The other day I was reading a bit about the country of Belize. I was watching a Japanese TV show called "itte-Q" and one of the cast members went to Belize and video tapped their experience. Of course this was all for entertainment because our traveler spoke no English, yes English, and had no money and had to "ask" for room and board. Anyway, I became interested in the fact that Belize is the only country in Central America where English is an official language. Along with Spanish and Creole
Indian is also spoken as many Indian people as well as Chinese and even German Mennonites have immigrated to little Belize. I know people in Jamaica and Trinidad speak English but I never suspected
Belize. I did a bit of research and sure enough the British were there too up until 1964, I believe.
So, I thought it might have a lower cost of living but no way. People who have moved there say that it's expensive and actually one of the most expensive places in the region. Living cheaply there is just like living cheaply elsewhere and on the flip side living high on the hog costs just as much as elsewhere. I, of course, am living in Japan now. Cost of living is high compared to what I'm used to but it's funny how quickly you get used to it. I paid about $55 for a pair of Vans shoes. I'm from Texas y'all and I'm used to getting things a little cheaper from outlets and big box stores. But, I needed the shoes and they had them in my size so I had to go for it. I can find clothes to fit me without much trouble but shoes are the worst. I wear a size 12 US (29.5cm) which is hard to find. I have to stick with American brands as the actually make my size but often shoe stores don't carry ones that big. This time I was in Tokyo so it wasn't a problem as you can get basically anything in Tokyo but here in Oyama(boondocks) I had to have the shoe store, ABC MART, order them from another store. It wasn't a big deal as I was glad to get them at all. If you live in Japan and have feet larger than about 28-28.5 cm then you either have to have them order them from another store or go to a big and tall shop which around around. I've seen lots of Japanese guys taller than me(I'm 5'11") but it seems that their feet have yet to catch up. I've only bought one pair of work shoes since I've been here. I went to a mall here in town and the shoe store, luckily for me, had a pair that fit me. I only wear them at work so they don't get much wear and tear. Again, luckily, my dad was feeling really generous for Christmas last year and sent me two, yes two, pair of Rockports. Fucking sweet but I've not had an occasion to wear them.
Remember, you can order shoes if your local store doesn't have them or go to the Big B in Tokyo, check their website. I won't put a link here because I'm not that savvy yet. That's the only shop I can think of off the top of my head. Ok, until next time keep it out of the ditch and the shiny side up.
