We left DFW and arrived in Belize around 2pm where we met cousin Taylor who flew from Portland that morning. The second we lifted all our backpacks and got them loaded on our backs (and fronts) we knew we brought way too much stuff. We immediately started thinking of what we could get rid of as carrying it all around the world seemed like an unrealistic task. We managed just enough to get outside where we grabbed a taxi to Belize City. This was the first and only night we had a reservation on our entire trip. We got to our budget friendly accommodation and had the first experience of a room with “AC” and what that means in Central America. Definitely not what we usually think of AC being. More of a box that mildly blows rooms temperature air. Although quite warm and muggy in our small room nothing was dampening our excitement. We quickly unloaded our stuff and set out to explore on a walk. Broken sidewalks, a mix between gravel, dirt, and cement we made our way through the streets observing the local people, shops, cars, bikes, and businesses. As we were walking, two police officers rolled up on one small scooter and asked us if they could help us find something. We politely declined and told them we were just “exploring”. They said it is not safe for us to be here. In my head I was thinking that we were approaching sunset and they didn’t want us to be walking around at night so I told them thanks and that we would make our way back before dark. They said “no, it is not safe for you to be here right now”. This was a surprise to me as I have not been told that anywhere before. They suggested we go to where there were more people (where the cruise ships come in). So we made our way back to the port area walking a bit quicker and a little more trepidatious. Feeling slightly unsettled we didn’t know if we should just go back to the room or keep walking. As we were walking we got flagged over to a little hut where a few locals were having some Belikins (the Belizian beer) after work. We decided to stop since they were so friendly and quickly made friends. They all worked in the port in little shops selling gifts for when the cruise ships come in. The last ship had left for the day so we got to visit and learn about the local scene before they went home. It was a great experience as they were all so welcoming and offered tips and advice while we are traveling in Belize. One lady was so nice she even walked us back to our hotel at the end of the night before she went home. We never did find any food and were a little timid to venture out much on our own after dark so we devoured some of our granola bars and pistachios in the room and fell asleep.