Ok got the fingers warmed up, and as much as I wanna skip around, will take it day by day. I may be a gal of few words, but I sure have lots of sentences!
First 24 hours:
Not much excitement on the plane ride over, unless you want to count the flight attendant who threatened to lock me in the restroom if I asked “are we there yet” one more time.
Taxi took us from the airport to the dock where the hotel picked us up. Boat ride to Belizean Shores was WONDERFUL! Sky was blue, water was green and who cared that the wind wanted me to have a new “do” …. we were on vacation!
Our luggage was taken to our room by wheelbarrow (a first for me but sure made since as we were the first unit closet to the water, 2nd level – great view.)
I was able to check the “What you most do while on Ambergris Caye” box that said “buy a piece of jewelry from a locale”. A friendly lad came around selling ankle bracelets, my first purchase on arrival, a true sign I was getting into San Pedro mode.
We strolled the beach south for a bit, just to smell the ocean air and to get a lay of the land. Once back in our room, we settled in and claimed closet and dresser space. Note on room: Very spacious, very clean, nice kitchen area, bathtub had whirlpool jets (nice touch and quite deep) and shower had LOTS of water pressure. Even after a week, I can’t think of anything about the suite that I didn’t like. We found it to be just as advertised. The double doors to the balcony were wonderful for letting in the ocean breezes and for standing in the doorway and blow drying the hair! (might have even been able to get a kite up ifin I had one)
Suppertime came early as my stomach was still on Ohio time. We decided to eat at the hotel. The Laguna Grill is at the back of the complex, but is up on the 3rd floor, and you can see above the trees. They have a beautiful view of the water, a wonderful breeze and a friendly wait staff. We ate a couple of meals there during our stay. Not outstanding, but not bad either. The price was what you’d expect to pay at most “on site restaurants” – I just figured it in as the cost of the view. A plus was that they had a computer in the grille. As tempting as it was, only checked email once, half way through the week (basically to delete all the bazillion spasm that fill my inbox) and Bryan had to check on a weeding he was scheduled to perform. (6$BZ for 15 minute minimum)
A storm came in the first night, and we lost power around 7:15 until after 10:00. Take extra batteries and candles for those “just in case times” – plus candles are always a nice touch. Stood on the balcony and watched it roll in – awesome!
Slept like a baby, wide awake at 5:30 (apparently still on Ohio time). Clouds were trying to lift to our west. We had a western sky view from our balcony as well as full ocean view.
Had our morning coffee and light breakfast on the balcony. This became a daily ritual for us, a truly wonderful way to start the day. Each morning we saw pelicans flying by and watched numerous workers arriving by ferry, or going further north. Was nice being in time with the early morning flow of locals as they began their work day. Mornings were also spent taking notes from the day before – crucial so as not to forget anything.
The first morning we decided to walk further south down the beach, gave us a chance to observe some of the islands wildlife. A few sand crabs, lizards watching us – watching them, had numerous birds serenading us, etc etc etc.
We walked past Sweet Basil and just knew we wanted to eat there during our stay. (If you’re going, they’re closed on Mondays.) Well, before ya know it, we found ourselves at the cut. Figured we’d go the rest of the way into San Pedro at that point and ride the Island Ferry back. Had to wait one turn for the hand ferry – and gotta say folks, there was a dude in a golf cart that given the right clientele, could have sold “sniffs of weed” that was coming off his clothes. We didn’t inhale – honest!
Ended up at La Popular Bakery (I was still on Ohio time) and the gnawing action in my stomach was telling me it was “lunchtime”. We bought many, many, many pastries (as in 12 total and some pita bread) and it came to less then $7.00US. Just one of the best deals on the Island – GREAT tasting and more then reasonably priced.
Walked around town and things that come to mind ….
HIV/Aids awareness signs (even paradise isn’t immune)
Didn’t mind not having a car at all, in fact, relished it
REALLY liked the whole “t shirt, short, flip-flop” environment
Didn’t see any diapers hanging on clothes lines (disposal diapers aren’t cheap – do babies go “a la natural” ?
Clothes in the shops were expensive, but there were bargains if you looked carefully
Tshirts could be bought on sale for $5US
Ate lunch at Los Cocos, a small local eatery, sand floor and plastic table and chairs. I had baked chicken – great seasoning and huge servings. Bryan had pork – with rice and beans. On a scale from 1-10, we both gave it a 7. Leaned my first lesson about how the local folk want to please. I had a salad and when I was asked what kind of dressing I wanted, I said Ranch. A few minutes later Bryan sees a young gal from the kitchen cross the street to the market, and then returned carrying a bottle of Ranch Dressing. Hmmm … makes ya wonder about the last time you ate at a place in the states and asked for something that they didn’t have … “sorry about you’re luck” comes to mind.
Back to the dock, back to the hotel, to settle in for a quiet night “at home”.
Off to Lamanai tomorrow at 6:45 sharp – let the adventures begin!
WebShots We took both a digital camera and a regular 35MM zoom, just in case one didn’t work. The rest on the digital start with Thursday, so ya gotta wait. We don’t get the others back until this weekend.
Belizean Shores was a perfect location for us, at least this time. Far enough out for some serious R&R, but just a short boat ride in to be in the center of everything. We rented a gulf cart for 2 days (really rough roads the closer you got to the hotel, but figured it had to have bounced a few pounds off!) Also walked in once, a “short 3 ½ miles” but then again we weren’t in any hurry, as we had no place we had to be.
Hey Capt Jeff …. Hiya! Got a whole piece about how you helped us – complete with pics! I just need to find more free time and type faster to get to Monday!
I did enjoy your first 24 hours. You guys are doing such a great job with your trip reports and pics that I'm sure I'll feel like I've been to AC 5 times even though it will be my first. When I first started researching AC, I thought this place can't possibly be that beautiful, but your pictures don't lie. Even as scary as a storm can be, it was still beautiful. I can't wait! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to read and see the rest. You have a great sense of humor!
Previous Topic
Index
AmbergrisCaye.com