Belize is like everyplace else in the world. Coca-Cola is king.
One time in Mexico I brought a bottle of Diet Pepsi into a friend's restaurant. She seemed perplexed and asked me where I bought it. I folded and admitted I'd eaten breakfast at another restaurant down at the docks. She then told me the story of Coca-Cola's stronghold on the island. It's not easy for small businesses to carry Pepsi products because Coca-Cola almost has the place locked down. Pepsi has a hard time delivering enough product to keep their island customers stocked, and -- once a business chooses Pepsi, they're scorned by the Coca-Cola distributor and sometimes it's very difficult to eat crow and get them to deliver again.
Coca-Cola is also sometimes attributed with mystical spiritual healing powers in the Third World. A friend once told me about a visit to a church in Chamula, Mexico (a village in Chiapas) where he said people worshipped Coca-Cola. I thought he was pulling my leg, but I've since read it in travel guides. Coca-Cola has become a part of their religion right along with saints and is used for its spiritual and physical healing powers. Worshippers believe when they drink Coke and burp, it releases the toxins within.
On Ambergris Caye, a John Deere tractor delivers Coca-Cola from the wagon behind.
This snackbar/cafeteria is located inside the high school grounds.
Disfrute!
Many tiendas have Coca-Cola sponsored signs.
Wall advertising at a mainland restaurant.
Another San Pedro tienda.
Burp burp burp. Devil be gone! Stay thirsty my friends, and drink Coca-Cola! (I promise I'll lay off the Stay thirsty my friends after this post.)
11 comments:
I have never really liked Pepsi so having Coke most everywhere never bothered me! There are a few chain restaurants ( Applebee's I think ) that only sell Pepsi..but they are few and far between. I don't think I've ever seen it on Isla!
I prefer Pepsi, but I'm trying very hard to drink neither.
Ann, I actually like Diet Pepsi better than Diet Coke. I can occasionally find Diet Pepsi on Isla. Bally Hoo has it, and I think they carry it in the supermercado on the square. But I never find it caffeine free. And Judy, I'm trying to cut back on diet sodas too. I'll be packing Margarita Crystal Lite in my suitcase for the next trip.
Margarita Crystal Light-- who knew they now make powdered Margaritas? Or is powdered vodka hard to find?
It's one of those new fancy Crystal Light flavors. I suppose you could add tequila to it, but I'm betting it wouldn't be the best margarita you've ever had!
Chedraui sells Pepsi & Pepsi Light. -k
Kris, we've vowed to make an early morning Chedraui run on our first morning on the island in June!
I like a Coke Light in Mexico, preferably with some Malibu thrown in. I had no idea that people worshipped Coke. That's awesome! But, then again, some people worship beer...
I've seen the Crystal Light margarita -- is it good??? And LOL at powdered vodka!!! I wish. Oh, no, because people would snort it.
My sister-in-law, who is an RN, says to drink classic Coca-cola if you feel like you're going to vomit. Since I tend to get every Norovirus that comes down the pike, it's nice to know I can get Coke around the world if I need it.
Jana, the Margarita flavor is good! And I thought my friend was kidding about the Coca-Cola worship. Now that's my kind of church!
Kris, that's good to know. And if they're right and burping gets rid of all sorts of bad things, a lot of people I know (who shall remain unnamed) should be really healthy!
amazing!
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