Bitch to a Large Rasta

I'm really not sure if they are Rastafarian or not. However, between the dread lock hair and, red, green, and yellow colors I'm kind of assuming that they are.  I've been working in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize for the last three weeks. One of the notable memories are the "Rastas" and other Belizeans carving away at wooden animal figurines with shards of broken beer bottles. It's really quite effective.

One of the other notable memories is one Rasta's attempts to sell me marijuana. The skinny little guy was determined to sell my something if not pot. Perhaps it's because my hair is getting long. When my hair was short everyone thought I was a cop.  I've been offered several times while here walking back and forth in town or chatting with the locals (along with the wooden figurines, tours, tacos, burritos, and property). Apparently it's here if you want it. 

I'd be remiss to mention that possession of marijuana  is a federal offense in Belize. If caught and convicted,  you'd probably wind up in prison bitch to a large Rasta. I'd also like to point out that homosexuality is once again a federal offense and you'd be in "violation" of that law as well.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize: Coco Locos

This is one little place I'd definately recommend for any thirsty beach cruiser. I wandered here while looking for photography assignments and met Linda the owner. She has a little bar on the beach where you can wade in and cool off in the poolside bar or sit under the open air palapa. You'll find Linda's bubbly personality incredibly refreshing as she hands you a drink.

Do yourself a favor. As soon as you can head to the beach north of "the bridge" do so. It's just easier and much more scenic to walk along the beach. Linda's place is just north of "the bridge" in San Pedro. I think it's on the Bermuda Beach Resort property and within eye shot of the Reef Village. It's the first watering hole north of "the bridge". Believe me when I say that the woman has tons of good karma. I'll bet some will rub off on you.

www.cocolocosbz.com

Regards,

Ben

www.esotericvision.com

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize: Joe’s Bike Rental

If you don’t feel like paying way too much for a golf cart rental like me, consider renting a bicycle. Brian at Sueno del Mar pointed me to Joe’s Bike Rental. It’s located on the north end of San Pedro one block back from Front Street. They’ve got a sign hanging and everyone seems to know where it’s at so just ask. It does seem that they’d run out inventory fast in busy season.

The normal daily rental for a vintage beach cruiser is $18.00 BZX or about $9.00 USD. Brian got me the local special at $10.00 BZX.  The bike was old but otherwise in perfect working condition.  I did see a couple of new bikes there but that was it. The attendant (who may be Joe) got me one with a little basket up front for my backpack and a lock with chain. Lock the bike to something when you leave it.  It’s always that 1 in a 100 asshole that will steal your bike to go four blocks.

You can travel the streets but I recommend going along the beach.  Other than the main roads near San Pedro, the beach is actually in better condition for travel. I’m told you can ride about 8 miles north and 5 miles south (or vice versa).  I rode a bit of the rural roads and they truly are crappy with not much to see. I rode north along the beach and was happy.  You’ll have to steer around construction at times but not too much.  You won’t be able to travel the beach easily in a golf cart out of town or during busy season either..  Stop and see Linda at Coco Locos for a cold one once you cross “the bridge” north of San Pedro.

 

Regards,

 

Ben

 

www.esotericvision.com

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize: Pelican Internet

Need to get online in San Pedro Town? I?ve found two cafes. Both are
on Barrier Reef Drive. Barrier Reef Drive is called Front Street by
the locals. Front Street is only seven blocks long and terminates on
both ends. It?s the first street you stumble onto when disembarking
the water taxis. Pelican Internet is on the ocean side and one block
north of Central Park.

The dozen machines are new and the service is as fast as the local
technology will allow. That?s about 512 kilobits per second. Welcome
to the year 1998. Be aware that the system for the entire country can
bog down when too many people are on the net. Anyway, the place is
clean but a bit plain, air conditioned, and the machines are fairly
new and set with comfortable headsets. One machine boasts Skype but
don?t count on it around here. BTL (telephone company and ISP) blocks
Skype.

What sets this place aside from the competition? Booze! You can chug
an ice cold beer while cruising the internet. By the way, the legal
drinking age is 18 over here. Be aware that I did see four guys having
a beer in here at 9 am in the morning.
The internet service will set you back $1.00 BZX for each five
minutes. Go an hour and the price drops to $12.00 BZX / hour. The beer
will set you back $5.00 BZX. Mixed drinks are $5.00 BZX (for local
rum) and up. Open from 8am to 10 pm every day. (501)-206-2153

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Regards,

Benedict Kim

(501) 626-8701 Belize
(415) 101-1812 Mexico
(512) 228-0923 USA

ben.kim@esotericvision.com
www.esotericvision.com
esotericben.blogspot.com

San Ignacio, Belize: It's definatly the Rainy Season

It's really been awhile since I've dealt with a true rainy season. The
other night while I sat down to eat with the Prestons, we soaked up
about 4 1/2" of rain in about an hour while we dined under a porch
roof. It was great! No hurricanes or tropical storms are causing this
downpour. I know that it's the rain forest but being here for a time
really drives the point home.

It's been raining a bit in Cayo District a little bit or more every
day and cloudy. We have two one way bridges to get in and out of San
Ignacio. The low one coming in from Belmopan has been underwater for
the last two weeks or so and periodically before that time. So we all
use the high bridge with traffic cops at each end alternating traffic.

I'd advise being here for the rainy season. I love it. However, be
ready for lots of water. August, September, and October take rain
gear. I go with synthetic materials across the board since they dry
quick in high humidity. Dress light or blow it off and just get wet.
It feels good.

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Regards,

Benedict Kim

(501) 626-8701 Belize
(415) 101-1812 Mexico
(512) 228-0923 USA

ben.kim@esotericvision.com
www.esotericvision.com
esotericben.blogspot.com