Staying in one spot for a time gives a chance for the locals to open up and talk to us more. Doris, owner of our hotel, visits often. She has had lots of health issues and tells how hard it is to find anyone to help if you don't have lots of $$$. She goes to Mexico to get treatment. She also said Belizians aren't taught skills & just make do so hardly anything is built well & won't last long. A young man we met, told us the same thing. He said in schools Belizians are only trained to work for others, not own or run a business. That may be why the Mennonites who only recently came here, have been able to start many successful business. They produce almost all the food, furniture & own many stores. The Chinese here are also very hard-working and successful. Doris says the Belizians are not desperate enough and too lazy to even plant a garden. Many locals talk about the corrupt gov't and a new group of young people have started a group to make more people aware of corruption. Both citizens and gov't are proactive in preserving the natural beauty and ancestral Maya ruins. I sure hope they do. Locals say the average wage is about $450 - 600 per month with more than half going to rent--most don't own their home. Food is about 1/3 to 1/2 of what we pay at home except for packaged food in stores which is more than home. Our average meal out is about $10 for fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, pizza or burger which includes rice, beans & Coke Light, beer or coffee. Ice cream cone is just $1...and delicious.
