natural habitat. TIP – if you go toward the end of the day, you can follow the ranger as he feeds the animals. I fed a jaguar once, and i can tell you, you never forget a thing like that!

Best way to get a locals perspective of the city.

Talk to them. We Love Belize and we love to talk about it!

Any tips for travellers to your city or words of wisdom?

Leave all your preconceived notions of Central America and the Caribbean behind. Tourists in other places are best to avoid talking to locals on the streets and in bars, but in Belize, if a local wants to talk to you – he really just wants to have a chat. Belizeans are very friendly, warm and open people. If you are sitting near one, and they have a tortilla, they will tear it in half and share it with you. In Belize, you won’t be asked what you do for a living, but you will be asked if you are enjoying out Beautiful Belize. Talk to the folks, listen to their advice, and make a new friend. We see only souls here, not pocketbooks.

Like a Local by Lara Goldman

Romantic Travel Belize
www.romantictravelbelize.com