We arrived safe and sound! No delays, technical difficulties or missed connections, I am pleased to report. We emerged from the air-conditioned cocoon of the plane into a balmy 29°, down a flexing staircase onto the tarmac and into the terminal, where we whisked through immigration. Belize City airport is very small and compact compared to the mammoth places we are used to. It is in Ladyville approximately 20 minutes’ drive away from the city. More importantly we had no issues with Belize immigration even though we do not have a return or onward ticket, we were issued the standard 30 day visa (this applies to US & Canadian citizens). We do have a ticket from Panama back to Canada six months from now, wonder how much truth is in the information we received from travel agents before we left, stating that we would need either an onward or return ticket to satisfy immigration officials.
After travelling for over 24 hours it was a relief to see the smiling face of Clarence or “Brown Sugar” as he likes to be known, waiting for us at the airport! He was also waiting for one other passenger who had been delayed in customs; this gave us the opportunity to chat with her daughter who helps runs a Clinic in Punta Gorda. The Belize customs form is tricky, if your items are for personal uses do not declare them (read the small print very closely). Unfortunately our fellow passenger ran afoul of customs which ended up costing a small fortune. Fortunately for us her patiently waiting daughter was able to give us some insights into potential places to stay if we decide to visit PG. Travel tip: get the low down from a local!
Most people head straight into Belize City to overnight or catch connections, we headed the other direction and stayed at the Black Orchid Resort this Hotel has a very well-deserved reputation, situated right on the river and surrounded by lush forest, it is a delightful spot to recover from a mammoth travelling day. For us this was a much better choice than dealing with the hustle, bustle and somewhat seedy Belize City.
Dryane checked us in, gave us a tour while “Brown Sugar” dropped our bags off, ten minutes later we are in the pool……… aah!!! A quick shower and time to eat, rice, beans and baked chicken washed down of course with Belikan Beer. We also got to meet the resident parrot, who hangs out around the resort as they feed him in style here ( his open “villa” sits in his favourite tree).
That missed night of sleep catches up with us and it is nap time! So ends a perfect first day in Belize….
