La Unión is a town in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, a small settlement some distance from the nearest large town. It is situated on the northern bank of the Rio Hondo which forms the border between Mexico and Belize. Although there are plans for an international bridge, when we visited as part of IBRG CATEX-24 the link was via a small rowing boat. This was our first border POI in Central America so we were unsure what it would be like.
On the southern bank lies the settlement of Blue Creek, Belize. Later we were to discover that it is a center of Mennonite communities in NW Belize.
Our interest was the small border crossing between the 2 communities.
This was also the first time we had seen rural Mexico, the village was busy and bustling.
Point A
Our first POI was the main crossing point between the 2 villages. We visited after a period of heavy rain and the river was flooded, with a depth of 4.5 m. No activity was occurring at all. We stood for a while taking photographs and were joined by some Mexican Police Officers, after a recent experiences of law enforcement on the Belarus – Poland border on the IBRG EPTEX-24 trip, we were slightly worried. What a contrast, friendly, and happy for their photography to be taken. We strolled back to the main road, and found some locals sitting outside a local convenience store. One offered to take us across the river.
First time in Belize!
After a short period paddling, I entered country # 67, perhaps the strangest border crossing of them all. The first building in Belize was a customs post, and then a short distance up the hill a Police Station. We found through a discussion with the Belizean officers that the crossing was closed due to the flooding, but as we were there we were free to walk around. The village was a 30 minute walk away so we spent time close to the crossing point. no request to see our passports.
It was a refreshing change to interact with relaxed and friendly border officials after our experiences in Poland and TRNC. This became a feature of our journey across central America. Border Zones were relaxed and comfortable places to walk around.
Point B
There was one more POI which if there was no flooding it would have been possible to walk across. Not at the time of our visit however
According to the article below in the reference section, US Border Officials have visited this place as in normal times it is easy to cross. Not when we visited however with the river in flood, it was impossible to see either the stepping zones or the route to take.
Our First Mexican village
We discovered quickly that Central American is vibrant, interesting, loud and colourful. Sitting and watching the rhythm and flow of the village was fascinating. Motorbikes and 4×4 were the transport of choice. Large plant machinery, and debris littered the streets. People were friendly inquisitive and welcoming.
The Mennonites
A surprise, was to see a family of Mennonites. The Mennonites in Belize are a froup of farming families of Dutch and German decent who live in the northern part of the country. They are a Protestant religious sect that originated in Europe during the Protestant Reformation. There are around 12,000 Mennonites in Belize, which is less than 4% of the country’s population. According to a local, they come across to shop, although we could not work out how as the ferry was not working.
The Mennonites in Blue Creek own vehicles use telephones, listen to radio, and have built and maintain a hydroelectric dam and therefore part of the progressive part of the sect. In addition to using English and Spanish, Belize Mennonites still speak the dialect of Old Dutch/German, which the sect has used for over 400 years, They also favour clothing that is heavily influenced by the styles of an earlier era.
It would have been fascinating to speak to them, but there was no opportunity.
Date of Visit: 17 November 2024
References:
- Just Across the Border From Blue Creek, Belize A Different World – La Union, Mexico. San Pedro Scoop (September 2016). Details here
Barry's Borderpoints 