Important Things To Remember, Do & Hints

IN GENERAL:

• Save money. You can't get very far on nothing.
• Have a good financial advisor.  They will help you save money.  (Thanks Jen!)
• Make a list. Lots of lists. And lists of list. Then check each and every item before you pack.  Because you will forget something.
• Plan Plan PLAN - You should allow 12 months to do hard core planning (not 2-3). That means researching and securing places to stay, getting everything electronic, updating estate planning documents, etc. Some things you can't do ahead, like refilling medications, but you can at least begin the process by calling your doctors and pharmacists to check on prescriptions, refill status and what you might need before you go. It helps if you have been to the place before.
• In searching for a place to stay, inquire about noise and activities that may be close by.  If you want a quiet relaxing place...be sure to inquire and have them assure you it's a quiet place.

PLACENCIA, BELIZE:

• If you have never been to a place before, I would make arrangements to have someone pick you up at the airport. It’s worth the extra money.  Some of these places are very remote and there are no street signs. Play it safe until you get the lay of the land.
• We’ve heard stories of people driving from Belize City or even Cancun, Mexico.  If you’re 20 something and like living on the edge…go ahead.  But unless you are deathly afraid of flying and not even a Xanex or two would help, go ahead and take one of the small planes.  It’s not a bad flight, and it’s generally a short one.
• Talk to the locals.  You will be amazed at what you will learn. They have a wealth of information and suggestions. Besides it’s just polite and neighborly. Plus you get the added benefit of having someone keep any eye out for you and your things.
• If you are staying for an extended time, even with customs, I would still recommend bringing some familiar things to eat and cook with. At least until you acclimate to local foods. Check customs about meats and vegetables. (I’ll check and update).
• Don’t go anywhere without your camera.  Without a doubt you will come upon a photo opportunity and you will wish you had your camera.  So take at least a small one that you can snap a picture!

RECIPE FOR BELIZEAN RICE AND BEANS:

How to Make: Belizean Rice and Beans

Like much of Central America and the surrounding Caribbean, Belize has its own version of the staple rice and beans dish (known as rice and peas in the Caribbean) dish of he region.

Ingredients

450g dried red kidney beans
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp salt, or to taste
250ml coconut milk
1/2 tsp freshly-ground black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
900g long-grain rice, picked over and washed
pig's trotter or salt beef or cubed bacon (optional, but traditional) (DON'T ask me what a pig's trotter is ... I didn't want to know and was NOT going to put one in mine!)  

Belizean Rice and Beans Preparation:

Method:

Wash and pick over the beans then add to a large bowl, cover with plenty of water and set aside to soak over night. The following day drain the beans then ad to a pot along with the garlic and meat (if using). Cover with plenty of water, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Remove any excess water from the beans and season with the salt, black pepper and thyme. Stir-in the coconut milk then bring to a boil. Add the rice to the bean mixture, stir to combine then return to a low simmer. Cover and cook on low heat until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender (about 25 minutes). If needed you can add a little more water to the dish by pouring it carefully down the sides of the pan.

AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE:

1)      Don’t drink the water.

2)      Don’t wear whites and if you do, don’t wash them here.

3)      Don’t do any laundry here, because even the non-whites get stained from the crappy water.