Snakes and Ladders

Today was a pretty slow day. But it was really nice. We've just been hanging out. Zoe and I played some crazy board games, but sadly she whipped my ass at most of them. But Clare will always be the master at snakes and ladders. There is no stopping me.

Last night we were sad because we thought our friends Dean and Spencer checked out and left without saying bye or giving us their e-mail address, But then late at night Zoe found a note jammed in the window sill. We were all very estatic over their mysterious note. Turns out their going to Guatemala and that we might meet them later on after the canoe race.

Mom and Dad, I cant get the calling card to work. It's messed up. Its really expensive to buy phone cards here and they only last a few minutes. Any Idea's? Should I phone collect, or suck it up and buy the card? Let me know.

There is currently a turential downpoor happening outside. I dont want to leave the cafe in fear that I am going to get dreched. But soon I will need snacks and supplies and must leave...

You kids like Mexico??

So, I never got the chance to post yesterday so I will tell what hapened.

We met these two guys in Caye Caulker, and by coincidence we met them again here in San Ignacio. Their names are Dean and Spencer and they are from Victoria. We met up with them and thought it would be a good idea to rent a car for the day and drive to San Antonio because they were having their annual festival. There is also a nature reserve by San Antonio that Dean and Spencer wanted to go to. So we met them the next morning again, rented a 'Isuzu Rodeo' and busted are way up the mountain on a crap-ass clay road to San Antonio. The roads are insane. They are very very very very very bumpy, and dusty and narrow. We bumped our way up the roads singing some good old Sublime (since the CD player was hanging from the console from a wire). The speedometer was broken, so we were never quite sure how fast we were going...

We got to the Nature reserve which turned out to be someones private land. The owners sullen son, 'Derek' toured us around and we saw a very beautiful view, and a very sad looking orchid garden. There was about 7 plants, and when I asked derek when they would be in bloom, he pointed to one dying plant, threw a rock at it and said "theres some, its our national flower!" It was pretty hilarious...

We also walked through the jungle, which was very hot and buggy. I was constantly trying to keep my eyes out for poisonous snakes that supposedly lurk around in the bushes. There was also this crazy cave/ledge that had tree trunks growing right through it. After our nature walk we tried to find a place called 'Big Rock' that was supposed to be good for swimming. About 5 people gave us completely different directions and we ended up in friggen fuck-all nowhere in the middle of the desert. BUT, we did eventually find it and it was VERY beautiul. I of course, forgot my bathing suit but still had a very good time wading in and basking in the sun. It was really nice and relaxing there. Sage and Zoe jumped off this crazy-ass cliff into the water and I was sure one of them was going to snap their legs off on something.

After Big Rock, we went to the '1000 foot falls'. It took quite a while to get there, and the road was extremely bumpy. But, it was well worth it. The falls were amazing. I didnt have any film, and neither did Sage or Zoe but Spencer and Dean took some pictures and they are going to Email them to us when we all get back to Canada. Then there was the long ride home, and at this point we were running out of gas. So, on the ride back we would put the truck into neutral and coast down all the hills. We managed to conserve quite a bit of gas because of our kick-ass method and made it back to San Antonio. In San Antonio we all went out for dinner and then went to the fair.

The fair was nuts. Somehow we all managed to drink a few beers, spin around on rickety old fair rides and not vomit. It was great. We all screamed like little girls (especially spence) and truly thought we were plumetting to our death. We then went back to San Ignacio, partied it up for a while and ate some bad chinese food. All in all, it was a very good day. And today, was also a very good day. An unusual day. But a good day.

We met up with Ras Far I in town and took a taxi to his house in a neighbouring village. He showed us his peice of land where he stays. He basically lives in a giant garden and sleeps in a hammok under some bannana leaves. We went to the near by river and since he is a herbal doctor he pointed out the different plants and what they do for your body. Sage and Zoe went swimming while Ras Far rubbed cactus, and this other herb on my mosquito bite infested legs. He told me it would draw the poison from my skin and make it not itch anymore. So far, I really havent felt that different, but maybe its working somehow...
Ras Far is pretty knowledgable about his Religion and his Rastafarianism so he told us what its about and what it means to him. He is very down to earth and feels our world is becoming far too technical. He tries to live off natural fruits and vegtables and live a simple life. He told us that he dosent even use a light at night because God will help give him light. He was pretty intense and I couldnt help but feel guilty about my Ipod, stero, cell phone and computer that I have back at home. But I guess we come from different places and all things are relative in some way or antother...
It was a good time and I really learned alot about certain plants. We then went back to town and ate some lunch. And it was good.

Well, its official. We are registered in the canoe race. Team "Smoking Beaver" is going to be paddling down the Maya river for appx. 170 miles over a four day period from San Ignacio to Belize City. What the hell am I getting myself into?

This canoe race idea was cropped up in Caye Caulker when Sage heard some guys from our hostel talking about it. We jokingly talked about going in it (Sage more serious). And now here we are payed and registered. We even have our canoe booked out and the tent rented.

The race is basically a four day event in which around 100 teams particiapte in. Teams are of three in a freakishly long 14 foot canoe. Each day there will be a check-out point you have to reach. The first day being around 6 hours, the second being around 8, and the third and fourth days being a bit shorter of 3 or 4 hours. At each check-out you get food, and you set up camp. Its all very 'amazing race' and 'eco challenge' esque. There is even a 24 hour medical and rescue team. This friggen race is even going to be televised daily. There is a prize for first place of 20,000 dollars U.S but we'll be lucky to get 90th place, if that.

This race is going to be friggen intense. And friggen funny. Are you jealous dad? I am ADVENTURE RACING. Your favourite thing.

If any one wants to check more about the race go to http://www.larutamayabelize.com/rutamaya/startpage.htm
theres a map and stuff, and some more info about it. The race itself isnt untill March 3rd at 7:0o Am, but we're going to hang out here for a while. Maybe practise canoing a bit, go on a tour, do a drop in Yoga class.


So yeah, back to today.

We went to meet the old rasta (whose name is actually Ras Far I) this morning but he didnt show up. So we ended up having breakfast and going to the RIver. The river was pretty nice although it is kind of polluted. Sage and I went up to our waists, but these little fish will surround you and try to nibble on your skin. Its kind of a freaky feeling. We were determined to figure more out about this race so we spend a large portion of the day walking around and trying to find different people to tell us more about the race. Finally, we ended up at the head honchos office. His name is Orlando Harrison or 'Big-H', he is the head organizer for this race, and also owns a local water/fruit juice company. He was great. He told us everything we needed to know about the race. He was a big guy, he reminded me of a giant teddy bear. He encouraged us to go in the race telling us it wouold be fun and very rewarding. So we registered. It cost 125 dollars US, but its worth is, and in the long run, we are going to SAVE money by going on this race. Thats right, SAVE.
After doing all our race shieza, we went out for dinner, and coincidently bumped into Old Rasta on the street. He said he was late and that he was sorry he missed us. He is crazy, yet cool and very knowledgable of local herbs and plants and what they do. I think we may go to his farm this weekend, but not Saturday because he meditates and fasts ALL day long.
Hmmm, I dont think this will be in my near future...

Last night at our hotel we met a couple people on our floor. An Italian guy from Milano who is working in Mexico right now, and a girl who is our age with her mom. We all hung out on the balcony for a while just hanging out and talking. It was a pretty good time. The girl who is our age; Rabecca is also travelling around Central America a bit after her Mom leaves to go back to the USA. Who knows, maybe she'll come travel with us. We all stayted up late reading so It was a late start this morning.

It has been a super laid-back relaxing day. We puttered around a bit, drank some fruit juice and wrote some postcards. A perfect do-nothing day.

There is a crazy concert/party thing happening tonite promoting a party who is running for election here tonite and we might go check it out. Ive been hearing the loud bang of firecrackers for a while now.

We also met this old rasta who we are going to meet up with tomorrow. He is taking us to a popular river tomorrow and we are going to swim and have a picnic. It should be intresting...I'll post more on what happens...

San Ignacio

We thought we were going to get the early bus tomorrow, but we slept in a took the 10 o'clock water taxi instead. My pack is still friggen heavy because I have not yet managed to get rid of any of my stuff. It all seems too useful. We took the water taxi into Belize city and then walked a couple of blocks to the bus station. The bus station was nuts. There was about 15 guys who would walk around and try to direct you on the right bus, and every guy would say something different. It was very confusing. We managed to catch the right bus though, and we made our way to San Ignacio. The bus ride was OK, but it was fairly long and extremely crowded. It was one of those old school busses painted red and white and used as a city bus. Some people had to stand up in the aisle, but luckily I got a seat. I sat beside this guy who smelt pretty bad. It was fairly excruciating. When we got to San Ignacio we booked into a hotel called "the Venus". Its a huge three story hotel. We each get our own bed, which is EXTREMELY nice. The room itself is kind of old and crappy, buts its pretty clean and we get a fan and a nice view. For some reason I was totally exaustged and just passed out for a couple hours while Sage and Zoe talked and wrote in their journals.

Later on we went to a resteraunt and got dinner. We all famished since we hadnt eaten anything all day except for a couple peices of fruit (yes pineapple).
After dinner we strolled the streets for a while, and I bought a hack-sack. We are all determind that we will become masters by the end of the trip.

Ive been getting some mosquito bites which is not cool at all. Zoe has this weird swiss instrument her cousin gave her that 'sucks' the poison out of your insect bites. We nicknamed it "suck my tick" and even correctly labeled it with a sharpie. It is truly beautiful.

Im not really sure what we are going to do tomorrow. I think we may just stroll around the town checking things out. Maybe the next day we will go on some type of a tour. There is this conoe race in early March that we are thinking of doing. Its a three day race down this river from San Ignacio to Belize city. It would be crazy-intense but we are going to look into it. Its kind of alarming that the only conoing practise we have is at Day camp when I was 10, and Grade 10 P.E. Class. Hmmmmmm.

Sailing on a ocean so fine...

Today we decided to go do a snorkerling tour. We chose the comapny calles "Ragga Muffin" tours. It was $85 Belizian dollars and that was for the whole day including rum-punch, lunch and fruit.

We went out on a sailboat and it wa fantastic. The weather was fab. Sunny and gorgeous and it didnt rain. We had three snorkeling stops. The first one was pretty basic and we just puttered around looking at little fish here and there, but the second and third stops were absolutely fab. There was huge fish, rays and even sharks. Zoe, Sage and I were paddling about when all these fish started swimming up to us, and bumping into us. It was truly freaky. They were the kind of fish that were huge and greay with massive eyes. Turns out our "friendly" guides were throwing bait our way and fish were diving for the food.

We had an under water camera, so we shot some pics of us petting and holding sharks. I even patted a ray, which in my opinoin is very brave since they are all "flat n' dodgy"

By the time our last snorkeling stop was over it was time to bust out the rum punch and watch the tourists get tanked. It was beautiful. The girls and I talked to this really cool lady (Im a jerk and cant remember her name) She was reeeaaalllllyyy awesome and we hung out with her and talked about how screwed up Amercia is, and how yummy ketchup is on chicken. Her and her husband have travelled around quite a bit and had lots of intresting stories.

We also met this couple from Seattle who made fun of our Canadian Accents. Apparently we say pasta and rasta completely wrong. Its supposed to me "Pahh-stahh".....whatever. Americans dont know EVERYTHING. They were really nice though and we are meeing them later so they can give us their %100 Deet. They said it is crucially needed in the Guatemalan jungle.

All in all, the sailing/snorkeling adventure was fantastic! I really tried my hardest to not get burned, but in the god-damned tropical sun its nearly impossible. Luckily its only just a chunk of my back. Much better than Zoes complete 'ass burn' which looks horrible, and she says its really hard to get shorts on. hahahahahaha.

Tomorrow, were getting off the Island and heading out to San Ignacio.

Today is still cloudy, and it has rained twice. But all in all, the weather is still fine-alot better than Summerlands -12. We decided yesterday that we were going to get up early and do some stuff in the morning, but when the alarm went off sage and zoe continued sleeping while I was wide awake. I decided to get up and read my book and eat some toast.

I flipped through my guide book looking for something in Belize that caught my eye. There is a place called the "blue hole" which is this creepy lagoon, deep spot in the middle of the ocean which looks like a hole going into nowhere. We might go there on a reef tour or something tomorrow, but were first going to check what the weather is like.

We also have some ideas of where we are going to go further into Belize. Maybe Placencia, or San Ignacio which both sound nice and white-sand-beachy.

Right now as I write, my laundry is twilring around at the laundromat getting all the sand and grit out of it. Ahhhh clean clothes. How can is be possible that we have only been here for three days, and I have so much dirty laundry?? Its just like home, I just cant seem to keep my stuff clean. Hahaha.

Well, I think I am going to go stuff my face with pineapple.

Taco bell would cry in shame

Today I did absolutely nothing.

And it was brilliant.

We woke up to the sound of a child meowing. Who knew children mewed? We got up and showered which felt ridiculously good because of the build up of seawater and other shit that had accumulated into my bush of a hair. Then we went to the good old rasta pasta again where we ate the largest burrito I have ever seen. It was seriously massive. Probably as big as my forearm. Taco Bell would seriously cry in shame at the pure beauty of it...

For the rest of the day we lounged about reading, and sitting in hammocks. It was truly glorious. It then started to rain buckets of rain and we had to run for shelter. We hung out with our cool hostel mates and chatted about where we were from and what we are up to.

We started to get hungry so we wondered to the near by grocery store called "Chans Mini Mart" where we bought our essentials. Pineapple juice, bread, cream cheese, Kraft dinner and bottle of coconut rum. I know. Not very rustic Belizien. But it was reallllllyyyyy good. I think tonite we are just going to hang out at the hostel or on the beach. Most of the shops are closed since its Sunday and the majority are Catholics.

I think within the next day or two we are going to leave Caye Caulker and venture farther into Belize or possibly Guatemala. We are all really pumped about Guatemala and we all really want to go there soon. Anyways.... I think im going to go buy some pineapple.

the sun is shining, the weather is fine.....

Well, well, well. Here I finally am.
We arrived yesterday in Belize city. The airport was impossibly small. It even had those outside-staircase-I-am-a-celebrity-things. Instantly I was ridiculously hot in my jeans and hoodie and booked it inside to airconditoned land. Which, coincidently turned out to be a hot-stuffy non air conditioned land. We went through customs and such and got our bags which all managed to make it safe and sound. We decided to change into much cooler clothes and went outside to the front of the airport. The drive to the City and Taxi terminal were crazy. Our taxi driver was going a million miles an hour swerving around bikes, people, and dogs. But the scenery was beautiful. The ocean is a turquoisy blue and the trees and grass are freakishly lush and green. The breeze off the ocean is sooo nice.

We arrived at the water-taxi terminal and the boat took us to Caye Caulker. The boatride was fast and fantastic. It was windy and sunny as hell and we just ripped it through the water going about 600 km an hour.

Caye Caulker is fantastic. Very laid back and sleepy. There is quite a few tourists here, but it is not too
"touristy" the hotels are colourfully painted and made out of planks of wood. There is little rum and food shacks scattered here and there. Yesterday we went to a place called "Rasta Pasta" which funnily does not serve pasta (?????). We went for the happy hour, which means all local drinks are half price. We sat under the grassy roof easting nachos and sipping on pineapple rum. It was friggen great.

We went swimming and the Ocean was gloriously warm. We swam at a part of the Island called "the split". Its called 'the split' because one year, a hurricane tore through the island splitting it in two. Very few people live on the other side. Today I think we may just lounge on the beach trying not to get burnt. Ive started reading my book "Long Way Round" and it is absolutely fantastic. Im sure I will be glued to it for the next day or two.

Anyways, Im going to go find the girls and some breakfast...

time is a tickin'

It's tuesday night. Only two more days untill we leave. The trip is feeling pretty un-real at this time. I dont think I will truly feel like this trip is happening untill I step off that plane and into Belize city. I am in Vancouver doing some last mintute family/friends visiting and having a good old 'western' time. Im feeling the Canadian vibe, smelling the ocean, hearing the crazy city noise, eatin' some curry and feeling the (very) cold wind. Soon I am sure, I will be hoping and wishing for a cold breeze of some kind...

A journey begins...(ok not really, but only 15 days away!)

The wait is excruciatingly long. How can it be that 15 days can tick by so very slowly? It seems that only last week Sage, Zoe and I were looking of a map of the world trying to decide where we wanted to go. And now, the tickets are bought, the passports are ready and the sunscreen is at hand. This trip is happening. In another three weeks I will be enjoying myself, sitting under a palm tree and relaxing with a pina coloda in my hand.

The suspense is truly killing me. If only these bloody 15 days will just hurry up and be done with...