01 Aug Belize

?Don?t Cry Because It?s Over.? Smile Because It Happened?…

It?s been 15 months since my trip to Belize and also the time that I officially stopped writing.? You see…while I was visiting Belize – off galvanizing the world …..my biggest cheerleader, my greatest fan since I was a small child – had made her transition. ?

When I lost my grandmother, I lost the desire to write about the adventures that I was experiencing out in the world.? When she died that part of me seemed to die as well.? My grandmother absolutely loved hearing all about my travels.? See she wasn?t afforded the opportunity to travel during her time here.? She relocated from Houston to Seattle via bus and she flew from Seattle to Minneapolis to visit me once when I purchased my first home.? Those were the only times I could ever recall her traveling. ?

My granny encouraged me to continue seeing the world & to spread what I was experiencing with others…inspiring and encouraging them to also travel the globe. ?

Belize too was another beautiful destination to learn about!? It?s sad that it?s taking me this long to go back and remember the experience that I had while I was there as it was such a painful time in my life.? (Belize will forever how a special place in my heart).

Soooooooo…..now that I?m able to talk about it…let me share with you all that I did while in Central America!? Looking at my camera roll…I arrived in Belize City on June 1 and departed on June 5.? Yes, that was plenty of time for me to visit.? Staying much longer than that would?ve absolutely killed me as the mosquitos were not forgiving + my time is limited (vacation days) and I have a boatload of other countries to explore (strategically using my vacation days).? No seriously, I can only stay in one place 4 days max and I?m ready to go to the next destination – don?t judge me though!

So, I?ll skip some of the immaterial details but it?s important that I share with you that I found a super-deal on the airfare flying with Delta (super-UNUSUAL) – less than $350 roundtrip.? A quick layover in Atlanta and a short distance to Belize and I was there.? The place in Belize that was staying at is outside of Belize City…San Pedro the ?Land Of Gulf Carts?.? Yes, it?s true…lots and lots of gulf carts as the primary mode of transportation….very few cars are on the island- Interesting RIGHT?

To get to San Pedro you can take a quick flight or take a 45-min ferry boat ride over.? I opted for the ferry ride as a different mode of transportation.? Before I caught the ferry ride, I ate breakfast at Donna?s restaurant.? I?m mad because I can?t recall the food I had but it was DELISH.? I ate at her restaurant twice…coming in and on the way out.? The ferry was more like a speedboat that could accommodate 20-25 ppl.? People were bringing all sorts of items in the boat other than luggage…supplies for their restaurant, boat equipment like a ?motor part? etc.? I recall sitting there in disbelief but all was well and we were safe.? The ferry system is how people get around from

The mainland back to the islands.? I really appreciated taking the time out on the ocean for a boat ride and not being cooped up on another flight…especially a puddle hopper!? But if you struggle with motion sickness this would not have been the choice for you.

When I arrived, to this somewhat of a remote island, the driver from my hotel was waiting for me.? Please note you do need to coordinate these details well in advance with your hotel.? Arriving at this Hilton property (you know I had to…it?s ?Hilton?) – this resort was easily a 4.5-5 star resort and well worth the money I paid.? If you?re interested, Google Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club and check it out.? It?s a fairly new property with mahogany wood throughout the property – top of the line, I tell you!? Would I stay again? ? Absolutely…in a New York minute.

The hidden secret to this property is that they have a private island that is a beach club for hotel guests only.? How many hotels fo you know of that offers a private island for hotel guests only.? This island also neighbors to Leonardo DiCaprio?s private island…YEAH, I know!? #jackpot?

So after a short 10-minute speedboat ride through the ?mangroves?….we approach the private island.? I immediately see the huts in the water which immediately reminds me of something you would see in Tahiti, Bora Bora or the Maldives.? They look so relaxing and most importantly ?available?. ?

There were not many hotel guests when I arrived or maybe they had not discovered the private island yet.? One more thing that I forgot to mention…a waiter comes out to the hut and serves you food & drinks.? OH did I mentioned the clear blue Caribbean water is so shallow here on the beach and that you can walk out for quite some way before a drop? ….OMMMMG!? I will continue to say this ?only in the Caribbean?…. beautiful water that takes your breath away.?

The island closes at 5 pm which is the time in which all of the pesky insects come out.? Do you know, they have one of the security details remain on the island to guard it overnight.? The security guard is literally stranded by choice until the following morning armed with a walkie-talkie and hopefully some type of weapon.? Who wants that job…not I!!!

So, one of the days I decided to go tour another island…it?s called Caye Caulker and it?s a much smaller island but very touristy as well.? To get to this island I would need to take a 20-minute ferry.? Divers seek out both island as it’s near the barrier reef and has some exceptional diving spots, so I?ve been told.? Don?t listen to me, just go & see it for yourself. ?

This small island was pretty cool…unpaved dirt roads were people are riding their bicycles to get around.? There are also carts on this island too.? Many, many friendly people to chat and connect with.? Many street food vendors were starting their days out cooking delish Belizean dishes. Have you heard of fry jacks? Triangles of dough that are quick-fried and used as an accompaniment to eggs, pork or refried beans. My first meal in Belize was the ferry terminal and I ate exactly that.? YUM!!

One major attraction on this island is a spot called ?The Split?.? Here is where the island is split into two due to a massive hurricane in the early 60s.? This is also an amazing lounging spot or sunbathing area along with a perfect snorkeling location.

One thing you should know about Islands surrounding Belize that I decided to save until the end, is that the islands are riddled with terrible seaweed/seagrass and no matter how much they remove each day, it comes right back and with a vengeance – a foul smelly one. ?

****I can?t remember the exact timing of when Belize started having their seaweed issue but it?s been just in the last several years and as you might imagine…it?s quite unattractive and unpleasant.? Some of the beaches are inaccessible because of this ? little problem?.

Grandma…this post is dedicated to you.? Until we meet again ?Old Lady?…I love you with every ounce of my being.?