Some photos don’t just capture a moment, hey capture an entire era. This one, taken sometime in the mid-1980s, tells a story of a San Pedro that feels almost unimaginable today. In the frame is a younger version of me, heading out from home on my way to San Pedro Roman Catholic School, school bag on my back and a whole day of childhood ahead.
Our humble home was bordered by a simple zinc fence, nothing fancy, just practical island living. But what stands out most in this image isn’t the fence, it’s the street. What you’re looking at is Angel Coral Street, better known to many as Back Street, right at the corner with Pelican Street. Back then, it wasn’t the busy roadway we know today. It was a sandy path where grass actually grew down the middle, blending road and yard into one shared space. No traffic, no pavement, just nature quietly claiming its place between the footprints and bicycle tracks.
Seeing this photo now is almost surreal. I grew up in San Pedro at a time when the island was just beginning to step onto the tourism stage that would eventually transform it into Belize’s premier destination. We didn’t know it then, of course. For us, this was simply home, quiet mornings, sandy streets, neighbors within calling distance, and a community that felt small enough to hold in your hands.
Looking at this flashback, it truly was a different world. This image is a reminder of how far Ambergris Caye has come, from sleepy fishing village to tourism hub, and of the memories rooted in those simpler days. As you take in this Flashback Friday moment, imagine standing at that very corner today and seeing the contrast for yourself. Time moves forward, but photos like this help us remember where it all began.
Flashback >>>Fast Forward
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