Snorkeling in Belize

We had a great day for snorkeling. We were able to see many different kinds of fish - all of them so colorful, it was amazing! We also saw several types of coral. Can't wait to go back!

Livingston, a touch of the Carribean

Livingston is a fishing town. They have a plate called "Tapado" which is a soup made from a variety of seafood, plantain, coconut and curry.
There are a large amount of pelicans there. Check out the boat top of the picture above, and see how many you can find!

A Spectacular Sunset

A seaside sunset. What more needs to be said?

Monterrico Beach

A small bit of paradise......
Walking on the beach, heat, sunshine.....what could be better?!
We stayed at Utz Tzaba - a great getaway popular with tourists and residents alike.
We relaxed, caught some sunshine, saw the town, and visited with co-worker Jeff, and his family, on their weekend get away as well.

A trip to Monterrico

The trip to Monterrico involves a short ferry ride over a small river. The ferries are tiny, carrying only a few vehicles each time.
Along the way, you can see loads of, "lufa" (loofa?) (as we know it) which grows as a vegetable here in fields like grape vines.
The fruit is grown to maturity, peeled and dried (if we have our understanding correct!)
It is collected in piles at almost every home you see along the seaside villages, where it is picked up and carried away for sale.
A beautiful, colorful ride!

Sights of the cemetery - Sumpongo

Many families will go to the gravesides of family members, on this day, to decorate and eat their "fiambre" there. This is a cold-cuts meal that can be taken easily along.
A great deal of time is spent making the graves beautiful.
Even in the graveyards, kite flying takes place, to make the people happy, as they remember their loved ones.

Day of the Dead - Sumpongo

We traveled with friends from school, to the town of Sumpongo. There we watched enormous kites, handmade with tissue paper, and supported with bamboo rods, being launched into the sky. They were incredibly beautiful.

The kites are worked on all year, then brought to the site, where they are assembled for flight. Some are short lived fliers, while others seem to stay up for hours.

A Visit to Lake Amititlan

Lake Amititlan is a colourful place to visit. The "beach" area is a busy place on Sundays, with swimmers, lancha operators, and food everywhere!

Fresh Coconut....yum!!

The "Rocarena" hotel has hotsprings heated pools, almost too warm for swimming, but great once the clouds come over, and the air cools. Then you don't want to get out!

Hurricane Stan relief efforts - CONRED

Bags of food, and other household items were packed up and delivered by truck to towns needing supplies to sustain them for a few days at a time. Many of the recipients are still without homes, and waiting to rebuild or be relocated.