Back from Belize!
Nov 15, 1998 | 12:36 am
#1
Original Poster
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 164
Back from Belize!
Belize is fabulous!
The people are very friendly as they are in Central America, despite a hurricane that has caused major damage. God Bless help the the Hondurans.
The piers were gone, but it was still okay. The reef is torn up, but all the great fish are still there. Saw some sharks, barracudas, parrot fish and different kinds of stingrays.
It was amazing how much was repaired as we were there. We saw an entire dive shop go up!
The reef is damaged, as far as the living coral. What a shame. I am told that it is better at the Turneffe Islands.
A mainland trip is definitely a plus. The ruins of Tikal in Guatemala are beyond belief. We did have the Guatemalan military escort us....I guess they like to Hijack tourist buses and vans. It is a very peaceful place, hard to imagine that all these beheadings and blood sacrifices were going on there in 780 AD. Xunatunich Ruins were also fabulous. The river was high, so the ferry could only take people across. It was a mile walk, uphill, which was not a big deal, but try that in super humidity, we were all sweating totally! In Belize, they still allow you to climb the temples (they are not roped off) and at 130 ft the view is awesome! The ferry was a strange thing, the ferry operater churned a wheel to get it across the river. Well, no wonder he had such big arms.
First class was not to be had. Amazingly, it was filled from Belize City to Houston. Its a tourist flight so that was surprising.
Ended up sitting at the back of the plane with a couple drunkards from Arkansas. Yikes. It was not pretty. His poor wife was embarassed by his behavior. Hmmm....lack of social skills.
Pet peeve: drunkards on a plane.
Tropic Air: 15 minute flight from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. Well, the thing they do is board you by weight, so the plane does not get too unbalanced. A small prop plane, seats maybe 15. Apparently, one of the pilots had several beers at someones hotel, and then was off to fly the plane! Well...what can you do. Out of your control! We lived, we are back, and Belize is great! If you are interested in anything more, please let me know by email.
ADIOS
Beth
The people are very friendly as they are in Central America, despite a hurricane that has caused major damage. God Bless help the the Hondurans.
The piers were gone, but it was still okay. The reef is torn up, but all the great fish are still there. Saw some sharks, barracudas, parrot fish and different kinds of stingrays.
It was amazing how much was repaired as we were there. We saw an entire dive shop go up!
The reef is damaged, as far as the living coral. What a shame. I am told that it is better at the Turneffe Islands.
A mainland trip is definitely a plus. The ruins of Tikal in Guatemala are beyond belief. We did have the Guatemalan military escort us....I guess they like to Hijack tourist buses and vans. It is a very peaceful place, hard to imagine that all these beheadings and blood sacrifices were going on there in 780 AD. Xunatunich Ruins were also fabulous. The river was high, so the ferry could only take people across. It was a mile walk, uphill, which was not a big deal, but try that in super humidity, we were all sweating totally! In Belize, they still allow you to climb the temples (they are not roped off) and at 130 ft the view is awesome! The ferry was a strange thing, the ferry operater churned a wheel to get it across the river. Well, no wonder he had such big arms.
First class was not to be had. Amazingly, it was filled from Belize City to Houston. Its a tourist flight so that was surprising.
Ended up sitting at the back of the plane with a couple drunkards from Arkansas. Yikes. It was not pretty. His poor wife was embarassed by his behavior. Hmmm....lack of social skills.
Pet peeve: drunkards on a plane.
Tropic Air: 15 minute flight from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. Well, the thing they do is board you by weight, so the plane does not get too unbalanced. A small prop plane, seats maybe 15. Apparently, one of the pilots had several beers at someones hotel, and then was off to fly the plane! Well...what can you do. Out of your control! We lived, we are back, and Belize is great! If you are interested in anything more, please let me know by email.
ADIOS
Beth
Nov 15, 1998 | 9:29 am
#3
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
I guess many "third world" airlines are not
great at monitoring this situation... but Like you Beth one of my flying PetPeeves is
intoxicated and inebriated people going on
the plane and, worse, being seated next to me.
What generally happens is they get loud or
(if next to me) get very chatty or pass out and snore so loud they shake the plane.
Aren't gate agents supposed to screen for these people (as well as rambusious (SP?) young people -- read my CO review of my flight from LAS-EWR for details.)
This is Somewhat OMNI: At the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in San Fran, I was dining alone (Last night after business trip) I was seated near this couple I call "The alcoholoic Romeo and Juliet) who were loud, intoxicated and she flirting with all the men in the restaurant.
I complained to the manager of the restaurant
and the woman called me "a New York Snob." Her boyfriend offered me a free drink, I refused but eventually a San Francisco City COuncil member and wife also complained... "Romeo & Juliet" were asked to leave. He left his wallet, she her coat.
Maybe I am too catty, but it's tough to enjoy a flight or a New York Strip steak with loud people nearby. CATMAN
great at monitoring this situation... but Like you Beth one of my flying PetPeeves is
intoxicated and inebriated people going on
the plane and, worse, being seated next to me.
What generally happens is they get loud or
(if next to me) get very chatty or pass out and snore so loud they shake the plane.
Aren't gate agents supposed to screen for these people (as well as rambusious (SP?) young people -- read my CO review of my flight from LAS-EWR for details.)
This is Somewhat OMNI: At the Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in San Fran, I was dining alone (Last night after business trip) I was seated near this couple I call "The alcoholoic Romeo and Juliet) who were loud, intoxicated and she flirting with all the men in the restaurant.
I complained to the manager of the restaurant
and the woman called me "a New York Snob." Her boyfriend offered me a free drink, I refused but eventually a San Francisco City COuncil member and wife also complained... "Romeo & Juliet" were asked to leave. He left his wallet, she her coat.
Maybe I am too catty, but it's tough to enjoy a flight or a New York Strip steak with loud people nearby. CATMAN
Nov 16, 1998 | 5:28 am
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: America Central
Programs: CO Gold, AA Gold, HH Diamond, IC Plat Ambassador
Posts: 936
Haven't been to Belize in ages (anything more than a decade qualifies as 'ages')...
When last there the reef was just starting to show signs of wear -- too many people using coral heads as anchors, push off points, etc.
Just curious RiceChex -- your Guatemalan military escort -- did they require payment for a "smooth trip"?
Welcome home!
When last there the reef was just starting to show signs of wear -- too many people using coral heads as anchors, push off points, etc.
Just curious RiceChex -- your Guatemalan military escort -- did they require payment for a "smooth trip"?
Welcome home!
Nov 16, 1998 | 6:58 pm
#6
Original Poster
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 164
Thanks for the Welcome Home Onefreeman!
They have improved regarding the reef, however, the hurricane now has done the damage. They have buoys that are hooked in specific places, and the boats are only allowed to anchor to those buoys. Before snorkeling, one is given a list of instructions regarding what is NOT permitted, which is standing at all on any part of the reef or taking anything at all from the reef.
As far as the Guatemalan Military Police, well, we once we got into Guatemala, we stopped to pick them up and they drove in front of us. We asked our tour guide and he said that it is a courtesy that our hotel provided. Personally, they did not give me a great feeling of safety, as they are a bunch of young thugs with guns. Wouldnt want to run into any of them in a dark alley!
Despite the obvious damage to the live coral, I would still recommend Belize.
They have improved regarding the reef, however, the hurricane now has done the damage. They have buoys that are hooked in specific places, and the boats are only allowed to anchor to those buoys. Before snorkeling, one is given a list of instructions regarding what is NOT permitted, which is standing at all on any part of the reef or taking anything at all from the reef.
As far as the Guatemalan Military Police, well, we once we got into Guatemala, we stopped to pick them up and they drove in front of us. We asked our tour guide and he said that it is a courtesy that our hotel provided. Personally, they did not give me a great feeling of safety, as they are a bunch of young thugs with guns. Wouldnt want to run into any of them in a dark alley!
Despite the obvious damage to the live coral, I would still recommend Belize.
Nov 17, 1998 | 9:14 am
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Cambridge, MA
Posts: 1,433
Welcome back Beth/Ricechex
A friend of mine was in Honduras for 'the whole party'. Although everyone else worried about her, now that the storm is gone, she seems to be having a great time - but she will be visiting her family at Christmas, just to reassure them that she is alive...
You had good timing!
A friend of mine was in Honduras for 'the whole party'. Although everyone else worried about her, now that the storm is gone, she seems to be having a great time - but she will be visiting her family at Christmas, just to reassure them that she is alive...
You had good timing!