Blogs from Belize Barrier Reef, Belize, Central America Caribbean - page 31

After the volcanoes and ruins in Guatamala, it was time to catch my breath and get in some beach time in Caye Caulker, a laid back island about 1 hour by boat from Belize City. The first day I went on a snorkelling tour around the island, and it really was the best snorkelling I have ever done. At the first site there were dozens of rays, swimming around and and even touching us. Kept thinking of Steve Irwin, but these rays where of the more harmless variety. At the next site there where large schools of fish, colourful corals, and best of all, reef sharks that swam with us and that we could even touch! All in all it was an amazing day snorkelling! The second (and last full day) on the island I spent ... read more

A Vacation from a Vacation Yes, it does seem strange to take a vacation while being on vacation but after 8 months of living in Mexico we were ready for a change. So we decided we’d head to Belize for a few weeks, to join my sister, Joan, and her husband John on the island of Caye Caulker. They had been visiting the island for the past 5 years and this gave us an opportunity to take a vacation while also getting in some quality time with family. Flying there was funny, in the sense that we had to fly back to the U.S. (Houston) to get to Belize. No easy way around it and very few options. Since we were already in the USA and needed to buy a few things that are difficult to ... read more

Its been a long time since you last heard from us. After our wild stay in San Cristobal we headed into the jungle in Pelanque. We actaully stayed in El Panchant an little backpackers haven right next to the Mayan ruins. Our first night there was spent drinking with our Norwegian friends from Zipolite, who had completely forgiven us for kicking them out of our car due to weight restricitons. There was a little open mic action in the jungle as well and you can bet Sam Brown took more than his fair share of turns busting out covers and originals alike into the jungle night (pictures to follow in the coming days) We watched fire dancers and otehr crazy jungle things. In the morning we headed out for the ruins. No sooner had we started ... read more

Belize elections are tomorrow. When I first arrived, I started hearing talk of upcoming elections, but the date had not been set. Somehow Feb 7th was chosen, so that in combination with Carnival has made for an interesting week! There are 2 parties. The UDP (United Democratic Party) and the PUP (Peoples United Party). The PUP is currently in power with Prime Minister Said Musa (palestinean descent, but born in Belize). There have been many parades throughout town lately as well as blue and red banners and vandalizing for the 2 parties promotional materials. Wikipedia has a good summary of the political system here at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Belize Most people have the day off tomorrow to vote. This requires the entire day off for most people because I assume polls are less organized here than in the states, ... read more

Rain....... As my laundry woes have continued, I have learned a couple tid bits that should help me out. A couple local belizeans have informed me that it rains every half moon and every full moon. In thinking about the past couple months, I would say that this has been accurate. I was wondering how everyone knew this because it would be so beautiful out, not a cloud in the sky, but nobody would have their clothes out on the line. I would take this wonderful opportunity to wash my clothes (still by hand), and put them out only to have it start raining again just as I put it out. Now with my newfound knowledge, we'll see how I fare! White gal here... Seems everyone here knows who I am, and I don't know who ... read more