Sam and Sophie told me about a yoga class on the island; sounds interesting! I’ll be joining them this morning, and Katie thought she would try it too. Great!
The class took place on the top (3rd) floor of a building that also houses a cafe. The open air studio was full – probably 20 of us (including my three snorkeling friends). The class lasted an hour and cost 10 USD. It was fun!After class we all went here to grab something to eat (Tush joined us too).Sophie looking over the menu.Sam decided on a smoothie bowl and mini donuts with nutella dip. The bowl looked good……so I got one too! I chose papaya and banana, with toppings of pineapple, cranberries, granola, and honey. 7.50 USD. (I had one of Sam’s donuts too!)All mixed up. Very good!
After brunch we split up and agreed to meet later in the afternoon at a nearby beach for some wildlife viewing.
I spent my afternoon working on a journal entry and taking a bike ride around the island.
This is the property adjacent to my Airbnb, where they have an arrangement that allows their guests to use the chairs. Yes, I took advantage! (and I like this picture, with the shadows!)The Caye Caulker Fire Department.I rode my bike by the place where I’ll be meeting the gang later – Stingray Beach. They have these hammocks and swings in the water, which is pretty cool (literally!).The beach gets its name because of this (and it’s the reason we’ll be back here later today). Basically, the bar on the beach feeds the rays every afternoon to attract them (and customers!). Another case of messing with the ecosystem that leaves me a little uncomfortable.There’s a sea horse viewing here too. In this case though they’ve set up a natural habitat to bring them to this location – not as objectionable!Flowers spotted during the ride…It’s later in the afternoon now and I’m back at the beach. The crowd has gathered for the arrival of the rays.Definitely too touristy for me.I stayed on the pier and was able to see a couple rays swimming by.A sea horse too.And this cute little fish.
Sadly, my snorkeling friends were all departing in the morning, so we said our goodbyes following the stingray viewing. I had fun hanging out with them.
Unfortunately, the nature of my trip – staying mostly in Airbnbs, and having little opportunity to book group tours – has limited my interaction with other travelers, which is too bad.
Thursday, April 13 – Caye Caulker
When I was staying at the B&B in Belize City I met Yasir, who is from Canada, and was also traveling to Caye Caulker. We’re going to get together for lunch today. While waiting for the meet, I did a little walking around the island.
The island of Caye Caulker was split in two by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Both the airport and the ferry docks are located in the south, which is where I’m staying, and where most of the activity takes place.There is a ferry service that runs between the north and south sections though.Yasir and I decided on this roadside stand for lunch. I went with shrimp kabobs with rice, plantain, and coleslaw. (15 USD) I also got a bottle of tamarind juice. (2.50 USD) Both were very good, but I thought the kabob was overpriced (for street food in Belize).
Yasir is an interesting guy. He lives in Edmonton and owns a wellness center (yoga, massage, nutrition, etc.). After lunch he was joining some locals for a poker game! I’m glad we were able to meet up.
Later in the day I got a hankering for some ice cream (shocking!). The shop I visited previously wasn’t open, but they had a sign up referring customers to their sister company, Nico’s. My flavors are Baileys (awesome!) and soursop (a local fruit). 4 USD. Yummmm.After all of my eating today, I really wasn’t planning on much for dinner, but did stop here on the way back to the Airbnb for……a couple ham & cheese rolls. 1.50 USD each. Hit the spot!
Friday, April 14 – transit from Caye Caulker to Placencia
I’m back on the ferry to Belize City this morning. I’ll then fly from the municipal airport to Placencia, a coastal town to the south.
The crowded departure area in Caye CaulkerThe type of boat we’ll be using for today’s trip.Full capacity. In fact, some of the later arrivals to the terminal who had no advance booking were turned away.
The ferry ride took an hour and then I had a 10 minute ride to the airport (7.50 USD).
Travel Note: On more than a few occasions during this trip I’ve encountered taxi drivers who were unable to provide change for my larger denomination bills (and I’m not talking 100 dollar size here). So annoying! Just another reason why I despise taxi drivers, and utilize Uber/Lyft whenever possible!
The Tropic Air Arrivals/Departures Building. I had a 2 hour wait here, but that was fine; I just relaxed and did some reading. There were no security checks here prior to boarding the plane. Interesting. (and boarding took place 5 minutes before departure!)Our plane for the trip.The plane had space for 11 passengers. There were 6 of us onboard, including the pilot.A couple views from the flight…
We made a stop in Dangriga on the way to Placencia. In total the trip took 45 minutes. I purchased a round trip ticket that will take me to the Belize City International airport on the 18th; the cost was 276 USD.
My taxi ride from the Tropic Air office in Placencia to my hotel took 10 minutes and cost 10 USD. (thankfully I had the exact change!)
I’m staying at the Miramar SuitesFull kitchen.4 nights @ 154 USD/night
When I booked this hotel, I chose the cheapest option (of course!), which was a garden view room. Even though it was the lowest cost, it was rather large, with 2 bathrooms. Well, when I arrived for check-in I was asked if I wouldn’t mind switching to a smaller, oceanfront room, as a group of 3 people preferred the larger suite. Yes, please!
My patio.View from the patio.My room is on the ground floor, center.And there’s a pool!
Just like in Montego Bay, immediately after check-in I got into my swimsuit and hit the pool! After sufficient chillin’ time, I made a grocery run and that was pretty much it for the day.
Travel Note: I’ve been reading about the flooding in south Florida, and the closing of the Fort Lauderdale airport. A sad situation, and relatable, since I was just there.
Saturday, April 15 – Placencia
What do I usually do on my first day in a new location? That’s right…roam!
The Placencia Police & Fire StationsSeems like I should stop here, right? Looks a little dodgy though!I ended up stopping here for lunch.The view from my table.Rum Punch. 4 USD. Nice & Strong, and a great price!Tropical Wave Smoothie (mango, banana, pineapple, coconut). 5 USD. Good price; tasted great!Grilled Fish Sandwich. 11 USD. Rather mediocre, and seemed overpriced for Belize.There’s this nice walkway in Placencia that parallels the beach, with shops, inns, and cafes. It took me all the way back to my hotel.I spent the rest of the day poolside and lounging on my Patio. A good day!
Sunday, April 16 – Placencia
I booked a tour for today. It will include a boat ride through some mangroves and the Caribbean Sea to Monkey River Village, followed by a hike in search of monkeys. Let’s go!
Departing the dock.These are lobster traps, in storage because the season ended in February.Proboscis BatsAshore and ready to start the hike.Doyle, our guide (and boat operator).We have a sighting!Howler MonkeysAnd a crocodile too!with zoom…We’re now making our way back to Monkey River Village.Time for a late lunch.Baked whitefish, rice & beans, and coleslaw.
This was a fun tour! There were 8 of us in the group, it lasted 5 hours, and cost 107 USD. I spent the rest of the day on my patio and poolside. Of course!
6 thoughts on “JE 120”
This was such a fun journal entry! You did so many cool things from yoga, seeing all the string rays, meeting up with friends, eating good food, and all the monkeys!! So much fun! The jealousy continues!
Haha! Thanks Holly! I had some fun days in Belize. And thanks for all of your comments during my trip. It was wonderful hearing from you! (I also appreciate you documenting the Oliver postcard deliveries!).
I think you should frame the photo of the shadows from the palm trees. So pretty! I would love to see a seahorse and I probably would not have liked the small plane. The view was beautiful though.
Safe travels home. The snow is gone!
Happy to hear the snow is gone! Good idea re the palm tree photo. I’ll talk to Chuck (haha). Thanks for all of your comments Kari, it’s nice to hear from everyone while I’m away and traveling solo.
This was such a fun journal entry! You did so many cool things from yoga, seeing all the string rays, meeting up with friends, eating good food, and all the monkeys!! So much fun! The jealousy continues!
Haha! Thanks Holly! I had some fun days in Belize. And thanks for all of your comments during my trip. It was wonderful hearing from you! (I also appreciate you documenting the Oliver postcard deliveries!).
I think you should frame the photo of the shadows from the palm trees. So pretty! I would love to see a seahorse and I probably would not have liked the small plane. The view was beautiful though.
Safe travels home. The snow is gone!
Happy to hear the snow is gone! Good idea re the palm tree photo. I’ll talk to Chuck (haha). Thanks for all of your comments Kari, it’s nice to hear from everyone while I’m away and traveling solo.
That looks like a very fun couple of days! Love the monkeys and croc! Hope the travel back to Madison goes well.
Thanks Kait! I appreciate all of your comments during my trip!