Belize is making a big big mistake...

The trusty Flyertalk website produced the cheap cheap fares of $229 for New York - Belize on American Airlines one recent night, so Crescent in his excitement put a reservation on hold himself and Crossing for MLK Day 2009.

Then in looking for visa requirements, we come on to an addt'l requirement that the Director of Immigration approve any citizens of five countries, of which China is one, along with Bangladesh, Colombia, and Bolivia. Why is this?

That little China - Taiwan problem of course. You see, among the small dinky list of 23 countries that recognize Taiwan and thus not China is Belize. To get into Belize, my Crossing requires that Director approval, $2,100 visa fee, and a $4,000 refundable repatriation fee (to fund them getting rid of her if they discover she is a spy).

So much for saving $100 on the airfare....