Belize

Placencia & the Monkey River

Bordered by Guatemala to the west and Mexico to the north,

Belize offers the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemi-

sphere and the second largest in the world to Australia's

famous Great Barrier.

In search for unusual travel destinations, we selected Placencia,located southern region of Belize ~ for its tropical accommodations and adventurous environment (or the other way around). We were especially intrigued by the fact that its original inhabitants were rum-drinking buccaneers.

Snorkeling and diving during the day

+ drinking rum concoctions in a hammock in the evenings =

The Ultimate Tropical Vacation!

Divers come from all over the world to explore this underwater playground. Thousands of marine species of fish, coral and other seaworthy creatures can be seen from almost every snorkel and dive spot, especially at a popular location like Laughing bird Caye.

The atoll where we snorkeled could have doubled as Gilligan’s Island with its untouched beaches and surrounding majestic palms.

Can you see us sunning under the palm trees enjoying our brief moment away from civilization?

On land, we found that bicycles provided a great way to explore the peninsula. First, we peddled north to Seine Bight only to find this native village still reflecting the effects of Hurricane Hattie of 1961. Unaware of tourism, the only amusements were a hut-size grocer that was closed for their midday siesta and a beach that could use a cleanup brigade.

Heading south to the village of Placencia, we found this community built mostly on sand rimmed with coconut palms. It provides a simple life for the locals who fish daily for their meals as well as maintaining their own vegetable gardens.

We noticed that the tree next to the market served as a post for news and

local announcements. Most interestingly, their famous sidewalk, noted as

the worlds’ longest and narrowest single concrete walkway by the Guinness

Book of Records, is the only thoroughfare through town.

	Our favorite spot was a thatched-roof bar situated at the end of the village's dock, offering the one and only Belizean beer available and a cool oceanside breeze.
During our visit to Placencia, we chose to stay among its beautiful beaches at a local inn. Our tropical accommodations included breakfast and dinner and a selection of day tours.		Check out our tour ~

What would be a vacation without a real adventure :

We had felt so safe and comfortable at our inn, we did not

think twice about locking our cabana's door. It was a simple

place that used padlocks and large keys to lock its doors. Plus

we were only going to dinner which was less than a 100 yards.

One particular night, we left our door cracked open using the

screen door to keep the tropical breezes blowing through our

cabana. Upon returning from dinner, we found that we had a

visitor in our room. At first, El noticed that only her small 35mm

camera was missing.

It did not take long before we noticed that several small peculiar

items were lifted; a Swiss army knife, toenail clippers, our costume

jewelry (we never travel with anything valuable for this reason)

and oddly, all the yellow-flavored lifesavers (not the greens or

reds) out of our backpack.

The resort's hosts were upset with us for not taking heed to

their suggestion to lock our door. They helped us call the local

police and soon learned that we were not the only trusting guests

for this thief. Mabula, the lawman, arrived quickly, looking as if

he had just gotten out of bed. Half asleep, he took down what

he could with a borrowed pen since his pencil (the size of a

toothpick) was not sharp enough to write. Through his broken

dialect, he indicated that he had an idea who had committed

the theft as just early this particular day, Placencia had released

from jail their only known felon, Patrick. He had been serving

time for drug possession. Apparently, Patrick wasted no time

to start his habit over again. Patrick wasted no time to start his

habit over again.

Mabula returned the next day for a full deposition with his own

pen. It started with a beer and his gun falling out of his battered

briefcase. After another beer and several pages of notes, he

presented a few items he had recovered from Patrick; sewing

scissors, a makeup mirror and a hand cream container. I guess

that we didn't notice everything that was missing. (An indication

that we definitely brought too much!)

Before we left, we learned that Patrick had been captured

and been returned to his better-suited home. A few months

later, our camera and toenail clippers were shipped to us after

they were used to ensure that Patrick was going to spend at

least five years for his crime.

Last we heard, Patrick has redecorated his cell.