Ok, I think MariaDB is not the issue. There are people using MariaDB with B2evolution because they say they get even better performance than with MySQL.

However, the fact that there are requests going out and wait for a timeout (and 60 seconds definitely looks like a timeout value) will definitely slow you down! These requests are for checking if there are new releases of b2evolution, especially in case of security fixes.

I will check and let yo know how to disable them. I know it's possible but I don't remember exactly where from the top of my head.

Ok, apparently all you need to do is add this:

$allow_evo_stats = false;

at the end of your /conf/_basic_config.php file and b2evolution will no longer try to call home for updates:

Hi, this is fine.
Response time is normal for a web site now.
in fact, i have the feeling that each single page took exactly 60 seconds to display. now it is much better.

Nice if $allow_evo_stats = false; could be toggled on/off in the back office.