Girl, you are in for a culture shock! Some people handle it well and others, not so much.

My 4 cents worth...don't plan to come down for a year. Make your plans for 1 -3 months to get a feel for the place. Almost everyone on this board, including me, loves San Pedro but I know several people who visited once and will never set foot on the caye again. It's not for everyone.

Think about leaving the Newf at home for the first visit. The climate, especially in the summer or early fall, would be hell for your dog. Don't underestimate the risk of possible serious health complications that a complete lifestyle change can have on Storm's (my granddaughter's name, btw) health.

Finally, (and I am typing this in the nicest possible way) I think your expectations are totally out of whack with the reality of living in San Pedro. Can't live without an Escalade and OnStar? Need a UPS man? Afraid of iguanas and wildlife (there are huge saltwater crocodiles too, you know)? You need to stay in North America, darlin'.

Newfoundlanders are the only people in heaven who want to go home.