"Go slow" is the motto and lifestyle on this incredibly beautiful paradise island off Belize. I've been here for ten days now and been planning on leaving for the last five. But the relaxing vibe here seems to make it impossible. It really doesn't take long to get used to this lazy beach life.
Days here consist of making as little effort as possible. For example; lie on the beach, lie in a hammock, lie in bed and go to the store when you're out of beer. We've also had some serious family dinners at the hostel and some great parties. So great that even people from the club next door came over to see what the fuss was about. I sincerely love this place.
Last week we went on a fullday snorkeling tour which was absolutely amazing. It's the second biggest reef in the world, still I was surprised by the variety of creatures we got to see. We spotted stingrays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, manatee (sea cow), baracudas, jelly fish, huge lobsters etc etc. Definitely the best snorkeling I've ever done. Included lunch and rum punch. 40 bucks well spent.
After my first crazy days in Hopkins (see previous post) I finally managed to leave. I went to Dangriga, one of the bigger (and less appealing) cities further north where I met some cool guys from Denver. They talked me into coming with them on a day trip to Tobaco Caye which normally would have been out of my budget. But I'm glad I decided to go. It's a really beautiful but tiny island dotted with palm trees, a couple of bars and a few places to stay. And there's literally nothing to do but relax. After we had walked around the island which didn't take more than five minutes, we spent the rest of the day drinking rum and coke and listening to reggae on the beach. We ended the trip with an hour of snorkeling (which was quite interesting after those drinks) before we headed back to Dangriga. We also got a taste of the Garífuna culture including Garífuna drumming and punta dancing. Wow, these women (and men!) know how to shake it!
Before I came here I though Belize was going to be very americanized with expensive resorts and hordes of tourists. I've definitely been proven wrong. Down south there were hardly any tourists at all and it's not that expensive. People are so friendly and have a special positive energy that is just wonderful to be around. When I was in Hopkins everyone I met said hello or good morning. Men, women, children and adults. In most latin american countries 95% of the people who greet you are men, and it's not always in a nice way. But in Belize I've mostly had good experiences with the people I've met. Here on the island it's a bit different though, probably because of the tourism. As a girl you get a lot of comments from sleazy guys such as "Hey baby, how you doin? Can I be your date tonight?" or "Damn mama you look hot tonight. Come talk to me for a sec, I ain't gonna hurt you" or my personal favorite: "Baby, I don't know what it is about you, but you special girl". Five minutes later you would hear them say the same thing to another girl. After ten days here you might see how that gets old. Sadly it has to work on some, otherwise they wouldn't do it. Most people are just trying to be friendly though. The problem is how to distinguish them.
I was lucky to meet two Swedes on The National Day of Sweden (6/6) and I probably celebrated more than most Swedes did. We don't celebrate our national day because apparently it's considered racist, soo... Jante law for the win? Actually most people just can't be bothered, because Swedes are generally pretty boring. Lovely, but boring. So I'm proud to tell you that I sang both the national anthem, Helan går and Små grodorna - including the dance moves.
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to the hammock.
Seremei.
PS. I epically failed trying to choose just a few pictures.
Lovely Hopkins!
Welcome to Caye Caulker. Beware of awesomeness and remember to go slow.
Stayed up til sunrise
Chris, Jacob and the owner Jeff. (And the kitten Whitesocks)
Yah rasta man
Seremei Belize. I will never forget you. Bless. ♥
