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Idaho_Diver - "Flew out 4/7 and I will never return."???
I must butt in here I have never been to AC (thinking about going in a few months), but I was wondering, if you had such a terrible dive experience, why do you have 14 message board postings on an AC web site, including your dive pictures? Is there something magical about AC that keeps you linked to this message board? Just a couple of innocent questions with no offense intended


**Shannon**

[This message has been edited by Desert_Fever (edited 05-31-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Desert_Fever (edited 05-31-2001).]

I vote to leave these comments here.
Not that I agree with the reports, but it adds a different take on things and personalities.
Most of the complaints are about things that man does not have control over, it is nature at work, which is ever changing.
If the marine life, coral, and wall diving is not what one expected, now who controls that, surely not man. If the coral is in bad
shape, be grateful you got to see it, before more damage is done.
Your hotel not having a swimming pool, obvisouly you noted that before booking.
Food, now who was expecting five star restaurants? The wonderful local food, is just what makes the total island experience.
When one is an experienced traveler and diver, you should have learned not to take package travel deals, due to being locked in to whatever they offer, instead of leaving your options open, to check out the dive operation on the island that suits your capability and expectations.
Some people enjoy being a "snob" and that is acceptable, and they always want to feel superior, which is ok, but we that do not have those needs are ok too.
Glad everyone agrees, swimming with the nurse starks, and rays, is a real spiritual experience, and your life will forever be blessed.
I for one will always return to Ambergris for that laid back enjoyable way of life.
Proving, a step back in time, with the beautiful caribbean sea outside your door, is so peaceful and relaxing, if I leave my attitude at home.
"BELIZE IT"

To each his own. I have been to Aruba in the 80's, about ten hotels and building went back in the 90's need I say more, they ruined a beautiful island. There was one casino and one club. Went to Cancun in the 80's , very Mexican, bullfights fights and real mexican food went back in 00, too American for me just like any US city. Wnt to Turks and Caicos 99 and 00(2).They were building each time I went back, I am going to AC in August and probably back to Turks next year and the way it looked last time, it will be another Aruba. So if you are looking for that commercial vacation shop in the Sunday paper. An island is a piece of land surrounded by water so why would we want to pacify the Americans and build malls and fast food resturants and take away the customs of the natives that is very selfish, they invite us to there island and all America sees is a way to make money. They took the land from the Indians and now the wanto to take the land from the islands and build small cities all over the carribean. Like NY,Cleve, Chicago,LA,Frisco and the rest do not have trash on the ground, but we could afford to because this is America. Have you ever talked to the natives or did you just want the to cater to you for 25 cents an hour. I thought the whole idea was to do nothing on a carribean vacation and take with you the American custom of hurry,hurry. But like I said, to each his own.Sorry to sound cruel, but thats life. You need to relax and enjoy your surroundings whatever the situation is.

Have to jump in ! Just want to say that there will always be people who dont like what they find in Belize... I think I am well-travelled. I know what gourmet food is. OK, I am not an super expert diver, just a regular open water diver. But I love the diving in Belize (specially the atolls) and I do think the food is great (not gourmet I agree, but I dont think anyone ever mentionned "gourmet" on this website). I think people only read what they want to read on these posts. Yes, we love Belize, and yes, sometimes we get carried away ! So what ?... I am going there for the 5th times in a week, I guess that means something !

I agree with you, Chloe. The comments made here should stay, if only for balance. I can see no reason to be upset with any of it.

**Jim

With no disrespect to others of varying opinions, this is directed to the "locals" on the board, and other fans.
People of AC, on behalf of myself and the others that tend to travel with me, thank you for letting us share your island and taste your lifestyle, and thank you for not fabricating something just for the tourists. We will be back. Feed me lobsters and conch, make Belikin readily available, and keep the beautiful sunrises and smiling people.

Some want everything.............

Some want nothing................

What is right....................

You decide.......................

hacker

Great imput, see we can handle our own thoughts and feelings about Ambergris.
Seems about 99% of us, love Ambergris just as it is. And we can accept the 1% that does not, like what we like, can't we? Be Happy!

Took my first trip to AC May 18-28 & loved every minute of it - even in the downpours my last two days. We even had a good laugh as we waded down the north road from our house to the hand ferry. Maybe I'm a romantic at heart (OK, OK - I definitely am), but I fell in love. AC is not a place for the critical. Went on a trip to the mainland one day with an extremely annoying guy who was critical from the first moment - wanted to throw him overboard a couple of times. There's nothing wrong with seeing reality (yes, I saw some garbage around the beaches up north, etc.) but being critical just for the sake of feeling superior has no place here. All in all, I found AC to be a truly beautiful, unspoiled place of incredible beauty. And what I mean by that is the people of AC seem to know how to enjoy life no matter what their circumstances are - they are happy people and we should feel honored that they allow all of us to come and share their isla bonita, even for a little while. Given a hint of an opportunity I'd go back. I enjoyed everything - food, accomodations, tours, snorkeling. It was ALL good. If you want good food try Margarita shrimp at Caliente, Conch Ceviche at Capricorn, or even Armadillo at Maruba resort (on the mainland - you can get there by taking the Altun Ha tour). Maybe my tastes are simple, but I thought the food was delicious. And I thought the island itself was perfect (for me - I'm really not delusional). I recommend it whole heartedly, though probably not to everyone - just those who are easy going, romantic, interested in having fun and relaxing and not transforming the island into another tacky tourist trap. I'm in love with San Pedro and hope it keeps it's charm forever. To those of you with other opinions, bless ya and if you don't like it, find someplace perfect for you.

KC - You must not know the Ambergris of the past, the island has become closer to Cancun/Cozumel than ever before. The changes occuring recently are staggering. Just ask a local who has lived on the island what changes they have seen in the last 5 years. If it keeps up at the current growth rate, who knows?