Athough I hope to desicribe my traveling and things that happened along the way. The purpose it to show the investment possibilities and return by investing in Belize. You can drop down to
I don't have pictures, because my camera got wet when I was "baptized" in the Belize River. (that story will follow)
I traveled to Belize two times, once on the bus and once in my van. I flew back to the states one time I will descibe my bus trip first. I didn't keep a daily log, but will do my best to keep things in a time order.
I went to Belize on a whim. I had a little money and a lot of time. I had just returned home after doing five months of FEMA (hurricane Katrina) inspections in Biloxi, Ms. I found out that an old school mate was living in Belize, and contacted him. I'm sure if I invited my self, but he said I could vist and stay at his "farm" Bottom line, my trip began. >>> I just knew that I didn't go then, I never would.
December 19, 2006
I got on a bus in Albuquerque N.M. and headed south. Crossing into Mexico wasn't difficult. ( If your drive there are extra requirements.). The trip took about 5 long days, give or take a couple of hours. I had some trouble making connections. If you travel during the Mexican Mothers Day weekend, bus reservations can be difficult. All the locals are taking the bus home to visit Mom. I had to spend a night in Veracruz. It was a nice stay over but my goal was to get to Belize before Christmas, and the ocean temperatures were not all that enjoyable to do any swimming.
Note: The buses in Mexico are wonderful. You get assigned seats, and luggage is checked. But do your best to keep and eye on it . Getting through the depots can be a challenge. Just do your best and ask a lot of questiosn. There are many that speak enough English to be helpful. Be sure to have a blanket or jacket handy. The A/C can be down right cold. I will get back to rewriting this part and add some other suggestions and ideas to keep in mind. If you want to Email me for specific questions, feel free to do so. I'll do my best to answer your email in a timely manner.
I had some apprehensive moments when the Mexican Army entered the bus to check for something. I never figured out what the were checking for and didnt ask, but didnt like the M-15s slung over their shoulders.
CROSSING THE BOARDER INTO BELIZE
I had gotten on a Belize bus at the Mexican Bus Station. and the driver guided me alot.
Crossing the boarder into Belize can be a challege too, even with the bus drivers help. ( I tipped him well)
There is a line, try to make sure where to start. The Customs Officals are usually nice, just doing thier job. Custom officer, Ms Lord checked me thru . ( She checked me thru at diffrent times that I crossed). She was, what I descibe as stern, but a nice lady. Just be up front about your intentions, of visiting, and tell them what you have that may be questionable Belize's economy keeps afloat, by charging heavy duties and has an exit fee of $37.00 USD.
I think you can take one bottle of booze. your personal belongings. Ms. Lord, ask me If I was taking any Christmas presents to those I was visting. I think any small presents can be taken n duty free, but tell what you have. On my second trip in my van I was surprized to find out that cheeze is ok to take in. Again I hope to get back to this part and fill in some blanks.
IN BELIZE
The buses in Belize are not like those in Mexico. Most are old yellow school buses. They are cheap, about twenty-cents US for every ten miles. There are some express type, but those mostly run between Belize City , Belmopan, and Punta Gorda.
The bus from the boarder is the old yellow type and stop any place there is someone waiting to get on. A lot of stop and goes.
I think it took about 5 hours to travel to Belmopan. It was Christmas Eve. I contacted my school frind and headed to his farm in the village of Young Gal.
The farm was a hundred acre plot that he he build Cabanas that one day would be rented out to back packer touists. We drove down a muddy road and stopped atop a steep grade that over looked the Belize River. He had called his worker Ever. Ever and a Cipriano had rowed up the river to meet us. After going down the steep path,( a 1o/12 roof pitch or about or about a 50 degree angle drop.) foot path to the river and boarded a 16 foot row boat. Ever and his Cippy carried my bags on their back down the steep slope
After we mostly floated down and crossed the river about a quarter of a mile, we arrived at some slippery stepsthat lead up the hill to the farm. Ever's wife Martha and their young boy were waiting at the top of the slope
Living on the farm > under construction ch back later for those "exciting" events "ie" being baptize, a taste of Iguana, hunting, out house building . the neighbors. lonely Christmas and New Year. barking monkeys, Belize Rum
Belmopan to The Farm Land
I went to Belmopan a number of time on the yellow bus. I met Julian while standing in line waiting to buy the local paper. Like other friendly people there. Julian and I started talking about real eatate. I found out that he was a real estate salesman.
The conversation resulted in his invitation to vist him and check out what was availble for sale.
When I went to Belize I had no intentions of doing anything more than a vacation. It seemed fate was playing a part now
A few days later I was on the yellow bus south thiry miles to Humming Bird Village.
Julian and family >more about them later.
With Julian's guidance I realized that land was cheap and productive. After doing some numbers, I realize that one can buy a farm and realize a near or real annual 100 per cent return when buying the right farm.
I did some due diligence, checking with the local Co-Op. checking costs for fertilization. capitol investments. if there was a need for irrigation. Remember I'm from the Southwest where one needs irrigation to farm
With checking all I thought I needed to, I found:
The capital equipment costs equal a shovel and possibly a weed eater. most use a machete. The legal minimum wage is $1.50 US an hour.
I learned that the Co-Op would buy all citrus and pineapples delivered to them.
I found a pine apple farm that seemed over priced for the area. But there are 100,000 mature and producing pineapples plants and near producing orange trees on the property.
The average pineapple will bring 50 cent USD at the local market, and 25 cents at the Co-Op.. Do the math > 100,000 pineapples times 25 cents = $25.000.oo
The farm could be purchased for $40K USD. in 2006 and 2007. I recenty checked and the property is still available. I would think and hope the price may drop because of the current world economy. At least the terms explained in the next sentance, could be easier. Most properties can be purchased by a 50% down and 50% at the end of the first year interest free.
Now you ask why would anyone want to sell a farm that is making money? The owner is old and his family is in Gutamala, and wants to move to Gutamula.
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION MORE TO COME
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