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Finishing up in San Ignacio, the Trek Stop shuttle delivered us to Belize City for our last night in the country. The tour I most enjoyed in BC was of old Government House, maybe because we did not have time to check out the Fort George area due to limited time combined with most attractions being closed on Sunday. This old building really is an antique, built almost 200-years ago, between 1812-14 to serve as the official residence of the Governor of the colony, the Queen's representative in this backwater outpost. We took a walk around the grounds (2nd photo) and, although a few bits have blown off it over the years, I am amazed that a large wooden structure like this is still standing on these hurricane-prone shores! In fact, it was the devestation caused to Belize City by Hurricane Hattie in 1961 that prompted a new capital to be built inland at Belmopan, and that was the beginning of the end of the 'official' use of this building. After several years of neglect, the structure has been rehabilitated in recent years, and now also serves as a museum of sorts (the House of Culture), where various things Belizian are displayed.
For our US$5 per person entrance fee, we enjoyed wandering through the mansion, viewing it's antique furniture (3rd photo) and reading various plaques on the walls detailing the history of the Colony and it's various Governors down through the years. A stroll on the seaward grounds revealed a monument to Baron Bliss, an eccentric British aristocrat who was one of the main benefactors of this backwater. He sailed into the harbour for the first time in 1926 aboard his yacht 'Sea King', but was too sick with food poisoning to ever actually set foot on shore before dying several months later. Even so, he had been so impressed by his welcome, that his will bequeathed $2 million to be used for the benefit of the citizens of Belize! His small tender which allowed his crew to travel between the yacht and shore, is now mounted on the seaward grounds of Government House.
Updated Jun 8, 2006
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Belize City is a place to use as a transport hub for buses and ferries, but it's not really a place you want to stay in. The day before I arrived, there was a grenade attack on a group of youths, killing one of them, and a recent police arms amnesty had brought in weapons like rocket launchers! And it's only a small town.
On the positive side, there is a small, covered market and a pretty harbour and the nightlife here is supposed to be good, but I didn't stick around long enough to sample it.
Updated Nov 28, 2008
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A tour gave us a good overview of Belize in the short time we had. Just enough time to put it on our list of places to see again.
Belize City, with a population of 70,000, is a bustling, fascinating place, the country's biggest city and former capital.
The homes are quite modest by our standards and there struggle with poverty is evident.
We saw quite a few unfinished homes and our guide said it was a strategy used to avoid taxes ( no taxes until the home was completed ...hummm they might be on to something)
Outside the city the ride through country side was pleasant and the sites and sounds of the jungle were good for the soul.
Written Oct 22, 2006
George Gabb was and is always stretching the limits of his skills, his medium his art and now his health. Artist Laureate of Belize and knighted by the Arch Bishop of Canterbury in recognition for his contributions to the field of art in the country of Belize. The now have exception food also!
Written Aug 25, 2002
San Pedro------local people are friendly!!! food is fantastic...
Definately go on a night dive! The peaceful ocean can be different when the fish are hunting.
Belize City---- Try an eco-tour into the jungle. make sure you overnight in the jungle; it is an amazing experience.
Written Aug 30, 2007
Feeling risky?? If so rent some scooters. One broken mirror, no gas, and almost a flat tire. It truly is an experience. We got pulled over by the police, and then had a cop try and sell us drugs. Make sure you know how to ride one and feel confident in your ability. Its definitely not safe. That said it truly was a lot of fun. Cost was 50$ for an entire day.
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Written Apr 28, 2011
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Another picture of the wing bridge. This photo is copyrighted, so thank you to Tony Rath! Excellent photo.
Written Sep 7, 2002
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Kindest words I have for Belize City, it's different.
Very shabby looking town.
Written Aug 25, 2002
Address: Belize City
Written Sep 7, 2002
Small harbor where you can park your yacht or get ferry to the islands.
Written Sep 10, 2004
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Belize City tips and photos posted by real travelers and Belize locals.
Small harbor where you can park your yacht or get ferry to the islands.
99 members live in Belize
Q: Hi there! Thanks for reading this. We are two 25 year old young ladies looking to go to Belize for a wide range of interests --...
A: You could do nightlife and diving from Ambergris Cay, but it is an island so not much in the way of jungle hiking and Mayan ruins as the majority of those are in a...
Read 5 Replies
1
Although I had a Belizian friend decades ago while attending university, it was the pages of VT-members 'Windsorgirl' and 'JetLagCity' that got me thinking that maybe the place really does have...
2
My husband and I traveled to Belize for our one-year wedding anniversary and loved every bit of it; from the warm and friendly people to the amazing Mayan ruins.
3
Twenty-eight miles long and the country's biggest island, Ambergris Caye , is where people go to get away. It is about an hours boat ride from the pier in Belize City or a short flight on a comuter...
4
Caye Caulker is a fairly inexpensive (or at least, was) diving destination that is very laid-back and offers unreal diving and other water sports. If you are looking for good beaches, this is not your...
5
When I landed in Belize City, I immediately hopped on a bus and headed West (to San Ignacio). After a few days, I headed back East, then South -- and stopped in Hopkins for a couple of days. Wow!...
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