Page 76 - Visitor Guides

Belize History, Ambergris Caye History
Over 800 rooms are available on the island, in absolutely any price range, and all expenses are moderately priced.
My first time there, I was amazed at how many places I could eat really inexpensively. Definently cheaper than at
home, in Eugene, Oregon- not exactly a high-priced area. I spent much less money than I thought I would. Many
fine restaurants are available, with exquisite tastes for your taste buds to savor. The night-time boat rides are a
dream, the sky ablaze with stars. You can swim 24 hours a day. The world of beauty in the water both animal and
plant life is of a color and diversity unforeseen. Truly stunning, and peaceful.

Lots of night-time music mixed in a family-type atmosphere make for a incredible place. No sex industry in sight,
a welcome relief from the bombardment of images in many cultures and vacation spots of today. A quiet and
charming little town.

In one short afternoon, I saw the incredible world of the Ambergris Caye barrier reef. In a mere six feet- eight feet
of clear, warm water, wearing only goggles, I was able to sit on the bottom of the ocean, inside huge schools of
wondrously colored fish. Friendly sharks would come cruising by, stingrays that you could feed if careful. I had
never snorkeled or gone diving. I was a total rookie. Yet I got a never-to-be-forgotten first view of wonderland. I
swam around for hours, sometimes with a snorkel, but I most preferred it with mask only. The silence that allows
you to close with the beasties is so peaceful and beautiful.

I will be back many times to that world, but I will always owe Norman Eiley my birth into it. Just as I cherish the
midwives that bore my children. Come and stick your toes into the water...

Marty Casado, webmaster, AmbergrisCaye.com

You Know You are an Old-timer Belizean if:

You know Paslow Building
You have to cross swing bridge before it swings at 5:30
You buy a pack of bread every day
Your get your free calendar from the grocery store
You know Georgie August meat market
You used to get your bun from Sonny and Tan
You eat either kraft cheese and bread, fry cake and beans or Johnny cake and fry fish for tea
You chew up your chicken bone
Your neighborhood grocery store used to give you credit and mark it on paper or in a book
You feed your dog with table scraps
You eat fish on good friday
You know Catto rules the canal
You go to the cayes on Holy Thursday
You listen to cross country bicycle race on Holy Saturday
You know it will rain when the Harriers (roaches) start flying around
You burned fish (mosquito coils) for flies
You argue which meat pie is better Gunns or Darios
You know Gunns sells the best tamales and panades
You get new clothes for Easter Sunday
You Get Box from States and keep enhaling the box to smell "states smell"
You eat apple and grapes around Christmas time
You go to Brodies to see the electronic Santa waving in the show window
You pull out your old sweater when Joe North(Christmas drizzle) arrives
You only get toys for Christmas
There are always three glass salad bowls among your wedding presents

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