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| Caribbean Property Magazine Home / September 2009 / 'Living the Expat Experience, Part 2 of 2' | SEND THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND  |
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| S E P T E M B E R  2 0 0 9Issue 32
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| LIVING THE EXPAT EXPERIENCE, Part 2 of 2 by Reverend Macarena Rose Resting Easy Belize is easy – one can rest, swim, hike, sleep, dive or go exploring ruins and caves. The natural beauty of Belize, all the scenic mountains and beaches and rainforest, are very conducive to a more restful state of mind as you walk about to take it all in. You won't be satisfied with just sitting around. You will be just as eager as the rest of us to be outside at every chance, savoring your new surroundings. Much is written about Americans and their problems with sleep deprivation. Belize offers a slower pace, healthy diet, lots of fresh air and exercise in the beautiful, irresistible outdoors. Need I say more? Upholding Tradition A story I enjoy sharing has to do with burial customs in Belize. I know this may sound morbid, but I ask your indulgence --- please hang in there with me. It's a bit lengthy but I think worthwhile because this will tell you much about what I find to be so uniquely human, close, warm and fulfilling about Belize. When I first came here, I was invited to a wake for a local Doctor’s Mother, held at her home. I went to the wake to show my respect and then was blown away when the good Doctor took me by the hand to go to the next door neighbor's home. There, working away in the night were about 12 men -- hammering, sawing, sanding and varnishing -- the casket for this beloved lady. These were men who could easily afford to pay for this service - instead of taking the time to make the Mother’s casket with their own hands. It turns out they were relatives and friends of the family. Then I observed about 15 women behind them -- measuring, cutting and sewing lace onto a gorgeous crushed velvet material to line the casket. The Doctor explained to me that in Belize, part of the way they honor their dearly departed ones is to have family members and friends work together to build the casket and adorn it with material. In this way, their own personal touch and love are placed into the casket itself. I was astounded by these gestures and so touched at all the love and community here. Love and Respect Then we walked over to the Mother’s home where I met many friends and family. All were engaged in praying, cooking and telling stories. Finally, the Doctor's Mother rested peacefully in her finished casket in the living room, where everyone could pay their respects during the wake. Families used to mourn like this 'in the good old days" in America, but I thought that was a custom long gone. Furthermore, in honoring the passing of a member of the community in Belize, no one ever leaves the family alone. For 24 hours a day, food, drinks, prayers and companionship are there at all times for the family. Expat Inclusion The Doctor then asked if I “would come to the graveyard at sunrise to help them.” He said he wanted me there "to paint the tomb.” Again, I had to ask what this was all about. He explained that at sunrise on the day of the actual funeral, selected friends and family members gather at the gravesite to paint the tomb with fresh bright white paint to ready it for the departed's final resting place. By then, my knees were feeling weak and my heart very humbled at this most respectful wake and funeral. I replied I was profoundly touched and honored to help paint his Mother’s tomb. At the sunrise ritual of painting, I was overcome with the amount of warmth and sincere care of everyone there. All showed the highest regard for the task at hand. Painting Preparations We proceeded to paint the tomb. There were smiles and pride in what everyone was doing. It was as though we were preparing for a new baby to come home to its nursery. When we completed this traditional task, we all headed to the Church to ready it for the service. Here too were so many folks placing flowers on the sides of the pews and lavishing them throughout the church. This warm day in Belize is forever embedded in my senses, from the smells of the fresh paint in the early morning to the sweet smells and visuals of the most gorgeous wild flowers adorning and perfuming the church. | ||
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| Once the funeral began, the Priest said his mass. Many had come to pay their respects and to speak words of wisdom for the family. Afterward, everyone stood up as the Father walked down the aisle behind the Doctor’s Mother’s casket being carried out by family. Then the whole church, pew by pew, folded out and down the church’s front steps. I followed also. I was going to head to my car to drive to the graveyard -- when I realized, NO ONE ELSE was doing that. What was this all about, I wondered? Stately Procession I stepped aside and watched as droves of people walked down the church steps and kept on walking right behind the casket which had been placed in the back bed of a truck piled high with flowers and gifts. I joined the crowd and walked and walked. We proceeded through the downtown of San Ignacio. As we passed by businesses, all stopped working. Employees and customers came out of the buildings and stood there as we all passed by. They did not move till everyone from the funeral party had passed by them. Everyone Participates The same thing happened as we passed people’s homes. Everyone stopped, took off their hats, held their hands together in prayer. Literally, everything just stopped for that moment in time as we all walked through the streets of downtown. No traffic, no business, no TV, no radios -- there was respectful silence but for the sound of feet walking and the click of the truck's tires going 2 mph. We then arrived at the graveyard where another mass was held. Everyone was gathered about the Mother's tomb with prayers and support. Then the family lowered their Mother/Sister/Aunt into the tomb itself, in the casket many of them had helped to make. Heart of the Matter Truthfully, after all of this, I felt so included and connected; it was as though I had just lain to rest my own family member! After this experience, I can tell you I have found what community, family and love is all about. In Belize, truly it is like living your life fully present and intimately with others here. Dive Right In Belize is famed for its fabulous recreational opportunities. With all that gorgeous H2O there's every kind of water activity you could ever want. You name it –fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, diving, etc. it's all there and available to you.  The sport that draws the most tourists annually takes place offshore. If you're a diving or snorkeling enthusiast, you just went to heaven ----- and probably already know about the world class diving. It's the best! The coral barrier reef of Belize is second in size only to that of Australia's and The Great Blue Hole is a famed World Heritage Site that is geographically unique and renowned for its deep sea diving. This is as good as it gets! You Can Cave In Here The exciting sport of caving is well served in the endless limestone caves of Belize. Interestingly enough, the Mayans liked these caves too and used them for numerous purposes in their culture. Who knows what you may find -- many artifacts have turned up there. No matter, the caving adventure is a treasure in itself! But you won't be thinking of anything but fun if you decide to go cave tubing. You'll be in an inner tube with your piggy’s dangling over --- and laughing and shrieking your way through darkened caves as the current carries you along! Exciting and thrilling and you must give it a try! The Place Is In Ruins! And they are mighty spectacular indeed. The Mayans flourished in Belize, this is their ancestral homeland. There's a fabulous treat awaiting all you amateur anthropologists and archeologists and those who are just curious. Bring your cameras! You've read about those magnificent temples rising out of the jungle. It's true! Now come climb up one you and admire the mysteries of these amazing structures, imagine the past, and then luxuriate in the surrounding views. By the way, professional anthropologists maintain ongoing dig sites in Belize and are constantly exploring for more ruins and clues to the Mayan way of life. Knowledge of Mayan culture is being discovered as I write. Subtropical Ambiance For those of you who love to paint, sculpt, compose, write or photograph … I think the ethereal pull of the variety of environments in Belize is compelling and brings out some of our hidden depths. You are exposed to constant visual and sensory experiences that play upon your inner self and may inspire you to greater artistic expression! Perhaps you've arranged vacations to isolated spots in past years so you can feel free to let loose and drum on the beach under a full moon.....and you chant to the heavens. Go right ahead - and don't be surprised if you are joined by other like minded friends! WHATEVER YOUR HEART’S DESIRE, IT IS WAITING THERE FOR YOU IN BELIZE! Even Confederate Expats! I was amazed to learn about this aspect of history in Belize and feel I can say with conviction - there's something here for everyone! Even a Civil War history buff will be fascinated to learn how Indians and war veterans from Louisiana and other southern states immigrated to Belize in the 1860's to establish Confederate settlements. Belize It I've presented just a tiny sampling of the outdoor fun that Belize has to offer. And I'm not forgetting those who want to just sit on their porch staring out! Whatever your heart's desire, it is waiting there for you in Belize. For those who are interested in perhaps pursuing the expat experience, Belize awaits your pleasure! Don't be shy --- you can take the first step to your adventure, and perhaps that new life, by contacting us at Rainforest Realty, Belize. We are here to inform and support you every way we can! My New Reality in Belize My reality became my new business – Rainforest Realty. And in Belize, my chief vocation is now bidding you and others like you, a hearty welcome to the delightful, subtropical world of Belize. If you're contemplating becoming an expat, please remember that in Belize, you already have friends! My staff at Rainforest Realty and I will take the greatest pleasure in answering all of your questions. Email, call or visit --- we want to hear from you! You are the reason we do what we do. We love potential expats!  We bring great energy and enthusiasm to our work and take care to carefully answer your queries. You can ask us anything! We pride ourselves on striving to bring you the most honest, ethical real estate business practices in this part of the hemisphere. Rainforest Realty has been named the top real estate agency in Belize and is also noted for its outstanding expertise in relocation matters. So if and when you consider Belize, be sure to contact us ---- we're waiting for you! | ||
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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