Souvenirs

Like every place in Central America, It is not hard to buy souvenirs here. 

Last Saturday we were down town on Front Street and decided to go into one of the souvenir shops. 

Before we opened the door, we were greeted with a shoplifting warning.

You will also note from the sign that they sell Cuban cigars.  These are sold all over the island.  They are illegal to bring into the United States.  It is also illegal for a US citizen to go to Cuba.  It sounded funny to us when our Canadian friends asked if we had ever been to Cuba.  Many of them have been there and say it has beautiful beaches and is a very friendly country.

As we entered the store we were greeted by a display of masks used for wall ornaments.

Central America has a wonderful variety of different kinds of wood and there are many very talented wood carvers.  Most of the things they carve are either wooden bowls or things from the sea—turtles, rays, dolphins, shells, boats, etc.  These sea treasures are also made from coconuts and sea shells.

All of our relatives will be glad to know that t-shirts are plentiful.

This is a very typical souviner store and just one of many.  Tourism is the major "industry" of Belize and the island of Ambergris Caye provides twenty five percent of the countries entire national income.