Even though we came from negative temperatures in Maine, waking up today in 50 degree weather was a challenge. After we braved the freezing cold showers and consumed a hearty breakfast of Johnny Cakes, we loaded up the bus and left the last of our Programme For Belize sites.
We spent the majority of the day, eight hours to be precise, driving from La Milpa in Northern Belize to Blue Creek in Southern Belize. We departed La Milpa around 8am with the goal of making it to Blue Creek before dark. As we drove through the country, we noticed a transition from flat farmland to mountainous rainforest. We passed citrus farms and fields full of banana trees, fruits that grow better in coastal areas of the country. We also noticed a change in style of houses from Mennonite farmhouses to limestone block houses and eventually to thatched roof houses.
We stopped for lunch at Cheers, a restaurant about halfway to our destination. Luckily, we ordered ahead and were able to eat a quick lunch without having to wait. We also had to make two bus switches along the way, after our faithful bus, dubbed Ernesto, finally gave out. Unfortunately, we also had to say goodbye to our trusty bus driver Julio and move all of our belongings to a new bus. Hopefully this bus will make it through the next few weeks!
We arrived at Blue Creek before sunset as we had hoped, and were greeted by a swarm of children from the local Mayan community. As we stepped off the bus, they immediately approached us repeating, “May I please carry your bag?” over and over as if they had rehearsed for our arrival all week. Some people in our group chose to pay 10 Belize dollars to have their bags carried for the five-minute walk to our accommodations at Blue Creek.
Blue Creek is a Mayan community of 450 people, with their livelihoods surrounding around a creek, that is blue. The reflection of the tropical rainforest surrounding the creek gives way for this magnificent color. A few of us took a quick dip in the creek as soon as we got here, which was super refreshing! Don’t worry, parents, it was safe too. According to our station guide, Florencio, there are no crocodiles in the creek, nor are there any mosquitos in the air (though that seems unlikely). Nevertheless, we are more than excited to start our week here, with many activities and surprises to come!
Love from Belize,
Sophie and Janice