Three Things I learned in Belize, plus One

Here are some things they don't tell you in the guidebooks:

1. The food in San Ignacio is phenomenal. No one really made much mention of food, generally saying that it wasn't much to write home about. But Jonah and I beg to differ. The stewed chicken, rice and beans at Hanna's in San Ignacio is right up there with the ruins at Xunantunich as one of my favorite experiences on this trip. Everything we had at Hanna's was just wonderful and cheap! Two people could eat top-notch grub for around $20 US or less. We also recommend Serendib for curry and Sri Lankan food and Cafe Sol for some vegan and vegetarian options.
2. They don't believe in sidewalks in Belize. When walking around town, watch for cars! You'll get crowded onto the shoulder by speeding SUVs, Honda's Toyotas (which seemed to be the manufacturer of choice down there) and other various and sundry vehicles. Also, watch the hills. Gravel can send you tumbling.
3. Toilets don't generally take toilet paper. There's usually a small waste paper basket near the toilet for your dirty TP. If you try and flush it might not go down. The what are you going to do?

Updated 1/19/07

• I just remembered another one. Belizeans like running electricity into your shower. I noticed this my first night when I was in a dumpy hotel in downtown Belize City and reached up to turn the shower head. I thought I felt an electric shock bite my finger. Squinting up through the cascade of water over my eyes I saw a length of electrical cable in a plastic casing running the length of the wall from the ceiling and ending in a dual outlet box right behind the showerhead. I stepped back out of the falling water and noticed, to my amazement the frayed black tape holding the red, black and bare ground wires to white wires going into the showerhead itself. There were droplets of moisture dripping from them. I decided to end my shower. Turns out that's how most (of not all) showers in Belize operate. When you think about it, why have hot water available in a tropical climate, anyway? Most of my showers in Belize were cool, and I was happy for it.
  

Back from Belize!

We're back from Belize, and boy are my arms tired. It was a great trip with some ups and downs and I will try to catch up on my blogging now that I'm back. There are plenty of pictures to share, and experiences to be learned from.

Belize Itinerary, with Pictures

So, if you've been to any of these places and have suggestions on what to see or do, please leave a comment! The more, the merrier.

Day 1: January 2, 2007
Depart Minneapolis 6:30 AM
Arrive Cancun, MX 11:45 AM
Shuttle to Playa del Carmen
Fairy to Cozumel
Hotel: Meson San Miguel
Hotel Cost: $70 USD




Day 2, Jan. 3
Travel day

• Fairy to Playa del Carmen
• Bus from Playa del Carmen to Chetumal on the border of Mexico & Belize
• Bus from Chetumal to Belize City
• Bus from Belize City to San Ignacio

Arrive in the evening at Kumquat Cottage in San Ignacio, Belize
Cost for 1 week stay at Kumquat Cottage: $300 USD (recently raised to $360)



Day 3 - 8, Jan 4-9

San Ignacio, Belize
Exploring the Cayo District
Daytrip to Tikal, Guatamala
Base of operations:
Kumquat Cottage, San Ignacio, Belize



Cayo District Area:

• Cahal Pech
• Xunantunich
• Butterfly Farms
• Tanah Art Museum
  
• Hiking National Parks

Daytrip: Tikal, Guatemala



Day 8, Jan 9
Travel to Caye Caulker

Hotel: Jaguar Morningstar
Cost: $51 USD per night

Day 8-10, Jan 9-11
Snorkeling, lounging and eating.



Night of Jan 11
Treat ourselves to one night at Barefoot Beach Hotel
Cost: $69 USD



Day 11, Jan 12
Travel Day
Back up to Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Just outside of Cancun
Hotel: Posado El Moro
Cost: $60 USD



Day 12, Jan 13
Flight back to Minneapolis
Leaves 11:30 am
Arrives: 4 pm

You Better Belize It!

Alright, the holidays are over, the New Year is barreling down on us and I've finished writing the last of the articles assigned to me by the editors at Lavender Magazine. Just enough time left for Jonah and I to clean the house and pack for our vacation to Belize!

In January we'll be flying from Minneapolis to Cancun, Mexico where we'll stay in Cozumel, bus to San Ignacio, Belize for a week, travel to the islands off the coast of Belize for a few days, then head back to Puerto Morelos and Cancun to return to Minneapolis. Just in time for me to begin my new job. I'll be posting our itinerary here soon with pictures and prices.

Yes, our 2007 is going to start with a couple firsts. It's the first time I'll take a tropical vacation, and the first time I'll be working as a Case Manager at an immigration law firm. Also, with the new year, I'll be looking to grow my writing business, and hopefully do some real estate transactions.

Stay tuned.