Day Trip to Belize City, Unexpected Businesses and CHRISTMAS at Mirabs Dept Store

Yesterday I headed to town early for the 830am water taxi to Belize City – to see the eye doctor and to run some errands. To buy things that I can’t buy in San Pedro – or to purchase them for much much cheaper than San Pedro prices.

And anytime I am in town early (before 9am) – I love to stop in Celi’s Deli on Front Street and get a hot johnny cake. (Here’s my recipe if you want to make them at home)

Some of the classic breakfast choices in the morning. Meatpies are also very popular – especially with kids.

I go with ham and cheese toasted. The paragon of Johnny Cake perfection.

I got my ticket…

And settled in with my political podcasts for the 1.5 hour ride. (I later found that both taxi drivers and the eye doctor wanted to talk about US elections. It’s important to Belizeans too. Everyone’s got family members in the States – almost always in Chicago, LA, the Bronx or Houston I find. And immigration and/or the ease of getting a VISA to visit is important to folks)

My first stop was Dr Hegar’s Office – a 10-minute walk from the water taxi. For an updated eye exam – and a check-up on my eye that’s been…itchy. This was my first visit to Dr Hegar. I’ve visited Dr Hoy (one of the other eye doctors in Belize City) before. I was mixing things up!

Dr Hegar’s office is a bit more…dated. But he is a very nice guy and got me new contacts and a medicated drop for my issue.

I took this photo of the AMAZING tiles in his waiting room – and thru out Dr Hegar’s office space.

I’ve seen these cement tiles in other spots in Belize City – I’d LOVE to find them now. Reclaimed? Vintage?

I asked the doctor and he said he bought the building over 40 years ago – and it came with these tiles.

I took a walk…about 10 more minutes…to a business I’ve seen on Instagram. A Korean food market.

But first I spotted a Jamaican patty joint and thought I’d grab a few spicy beef patties to bring home.

Inside I found the fast food counter but half the store (or more) was devoted to Lebanese/Middle Eastern groceries. From grape and pomegranate molasses to cous cous, beans, and olives. What a curious mash-up!

Look at all those olives in the background!

As I was paying for my patties, I asked the cashier about the Lebanese/Jamaican theme of the store. The Lebanese guy next to me (buying chick peas) said: Welcome to Belize!

He’s right. It’s just one of the number of stores, especially in Belize City, that sell very unexpected things. I walked a few more blocks…taking photos of interesting murals/wall advertisments…

And I made it to Korean Electronics – THE spot to buy musical instruments and DJ equipment and ALL kinds of stuff in Belize City.

As you walk in, you will see an area devoted to Korean and Asian food, from sauces to candy.

Belize has a good sized Chinese & Taiwanese population but Korean…who knew?

Lots of fun looking stuff but much of it was labeled in only Korean and…I just took a look around and went outside to hail a taxi.

I took note of this shop behind the Electronics store. Great looking window display…clothing appropriate for my age group? More modest, cotton items…I’m trying to find the right way to say it. Nice if you have an event to go to and don’t want to look like you are going to the club.

My taxi arrived before I could go in – but it’s on my “next time” list.

I can’t find any info on the store on-line. Now I’m more intrigued.

But I was off to Mirab’s Department Store – the only department store in Belize. And in Belize, after Halloween, IT IS CHRISTMAS!!!! There is no US Thanksgiving to stand in your way! (Here is the grand opening in 2018 for a broader view)

I was there to find kitchenware for Rocky Point Permit Camp – baking pans for bread and cookies, muffin tins, serving bowls and barware, and kitchen basics like wooden spoons, spatulas and strainers. I didn’t get all of it -but Mirab’s has a big kitchen department…

And then I JUMPED into Christmas. I’ll end the post with Christmas in Mirabs…and it is all fun and beautiful and the toy department is huge but…I got sensory overload. And with my two big heavy awkward bags filled with kitchen items, I grabbed a taxi back to the water taxi. No more errands for today…

Christmas lights and gifts and glitter and songs on November 5th is alot…

Then I headed up the escalator (how many WORKING escalators are in Belize? 5?) to the Christmas extravaganza.

The new “hot colors” for Christmas trees, I was told, are chocolate brown and champagne. (They are this year’s rose gold) Imagine changing your tree every few years to keep up with Christmas tree trends?

I can not. But they do look very pretty.

My…head…is…exploding…

Back at the water taxi (the San Pedro Belize Express), there is a new little cafe by Bleu Bakery. It’s got a great coffee menu, baked goods and cakes. For $12bzd, I got this really really delicious croissant with ham and cheese. And a comfy seat to wait for the boat (priceless)

And then my ride home in San Pedro. The roads are still wet and sludging…and it is slow driving but a saw a lovely rainbow and I’m taking it as a good sign for the elections in the USA today.