You Better Belize It!

Clear Skies, Turquoise Water and the Sway of Palm Fronds Made for
a Dreamy Vacation and Culturally Rich Experience

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel with my boyfriend, Levi, to experience the culture and landscape of a different country.  Between our silly hashtags (#youbetterBelizeit & #adventuresofLA), culinary adventures and driving escapades, we did manage to absorb and learn plenty about this amazing little country.  Belize is located Southwest of Mexico, near Guatemala and only has a population of 350,000.  Though their driving could scare even the most seasoned professional, the people were incredibly gracious and seemed to genuinely enjoy tourists.  Below are a few of the interesting things I learned while we were there:

Chicken is A Way of Life

Don't get me wrong, chicken can be fantastic, but I sure did miss some beef while I was here!  Belizeans have a diet that is extremely high in this protein, and it is the centerpiece of their national dish.  We had stewed chicken, jerk chicken, chicken tacos, BBQ'd chicken, the list goes on and on!

Stew Chicken, Rice and Beans, Potato Salad and a Fried Plantain
- National Dish of Belize
(And of course Belikin Beer for those that are legal!)

The U.S. Has Nothing on their Fruit

Our fruit is a sorry excuse compared to that found in Belize.  I am a fruit fanatic, so naturally I had to get my hands on some everywhere we went!  I had some of the most flavorful strawberries in a fresh smoothie, and enjoyed a fried plantain with nearly every meal.  But the fruit that takes the cake above all others, were the fresh bananas we found across the street from our Villa.  Levi paid $1 Belizean (Which amounts to just 50 cents U.S.) for 5 bananas.  They were beyond good, and that is coming from someone who isn't a banana lover!

Right outside of Villa, we found this delightful fruit stand!

The Beef Scene is Very Odd

Well, in comparison to the U.S., it is very strange!  They raise Brahman influenced cattle or Nelore.  Unless you are from the South, I doubt you are very familiar with Brahmans, and Nelore cattle are a whole new type from what we have in the U.S.  These breeds are hardy under higher temperatures and humidity (such as that found in the tropics) and have a higher insect resistance, making them much more suitable for this type of climate!

Nelore Cattle

Mennonites Own Just About Everything

Strange as it seems, and we were just as surprised, the Mennonites have their fingers in just about any industry in Belize!  They own the citrus farms, raise most of the cattle, pave the roads, bring in the timber, and do many other things for the economy.  They are a vital part of Belize, and are treated as such!

River Valley Region of Belize, some of the richest farmland in the world

Traveling to a different country was one of the most enriching things I have ever done in my life.  I look forward to the many vacations I'll be taking with my sweet man (who seems to be okay with following me around the world!)

Continuing the Adventures of LA