Tag: Belize

Our guide, Luis Godoy, is the best I’ve ever seen. With no formal education, but a life spent on archaeological digs, he is a wealth of information and stories, and is able to spin a yarn to make the ancient sites come alive.

Che Chem Ha is the greatest collection of original Maya pottery in the world, and we toured it with the discoverer, William Pleytez Morales. Actually, his dog should recieve some credit; he found it by chasing a rodent into what appeared to be a solid rock wall. Uncovering the mouth of the cave, he explored it on his own, to the disapproval of his father. However, he did not disturb the offerings of his ancestors, and today pays them tribute by spreading the knowledge of their achievements.

We had an exceptional lunch at the Morales farm, the traditional rice, beans and the tenderest stewed chicken of the trip. Their house overlooks a tall waterfall, towering several hundred feet over the jungle floor. Because their land abuts a nature preserve, there have been jaguar sightings in the area. We asked Luis what would happen if we saw this majestic cat on the trail, and he told us we would “die with honor.”

Later, stopped at Xunantunich for more ruins. Amazing what these people were creating out of stone when Europeans were living in sod huts. Their temples survived the ravages of two millenia, and stand today submerged in the jungle. It’s like Arthur Conan Doyle’s Lost World, only without the dinosaurs.

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Edit July 20, 2009:
An article in the New York Times travel section covered the caves of Belize, saying that “Unless you’re an archaeologist, you’re never going to see sites like this.” Glad I saw it before it hit the big time.

Last day on the island, but what a day it was… Woke at 5:30, having slept terribly; checking every hour to make sure my alarm was still set properly. Got to dive shop at 6, on the water by 6:15. A little queasy on the ride out, but that was probably an artifact of my hurried breakfast as much as the choppy water. Saw several flying fish, popping out of the waves and skimming for as much as forty feet. Some even managed to turn in midair, aided only by their flippers. For future reference, Dana does a great flyish fish impression.

Got to the Blue Hole at 8, and the dive master reassured everyone that it would be an easy dive.

Although the depth was greater than any I’d ever experienced before, he was right. Quick descent to 80 feet, to the drop off, and then down to 130. There was a significant thermocline at 100, and I was glad to have a full length wetsuit. Saw clear down to bottom at 400 feet, Caribbean Reef sharks circling in the center of the caldera, and Dr. Seussian stalagtites. Had to ascend after only 8 minutes at depth, which was kind of disappointing, but necessary to avoid too much nitrogen. I didn’t feel any narcosis, much to my dismay. While the total time was short, the sheer magnitude of the thing made up for it.

Lunch at Half Moon Caye, which alone was worth the price of the trip. This small island bird reserve felt like a tropical paradise. Saw the rare red-footed booby, iguana, coconut groves, and hermit crabs. Felt like Gilligan and the crew could have been just behind any palm tree.

The last dive, dubbed the Aquarium, was the best. Crystal clear water, filled with fish swarming around, but never allowing themselves to be touched. Saw a pair of turtles, an eel out of his crevice, parrot fish, and grouper. Eric was snorkeling above, and he free-dove down 20 feet to meet me during my decompression stop. I offered him some air, but he demurred. Smart, for a man who owns Scuba Diving for Dummies.

Arrived on Caye Caulker a few days ago, and have settled into the “go slow” vibe.

Took a Raggamuffin Cruise to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Snorkeling by sailboat is definitely the way to go, because the whole day was completely relaxing. The guides were both skilled and laid back, and the rest of the passengers were young backpackers. When the sail wouldn’t come down easily, the captain Jerry sent his first-mate Leban up the mast to fix the problem. (picture forthcoming) Climbing twenty feet up a metal pole, bare feet to metal, Leban his unforeseen duties in stride and came down smiling. Cheers from the passengers, and we were underway.

Stopped at Shark and Ray Alley, where the animals swarm with the expectation of food. Some people tossed watermelon rinds overboard, but the nurse sharks were more interested in each other than our fruity refuse. Saw large grouper, tarpon, and a school of spotted eagle rays. There was a short swim-through underwater cave that Eric attempted, but his flipper fell off just as he was about to enter, forced him to abort. Also stopped at Channel Cut, and a coral garden, where there were fewer large fish, but it was almost more interesting to see the complete ecosystem functioning together. Returned with our feet hanging over the side, enjoying the sunset. I decided then and there that I must one day own a yacht. Early retirement, here I come!

We had a nap after returning from the boat, exhausted from the swimming and the sun. Went to Habaneros for New Year’s Eve dinner. Excellent food and atmosphere; the best on the island. Had great ceviche, lobster stuffed snapper, seafood curry, and margaritas all around. Went down the main street to Sobre Las Olas for some live music as we tried to stay awake until midnight. The main party at the Oceanside Disco was far too crowded, and the music was terrible. Got cheaper beer and better service at the chinese market next door, and enjoyed the street scene. As midnight approached, the island’s sole firetruck drove through town, siren blaring. Everyone cheered, and a few fireworks sputtered toward the moon. Not exactly Times Square, but everyone was enjoying themselves and it fit perfectly with the town’s culture. Wished perfect strangers a Happy New Year, and walked up the beach toward bed, exhausted at 12:30.