My Belize Getaway
Written: Sep 27 '00 (Updated Sep 28 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful Islands and Coral Reefs
Cons: Belize City Is Not Tourist-Friendly
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| webguy's Full Review: Belize |
Review Topic: Sports & Outdoors
My Belize adventure is broken into two parts for easy reading. "My Belize Getaway" is the experience of booking my vacation plus the journey to Belize City. "Ten Days in Paradise," which was by far the most rewarding, details my ten-day stay at a remote island on Belize's reefs. If you're planning on visiting Belize, I'd highly recommend this trip!
Have you ever dreamt of escaping to a remote tropical island, but didn’t know where to begin? I don’t mean staying at one of those slick resorts, but somewhere far from the complexities of civilization, where you can lay back and let the world pass you by? Last March I did just that. At my sister’s recommendation, I decided to explore Belize with SlickRock Adventures. This trip sounded like an interesting change: two weeks on a remote tropical island in the Caribbean to enjoy the sun, good food, and breathtaking coral reefs.
Planning my trip was easy.
When I gave Slickrock a call, they were friendly and informative on their various package options to Belize. Some trips explored the inland jungles and Mayan temples, while others focused solely on the island experience. I decided for the island, as I wanted to mix relaxation with some snorkeling and kayaking. You may like to check out the Belize trips for yourself at www.slickrock.com
Since the boat trip to Slickrock’s island departs in the morning, I needed to book a night at a hotel in Belize City. Slickrock recommended several travel agents who are familiar with Belize. I found one who quickly booked my flight and accommodations for me. In all, handling the details of my trip were quite easy, more so than any trip I’ve done to Europe. Slickrock was patient and informative towards all my questions. They spent a long time with me on the phone, as well as mailed me detailed information on the country and gear I would need for my trip.
Belize is really next door.
On route to Belize, I was surprised by the fact that this country is much closer than I realized--only a 2 hour flight from Houston. As I neared my destination, I considered the fact that I knew little about Belize’s history and their place amongst the higher-profile nations such as Panama and Mexico. Belize was once known as British Honduras, as it became their colony during their seaward expansion. Recently, Belize has become independent, yet still relies on Britain for military and economic support.
My flight took a quick hop over the Gulf and down the Yucatán peninsula. Once the home to the Mayan civilization, the Yucatán jungle has long since reclaimed the temples and cities that once asserted their empire. The Mayan people survive, but their authority was supplanted in the European conquests. Today there are citizens of Belize who continue to speak a Mayan dialect.
Soon, I’ve touched down at the Belize airport, and as I debark, hot, humid air quickly envelopes me. Welcome to the tropics! It’s a good thing I put on shorts before the flight! We’re then handed a customs form, and proceed to wait in a rather long line leading to the terminal. I was happy to see I quickly reached the front, facing a suited gentleman who looked like a university professor. He waved me through politely, and I quickly went after my luggage.
As I experienced Belize
Once I locate my luggage, the next step is to take a taxi into Belize City. Slickrock assured me that finding a taxi would be easy. As I step outside, I see many taxis, yet I hesitate on which I should take. This question is settled quickly as a man eagerly steps forward, grabs my bags, and directs me to his vehicle. I don’t often take taxis, so this is a novelty for me, especially as a stranger to this land. The driver’s friendly and easygoing, yet in somewhat of a hurry, piloting his vehicle down the highway and passing slower vehicles with carefree abandon. Normally, passing doesn’t bother me too much, yet when there’s oncoming traffic, namely a large truck, I grow concerned. After all, I’m far from home, and without a seat belt in a car driven by a total stranger. I voice my apprehension to the driver, but he’s not fazed by this nervous tourist. As my hand tightens on the door handle, I reassure myself that he’ll return to our lane before that truck ends my vacation. So much for optimism. Luckily, my driver has another plan. He creates a third lane in traffic-- ”his lane”, and I feel the blast of air as we narrowly miss the truck. Thus begins my brief stay in Belize City.
Upon arrival at tonight’s accommodations, the Hotel Caribbean, I discover the hotel has no knowledge of my reservation . After my exciting cab ride, this sets me into a small panic, but I’m reassured by the clerk who finds another room for me. There are better hotels in Belize City, but since Slickrock was meeting us here in the morning, I figured staying here would be easiest. Being warned by Slickrock against venturing outside after dark, I ate dinner at the hotel, served by a sincere yet understaffed restaurant.
The next day, I meet with the Slickrock group, encouraged by the friendly faces and the prospect of setting off for the island. We ate a hearty breakfast at a nicer hotel, packed supplies into the boat, and set off for the island!
For the continuation of my Belize adventure, read part II, "Ten Days in Paradise"
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
webguy
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Member: Kurt S.
Location: California coast
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 47 members
About Me:
I'm an avid kayaker, biker and hiker.
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