We're figuring things out.

Hi! Hope everyone is doing well. Bob & I are doing great and have adjusted back to the island life. This a fabulous lifestyle. We can tell we're going to love living on an island when we do settle down but in the meantime we've been exploring this small island and figuring how things work around here. I had mentioned that it's expensive here but we've been living in Mexico for the past 6 months where it's dirt cheap compared to the states. We've had a reality check and there are some things here that remain outrageous but most things are comparable to the states pricing. We've learned where to shop on the island for much better bargains. Apparently there's a community of Lebanese that live here and own the larger grocery stores. These guys are ripping off the tourist but at the same time tourist tend to like their American brands. The Lebanese carry pretty much anything you can get back home & there's obviously a demand for this market. We're fortunate, we've learn to adjust to eat what the local folks eat, cook w/the products the local folks use and keep cost down. Sure we miss some items but we've been able to find great substitutes. We no longer shop like we used to back home where a Randalls or Krogers provided all the essentials; here we go to a meat market, vegetable/fruit stands, and bakeries to get the freshest products possible. We could shop for it all in one store but freshness in the produces & breads lack. We have nothing but time and flexibility, so why not. Since we walk or bike everywhere we can't exactly buy trunk loads and stock for the month like I did back home. If anyone saw or remembers my pantry; I was ready for a hurricane at all times. For the time being those days are gone. We travel to the stores with our backpacks, once those are filled time to go home. We do make daily trips to town to pick up a few items here & there which is fun for us. I make fresh salsas every other day so we go thru tomatoes, onions & cilantro like crazy. I don't buy too many can goods anymore...fresh is best. I do try to buy in bulk spinach & broccoli so I can blanch and freeze. I love to cook w/both. What I'm digging about living here is that there are Asian markets too. I can cook my Thai Food w/out any problems. Mazatlan was the last place where I could find spices & rice noodles. That seems like a long time ago. We've also learned the island is divided between North & South by a small river where a toll bridge connects the two. We live a 1/4 of a mile north of the bridge. The north side is primarily a Residential area. There are a couple of small restaurants and cute bars but it's the quiet side of the island. The south side is called San Pedro which is mostly businesses...hotels, restaurants, vendors, beach bars, stores & the airport. It's the heart of the island. Most people get around town by walking, biking, golf carts, taxis or water taxis. Yes, there are taxis but unfortunately they drive cars & vans. I think vehicles ruin the appeal of this town. It's too small & not necessary. They should have stuck w/golf carts to taxi people around. Plus, taxi's are not allowed on the north side of the bridge. So folks who arrive here & have their place on the north side has to take a taxi to the bridge and walk over to the other side or use the water taxi. People are friendly & my suggestion would be hop on a golf cart coming by. They are more than welcome to drive you around plus you meet people. I've done this twice when I was in town without my bike & became too lazy to walk. It pays to be nice. Bob & I made friends w/the people who stop you for the tolls when crossing the bridge...we no longer have to pay a toll. We now wave to one another & say Hi. The tolls aren't expensive but they can add up if you use daily like we do. If walking over there's no fee. Bikes cost $1.00 USD/round trip and golf carts are $5.00 USD/ round trip. The exchange rate is 2-1. American money is always welcomed but it's always best to convert to the countries currency. Prices are in Belizean currency and they call it a dollar. So, if your not careful...they may say "cost $5.00" and if you give them a $5.00 USD they may not give you change. You have to be on your toes and know that they were talking Belize dollars not American dollars. Part of the countries charm! Bob & I have to get our passports renewed. So, we're thinking tomorrow morning we'll catch the ferry to the mainland...Belize City. From there we'll have to bus our way to the capitol which is Belmopan and visit the US Embassy. Belize is a very small country so we'll be able to do all this in a few hours and be back to our house by dinner time. I'm sure we'll take our time & check out Belmopan while we are there...No rush! Hope you guys have a wonderful day! We definitely intend to as well. Love to all - B&B