Seafood and Karoke

I have left the touristy coast of Mexico and am now regaining my health in beautiful Belize. I was sick for the past few days, which I blame fully on the resort food in Cozumel, but am feeling healthy and happy once again. Carefree Caye Caulker, where I have spent the last three days, is an island 45 minutes from Belize City.

What is there to do in Caye Caulker? Swim where the island splits in two (fittingly called The Split), sunbath, eat yummy seafood, drink local Belekin beers and to top it all off: sing the night away at the local karaoke bar. Karaoke seems to be a big hit here and we gave it a go a few nights ago with some rather shy Dutch guys. Mike and I chose a couple of songs, but the other two were a little more apprehensive. All in all a really fun night!

Belize is much different than Guatemala and Mexico. We didn't feel very safe in Belize City and were even warned from a guy on a bike not to walk any further down a certain street. People are much more abrupt and in your face than in any country I have experienced. Yet, for the most part they also seem to be very funny, friendly, and outgoing people. Belize has an extraordinary cultural diversity. Creoles make up 60% of the population. They were brought over as slaves by the English from Africa and Caribbean islands in the 16th and 17th centuries. Then there are the Spanish or Mestizos who have descended from some mix of Maya, Mexican, Guatemalan or Europeans. Also lots of Chinese, East Indians, German Mennonites and of course North American immigrants.

A big colourful mix similar to the rainbow of colours one would find in a Toronto or New York subway car---except in Belize, they're all making direct eye contact and talking and laughing with one another!

Tomorrow I set off for a three day sailboat trip down to the south of Belize. I am very excited for the trip because this is a chance to see all the beautiful reefs and islands that make Belize so famous. There will also be lots of opportunity to snorkel, fish, and learn how to sail. We will be catching our own food and sleeping on isolated islands along the way.

I will send pictures soon!