I’m waking up today in Hopkins, Belize – one of my favorite places in the country, as many of you know. Yesterday I met one of my Wealth Ships’ Belize Relocation clients at the San Ignacio bus stop. She had hired me for two days of in-country research. First up, she wanted to see where expats lived. So I took her to a couple of the popular neighborhoods, but I told her, you really won’t find a true “expat” neighborhood here in Cayo. Almost all areas have locals and expats alike mixed in. She said she was ok with that, but just wanted to get an idea of what the areas looked like. 
Next, I took her to my home so she could see how I live, what I do and don’t have, how much you can get for your money, etc. One thing she did say is that she’s too old to be hanging laundry, ha ha! I told her some days I feel like that too. Next we headed to Hode’s Place and had lunch – fish burgers and fries. She had a cosmo and said they did a pretty good job of making it. I just stuck with a Belikin beer. Then we headed to Burns Avenue, our “main street,” and I took her to some shops so she could see what kind of items are available, pricing, etc. 
Done with Cayo, we headed to Belmopan and I took her to the local mall there. It is huge, well lit, clean, and nicely stocked. She was particularly interested in the dog food section, but could not find any “senior” dog food. I told her maybe Spanish Lookout at the feed store would have some. But overall, she was very impressed by the variety, selection, and price! We had a long drive ahead of us, so we headed straight to Hopkins. When she had arrived the day before, the hotel shuttle had taken her through the Sittee River area and not the village proper. So I drove her through that part so she could see all the little hotels, cabins, stores, vendors, restaurants, and more. 
We are staying at my good friend, Tony’s, Beaches and Dreams Resort. I’ve known Tony online for quite a while, and it’s my first time staying here. Wouldn’t you know it though – he’s in Alaska on his annual holiday. I got a cute little cabana about 75 feet from the water ($75-85 usd). 
That evening, we hopped in my car, along with two other really nice sisters that were staying at the B&D, and headed to one of the few restaurants that are open this time of year, due to it being the slow season, Driftwood Beach Bar & Pizza Shack. You may remember I ate there on my last trip to Hopkins, and still feel it is the best pizza in Belize. Right away, the owners, Denise and Oliver, remembered me and thanked me profusely for my Trip Advisor review I wrote after my last visit.
We had a combo pizza and shortly, Joseph and the guys showed up from the Lebeha Drumming Center. They treated us to a wonderful show, and afterwards Joseph came over, and he too remembered me from my last visit (that’s just how NICE the people in Hopkins are – they are very genuine people). Since we needed to get up early in the morning, we didn’t stay out too late, but what a fun night!
Are you coming to Belize for a research trip soon? If so, would love to work with you and show you around as well!
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LIVING IN BELIZE – “Car Repair, Unexpected Invitation & Darts“ 9/18/12
LIVING IN BELIZE – “Short-Term Rentals and I Really Want to Pay You“ 11/2/12
LIVING IN BELIZE – “Beautiful Belize Gardens” 11/17/12
