PEACEFUL, PENTHOUSE VILLA ON THE CARIBBEAN SEA

We chose Belize because it is a Commonwealth country, the official language is English, it has a stable government, the people are friendly , we can drink the water. and we never have to shovel snow. My husband told his co-workers, when he retired, that he wanted to wear shorts for the rest of his life and he can do that in Belize.

We had looked at condominiums in faster paced more touristy locations but that is not what we were looking for. We wanted a quiet place to come where we could relax, make good friends and enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle. We are outside the main village and, thus, it is very quiet in our location. Our neighborhood noise consists of the gentle motion of the sea lapping on the shore and the sounds of the tropical parrots and birds in the palm trees. We can bike or drive to the village when we want to or we can enjoy the solitude of Cocoplum whenever we feel the need. We are very happy with our choice. and know you will agree if you have the opportunity to experience it.

We enjoy the lovely pool which is a few steps from our front door, as well as the view of the sea and the grounds from our balcony, We find it very relaxing to wander down to the dock to read and relax At times, we take the opportunity to hang our hammock and sway, peacefully in the the Tradewind breezes. If it gets too warm, we float in the warm, blue green sea. We may see see dolphins swimming nearby, pelicans swooping down to catch lunch, manta rays in the water, as well as small fish flying through the air. There is a local fisherman we have befriended who comes by to sell us freshly caught snapper, grouper, snook or lobster . We feel very spoiled relaxing at sunset, barbecuing our fresh fish.

Within 3 km. north of us, travelling on the newly paved road, there are several small, yet exceptional restaurants as well as a small, state of the art bowling alley. Or, we can choose to travel south to Placencia village to experience the world's best gelato, participate in weekly games of horseshoes or eat at various food stands or restaurants on the beach or on the street.

Within a half hour ride, to the north, is Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary , the world's first jaguar reserve. We hike a few kilometers to swim below beautiful double waterfalls or tube down a jungle river. There is snorkeling just off the shores of the beaches and the second longest coral reef in the world follows the coastline. Divers travel from all over the world to experience it. The area is renowned for fly fishing as well. We can explore Mayan ruins, learn how to create cocoa from the cocoa plants, search out toucans and red macaws or take trips into the jungle to search out the howler monkeys. The list goes on and on. You can do little or a lot, here, and it is all within a close proximity. Life is good in Belize and I hope you have a chance to experience it in our piece of paradise.