Goodbye Belize, Welcome to Bacalar

Whilst the weather's been, at best, patchy for my stay in Belize, it's been pleasant enough.
Some thoughts about the past few days:
Belize City is pretty much forgettable - apart from the lovely hostel run by Keira. In the city, there's a sense that you're in/near the Caribbean. The patois that you hear in the streets and shops can be impenetrable. It might have a root in English, but I can't make it out. For a relatively wealthy part of Central America, there's certainly a lot of 'down and out' people begging in the streets. Moreover, I've noticed a few times that there's a 'calculated cynicism' at large, certainly in the city. It seems that the city has got used to milking the American dollar. As the passengers disembark from the boats ferrying them from their cruise ships to the water taxis and onward, they're pounced on by anyone trying to make a few tips. The slightest bit of conversation or question about a destination is really only leading up to a hand being extended for 'just a dollar'.
On the Cayes however, the pace is slower, and the people seem friendlier by and large.
The grabbiness of Belize City isn't as photogenic or even 'exotic' as some places in South East Asia for example. The damp weather didn't help but the atmosphere picked up a great deal when the Christmas parade went through the town.
Caye Caulker was the highlight for me - sun, sand and snorkelling.
But oh, what a palaver of a ride to Bacalar over the border in Mexico. We left Belize over an hour late because the bus was late arriving from its earlier trip. The faffing about at both borders with passports, form-filling and fees to pay for all manner of things. This was a rubbish journey with several stops and a change of bus.
Bacalar could be a nice rest and change of pace. The town centre is welcoming: they've made a great effort with the Christmas decorations, and the restaurants, bars etc in the main square have a pleasant look about them. It's a sham my digs are a 30 minute walk from the town centre and the lagoon, but I think it's going to be okay.Les mer