Belize

I try to make the most of each day. Each breath, each moment. When I travel, this becomes even more my style. If I can make all these things line up (which is usually possible if I am willing), I find find the way transportation wise and have the time, then I try to visit another country that borders the country I initially wanted to visit.

Borders are strange. Invisible lines that separate land and defines a country. It's like stepping into a time machine when you cross a border into a different country. It always boggles my mind. I'm always nervous at border crossings but going from Guatemala into Belize was fairly easy. I found a shuttle that would drop myself and about five others off at the border port of exit. We grabbed out bags, got checked out of Guatemala, walked across into Belize and got our passport stamp. One hour later, the same shuttle picked us up in Belize and drove us to the nearest town.  Not to mention some dodgy money changers constantly hassling us to change money on the street.

 
Here I was about 15 minutes from the Guatemala border and I was confused. English is the official language of Belize (The only one in Central America). The history of Belize is fascinating and actually didn't gain independence from Britain until 1981.  The diversity of the people is a mix of Mayan, Creole, Mestizo, and Garifuna (a mix of West/Central African, Arawak, and Island Carib.)










I was starving and needed to eat brunch. I had no place picked out yet to stay for the evening. There was nothing notable or significant of why I chose this town to stay in. It was more of a stopping/layover place for me.

I sat outside at a causal restaurant and the young waitress spoke perfect English. I started automatically speaking in Spanish and I wanted to still speak Spanish. I didn't want to start speaking English again ! Somehow it secretly felt wrong and meant that my trip was over in one way.

I ordered traditional Belize Breakfast called "fryjacks". A mix of eggs and veggies in fried dough. I found a cheap place to rest my head for the evening and continued to walk around town.

I must say during my whole trip, this town of San Ignacio, Belize was the worst for men bombarding me, a solo woman, on the streets. They would smile, wave, flirt, wink, and be super friendly to the point of annoying. It's not exactly pleasant to be viewed as such, but I just ignored them and carried on my own way.

Flores

The quaint little lake-side town of Flores, Guatemala was a great resting spot for several days.  After my grueling chicken bus rides, I wanted to stay put for a few days and do....well...nothing ! Because my body and mind just needed some down time to relax on my vacation. I sure picked a great location at Flores ! 

sunset !

I stayed at a dirt cheap hostel (maybe $7 US a night with cold showers) where I met another fellow solo female traveler from Germany.  She and I hit it off and swapped travel stories, drank beers together, and hit the night food stalls. She was traveling solo through ALL of Central America ! Wow!
 

lunch by the lake

Flores is covered with cute candy colored cube style houses and stores. It is a bit touristy for sure, but some of the best meals I ate on my trip were from here! And because of the tourist feel, you can't beat the 2 for 1 happy hour drinks ! 

Flores is on a causeway/peninsula surrounded by Lago de Peten Itza (a large lake). I would rise early from my hostel, walk about 30 feet to the patio and watch the sunrise over the still lake and mediate on my journey and the world.  Then, in the evening I would stroll the streets for 15 minutes and watch the sunset over a cold beverage on the other side of the lake. 

So, you can see why I stayed here for several days to enjoy myself fully. I ran into other travelers that I had met in other parts of the country too (as well as my German friend).

street food ! YUM tostadas and such

YES that is a garbage can full of tostadas !! ha ha