Blogs from Caye Caulker, Belize Barrier Reef, Belize, Central America Caribbean - page 4

Advertisement


It took a total of 4 hours to get to Belize City, there you catch a taxi boat to the island from one of the various companies who are all willing to match any price you been given by a competitor. The border crossing from Guatemala to Belize was quick and easy, the shuttle bus dropped us off only to meet you on the other side. The minibus was full and hot! Glad we brought that water with us! You pass various islands on the way to Caye Caulker and you get that similar feeling to when you get picked up from the airport by your tour operator with many other holiday goers, hoping that the 5 star hotel you just pulled into is the one you booked on superskintbudgetholdidays.com. But I was glad to see ... read more
Wandering around the island
Typical street on the island, complete with tropical puddles
The blue hole


After so long in the Spanish speaking world, Belize came as a bit of a shock – a small English speaking enclave on the shores of the Caribbean!! The language comes from the country's pre-independence history as British Honduras and the fact that apparently a good proportion of its population are descended from the pirates and buccaneers that used to frequent these parts!! I say that the language spoken is English – but not quite as we know it!! When the locals are speaking with native English speakers they have an amazing caribbean lilt that makes you want to break out into a big grin just on hearing it. But when they embark on a conversation amongst themselves the creole becomes a familiar yet indecipherable stream of words that you think might be English, but you're ... read more
The aptly named "shark and ray alley"
Blue Hole from the air...
Half moon caye


In true Australian form, Tian and I both agreed that it would be completely respectable to start drinking at 5pm the night before our 4am tour to the Tikal Ruins. Seven hours later, a few games of giant jenga and by the looks of the photos on Tians phone - a period of time spent rolling around on the floor in fits of laughter, we decided that it was finally time for bed. The following morning we were squished into the back of a shuttle and I had just fallen back asleep to the rising sun when I heard Tian go “I think I am going to vomit”. In my sleepy haze it took me a little while to realize what she was saying - until I looked over and saw her cupping her mouth. I ... read more
image
image
image


Today was my last full day on this beautiful island after spending two nights here. Yesterday, I spent most of my time at the hotel because I felt unwell and I missed out on snorkelling with everyone in the group so I decided that today I would go snorkelling as it was my last chance. Despite still not feeling 100%, there was no way I was going to miss out on snorkelling in the world's 2nd best coral reef barrier as this was one of the highlights of the 3 week trip that I had been looking forward to. I booked the snorkelling excursion through Ragamuffin. You can find them on the main road of Caye Caulker, heading towards the split of the Island. I definitely recommend Ragamuffin, as you get the snorkelling equipment, boat trip, ... read more
Caye Caulker
SAM_0262
SAM_0280


So we got a taxi to a travel agency then a shared shuttle that was full to the brim to Belize city. The shuttle took 7hours and was a little un comfy. The border crossing was simple and we entered Belize. Strange to be back in a country that they speak English! We got dropped at the water taxi rank and caught the ferry across to Caye Calker. Which was quick only taking 50mins. This would be our home for the next 4 nights. We checked into our hotel that was right on the cost. Called Barefoot beach Belize, (not that Caye Caulker really has a beach!) nothing special but clean. Checking in was not fun as there was mosquites everywere! Massive swarms off them, we rushed into the hotel. I got bitten on my arms, ... read more
P1090010.JPG
P1090015.JPG
P1090023.JPG


If you're backpacking from Mexico to Guatemala (or vice versa) along the coast, it's impossible to avoid Belize. I met some people who just did a straight bus shot through Belize without stopping, since it is an English speaking country, is heavily westernized, is pretty touristy, and is rather expensive. So, is it worth a stop in Caye Caulker if you are a backpacker passing through Belize between Guatemala and Mexico? Maybe. It's geared toward those on a budget, and you'll have plenty of company, but it just didn't catch me like it did some people. I might be missing something, though, since there are a few expats there who came and never left. This site gives a good idea of what you can do there. A few more notes: If you are looking to dive ... read more
Main Street
Blue
Deserted Caye


In addition to traveling around the world, and as a way for me to give back for all the kindness bestowed on me, I have volunteered in quite a few countries. A number of natural disaster-related projects took me to far - and very different - corners of the globe: Philippines, Peru, Bangladesh, Haiti (twice), Indonesia. Now I was in Mexico heading to Belize to volunteer at a cat sanctuary. A what, you ask? A cat sanctuary. Not wild cats, not exotic animals; we’re talking domestic kitty cats here, folks. It was a project on the island of Caye Cauker, Belize, where many islanders, to say the least, are not fond of the little fur balls. They abuse them, they neglect them, they throw the kittens in the ocean. One local woman wasn’t in that same ... read more
Smiley feral cat, and oh so friendly
Front Street, Caye Caulker
Beach path


Today is our last day. And of course it's raining. There is a front coming off of the Eastern U.S. and it's hitting here. That's fin though because its still better than being at work. One of our favourite things about traveling here is the people you meet. Over the 5 years we have come here, we've met people from across the pond in Europe and as close as our own city. Bon this trip alone we've met people from California, Chicago, Detroit, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Belgium, Denmark, Britain, and of course lots of Canadians. We have had meals together, gone on excursions together, sat down for beers, discussed everything from politics to families and work, and sadly, just recently have shared in the grief of the passing from one of our fellow travellers and friends. ... read more
image
image


So off to tikal we went.. Leaving flores around 1230 pm we arrived at the park 90 minutes later and took a guided tour. tikal is different to many of the other ruins in central america as its set deep into the jungle with some temples rising more than 61 metres high. Most of the temples have been cleared from trees and vines which has grown over the villages over many centuries. As we walked between settlements, we saw a range of monkeys, squirells, snakes and all sorts of birds. We decided to take the sunset tour as oppose to the sunrise tour and we got to see the sunset whilst sitting on the 60 metre temple. This was by far one of he best sunsets we had ever seen as it was above the rain ... read more
Having a drink, Caye Caulkner
Caye Caulkner Hotel
Tikal


Yesterday we did as little as humanly possible. We spent a lot of time hanging around the pool. It was crazy hot. On our way back from breakfast we heard some music so we wandered over to the basketball court where it was coming from. It looked like some kind of children's festival so of course I grabbed by camera and paid my dollar to get in. There were children running and dancing all over the place. Some were dressed up in traditional clothing. It instantly made you smile! They were celebrating their heritage which has deep historical roots. Belize is a multiethnic country with residents of African, Caribbean, Amerindian, European, and Asian descent. Colonstation, slavery and immigration have played a big role in affecting the ethnic diversity and population. Some of the common names you ... read more
image
image
image




Tot: 0.143s; Tpl: 0.007s; cc: 6; qc: 84; dbt: 0.0812s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1; ; mem: 1.3mb