We went inside and rested up for the for our next leg of our journey. We freshened up a bit, then decided we wanted to eat before the sun completely set. We asked the hotel manager to call us a taxi and asked where would be good to eat. About the only place open that late on a holiday was Lamani Restaurant.
TO BE CONTINUED - OUR INTERNET ACCESS IS LIMITED
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
First Contact - Car rental Agents
As you leave the airport doors, you are greeted by a row of TAXI's and then across the road there are about 10 car rental agencies waiting to rent you a nice car.
We had thought about it and decided to rent one from Crystal or Jabiru. At Crystal, they told us it would be $60 + 13 for Insurance and that was that. No internet special, no choice what so ever. We said, Thank You, but NO.
Jabiru was closed. Another wanted $75 US. We went back in to secure a local flight from BC to San Pedro and on to our final destination of Corozal. They wanted $90 US each one way. This was about 3PM.
At this point we were getting disgusted at being LIED to about prices. We had researched and checked on the internet for weeks. The two were not jiving!
We hailed a taxi to take us to the bus terminal in BC since we were actually in Ladyville about 8-10 miles out of Belize City. Our driver, George, was skeptical about us getting a bus since Wednesday(Sept 10) was actually St Georges Caye Day. A national holiday in Belize and he hadn't seen ANY buses running north all day. He suggested that we take a taxi to Orange Walk for that day and go on to Corozal the next. For $90 US we were on our way. George took us to several hotels.
We had to avoid the main avenue in Orange Walk because of the St Georges Caye Day Parade that was just finishing in the afternoon. We went from hotel to hotel looking for one that was on a ground floor and had air conditioning. This is a near impossible quest as most air conditioned rooms are on upper floors, but not all.
The accomodation that stands out in my mind as having the best advertisement on Toucan Trail but absolutely the worst actual room has to be LUCIA'S GUESTHOUSE on San Antionio Road. It was a little off the beaten path, but when thee woman opened the door to show it, the odor and overall appearance conveyed the aura of a cheap rent-by-the-hour flop room. As the advertizement suggested an 'orthopedic mattress', it appealed to us initially. The mattress 'may' have been orthopredic in 2002 on initial opening, but 7 years of wear and tear have taken its toll on the place. Our driver would NOT consider leaving us there. So onward with our quest. It was getting later and later and I could sense Georges frustrations. He would ask each proprieter for the next closest accomodations that may meet our needs and each time it would either be full, no air conditioning or on a top floor or have a bed that was wood slats and very little matress padding.
At last - A room: As the sun started to fade, we pulled up to the St Christophers Hotel. Its warm brick orange facade gleaming in the afternoon sun. We looked at #16 which had a nice spacious area, refrigerator and large window type AC unit on the back wall and a queen bed. For $45US, we felt this was a fair price.
I am quite sure that George was relieved as we were to finally get a room. He unloaded our baggage and went on his way.
We had thought about it and decided to rent one from Crystal or Jabiru. At Crystal, they told us it would be $60 + 13 for Insurance and that was that. No internet special, no choice what so ever. We said, Thank You, but NO.
Jabiru was closed. Another wanted $75 US. We went back in to secure a local flight from BC to San Pedro and on to our final destination of Corozal. They wanted $90 US each one way. This was about 3PM.
At this point we were getting disgusted at being LIED to about prices. We had researched and checked on the internet for weeks. The two were not jiving!
We hailed a taxi to take us to the bus terminal in BC since we were actually in Ladyville about 8-10 miles out of Belize City. Our driver, George, was skeptical about us getting a bus since Wednesday(Sept 10) was actually St Georges Caye Day. A national holiday in Belize and he hadn't seen ANY buses running north all day. He suggested that we take a taxi to Orange Walk for that day and go on to Corozal the next. For $90 US we were on our way. George took us to several hotels.
We had to avoid the main avenue in Orange Walk because of the St Georges Caye Day Parade that was just finishing in the afternoon. We went from hotel to hotel looking for one that was on a ground floor and had air conditioning. This is a near impossible quest as most air conditioned rooms are on upper floors, but not all.
The accomodation that stands out in my mind as having the best advertisement on Toucan Trail but absolutely the worst actual room has to be LUCIA'S GUESTHOUSE on San Antionio Road. It was a little off the beaten path, but when thee woman opened the door to show it, the odor and overall appearance conveyed the aura of a cheap rent-by-the-hour flop room. As the advertizement suggested an 'orthopedic mattress', it appealed to us initially. The mattress 'may' have been orthopredic in 2002 on initial opening, but 7 years of wear and tear have taken its toll on the place. Our driver would NOT consider leaving us there. So onward with our quest. It was getting later and later and I could sense Georges frustrations. He would ask each proprieter for the next closest accomodations that may meet our needs and each time it would either be full, no air conditioning or on a top floor or have a bed that was wood slats and very little matress padding.
At last - A room: As the sun started to fade, we pulled up to the St Christophers Hotel. Its warm brick orange facade gleaming in the afternoon sun. We looked at #16 which had a nice spacious area, refrigerator and large window type AC unit on the back wall and a queen bed. For $45US, we felt this was a fair price.
I am quite sure that George was relieved as we were to finally get a room. He unloaded our baggage and went on his way.
FROM US TO BZ
We made it to the airport in Tulsa with 2 hours to spare. Ate breakfast at a airport cafe. Sausage and biscuits and gravy. Surpisingly tastey and reasonable price.
We had a problem gettng her metal walker through inspection. They couldn't Xray it so they did a residue test to see if she filled it with explosives. What a joke. But this is what you have to go through.
I had to take my belt off and nearly lost my pants because I had a cane in one hand and my belt loop in the other.
Regina made it through OK after waiting for her walker to pass. We sat in the waiting area only about 15 minutes before wwe had to board.
By this time she was getting nervous being her first flight. We boarded first after the express passengers. We were in 6 B/C in a small express jet. It was 3 seats wide and much smaller than the DC-6 and 7x7 series jets I was used to flying. We were packed into the seats like 2 sardines.
As the door closed her face sortof lost all color. We were pushed out to clear the gate and started to taxi. As we reached the runway and were cleared I explained that it wouldnt be much different than pulling away from a stop light rather quickly.
In moments we were airborn and her anxiety level lessened until she glanced out of the window and saw the earth slowly getting smaller. I told her just think of it as the images you see on Google Earth.
We had a relatively smooth flight to Houston. Landing was uneventful. Her words exactly, 'That wasn't as bad as I thought'.
As we got off the plane in Houston, we were met by 2 wheelchairs. I chose to push the walker and she rode. We were told that our plane to Belize was already boarded and waiting, we had 10 minutes to get from B24 to E8. Anyone familiar with Housons G.W. Bush airport knows that this is an impossible feat even for a track runner. We had airport transport take us by cart to the train at B terminal, to C terminal where we got on another cart that took us to E. Regina had a BEER on the flight and needed to use the facilities, but the airport staff said that we had to board NOW!.
We were hurried down the tunnel and into the plane where we sat on row 23. The plane was a 737 and was only at 40% capacity so we could move about and change seats if we chose.
It was a VERY ROUGH ride from Houston to Belize. We encountered SEVERE turbulence and at one point when I was getting something out of the overhead compartment I was actually thrown into the air and the stewardess yelled for everyone to get to their seats and remain there.
As we approached Goldson, the air was clearing and I got a few good pictures of the area just North of Ladyville before we landed. I will post them when I get a chance.
As we departed the plane in Belize, we were again greeted by wheelchairs. I chose to push the walker and she rode. Our Belizian attendant was very nice and helped us through customs with minimal effort. We were also greeted with a Belizian flag.
We were now officiallly in BELIZE. You better Belize it to Believe it.
We had a problem gettng her metal walker through inspection. They couldn't Xray it so they did a residue test to see if she filled it with explosives. What a joke. But this is what you have to go through.
I had to take my belt off and nearly lost my pants because I had a cane in one hand and my belt loop in the other.
Regina made it through OK after waiting for her walker to pass. We sat in the waiting area only about 15 minutes before wwe had to board.
By this time she was getting nervous being her first flight. We boarded first after the express passengers. We were in 6 B/C in a small express jet. It was 3 seats wide and much smaller than the DC-6 and 7x7 series jets I was used to flying. We were packed into the seats like 2 sardines.
As the door closed her face sortof lost all color. We were pushed out to clear the gate and started to taxi. As we reached the runway and were cleared I explained that it wouldnt be much different than pulling away from a stop light rather quickly.
In moments we were airborn and her anxiety level lessened until she glanced out of the window and saw the earth slowly getting smaller. I told her just think of it as the images you see on Google Earth.
We had a relatively smooth flight to Houston. Landing was uneventful. Her words exactly, 'That wasn't as bad as I thought'.
As we got off the plane in Houston, we were met by 2 wheelchairs. I chose to push the walker and she rode. We were told that our plane to Belize was already boarded and waiting, we had 10 minutes to get from B24 to E8. Anyone familiar with Housons G.W. Bush airport knows that this is an impossible feat even for a track runner. We had airport transport take us by cart to the train at B terminal, to C terminal where we got on another cart that took us to E. Regina had a BEER on the flight and needed to use the facilities, but the airport staff said that we had to board NOW!.
We were hurried down the tunnel and into the plane where we sat on row 23. The plane was a 737 and was only at 40% capacity so we could move about and change seats if we chose.
It was a VERY ROUGH ride from Houston to Belize. We encountered SEVERE turbulence and at one point when I was getting something out of the overhead compartment I was actually thrown into the air and the stewardess yelled for everyone to get to their seats and remain there.
As we approached Goldson, the air was clearing and I got a few good pictures of the area just North of Ladyville before we landed. I will post them when I get a chance.
As we departed the plane in Belize, we were again greeted by wheelchairs. I chose to push the walker and she rode. Our Belizian attendant was very nice and helped us through customs with minimal effort. We were also greeted with a Belizian flag.
We were now officiallly in BELIZE. You better Belize it to Believe it.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
T - Town
We arrived in Tulsa just a shade after 4:30. The closer to town we got, the darker the skies got. We got to the hotel, put our bags in the room and went out Walmart for some snacks. As we were shopping the lights went out in the store and prople started screaming.
Sheesh people.. They only BLINKED. I was thinking to myslef, they ought to be in Belize where you are lucky if the lights stay ON. Americans can be such naive people. Well crisis averted, the power was only of long enough to bring down their complete computer system and the queues got longer and longer as their systems came back online.
As we exited the store, their was a torential downpour. I mean I have seen some wicked ass rains in Arkansas, but nothing quite like this. It what the locals would call a 'GULLYWASHER' back home. Sharp lightning and thunderous claps were seemingly continuous. We decided to run for it as it let up just a bit. Instantly we were drenched looking like two drowning rats.
As we drove, it seems the drain system couldnt take the torrents and water started to back up onto the streets. Is this common in Tulsa? They really need to examine their water management.
We stopped for dinner at Waffle House, and then came back to the room and rested.
This mourning the phone rang at 7AM for our wake up call.
GROAN - I am NOT a morning person. I usually go to bed around 5 or 6 and get up at 11.
So we are sitting at the computer kiosk at the hotel. Others are giving me an evil stare wondering what the hell I could be typing so much.
I guess my next post will be from Belize. Or else from a holding area at the airport. LOL
This is my baby's first flight. I am sure she will love it. She is sure she will be clawing at the escape door. We will see. You have to Belize it to Believe it.
See you there.
Sheesh people.. They only BLINKED. I was thinking to myslef, they ought to be in Belize where you are lucky if the lights stay ON. Americans can be such naive people. Well crisis averted, the power was only of long enough to bring down their complete computer system and the queues got longer and longer as their systems came back online.
As we exited the store, their was a torential downpour. I mean I have seen some wicked ass rains in Arkansas, but nothing quite like this. It what the locals would call a 'GULLYWASHER' back home. Sharp lightning and thunderous claps were seemingly continuous. We decided to run for it as it let up just a bit. Instantly we were drenched looking like two drowning rats.
As we drove, it seems the drain system couldnt take the torrents and water started to back up onto the streets. Is this common in Tulsa? They really need to examine their water management.
We stopped for dinner at Waffle House, and then came back to the room and rested.
This mourning the phone rang at 7AM for our wake up call.
GROAN - I am NOT a morning person. I usually go to bed around 5 or 6 and get up at 11.
So we are sitting at the computer kiosk at the hotel. Others are giving me an evil stare wondering what the hell I could be typing so much.
I guess my next post will be from Belize. Or else from a holding area at the airport. LOL
This is my baby's first flight. I am sure she will love it. She is sure she will be clawing at the escape door. We will see. You have to Belize it to Believe it.
See you there.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The White Zone is for loading and unloading....
It is time to load up the car and head out. No doubt something will be left behind. I always forget something. As long as I don't forget Regina. HA!
Unfortunately, I didn't get much sleep last night. So she will drive to the OK line, then I will take it from there since she doesn't like big city driving.
(time passes)
Everything is loaded. We are headed out. See you in Tulsa.
Unfortunately, I didn't get much sleep last night. So she will drive to the OK line, then I will take it from there since she doesn't like big city driving.
(time passes)
Everything is loaded. We are headed out. See you in Tulsa.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Preperations for Departure
FOREWARD:
This is an account of my Significant Other(Regina) and my journey to Corozal Town, Belize. -The TWO HILLBILLIES
Belize is a small country of 8800 square miles just to the south of Mexico and borders Guatemala on the West & East lies the majestic shore of the Caribbean. Prior to 1981, it was under English rule and was called British Honduras. With a sub-tropical climate, Belize has a year round growing season with an average September temperature of 90'F during the day & 80 at night. The humidity runs about 70% making it feel like its 105'F sometimes. Corozal Town is 8 miles from the Northern border. It lies adjacent to Corozal Bay which is actually part of the larger Chetmal Bay of Mexico.
It is our initial trip to find out if Corozal Town, Belize is the retirement mecca that we have heard about. We had visited Belize City two years ago and adored the laid back atmosphere, the diverse culture, and the fact that they spoke the KINGS ENGLISH.
Through personal contacts and a lot of internet searching we have gathered mounds of data with benefits and drawbacks of living in another country besides the US of A.
Most of our reliable information comes from a website BELIZEFFORUM.COM
We have corresponded with people who have already visited and those whom have made the move to become citizens of Belize or Ex-pats. We hope to forge new friendships along the way.
Final Preparation: September 8, 2009
Today we are doing final packing, going to get prescriptions, flight confirmations and instructing the pet sitters on the nuances of feeding the cat and the dog.
The doctors office was empty, but that didn't keep us from waiting a while to get my vacation prescription taken care of. It wasn't a matter of formality, just that the nurse needed to have the doctor sign the papers which has to be done 'between' patients.
TRAVELERS CHEQUES: At the bank we wanted to purchase just a couple hundred in $20 cheques. Guess what? They no longer issue the $20 denomination of travelers cheque. They only have $50 and $100. So you are forced to spend at least $100, $150 or $200.
We decided to fore-go the cheques completely and just got some cash and use our credit card to be safe. We didn't have a lot of money to begin with so we are just taking $200. That is $400 Belizian. Now if we get robbed, we know it is someone that reads this blog. LOL
Your IP has been logged.
I have been stressed out over all of the last minute details. I would like this trip to go smoothly, especially for my soul mate.
This is an account of my Significant Other(Regina) and my journey to Corozal Town, Belize. -The TWO HILLBILLIES
Belize is a small country of 8800 square miles just to the south of Mexico and borders Guatemala on the West & East lies the majestic shore of the Caribbean. Prior to 1981, it was under English rule and was called British Honduras. With a sub-tropical climate, Belize has a year round growing season with an average September temperature of 90'F during the day & 80 at night. The humidity runs about 70% making it feel like its 105'F sometimes. Corozal Town is 8 miles from the Northern border. It lies adjacent to Corozal Bay which is actually part of the larger Chetmal Bay of Mexico.
It is our initial trip to find out if Corozal Town, Belize is the retirement mecca that we have heard about. We had visited Belize City two years ago and adored the laid back atmosphere, the diverse culture, and the fact that they spoke the KINGS ENGLISH.
Through personal contacts and a lot of internet searching we have gathered mounds of data with benefits and drawbacks of living in another country besides the US of A.
Most of our reliable information comes from a website BELIZEFFORUM.COM
We have corresponded with people who have already visited and those whom have made the move to become citizens of Belize or Ex-pats. We hope to forge new friendships along the way.
Final Preparation: September 8, 2009
Today we are doing final packing, going to get prescriptions, flight confirmations and instructing the pet sitters on the nuances of feeding the cat and the dog.
The doctors office was empty, but that didn't keep us from waiting a while to get my vacation prescription taken care of. It wasn't a matter of formality, just that the nurse needed to have the doctor sign the papers which has to be done 'between' patients.
TRAVELERS CHEQUES: At the bank we wanted to purchase just a couple hundred in $20 cheques. Guess what? They no longer issue the $20 denomination of travelers cheque. They only have $50 and $100. So you are forced to spend at least $100, $150 or $200.
We decided to fore-go the cheques completely and just got some cash and use our credit card to be safe. We didn't have a lot of money to begin with so we are just taking $200. That is $400 Belizian. Now if we get robbed, we know it is someone that reads this blog. LOL
Your IP has been logged.
I have been stressed out over all of the last minute details. I would like this trip to go smoothly, especially for my soul mate.
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