Belize is a beautiful Central American country that is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the East, Guatemala to the West, Mexico to the North and Honduras to the South. It's main city is Belize City, but it has other distinct districts around the country. Belize is home to a significant number of the existing Mayan population and can boast residence of the Garifuna or Garanagu.
I was able to visit this beautiful island country in 2006 with two very good teacher-friends of mine. At the suggestion of one of the friends who had already been there, her description of its beauty, candor and Cayes made it an unpassable opportunity. Making our way from the capital of Belize City (at the time) to Belmopan, Cayo, Placencia, San Ignacio and Caye Caulker - fortunate for us, it was an unbelizeable trip!
We were lucky enough to show up during the Easter festival in March/April 2006 and got to see the night time mass of Good Friday, the parade of believers going to thank Mary on Holy Saturday and worship JesuChristo for his sacrificial death on Easter. This is a Catholic heavy country and regardless of my personal beliefs, I found serenity in the sacredness of the genuine gratitude of the people, not to mention the lit candles and beings that lined the streets.
Home to much wildlife, visiting the natural rain forest and the man-made zoo allowed me and my girlfriends to experience the beauty of the life forms that grace the sky, land and sea of Belize. From parrots, to howler monkeys, otters and termites - the array was eclectic. Belize is also home to a unique species of large tree - you can live in its above ground roots.
I was able to visit this beautiful island country in 2006 with two very good teacher-friends of mine. At the suggestion of one of the friends who had already been there, her description of its beauty, candor and Cayes made it an unpassable opportunity. Making our way from the capital of Belize City (at the time) to Belmopan, Cayo, Placencia, San Ignacio and Caye Caulker - fortunate for us, it was an unbelizeable trip!
We were lucky enough to show up during the Easter festival in March/April 2006 and got to see the night time mass of Good Friday, the parade of believers going to thank Mary on Holy Saturday and worship JesuChristo for his sacrificial death on Easter. This is a Catholic heavy country and regardless of my personal beliefs, I found serenity in the sacredness of the genuine gratitude of the people, not to mention the lit candles and beings that lined the streets.
Home to much wildlife, visiting the natural rain forest and the man-made zoo allowed me and my girlfriends to experience the beauty of the life forms that grace the sky, land and sea of Belize. From parrots, to howler monkeys, otters and termites - the array was eclectic. Belize is also home to a unique species of large tree - you can live in its above ground roots.
Here in San Ignacio we met up in the mountains with some Rastas for lemongrass tea, Ital and a swing in the hammock. More rugged and a little less developed, also much closer to the Guatemalan border, this area proved to be less populated, more vegetative and fully serene.
| |
When Madonna sings of "dreaming of San Pedro" she is speaking about one of the Belizean Cayes. With a cluster of some of the most beautiful sub-islands, a quick and bumpy and sometimes crowded speed boat ride to Caye Caulker was a highlight. With hammocks in the night clubs, diving as an option, beautiful local people, delicious food, and strong drinks -- there is lots of room for fun and relaxation.
Drink coconut water straight from the source; eat freshly caught crab; and catch the divine sunset whle you bathe in the sea on a daily evening basis. You are sure to feel as high as the birds soaring above.
Beautiful Belize!
Beautiful Belize!