Monday, April 25, 2011

Proud to be Belizean












After travelling inland, and after nearly six weeks in Belize, I’ve discovered that Belizeans are proud to be Belizeans.  They come from many different backgrounds and there is quite an eclectic culture.  Each town has its own flare or flavor but most are quite diverse.  San Ignacio is a quaint mountain town full of people enjoying being alive.  After meeting several locals, they also seem to be quite happy with where they are.  They work hard but enjoy life.  San Pedro wasn’t much different in those regards.  However, San Pedro was more fast-paced (not fast by US standards).

The people value their heritage.  They express their passion for the Mayan culture through their stories.  They even carry the language in certain areas.  My students were also all passionate about their heritages.  They all told me where they came from and what their family has been doing.  Most of the San Pedranos are fisherman.  However, some of the students came from the mainland where their families are farmers or tour guides.  Being a tour guide is a well respected and well paid position.  It shows the importance of valuing the Belizean heritage.   

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