BELIZE AMBERGRIS CAY I researched Belize and Ambergris Cay for my next spy thriller. During the search for great scenes to write about, I stayed in Placencia, a safer place. Let me give you a few warnings about Belize: Of course, due to COVID-19, you should observe all CDC guidelines. Although I experienced no crime while strolling around Placencia or driving around the country, you should exercise some caution due to crime. Unfortunately, violent crime – such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder – are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. But a significant portion of the violent crime is gang related and occurs in the larger cities. I recommend staying in Placencia, where I rented a neat bed and breakfast, or in San Pedro, and Caye Caulker, which are all safer areas for tourists. Ironically, Placencia has much less crime, but I ended up in danger anyhow. A female jaguar with several cubs decided to make a den under my cottage. She ended up killing two Labrador retrievers that lived in a resort down the road. I strolled around the grounds, especially at night, with a baseball bat. The locals told me that jaguars come into Placencia all the time and they leave humans alone… no worries. I got a glimpse of her once at 1am, crawling under the cottage with a gopher she ambushed in her mouth. The real danger for tourists venturing to Belize is not jaguars- it’s named one of the worst five countries in the world for homicides, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, so go to the safer places I mentioned above. Its gang violence is mostly centered on Belize City, especially the south side, which should be avoided at all times. I never carried much cash when I ventured out, and noticed seasoned tourists to Belize, even in peaceful Placencia, didn’t flash their wealth or carry fancy bags, wear fancy clothes shoes, etc. In my Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series, Corey ventured to Belize and minded not to flash his wealth around- take a tip from him: It’s better to blend in, not stand out! Now for the positive features! Communication is no problem since English is the official language of Belize. It’s a drop-dead beautiful country, wedged between Mexico and Guatemala. It is a popular eco-tourism destination with lush tropical rain forests, pristine beaches, and ancient Maya cities. The world's second largest barrier reef lies offshore, and you can hike through dense jungle to see howler monkeys and possibly even a jaguar. There are mountain pine forests, palm-fringed beaches, bonefish flats, rivers, caves, and coral atolls rimmed by fish-rich reefs. Not surprisingly, diving and snorkeling are superb. You will luv the local music and I mention it in my spy thrillers. Throughout Belize the style of music is punta rock, reggae, marimba, hip-hop, jazz, mariachi, orchestra, brukdown, and soca. They love Bob Marley, and that’s how CIA Spymaster Corey Pearson tracked down a contact in Placencia, Belize. (Photo Above)- Corey’s only leads were that he lived on a worn-out lobster boat that he snorkeled off of to capture spiny lobsters that he sold to local restaurants in Placencia, and that he was a dedicated Bob Marley fan. Corey found him, and his boat, hidden in a mangrove marsh. He waded up to the boat in the shallow, gin-colored waters as the Marley "Redemption" song played from inside the hold. He was about to meet a mysterious man who had many secrets to tell. Lastly, enjoy this video “Corey Pearson Spy Series- Belize Cockscomb Rain Forest”, which shows my journey through Belize. Ignore the spy stuff and just enjoy the scenery, and jot down the places to stay at and visit: Robert Morton is a member of the Association Of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and writes the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest thriller: MISSION OF VENGEANCE