Punta Gorda, Belize

This was a trip that will not be soon forgotten. On my eighth and final day I reflected quietly as I sat on the beach in the little town of Plancencia. Looking out at a pristine turquoise ocean, the sun felt strong and relentless as if to lure me into staying longer. I looked down at my feet coated with golden brown sand like sugar coating the rim of a margarita glass, I thought to myself how grateful I was to visit this country. The entire trip was a lot to take in but what struck me the most was how little the people of Punta Gorda had but how willing they were to share what they had with me. The streets filled with children with the warmest friendliest smiles and biggest hearts. The people were so friendly but still making their way through a country barely 30 years old with new transitions at every turn. The Belizean flag seen  flailing from most businesses and ram-shackle houses testified to a people identifying as one country after  many years of British occupation; that beautiful ocean forever looming in the background  serving as a silent witness to the many social and economic struggles of the Belizean people. Aside from the economic and social hardships of many young countries the Belizean people work hard but play hard too. Hours can drift by while sitting on a neighbor’s sunny veranda or strolling the rocky pathways by the ocean. The Belizeans do leisure very well and love spending time amongst family and friends. Tasty Belizean dishes and tropical drinks was common yet delicious fare and the Belizean take much pride in the multi-ethnic cuisine they painstakingly prepare. I had the BEST fried fish of my entire life (please go easy on the liquid fire they call hot sauce) at a place called Olympic Grill located in the heart of PG! Local Maya, Indian, African and European cultures seems to blend together like colors in a rainbow producing some uniquely beautiful mixes and varieties. The bus ride from Punta Gorda to Big Falls to visit a family there afforded me the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Belize as well. The lush green carpet and fan-like palm trees were like scenes from  a picture but pleeeease take your bug spray… trust me! Again it was the people who made the experience. The sing-songy Creole language permeated every interaction with locals making it more memorable than most. I ironically never tried to imitate the accent fearing complete and utter humiliation. I loved listening to it though. I am not one for butchering things most of all foreign languages! The warm smiles (many of them gold-capped) of everyone I met there really stood out in my mind and made the intense heat well worth it. So dear readers another trip to a wonderful place in the world has come and gone. I was saddened to leave but hopefully I will have another opportunity to return. I sure hope so! I do want to thank my “Nug” for introducing me to this hidden gem and making my trip even more special. But a special thank you goes out to the Belizean people for their humor, kindness and wonderful cuisine. I also loved the complete newness, randomness and colors of their country. Oh before I forget this little piece of trivia… the English translation on Belize’s national flag reads,“in the shade we flourish”, such an appropriate expression right?! 😉

Please check out this organization’s link dedicated to improving local education in Belize at www.tfabb.org. Also check out the website of  Punta Gorda, Belize at www.puntagordabelize.com