Our Belizean Adventure

In March my husband and I began discussions about our vacation destination for the year. At first we thought about Boston as we have never visited the Northeastern United States. Also, I thought it would be a good idea to take advantage of some of the great places right here at home. You know, save money and all that. I even went to the bookstore and bought guidebooks and maps. By the time I called my husband to tell him about my purchases he indicated that he would rather visit Belize. In case you don't know, Belize is a small country in Central America...just south of Mexico and east of Guatamala on the Caribbean Sea. Belize was once a British colony and still has a large English speaking population. And you don't even have to exchange your money; they like US dollars. We had seen a National Geographic episode on Belize about five years ago and had several discussions about one day visiting the small country. Belize has a diverse landscape...one that allows you to take three vacations for the price of one. You can go to the beach, the tropical rainforest, and the mountains. For the diver in you, Belize has the coastal area, hundreds of cayes (some inhabited and some not), warm turquoise waters, and the longest barrier reef in the world next to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. You can dive and snorkel along the reef with large numbers of tropical fish. You can swim with Rays, Sharks, Sea Turtles, and Manatees. The waters are as warm and friendly as the people that live there. The cayes are relaxation personified. I am still on Belize time two months later. If you are looking for adventure, take a trip to the jungle. There are several jungle lodges with facilities ranging from very simple (camping/bunkhouse) to spa retreats. You can take caving, hiking, zip line, and repelling adventures just to name a few. Most of these adventures require guides so you get the most bang for your buck. The guides are also trained in rescue and first aid just in case you have a mishap. The lodges are located in remote areas and your stay will most likely be all-inclusive (for a price of course) they feed you well and you get your money's worth. The rainforests of Belize are a bird watchers paradise, from petite humingbirds to huge vultures. And don't forget your binoculars. You can't imagine anything better than being awakened gently by the sweet sound of the birds in the morning. And you can't imagine anything more unworldly than the growl of the howler monkeys in the middle of the night. If you are looking for another sort of adventure, you can travel to one of the many Mayan archeoligical sites around the country. We visited Xunantunich and Altun Ha. If you want to explore the sites on your own, make sure to tell the guides at the entrance that you are not interested. If you do not tell them "no", they will walk and talk and charge you $20 at the end of it. All guides are identified as such (they wear badges) and can provide a lot of insight into the lives and cities of the ancient Maya. A good guide is worth the money. Renting a car in Belize is expensive. You have to put a large deposit and the roads (even the so-called highways) are not in very good shape. There are only three paved main highways in the entire country. You may want to take photos of your vehicle in case the rental company wants you to pay for damage upon your return. We did not have any problems, but I have heard stories. If you plan to do any shopping, don't pay the original asking price for anything. The locals will barter with you for their goods. We purchased some great slate carvings and other momentos. If you purchase any furniture made from the tropical hardwoods, it can be packed for you take on the plane (in the cargo hold of course). I regret that I did not purchase some of the chairs that I liked, because to ship them from Belize now would cost more than the purchase price. Oh, well, that gives me an excuse for another visit some day. Tomorrow: Research and Reservations:)