April 9, 2012

I can't believe that I am here in Belize!  I didn't get much sleep last night because I was so anxious about the trip and I kept thinking that I would forget something.  Finally went to bed at 3:30am and arose to the annoying buzzing sound of my alarm clock at 4:30am.  It's a good thing too, because I had forgotten to pack all the delicious snacks my mom bought me for the trip.  And so began my first problem of the day.  My suitcases were packed to the fullest, which meant that I had to leave some items at home.  Too bad, I had to sacrifice a few books I had planned to read.  Who can turn down snacks and treats from their mother?  Not I, so I brought them along for the journey.

I arrived at the airport at 6:20am and we were off in the big blue skies at 7:10am.  The plane was much smaller than what I am used to traveling in, but it was a pleasant trip.  We arrived in Atlanta at 8:30am, changed planes and arrived in Belize at 11:00am.  Since we had to wait for our driver, we had our first meal in Belize city, a spicy chicken sandwich and fries.  That was the first time I had a ground chicken sandwich.  Very tasty, I must say.

Our hour and a half trip to San Ignacio was relaxing and informative.  Our driver, Salvino,  talked to us about the history of Belize which included a Civil War that actually began over a disagreement over fruit.  Since it is the Easter Holiday, the schools were closed, but we passed several on our trip.  We learned that the schools were run by the churches, but the state provides funding.  We saw a few police stations, bus stops (they use old school buses for city buses), lots of chickens, and other cool stuff.