Monday, January 7, 2008

Nov 13th--in Belize City

This day actually was my birthday..but it started out a little rocky.  We had to ride these tiny tender boats to shore and the waves were so choppy!  We both felt ill and were Very happy to finally land.

The first thing we heard in getting off the boat is someone yelling, "Take your picture with the Wench!  Take our picture with the Wench!"  A little strange, but she didn't seem to mind.....and neither did he.



Our plan for the day was to go on a cave-tubing adventure in the jungle.  We met up with our great tour guides, Major Tom, and his spirited son, Tom Jr.  There were only four of us in the tour, so they were very attentive.
We had to drive for awhile to get to the jungle.  Here are some shots, including the cemetery (graves are above ground here).  

     (See our ship way out there?)


Here we are.  We have all our gear and we are ready!  First we have to walk through the jungle and up the river we will be floating on.  A lot of groups pass us, but Tom gives us a full tour of the jungle,  including tips on how to survive off nature.


Some random jungle shots including bats in a cave and our tour guide eating termites...








Jay thought it was a better idea to chew on sugar cane...just like he did when he lived in the Caribbean years ago.  It's amazing he has such great teeth!

We get to the spot and pause for instructions...

 
Then it is sail away.  We saw huge stalactites and stalagmites, and learned the ancient history of the Mayan people who used the cave system for ceremonies and stuff.  

This is actually after our big adventure...it was too dark to take pics in the caves, but it was amazing! One of our favorite things!





Back on the road again.  And what did we almost run over?  The hand belongs to a man who is 6 ft 3...so it is quite the big arachnid.


Local lunch which was mighty tasty.

And of course what Caribbean trip would be complete without a fresh coconut from a sweet talking toothless man with a machete. 

Back to the ship on the tender boats.  Some parting shots...

We were much happier this time since the winds had died.



Back on the ship and what did we find?  That sneaky husband of mine arranged for a little birthday surprise!

(nice end quotations)
It was a very happy birthday---Thank you Jay!!

And goodnight little towel swan.

2 comments:

Lindsay said...

You have done a fabulous job on posting your vacation. It looks like you had a BLAST! Why didn't you invite me???

Matt Maddox said...

Wow, a cruise that included ancient Maya ruins, a tour guide (crazy), and a big ship. I am completely envious of y'all, yousen's, vosotros, ustedes, etc. That is so cool. Yes, I think that I will have to just invite myself along next time you go on a cruise to the central America and Caribbean areas . . . yess. . .