Anthony Marsico - Expat in Hopkins, Belize

We’ve had the chance to talk to Anthony Marsico, 53, an American expat who has moved to Belize with his wife. Mr. Marsico who has been living there for more than 11 years, now works as a hotelier, real estate sales, developer, tour operator, and moving services.

Read more about his experiences in the full interview below.

 

Q: Where are you originally from?

A: Ohio

 

Q: What made you move out of Ohio?

A: Adventure/opportunity.

 

Q: Where are you living now?

A: Hopkins, Belize.

 

Q: How did you come to choose this new country of residence?

A: Google warm places.

 

Q: How long have you been living in Belize?

A: More than 11 years.

 

Q: What has been the most difficult experience you've had when you were new in Belize?

A: Slow government.

 

Q: Would you say that formalities like getting visas or work permits and international health insurance were particularly difficult in Belize? What was your experience with these?

A: Difficult, but attainable.

 

Q: Are you living alone or with your family?

A: With my wife.

 

Q: How are they adjusting to the Expat Lifestyle?

A: We work together and are busy.

 

Q: Was it easy making friends and meeting people? Do you mainly socialise with other expats in Belize? How did you manage to find a social circle in Belize?

A: They find us.

 

Q: What are the best things to do in the area? Anything to recommend to future expats?

A: Natural history and sea activities.

 

Q: How does the cost of living in Belize compared to Ohio?

A: About 2/3rds less.

• How much is a cup of coffee?

A: $2.

• How much is a meal in an inexpensive restaurant?

A: Lunch $4/ dinner $12.

• How much is a meal in an expensive restaurant?

A: $20-30.

• How much is a bottle of wine?

A: $15.

 

Q: How do you find the local culture and people in Belize?

A: Better than the people in the US.

 

Q: Do you miss home and family sometimes?

A: Of course.

 

Q: How do you cope with homesickness?

A: Stay busy, take trips back.

 

Q: Do you have plans to move to a different country or back home in the future?

A: Never know.

 

Q: What tips can you give other expats living in Belize?

A: You are the same person you were anywhere you have lived. Geography does not change the person you are.

 

Q: Do you have favourite websites or blogs about Belize?

A: No, but I have my own website, Beaches And Dreams.