BELIZE OR BUST

Last Monday I was frantically trying to get everything prepared for John and I to be able to blow this joint and spend 5 days and 4 nights celebrating our 10th anniversary (actually this week!) in Belize.  You may be wondering how we chose Belize.  Well - after our vacation last year that was so relaxing, we knew we needed something similar, but we want to go somewhere new.  So we started hunting around the internet and stumbled across a website that curates boutique hotels around the world.  Belize seemed to hit just the mark - close enough to easily get to, tropical and in a similar time zone.

We were stoked to make it to our destination with no issues and $1000 in travel vouchers for being willing to take an hour later connection to Dallas.  When does that ever happen?  It was a great start to the trip.



Belize is an English speaking country that used to be a British colony.  In fact, they still have the Queen on their currency, because they never wanted to spend the money to change the money.  Their currency is based off of the American dollar (2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar), so travel there really is about as easy as you can imagine it.



We spent the whole of our trip at Gaia Riverlodge, and it was beautiful as its website made it out to be.

(I love welcome drinks!)

(Belize is a bird watcher's paradise.  John is much better at this game than I am.)

Many people go to Belize seeking the ocean, and next time we go, we will definitely have to check it out, but we wanted something a little different this trip.  Gaia picked us up at the airport and drove us 2.5 hours inland into the jungle, where they are located overlooking a waterfall.  Our cabana had waterfall views, and it made the most soothing white noise to sleep with a waterfall in the background.

After several great meals and many hours of sleep, we headed out for a guided cave tour via canoe.  This cave was used by the Mayans ages ago, and it was truly amazing to glide through the water and see such unusual formations that have been hidden for so long.  This cave has only been open to the public since 2000.  Our guide was so knowledgable, as well as fun, which is a great combo.

(Barton Creek Cave entrance)

(It was pitch black inside, but we had spotlights to be able to see everything.)


After a picnic lunch, we drove a while longer to go zip-lining.  The sights along the way were half of the fun.

(Mayflower trees are so bright!)

(Mango tree)

(We drove through several Amish communities.  It sort of shocked me to find them there, but it was fascinating to see how they had adapted.)

Once we got back to Gaia, we headed straight down to the waterfall to commence relaxation.  There is a tram to take you down and up the hill, or you can work off some of the calories by walking the stairs.  I opted for the tram as often as possible.

I'll post a bit more tomorrow, and I can say wholeheartedly, we are so thankful for this time away.  It was a gift, and we do not take it for granted!