More often than not, borders are defined by nature. As such, we had to cross a river in order to get to Belize. The immigration process was easy and there I was, in Belize. This is going to be my 54th country (including Germany). Although, the number of countries is not my top priority, but it’s a help toward my goal of reaching 100 till the day I die 😃
Maybe it’s because of being a Sunday (it’s celebrated much more than in other countries, which made it hard to find a restaurant later) or it really is, that there are no buses from the border to San Ignacio. In any case, a taxi was obtained and I should learn that the prices in Belize are much higher than in any other Central American country.
The most famous thing to do in San Ignacio is to visit the ATM caves. But the horrendous price of 100 – 125 USD (dependent on who you asked) made me less inclined to do it. Thus, the highlight for me was visiting the Green Iguana Conservation project. However, the second night spent here was a bit of a waste. Something, I should experience again in a short while.
The next morning, I climbed into another old US school bus, which brought us to Belize city via the capital Belmopan. Belize city is still considered not being the safest town. That didn’t matter, as the next boat brought us to Caye Caulker.
It didn’t settle in the first day, but I should be disappointed by the island. Based on blogs and my guide book, I expected it to be one of those dream islands in the Caribbean Sea. However, there is hardly any beach and feels more like a spring break party destination (not my cup of tea) 🤦
A nice experience was patting stingrays, who now come here to get fed. Something, thanks to Covid-19. Apparently, while no tourists came, the population grew and was fed by employees of a resort. Now, it is another attraction.
The main attraction, however, is the Great Belize reef. The second largest one, after Australia, and maybe soon the first one, as the Great Barrier Reef is dying at a high rate.
We went to a snorkeling tour, where I definitely was willing to spend the 90 USD price. Unfortunately, it was quite windy and affected the visibility. I love the water, as much as I fear it 😅 So, before the first jump into the water, I was a bit hesitant. I haven’t experienced any seasickness on the boat, but after that first time in the water my stomach was upset. I am not sure if it were the waves or swallowing some salt water. Anyway, I needed no lunch 😉
The same kind of apprehension came up when we were at the next stop. Nose sharks circled the boat in hopes to get fed. And our captain obligated. Two people stayed back on the boat but I was one of the ones that jumped in. What a cool experience! Seeing those animals close up in their habitat 🦈 Definitely a highlight on this trip.
3 nights on the island was too much but plenty of time to have some good seafood. For example, fresh lobster (in season).
I had a lot of locations marked in Belize but soon decided to scrap most of them. The heat was one factor (I cannot support the heat that well anymore, expecially, when it feels like 42 degrees), running out of time another (although, I need not have been worried).
So, the next destination was Placencia. As we missed the one bus in the morning that goes there directly, we had to go via Independence and catch a boat.
Funnily enough, this little town fulfilled more my idea of a nice time at the beach and thus, I stayed 3 nights in total. I put in 2 runs as well but I fear my endurance is somewhere at the bottom of the chart. Something to work on, once I am back in Germany.
Throughout Belize you can also pay with USD. The exchange rate being something like 1:2. Different to Guatemala, paying by credit card was much easier and in most locations without additional charges.
In general, Belize has the feel of being just another US state, albeit, one of the poorer southern ones 😅
I left, taking the same boat out as in and catching the next bus towards Punta Gorda in the “deep south” (as Lonely Planet christened it). By a strike of inspiration, I went only until Big falls, hoping to see some real Mayan village. Maybe it wasn’t that big of inspiration. It was a nice enough stop but not really that worth it. I met 2 people, where you will find the photo in the gallery. First, they welcomed me. But at some point started with a sad story and basically wanted money. I left. Most of the times, I refuse to give money to beggars, solely on their presumption I am a foreigner. There wouldn’t be any end to it and where does it make them self-sufficient?
Anyway, I exited one of the next stops and landed thus in a lodge, run by Germans (hold on, I didn’t know! 😜). Reviews said it’s a nice jungle lodge. Yes, the surrounding looked nice and also some installations. However, the real jungle feeling doesn’t come up if you hear constant civilization noise. One of them being my companion for lots of times: The rooster at fucking 4am 😅
Walking through the neighboring village was cool as we were greeted frequently. I ended up buying yet another basket. Surely, overpriced. But the intention was to support somebody local. Lots of roofs are still made of palm tree leaves. I really love this art and always think it’s a shame if it’s replaced by tin sheet. Also, they keep the heat out much more efficient.
Around here also live some sort of Amish. I saw them riding the bus after hopping off their horse carriage 🤭
I’m writing these lines on my last night in Antigua after spending a night in Guatemala City. I ended up here again, also because I was running out of ideas. But also, because my travel companion hasn’t seen it yet. Although, by the time you receive it, I’ll be back in Florida. Then Monday, I fly back to Germany, just to turn around in Munich and go to the UK. This might be the last post of this trip as I don’t know if I’ll write one about being with the brits 🤭
Thanks you, for following another travel of mine. You might have realized that I didn’t post many pictures in WhatsApp this time. I couldn’t be asked.
Maybe one more philosophical thought before I close with this post. We often walk through life thinking our way is the only (right) way. Whether looking into politics, religion, way of life, etc. I belief, that many wars have been fought over this, many lives have been cut short (and still are). And hey, I catch myself often enough being judgemental about others. But when you look into nature, does this seem true? E.g. there are more plants on this planet than I can name. None is better than the other one. Some are just more suitable for the environment they are in. The universe expresses itself in miriad ways and also we should accept that our “truth” isn’t the only one.
OK, I have a last one…one of my favorite topics: Religion. Today, and several other days, I witnessed people kneeling going back and forth in the churches. In what I can only assume to repent their sins, ask for forgiveness/favors or what not? In what kind of God do they believe? What kind of “personality” must this God of theirs have, if they think this is appealing to him/her/it? I wouldn’t want to be this my God. I don’t blame them. But, I hold a church responsible that supports this kind of thing. The end 😅
Love,
Matthias