Fatboy In Belize - The Adventure Begins...tomorrow...

Well I got a late start from my cousin's house in Houston yesterday and was slowed by rain and fog. So far my delays have been due to inconsiquencial causes. Thank God for that! I'm sitting in a McDonalds in Brownsville using their free AT&T internet service. I parked my trailer in the furthest Walmart south and spent the night and will spend tonight there too. I'm about 5 miles from the MX border. As a matter of fact I crossed it this morning to get an idea what I'm in for and to get my paperwork. I'm definately going to be getting a crash course in Spanish! I can undestand having to learn the language when I move into their country. And not to be politically incorrect, I think it only fair that they learn ours when them come north, not us having to make concessions for them, like press 2 for Spanish. I'm sure there will be very little of that in Mexico. The people working the various bureaus on the MX side of the border spoke very little English, and me no Spanish but the pleasentries, so lots of hand signs and other novel gestures by both parties got the issues settled.

Since I didn't have the trailer with me I couldn't get the temporary vehicle permit but I did get my 6 month visa. I also found that it I will set off alarms when I cross the check point. They have a chemical reader that was set off by one or more item I had in the back of the Jeep. I was carrying 3 gallons of bleach (for water purification), enough oil for 2 oil changes, 2 gal of windshield wash/bug remover, 2 gal of antifreeze, a bottle each of brake and transmission fluid, and 2 spare tires (not on rims). I also have 2 spares (not on rims) for the trailer plus, of course 1 spare each on rims. See...I'm prepared for most possibilities. The guy inspecting the car said it wouldn't be a problem bringing that much spare stuff with me so that was a relief.

So the rest of today I'm going to take it easy and get some rest. Getting ready for this move I've been on the go for the last couple of months and am a bit worn. I know I'll be getting a lot of rest over the next weeks but I wouldlike to cross feeling as fresh and relaxed as possible.

I'm not sure when I'll next have access to the internet but I'll try and update this as I go and will keep you all informed of where I've been and what's happening. Hasta mas tarde!

Fatboy in Belize - The Adventure Begins!

Well it's Monday night and tomorrow around noon central will be the start of my journey to a new country and a new life. While I'm very nervous about moving alone to a foreign country, possibly living semi-off the grid, I'm excited about the possibilities in front of me. I know that I WILL have some obstacles to overcome hopefully all the planning I've done will make my move easier. Only time will tell.

My plan tomorrow, Tuesday January 19th, is to drive to Brownsville where I plan to cross the Mexican border, park for the night, and get an early start on Wednesday, crossing over and driving far as I can before dark. Since it is advised not to drive at night I'll drive sun up to sun down. And since I really don't have a schedule to keep I'm thinking of taking the eastern route along the coast, stopping in Tempico, Veracruz, Campeche, Cancun and Chetchumal. So it may take a week or more before I head into Belize depending on how much fun I'm having in each place. Of course all that may change if I get antsy to get to Belize.

So keep your eyes on my blog and I'll update it with where I've been and what I've done as I find internet cafes that will have me...