un-BELIZE-able

There comes a time in every BECA volunteers adventure when they must leave Honduras in order to come back. That is to say, I needed to renew my visa. So off we went to Belize.

We left on a Thursday around 5:00 AM an set out for belize. Over the course of the next twelve hours, we took the following modes transportation:

A private van > a small boat > a hired van > a truck bed > a bigger boat > a school bus > a different school bus > another boat > then a short walk.  I would draw a diagram but I couldn't find a map of central america large enough to fit al of the symbols and transfer points.

In just those few quick and easy modes of transportation the team arrived in Belize just as the sun was setting, but how sweet it was. In case you are wondering, we had to go to Belize because in order to renew a visa for Honduras you must leave the CA-4 for at least 72 hours. The CA-4 or the Central American Four refers to Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Belize is the closes one not part of the CA-4, so we went there.

This trip was exactly what we needed. We were coming up on the end of the first quarter and things at school have become quite stressful. It had been the compounding fatigue of teaching and the recent departure of one of our teachers that had built up quite some tension and this vacation couldn't have come at a better time.

I had never been to the Caribbean, so this was a first for me. The temperature was perfect, the beaches were beautiful, but I think the best part about it all was that Belize is actually a developed country. You can actually tell the difference from the moment you step off the second boat onto Belizean soil. The people speak English, which was a huge shock at first. I knew they spoke English, but they still have this Hispanic look to them and when they ask you a question like a Jamaican guy it throws you for a loop. you can also find brands that are more popular in America in the grocery store.

The city we went to was called Placencia, Belize, the best beaches on the mainland. It was nice to finally sit down at a decent restaurant and eat amazing food, in a bathing suit. There was also this hodgepodge of American and Canadian ex-pats who had moved down there to grab a slice of paradise and exploit the tourism industry. We ran into plenty of American families and fellow travelers all taking breaks from Central America and just relaxing on the beach.

It was a great 3 days just relaxing and swimming. Our beach side cabanas even had american cable TV so I was able to catch the Braves' playoff games, even though that ended up not so good. All in all it was a well deserved and much needed vacation.

Sunday rolled around and we had to take the great journey back home. This time there was less transferring but here is how we got back:

Walking > boat > school bus > boat > little bus > small boat > hired van.

I stopped at customs 8 times in 3 different countries and only got 5 stamps. Bummer.

Pictures to come soon.