Yes this is my real name. It is correct to assume that most with such opinion do not live in Belize as my experience tells me. They do not get upset about much there. It is also true that you cannot judge the country without considerable amount of time there. I attempted to ask like questions years ago. After several visits I can tell you the month I spent there one year was a real eye opener. I'm not saying that I wouldn't stay just with my eyes wide open. I agree the 18 year old would be in for culture shock. My 17 year old was with us under protest for 30 days. She would have liked to be in the military. Corruption is in every country. You cannot escape it. I hear the story from people here talking about Mexico. It always shocks me how perfect they think this Country is. I'm not anti american just a realist. I know most of these boards are to bring tourist to belize. The people here in the US should lighten up for that reason. Hope to see my old friends soon. Right now my home is Monterey, CA USA