We are back in the USA.
Our last 3 weeks in Belize was total mayhem but we got through it and made it back to our family. We sold everything we own (again)and even sold things for friends to make enough money to get to Richmond Virginia. Its great to see our family but now comes the challenge to start getting money. Obviously we could go get jobs at Walmart or something, but I hope to find a better deal. At the moment I am planning to launch a web page that sells jewelry. I only think this is possible because I can get free inventory from my Moms jewelry store. Then pay for that inventory as it sells.
Whats ironic is that Google contacted me to say that this blog is getting a big enough readership to start getting paid for advertising. That would have been helpful last month. Also, I have gotten 4 serious inquiries about long term rentals in San Antonio, Belize. The small commission from each one would have supplemented my income quite well. It looks like I could have stayed if I could have held out for 1 more month. Oh well - I'm in The States now, and its time to make money ;).
Got culture shock? I do. here is the run down of the most shocking things as they strike me. As we land in the Miami airport, I see television everywhere. That's not a shocker, what people call news is. Could the news be about anything less important?!? Also, the amount of work put into things is amazing to me. Everything is so expensive looking and the roads are perfect. Cars are all new and shiny looking and on a short drive I can see the billions of dollars that have been spent on the road, cars, houses, businesses and energy. Some of it is grossly overdone and some is cool. This time back I see a healthier people. Wow, where did all the super fat people go? (I haven't been to Walmart yet - I am sure to find some there. lol) The new Yuppie is tattooed, dread-locked and pierced up. That's cool, but when I left for Belize a yuppie was more of a cardigan sweater wearing tennis player type. (Please, no offence - this is just the opinion of a guy who has never fit in. I see now that had I stayed, I would be a yuppie.) I am very lucky to have a place to stay with my parents that is so similar to Belize. Its quiet and isolated here. I am still completely surrounded by trees.
My stomach has culture shock too. The food is great but wow I need practice digesting this stuff. I may need to go get me some rice and beans and ease back into big fat hamburgers, cheesy pizza, big breakfast with bacon and more bacon. Breakfast actually hurt me yesterday, but it was sooo good. I am really skinny right now and could stand to gain a few pounds but can I keep it just a few pounds? I don't know. The portions are giant. I don't have to eat it all but after having portions too small I want to clean my plate every time. The over eating is compounded by not having to do much. Everything is very convenient. I hardly have to stand up. I'm pretty sure its going to be super hard not to get fat. I know Amy is just as worried about that as me. lol
So where do we go from here? I still don't know how much money I want to have to go back to Belize with. Is $10k enough to make it permanent or is $20k more reasonable? I have no Idea. We can survive (barely) on $150us per month, so maybe $300us per month should be a minimum goal. I really don't know so my idea get as much as possible as fast as possible and get back to Belize, the happiest place on Earth.
What would you do? How much money would you take to live in Belize? What advise do you have for me? Seriously, I want to know.
