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The Belizean countryside is nothing like Belize City. Safe, relaxed, mellow and incredibly easy to strike up casual conversations. The hawkers, street sellers, bus drivers, attendants and country folk are polite, accepting and easily approachable for directions or advice. We witnessed this bussing it south on the Hummingbird Highway from Belize City to the small fishing town of Placencia. Along the way I was approached by the country's Softball Sports Commissioner. He not only informed us of the 2012 World Softball Tournament whereby Belize is the host country , but how to get to Placencia quicker and cheaper. We followed his advice, ending up in the village of Independence, catching a ride on a skiff named the Hokey Pokey, skirting mangrove shores until a sundown arrival at Placencia. Placencia is the typical sleepy Caribbean seaside village. We were there for only a day since there is only one boat a week heading to Puerto Cortes, Honduras.
Arrivals at borders are always filled with challenges. Our small passenger ferry arrived safely enough at a non-descript dock with none of the typical border signs welcoming one to a new country. Actually, the dock looked as it was used for off loading
locally caught fish complete with fish mongers and stalls selling fried fish meals. Stepping onshore, we were relieved of our passports from someone I hoped was a customs agent. Our passports went one way and our backpacks went another way with an AK toting soldier. All happening when being surrounded by about ten money changers, really competitive taxi drivers and curious kids. At least I still had my wife. Eventually we were reunited with our bags, passports and warmly welcomed into Honduras with a 90 day visa.
Our first stop in Honduras was the small beach resort of Omoa, about a thirty minute drive south of Puerto Cortez. We found Roli's place, a nice clean hostel a block from the beach and offering free use of bikes, kayaks, internet, a room with private bath and laundry services. All this for $13 US a night. Wow, it was an easy decision for four nights. Omoa is noted for its once extensive beaches, now threatened by a propane gas terminal. The locals aren't too happy since with the disappearance of their beach so to disappears the tourist dollars. We found whats left of their beach, enjoyed the swims, fish dinners,
local Salva Vida beer and relaxed atmosphere. Along the Caribbean, the beach is imperative. The weather is hot, humid and stifling, so quick dips are like the beer's name, Life Savers.
The next stop on our flexible itinerary was the D&D Lodge near the large Lake Yojoa in Central Honduras. A two day stay now has turned into a five day stay, maybe more if we don't awaken from sloth, hedonism and hikes. Who can't resist staying. Wonderful rooms for $15 a night, great cheap food, spectacular hikes in cloud forests, amazing tours behind and under waterfalls, cool temperatures, endless jungles, and did I mention that this is a brewery. The US owner brews his own beers and ales on site. Enough said. Well, maybe a few more highlights, one hour massages for $13, local blueberries piled high on pancakes, coffee grown next door and probably the most important of all; the smiling, polite and welcoming Hondurans themselves. Amei and I both agree the locals are what have made our stay near Lake Yojoa enjoyable. I'll expand about the local folks in my next post, as soon as I shake off nirvana, the IPA or mother nature's seductive
surroundings.
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O.M.G.
You're a natural with words.