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| Caribbean Property Magazine Home / August 2009 / 'Living the Expat Experience, Part 1 of 2 ' | SEND THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND  |
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A U G U S T
 2 0 0 9Issue 31
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| LIVING THE EXPAT EXPERIENCE, PT 1 OF 2 Believing In and Living the Dream by Reverend Macarena Rose Hopefully you all remember my story ….the I introduced to you a few months ago about the single mom, with teenage daughter and limited assets who moved from Florida, USA to Belize, Central America. We have been here for six years now and from the start it has been an incredible experience – both personally and professionally.
A lot of people want to make that move and follow that dream, especially the baby boomer generation in America, and before you do it is always nice to hear some advice and some of the experiences from others you have travelled that road before you. What follows are some more thoughts about the expat experience I thought might interest you. Expat Expenditures There are many reasons why an individual, couple or group might choose to move abroad and establish a new life in a different culture. One that's very understandable, and to which we can all relate in these uncertain economic times, is financial. THERE HAS BEEN A SUDDEN EXODUS FROM”FIRST WORLD” TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES...IT MAKES SENSE, BECAUSE IN THE END, IT SAVES CENTS! Indeed, recently, there has been a sudden exodus from ‘first world’ to foreign countries for this reason. It makes sense, because in the end, it saves cents! For instance, distressed farmers in the American Midwest are finding they can take their high tech agricultural skills to inexpensive acreage abroad (Argentina) and fare very well indeed. Thankfully, it is possible to stretch those shrinking American dollars, pensions and 401K's much further in many foreign lands - whoopee! Being able to reduce financial stress is always a huge plus which lowers our blood pressure and adds to our quality of life. And hopefully makes us much happier people.
But please remember -and as I always repeat over and over again -contact me with those questions!! You must do your homework about any such move! Interesting Intangibles There are usually many factors besides financial concerns at play in a decision to move abroad and some of these are intangible. Those who are familiar with my own story know that I felt a compelling call to return to Belize after my initial visit. The drive to start a new life there was a feeling over which I had no control - it took hold very strongly and could not be ignored. The result was I pulled up stakes from a very comfortable life in Florida, packed and moved into a new country and then a new business enterprise. Both continue to excite and reward me every single day and for that I give the greatest thanks. Expat Inspiration Somewhere inside me, the adventurous gene popped up and took over and off I went. Of course, I considered every possibility and spent many sleepless nights giving thought to such a drastic change in lifestyle … and still I went. I think that the spirit of adventure lives in each of us and sometimes it gets called out. If we're lucky and the timing and circumstances are right - we make it happen! Listen to that inner voice - hear what it says and give it some credence. Here's my philosophy ---- JUST DO IT!
Expat Pacing I'm always interested in the expat experiences of others. In talking with various people, I've heard many stories of why they relocated -- including leaving the isolation and alienation of American life behind. Sometimes even expats are surprised how they're affected by the slower pace to be found in other cultures. We all read constantly how Americans are stressed to the max and eating dinner out of their refrigerators or grabbing high fat burgers at fast food chains – all due, supposedly, to both a lack of time and energy to prepare a meal and sit down to eat (and digest) it. We all look at pictures of the past that show families gathered around the dinner table and drool. We wonder how on earth they did it. Heart attacks and disease are far too common in modern life. Much of it has to do with stress and pressure, but not so here in Belize.  Oh, yes, and working hard every day, too. But here in Belize, there's a different context for life and it doesn't leave out the very human parts. The pace is not so relentlessly demanding and grinding and certainly not as overpowering. There's an understanding that other things matter too, such as one's family and community. In Belize these are priorities and felt to be an important aspect of life that requires time and energy in order to build connections. So, while Americans are overeating themselves into obesity, diabetes and chronic health problems trying to cope with worries and stress, we here in Belize are strolling the beaches, diving, caving and appreciating the beauties of Mother Nature! Smell the Roses -- Or Rather, the Wild Flowers
In today's first world societies, many lament there's no time to "stop and smell the roses." We all know the stories about children being over-programmed and growing up with their cell phones as the means to keep in touch with their parents. You will not find that scenario in Belize. Here it makes perfect sense in the context of life and living to enjoy the gorgeous tropical flora around you. In fact, it's downright encouraged! Except you won't be smelling roses - you'll be admiring the profusion of wild flowering plants that grow everywhere and never fail to soothe and delight. Orchid Extravaganza If you are an orchid aficionado, then Belize is your paradise. You will be astounded at all the different varieties that grow very happily here. And that includes the gorgeous Black Orchid, the national flower of Belize. It flowers year 'round -- be still my beating heart!  Perhaps your total experience with orchids is buying one at the grocery store in America like I did - and then watching it wither away. Well, here they grow wild and beautiful all over the place and thrill your senses every day. They inspire your dreams and imagination as you contemplate their exquisite forms and colors. Orchids are magical, so go ahead, relax and revel in these stunning marvels… You're supposed to! Exotic Fauna of Belize The fauna of Belize are exotic, no doubt about it. I find it a pleasing thing to know that instead of residing in foreign zoos, native birds and animals roam wild and free here in their natural habitat. For instance, you're not going to run into a Keel Billed Toucan every day in the States, are you! That's the national bird of Belize, and I'll bet the only place you've ever seen one is in the zoo. Me, too, pre-Belize. Well, here is where they originate -- in the open areas of the country, making their home in the large trees. This is home and they don't seem to mind sharing it with natives and expats. Here you can smile at their glorious multi-hued presence and contemplate the part they play in nature's scheme of things.
And we have the tapir, is a very exotic national animal here in Belize. The tapir is native to Belize and it is on the endangered species list …which means no hunting. Tapirs are rather distinctive looking, being related to the horse and rhinoceros. An interesting heritage, indeed! And interestingly, they are vegetarians. |
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THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A LUSH, GORGEOUS RAINFOREST TO REMIND YOU THAT LIFE ON EARTH, AND IN BELIZE, IS A SPECIAL GIFT TO BE CHERISHED.
Special Trees There's nothing like a lush, gorgeous rainforest environment to remind you that life on earth - and in Belize - is a special gift to be cherished. The rainforest is fabulous and wondrous and full of exotic plants and trees. My favorite tree is the native mahogany trees of Belize. They are strong, sturdy and enduring and have been prized for centuries for making furniture. Mahogany lasts on and on…so anything made from it will be passed down from generation to generation. This highly regarded native tree is the National Tree of Belize. Cultural Cues Belizeans speak English as their native language and have a system of law very similar to that of the United States. So that part of acclimatization is easy. But it gets even better! I've got some great news for you. If you've been getting sentimental and nostalgic about the good old days and hearing how once upon a time families and communities bonded together to share life's pleasures and challenges --- surprise!. Oh ,yes ---- that's the norm here in Belize. Unlike first world countries with their frantic pace (such is the culture in America, for instance) Belize hasn't tossed aside those traditional values of family and that lifestyle is all here waiting for you! The Market -- and I Don't Mean Stocks and Bonds When I first visited, I had been sitting on a veranda at Cabal Pech Village Resort in the town of San Ignacio taking in the expansive views of the mountains and downtown area. My friend Oscar, who works at the hotel, came over to ask me why I was not at "the market." I thought this was a bit odd as I did not quite know what he meant or why I should be going there. Oh well, typical American! Oscar explained that Saturday in San Ignacio is special - a time when the farmers and Mennonites come into the downtown area by the river to sell the fruit of their labor - their freshest and most delectable produce. It's a happy respite from typical week because people come from all the different villages to the market. There's food, flowers, music, conversation and dancing, and certainly plenty of good vibes, making for a not-to-be-missed festive air. Who could resist that?
 I started to walk around and inhale the scents, sights and sounds -- and have enjoyed the delights of this wonderful outdoor market ever since. Marketing in Belize When's the last time you strolled leisurely and lingeringly through an inviting town marketplace to ogle all the gorgeous fresh fruits and vegetables! Imagine not feeling so tired and drained and having the time and energy to peruse the market offerings. The grand Saturday market of San Ignacio offers a great alternative to lying exhausted in front of mindless TV shows while you consume the rest of the potato chips, ice cream, candy and cookies. How about a superb pineapple right off the plant itself? And, it will cost you almost nothing. Weighty Matters With all the publicity and concern in the U.S. about obesity, here's another nugget of information that many may be surprised to hear. I wasn't trying, but weight just dropped off me naturally after I arrived to Belize. I figure this news alone might trigger a giant stampede to Belize!! But it makes sense. The fresh food, fruits and seafood here are so enticing and available, and best of all - inexpensive. You eat plentifully, but healthfully and well. And, you won't find yourself standing in line at a fast food chain - because there aren't any. Imagine that!
And, believe me, you won't miss it. Just glance over all the exquisite fare at the market --- many of which I'd never heard of. I asked a local vendor about a delicious looking fruit that looked so good. On the outside, it seemed like a cross between a cactus and artichoke. Ah, but the inside! He was spooning the brilliant fuchsia-colored fruit out of it, and I so I hurried over to try it. You'll swoon - it's so yummy! It's called pithaya and it is easy to understand why it is the national fruit of Belize. I have come to know and value this local market tradition well. The interactions that take place go far beyond buying and selling and make for a true sense of community. And by the way, I've been maintaining that weight loss ever since - with no effort! Stayed tune for more insight, advice and experiences in Part 2. |
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Author : Macarena Rose is an Ordained Minister, Inventor of the Prop-Up Pillow and a Master in Healing Arts who, after raising 8 children in St Petersburg, Florida, picked up and moved to Belize. She has lived there for the past six years and has never looked back or regretted her decision! Currently she owns Rainforest Realty in Belize and continues with a busy personal schedule as an inspiration as to how to live a fulfilled life…her motto is Just Do It ! |
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