Blogs from Belize Barrier Reef, Belize, Central America Caribbean - page 9

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Hi guys, Lots to report, been on the go so haven't had internet for a while. Not sure where we were up to on here so I will do a full report. Merida - a beautiful colonial, truly Mexican town where we were just before the wedding. This was one of the most friendly places we have ever been. The city had a beautiful central square where the town would sit and watch the world go by (nobody hurries in Mexico EVER) Just sitting there we were approached by locals, not to sell us anything or harass us but just to chat. To tell us information about their city or to practise their English. We got to see a Mexican wedding and we got to witness the Fiesta at the weekend when the centre closes to ... read more
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Hi guys. Hope all is well and you are having lots of cold miserable weather over there . We will be around from around 5pm GMT tomorrow on Skype to speak to you all. Username is m-dearden. Could you also message us your usernames too just to make sure. Thanks and Merry Christmas!... read more


Our title is from a t-shirt... well, a zillion t-shirts to be exact!!! Needless to say, our last full day on the island was super relaxing. We read, talked, sunned, and were able to pack leisurely. One quick, but important observation we have made during this trip - - having very few scheduled excursions and events has reduced stress considerably. At breakfast we hear others talking about the day to come, which is filled with being somewhere at a certain time, rushing to get this or that accomplished or figuring out the next move. Through observation of others, we began to realize that people are so much more worried about doing and planning everything then they are about enjoying their time together. We have been guilty of exactly the same thing on various trips. However, we ... read more
Leaving paradise... AGAIN!
Moon rise over the caye.
Da family mon!!! (Clay, Wilson and Ann)


Captain Jacob, our tour guide and captain for the day, reminds us of our boy (whom Clay lovingly calls, “little girl” and Ann calls, well, “son.”). He is 25 years old and loves the water, fishing and more fishing. There was one other crew member and his name was Vito. He was an older gentleman and had obviously spent a lot of time on the water. He was very picturesque, in that he reminded us of the character from the Old Man and the Sea. His skin was weathered and darkened from the sun. He was Hispanic but had the most beautiful, clear blue eyes. He just fit the part to a tee. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so make sure you look at all of the photos by our expert photographer, Mr. Smith. Son, ... read more
Turtle just having lunch.
Bubbly fishes!
Pretty fan coral.


We were going to go out snorkeling today, but Ann caught a little stomach bug (surprise, surprise) and we decided to wait a day. After all, we have the best relaxing environment and had not done our blogs for days. Internet at the hotel is sketchy at best and impossible to get in our room. Thus, we have a small window where we can “see” the computer (literally ‘see’ the computer, as we have to use it outside for internet and the sun prohibits seeing the screen AT ALL!) and have internet at the same time. We have had more time to relax than any time in our lives. Ann has read several books already (and no publications regarding the law and the practice of same) and highly recommends “Killing Kennedy” as a must-read. We sat ... read more
Wilson enjoying lunch beachside!
Clay's lunch!
Ann's lunch.


We heard from someone on the island that in a few days you will know everyone on the Caye. This off handed remark is an absolute truth! Riding around in our golf cart gave us the perfect opportunity to travel the island and to do what we like best - - learn about the local folks and culture! One of the first people that befriended us was Jacob, a local who sells really nice shark teeth jewelry and tie dyed shirts. Many years ago, he started his business by selling only coconuts and drank too much. A couple of years ago, a tourist, Steve Johnson, became his benefactor. The name of their shop is Jacob and Steve’s. We met Steve (he is from Boston, but travels here frequently) and he told us how he offered Jacob ... read more
Ann's new perdicureist!
Ann's friend's ward... sort of.
They sell these shells just one street over.  (Just come pick them up.)


The Santa Elena bus station at 6 a.m. is pretty empty. We had pre-purchased our tickets and all that was left to do was to check in. The inside of the bus station is only a couple of dilapidated benches and a bathroom, his and hers, neither of which had toilet seats. We were actually using a real bus line this time (think Greyhound) - - Linea Dorada. On time (AGAIN!!!), at 7:00am, the bus driver arrived and within a few minutes for loading, we were on our way - - but wait, we had to stop at the driver’s house and pick up his lunch and wait a few minutes down the road while he chatted with some friends. (We really should check our priorities in the U.S.) J On the bus, we met an ... read more
Clay at the Happy Lobster!  (Shout out to Adam for the custom t-shirt!)
First Caye Caulker lobster!
Wilson hitting the watermelon juice!


Since I’m staying in Guatemala longer than 90 days I need to go out of the country so that I can start my 90 days over again or I could go to Guatemala city and renew it…. but that’s just not fun at all! So I decided on Belize. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I signed up. All I knew was that our food and lodging was included in the price. Since the basics were out of the way I had nothing to worry about! The Belize border is about 9 hours from Antigua. Ten people were on this trip. We all had to cram into a van for about nine hours. Good thing we all knew each other because that was a long ride. After two bathroom breaks and a few ... read more
Shekina Island
The white sandy beaches
"The Drift Wood"


Conveniently enough, our hotel had helped us arrange the flights directly from Orange Walk Town to San Pedro. We left our car at the hotel, and took a quick cab over to, well, the airstrip rather than airport. There was a small office, an unpaved airstrip, and a sign. The 'check-in' took about 30 seconds, and we began to understand why our hotel had recommended being there 15 mins in advance only (to which of course we didn't listen..). We had a nice chat with, uhm, let's call him a ground steward, though, who seemed to be quite well informed about life across the Americas, and was keen to quiz Steve on life in Canada. Telling any Belizean about the winter temperatures in Canada is always a guaranteed hit ;). Just like our cab driver, he ... read more
View from the sky
It was a cozy plane.
San Pedro


Corn Islands, Nicaragua Big Corn Island After twirling around Central America since the end of May we finally reached our goal of being able to spend the month of September on the Corn Islands which are located off the Carribean coast of Nicaragua. We had really built these Islands up in our minds since we began planning our trip, and I wanted September to be special as we were celebrating Sky's 40th birthday away from home. I told Sky that the entire month was his to do what he loves the most, and that's to fish. Thoughts of fishing, diving, snorkeling, relaxing, exploring unadulterated island life, and celebrating his birthday were kinda like visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, so after an uneventful hour-long flight from Managua to Big Corn Island on August 24th ... read more
Cool Shot
Miss Corn Island Contestant
Tough Guys




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