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Published: January 21st 2007
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The Hostel's Kids
They were everywhere! LAX
This is by far my boldest trip yet. One week. No traveling companions. No lodging pre-booked. Tme to see how I do thinking on my feet and just exploring. And relaxing. I can't wait. I think that I've been so busy for the past few years pursuing my career that I haven't bothered to stop and pursue adventure. That being said, 30 is not all that far off, and I need to start accomplishing all the fun, adventurous things I can before life manages to tie me down further. My only real goal on this trip is to experience new things - places, people, foods, activities. I think that Belize holds a lot of promise for that. It's also an opportunity to stretch my social skills and make new friends. And most importantly to renew my faith in myself and my capabilities.
And with that, I say Bon Voyage to myslf. May there be clear skies ahead. :-)
Houston Airport
Hopefully this is the most expensive part of the trip....stupid airports. But I figure it will be a minimum of 6 hours before I can eat again and therefore worth every last penny. I also had a
Natasha's Hostel
Not as scary as it looks. :-) "not enough cash!" attack and wound up hitting an ATM - damn you Well's Fargo and your fees!!!!
Took a few minutes to start
On the Road while inhaling my lunchtime pizza. I can't believe, travel junkie that I am, that it's taken me 28 years to start the book.
Belize City Water Taxi Station
The plane ride was actually fantastic (who knew that word could describe a commercial flight?!?!). No screaming kids. An entire row to myself. And the scenery was beautiful. From flying out over the Gulf of Mexico to flying over Mexico and then Belize...stunning. Our plane left this cool shadow on the clouds that floated within a circular double rainbow. I've never seen anything like it. Closer to landing I spotted a hge Mayan Temple - my best guess is that it was Altun Ha (guess I don't need to go there now!). And then we followed the Belize River until we landed. Cleared customs with no hassle and was immediately offered a taxi. The 15 minutes into town alternated between awed silence and friendly chatter about favorite places (he loves San Ignacio best), the lack of tourists at the moment, the health
Two of my Dormmates
Hanging out at Natasha's Hostel on Caye Caulker of the trees (saw a (now) rare Mahogony and heard about a disease wiping out coconut tree populations), and travel and relaxation in general. One of the customs guys was shocked that I'm not heading to Ambergris, but I explained that I have no interest in nightlife - I just want to RELAX. So far, so good. The rain has been intermittant and at this point I'm just hoping it holds out so I don't arrive in Caye Caulker looking like a drowned rat while I search for a place to stay. I guess I'll know soon enough - 45 minutes left until we hit the water.
Natasha's Hostel, Caye Caulker
Encountered my first hiccup on the trip - our water taxi broke down about 90%!o(MISSING)f the way to Caye Caulker. We spent a good bit of time waiting to see if they could repair the prop but we were not that lucky. Instead we ended up having to call for a replacement water taxi. No big - we all just moved (in the middle of the ocean!) from one to the other, leathing boat #1 light enough to continue on with one prop and our luggage. Arrival was uneventful. Tina's was full, so I got talked into staying at Natasha's - less than luxurious, but dirt cheap and safe so I'm not caring. Bugs are definitely a problem here - I think I might sleep covered in DEET. I already have 6 bites...don't want to spend the whole trip dying from allergies.
The tour company I want to sail with is practically across the street, so I'll probably book a spot on that first thing in the morning.
No sooner did I find a place then I was fed a yummy coconut curry barracuda with rice -
so good! Had a nice chat with one of the women who runs this place. She's got 6 kids and I swear there are at least 3 more running around here. They're all adorable.
Stopped in at the Cyber Cafe to appease mom and let everyone know that I'm alive. It's nice to have...and SO much easier than calling to check in.
Things are so slow and quiet here. Contemplated going solo for a drink but decided I'd rather take the time to get acclimated - lay low, do some reading, plan out the next few days at least. Saw a sign for a full moon kayaking tour tomorrow night. I must do that. Must!
Met Warren, who works here - he's very nice and reassuring. Also a guy from Atlanta. All in all - bunk mates seem cool. Wish I was feeling a little more inclined toward friendliness, but it's been a while since I had to work this hard at it and I'm feeling lazy.
Also - pretty sure I saw some sort of giant spider on my way back. If I wake up and that's sitting on my chest I will absolutely have a heart attack. I'm already trying my best to forget that I ever saw it.
Time to reconnect with the concept of RELAXING. Which, when you're me, is not an easy thing!
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