Greetings from Belmopan Belize,

The Belize immigration met our boat as we tied up to the isolated short jetty in Dangriga, an absolutely nothing little coastal town. The official seemed bored and took his time processing the fifteen passengers, me next to last. Finally free of the red tape I tromped down the planks to dry land and declined the shared taxis waiting for us. Exploring Dangriga took all of a half hour. The two hotels I checked quickly convinced me everyone planned to get rich from the infrequent travelers and none of the accommodations looked very inviting. The "best hotel" in town wanted $65 for a dingy room with dirty bathroom fixtures and a lumpy bed.

Another ten minutes and I found the crowded bus terminal and jumped on a bus heading northwest to the capital city of Belmopan. Arriving after dark I breathed a sigh of relief seeing a decent motel right across the street from the terminal. The Hotel Belmopan is not a Hilton, but under the circumstances I gratefully booked a room and started a search for something to eat. At this hour all restaurants but a Chinese place had closed. Chow Mein never tasted so good and the waiter fresh squeezed some orange juice for me.

 

Dangriga Belize: This is the "port of entry" for the boat that got me to Dangriga from Puerto Cortez Honduras. A short dock where the boat ties up while the Immigration officials take their time with formalities.

Belmopan Belize: Photo of the federal buildings taken near the monument in the center of the Federal District.

Belmopan Belize: Monument in the center of the Federal District.