mom & dad do belize

Yes, this update is beyond overdue... you should be expecting that by this point. So let's play catch-up with what's been going on since the last swearing in.

To start with, Mom & Dad got their butts on a plane and headed back to Central America for the second time in just as many years. Astonishing....but lets hope this is a trend that will continue into the future. After all, there are still several stamps those passports need to collect!

Mom and Dad arrived June 13th. It was sort of rainy and to my surprise, cooler than I expected. I hopped a bus to Belize City around 11, then hopped another bus to the junction around 1:30...found a taxi that was only charging me a local rate and got to the airport around 2 ish. Luckily for me, I didn't have to wait too long before seeing them...although considering they were one of the last two off their plane, it felt like an eternity!! Our rental car was slightly late, but made up for his tardiness with his endless ability to talk your head off. I find the locals' introduction to their country entertaining since I live here...but I suppose a vacation-goer would find tid-bits quite helpful.

I DROVE!!!! us the remainder of the way to San Ignacio, Cayo so we could rest and grab some food. Driving after 10months is nervewracking...40mph felt like 80. Naturally then, I had to do at least 55. The hotel we stayed in was beautiful and aside from the one bed for 3 people, it was perfect. And freezing!!! Air conditioning is such luxury here...I should have known that dad was going to make the room an igloo and brought warmer sleep clothes!

The first official day in country, we took a drive out to Caracol. This is a Mayan archaeological site with temple ruins that you can climb up and look out. The site is locate in remote Belize, and almost touching Guatemala. It's out of the way enough that only a few venture out to see it. The roads are littered with potholes that have been further eroded by the rain...except for the last 11 miles. That stretch is wonderfully, gloriously paved. After 2 hours of nauseating driving conditions, we reached the base of the Mountain Pine Ridge. Upon arrival, we checked in with the guard shack and then took a trip to Rio Frio Cave. It took two tries, but once we found it, it was worth it. SOOOO nice to be in a cool environment when it's soo sticky outside.

Once back at the guard post, we waited for the convoy to assemble and then drove the rest of the way into Caracol. We went with guards as is required by Belizean law. A few years ago there were some issues with Guatemalan bandits that ruined a few tourist's trips. No worries, all on our trip went smoothly. Once at the park, we set out on our own tour. We apparently started where the guided tours ended...climbing the tallest ruin in Belize. I understand that most guides like to save the 'best for last' but honestly, I think we were smarter. I can't imagine climbing that thing in the heat of the day...after touring everything else! Those poor tourists....

Anyways, moral of this story is...Caracol = beautiful. Not worth seeing twice...that drive is nuts.

Day two! Found us driving back to Belmopan and my stomping grounds. We stopped at my house to unload all of our stuff and let dad play with Trafford. I don't think he's ever been so spoiled...and he's now addicted to tennis balls for life. Thanks, Dad. We stopped by a local place to get smoothies....woohoo for actual strawberries...and then drove out to the inland Blue Hole National Park. We went to St. Herman's Cave and explored a bit (it's not as exciting as Rio Frio) and then headed to the other side of the park where the sink hole is. I'm not going to lie, that chilly water was AMAZING as always.

Day 3: We headed in to Belize City, dropped off our rental and ate some lunch at Riverside while watching World Cup. After a delicious lunch, we hopped on the water taxi to San Pedro. This was my first time to la Isla Bonita....and I have to admit, I'm not that excited about it. Sure, it has pretty much everything that you want when vacationing....but it's hardly Belize. It's actually just a tourist island that Belizeans happen to work on...but its such a large community of ex-pats that you miss the actual Belizean culture entirely. Don't get me wrong...I really enjoyed our nice accomodations and loved the sea...but it's just not a place I'd go to that often.

Day 4: Tour San Pedro a bit in the morning and then head to Caye Caulker. CC is arguably one of my favorite places to go in Belize. It's still a Caye, but it has a much more relaxed lifestyle and is much more of what Belize is on the mainland. For instance, usually upon arriving I kick off my shoes and don't put them back on until I leave for home....and it's perfectly acceptable.

Day 5: Raggamuffin tour!!! I love this tour....its the same one that a large group of PCVs took for New Year's Eve, and it was so worth repeating. This time of year, the manatees are out around the cayes and luckily for us, our day of snorkeling included a stop to see them. We headed out without seeing much and about halfway through our first snorkel stop, we were swimming with the manatees!!!! The trip was wonderful...manatees, petting sting rays and nurse sharks, and of course, seeing the sea turtles.

Day 6: Early morning boatride to Belize City and then a taxi ride back to the airport....the trip is over. How come it always feels like its gone by in the blink of an eye?!

In case you hadn't noticed...each day's activities reported got shorter and shorter. That's exactly how vacation works! Really though, it was so amazing having my parents here...they spoiled me! And, they got to see where I go to, where I live, where I work. It makes phone conversations soooo much easier when there's background knowledge!

Here's a few photos to highlight our week of fun!

Rio Frio Cave

view of the large ruin at Caracol.

mom climbing down from the top!

dad & mom enjoying our sailing/snorkeling trip.

me.

group shot on our last night of vacation!

swearing in...again

On May 28th, the newest group of Peace Corps Volunteers swore in. This time I think I enjoyed it a bit more- I think because I'm a bit more used to the weather and planned my outfit accordingly! The ceremony took place at the Governor General's once again, with another fantastic dinner at the Ambassador's house. I must say....I love that the Ambassador and his wife invite us for that evening each time a group swears in. It truly is one of my favorite nights- and not just because of the open bar with American beer and good wine....okay, well maybe that plays a part.

Here are two photos of the day:

Holly, Me, Emily A., & Christen in the Ambassador's Garden.

Me, Christen, Lily, & Kevina.

Congrats to PCV Belize 2010-2012!!!

Gardening Club

Its been a year of interesting transitions at the school for me. I was initially brought in to help the school with its “expressive arts” program...which almost existed. Almost. In reality, the frame work was set, but much of the actual organization remained unfinished. The school then thought it would be pertinent for me to write manuals instructing teachers on various lessons for their weekly club activity....I admit that I can get creative when I want, but I am no expert on chess (although I actually wrote the manual). After manual #2, I realized that the teachers simply weren't using them. More than that, they didnt really care to hold their clubs anyway.


So, on to plan B. Except....I had no plan B. I had ideas...but what could be tangible that would also be supported by teachers, students and parents?? After much thinking (and taking a substantial detour into a character value program I introduced to the school via help from my mom- which is going amazingly well), I decided to revive the dilapidated garden- located just behind my office.

The school has what resembles the makings of a greenhouse. Its in shambles and can use some serious help, but it's getting there. After a series of office visits by the same group of about 8 boys...the principal decided that there could be a constructive punishment for them- restoring the garden. The first couple of days, the boys served their punishment during school hours by clearing out large debris from inside the structure, but quickly discovered that they could manipulate their time outside of class to their advantage (duh!...sometimes Belizean discipline choices BAFFLE me).

This was my opportunity to voice my idea of starting an after school gardening club. The idea being that this group of boys would meet with me 3 times a week and with a teacher 2 times a week, every day after school. It was a way for them to be active in a positive manner and teach them the value of hard work.

So far, I'd say its successful 45% of the time. We have issues with attendance and consistency, but on the whole...the project is working. Its amazing how giving consistency with rules has transformed the attitudes of some of the boys...not to mention how it has increased the respect they have with each other. I love that because I enforced the “if I hear you curse, you owe me a shilling” rule, I have the pleasure of spending the afternoon in good conversation instead of constant bickering. Or, that the boys know that if they don't help in the days activity, they have to leave...and may not get to come back (the fact that this is a horrible idea to them is great- gardening club is something they WANT to do!!!) Woo hoo for little victories! :0)

I've included pictures below of the boys weeding the beds we're making. Because it's the end of the school year, our focus right now is on prepping the garden for planting in September. Well, that's my focus. A couple of the boys are utilizing the club far better than I'd hoped...they've taken ownership of their work and can't wait to come over the summer to make sure the garden is going well. I'll update you next fall to see if this actually took place.

Watch out for Belize's newest Green Thumbs!

belizean field trips

Hi friends....sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Its been a busy few months here in Belize, so let me update you via the highlight reel.


Right after I got back from my hiking adventure, I was able to take part in two wonderful things with my counterpart agency, Garden City Primary School. The first was an event that highlighted the talents of several students throughout Belmopan. Youth from various schools came to GCPS for an afternoon to showcase their cultural talents. It was quite an experience, and I think our version of 'The Three Little Pigs' was stellar. It was really great to see all the kids supporting each other and having fun too!

 

The second experience that I was blessed with having was that of becoming a chaperone for our Standard II classes to the Mayan ruins of Xunantanich (pronounced shoe-non-tan-itch) and Cahal Pech. These sites are located in the western part of the Cayo district which we live and are only about an hour/hour and a half bus ride away. I was put in charge of three boys, who probably got more than they bargained for in having me in charge. You see, due to travel via bus, we had to either walk up a “huge” hill for maybe half a mile or hail a taxi for $5BZ to our first site. Yes, fresh off my mountain hike, I flat out refused a taxi ride to the base of the ruin. This was something that the boys had NOT planned for...but we made it into a race on who could get there the fastest. (Ridiculous that no matter what country I live in, boys always suck it up when there's competition involved).

Once at the top, the entire classes had fun exploring and climbing all over their piece of history. Its nerve wracking watching 8yr olds at the top of a ruin with NO shred of safety precautions. The boys were especially excited to learn about puk-ta-puk, an ancient Mayan game that slightly resembles modern basketball but without the use of your hands. In other words, the object was to get the ball through a hoop on the other side using your shoulders, elbows, and hips. I think they were most impressed at the fact that at the end of the game, one of the players was sacrificed (guides differ on which one it was- the winner or the loser). Either way, I think I'd be a spectator at this event!

( my three boys)                                                                     (view from the top of Xunantanich)

The rest of the day was more of the same: hiking, climbing, me telling the boys not to throw their garbage directly on the ground...repeat. We stopped for lunch at the end of the day, but like all kids...the class headed off to the playground for the duration. Needless to say, I think the trip was successful...my fearless students were plain 'tuckered out' for the ride home...and I finally got some quiet!!!

hiking isn't for the faint of heart

Last weekend, I signed myself up to climb Victoria Peak - the tallest mountain in Belize.  Why?  Good question.  I would like to say that I really was looking forward to the personal challenge, or that I thought it would be another great adventure.  In reality, I just didnt think it through. The climb is 27K. Great, I can handle that.  Insert here a blonde moment where I failed to realize that 27K was a one way measurement....still had to climb back down the mountain another 27K.

  Yes, I realized this a full 5 hours into a hike that I will forever despise. I would love to tell you that I had an amazing experience and that the view was breathtaking but here are the simple truths:  I hated my life almost every minute after reaching 12K the first go round....and I never actually made it to the summit (although from those few that reached it...it was cloudy anyway). Let's chalk this whole trip up to life experience my friends.  Victoria Peak - 1, Bucy - 0.   (but i did still hike 26.6 miles in the jungle, up a mountain...i can live with that).

These are the things I'm taking away:

• you should really, really, REALLY be in phenomenal shape before attempting a 33 mile hike up a mountain.
• know your limits and never be afraid to admit when you've reached them
• idoine tablets are not exactly tasty...but when fillling your water from the river, they are necessary.
• waterfall showers are refreshing after 19K....and the resulting pools are excellent for icing sore muscles/joints
• realize that whatever distance you hike in, you must also hike out. (i realize this should be obvious)
• bedtime on a mountain is whenever the sun goes down, if you can manage to stay awake to actually witness the sunset.
• wake up time is  around 4:30...make sure you have a flashlight.
• friends are there for support...you're all in the same shitty situation - laugh, cry, and share toilet paper.
• bug spray is useless - even stuff with deet.  these bugs were out for blood. literally.
• the last 12K are the fastest - possibly because you can't wait to get the hell off the mountain for good
• have ready at your home upon return: asprin, icy hot, benadryl, and anti itch cream...they're your new best friends.

awww....before the hike. we had no idea.

these packs = heaviest things ever after 19K.

dirty.sweaty.not happy.

break.

steep!

well...at least they attempted a latrine at 19K base camp.

base camp at 19K. notice how great the roof looks!

view.  or so i'm told.

Happy Hiking!

sunday, easter sunday

On Easter, we got up before dawn and took a trip to Lake Atitlan. Its about 3 hours from Antigua and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. We stopped once on the way there to grab some breakfast and much to my surprise....it was FREEZING. I huddled next to a wood burning stove and ordered coffee so I could attempt to warm up. We asked our driver to crank up the heat and Tonia even bought a shawl. Its amazing how unprepared we were for cooler weather! Once we reached the lake, we took a boat ride to three of the communities that surround the lake, San Pedro, Santiago, & San Antonio. The villages were all beautiful in their own rights, although the constant heckling from the locals to get us white gyals to buy something got old quite fast. Aside from that, it was wonderful. See for yourself:

Attempting to warm up by the stove at the restaurant.

On the dock before the trip.What?! Like anyone would refuse this photo op. :0)

pacaya

On Saturday of my trip to Antigua, my friend Kristen and I decided to take a trip to hike Pacaya Volcano.  We left around 2pm. and didn't return until nearly 10pm. Pacaya has been continuously active since 1965 so we wanted to make sure we were there at night to see all the action!  It sits at an elevation of about 8,300 feet so we were in for one heck of a climb.  The trip up is nearly vertical and takes most groups about 1.5 hours to reach the base.  My group made the same trip in about 40 min...passing several others on our way.  I had enough after about a half an hour and hopped a horse....only to dismount 10 min. later....OY! if only i'd known i was so close.  :0)
Again: pictures are better than words for this experience

roasting marshmallows over lava...it was HOT.

eating my s'more

 

                                                     melted shoe rubber....ahhh.

Here is the mastercard commercial version of the trip:

• entrance fee into pacaya: 40 Quetzales
• tour guide for pacaya: 60 Quetzales
• Marshmallows and chocolate 15 Quetzales
• Hiking stick to pull me to the top: 5 Quetzales
• Horse for 10 min. because I'm a wuss: 55 Quetzales
• new shoes to hike (because i only brought flip flops): 120 Quetzales
• watching new shoes melt into oblivion while attempting to roast marshmallows over lava:  priceless