Belize by Jessica Marcotte Pt 4

2011-10-06T15:02:00.017-04:00

Still enjoying my Belize adventure!

Day 12:

Sunday was a similar day to being at home. I relaxed, wrote more of the book, took a nap in the hammock, and caught up with friends and family. Great day here in the jungle!

Day 13:

Today was a very sad day for the country of Belize with the passing of George Price. He was a former Prime Minister here and was the one who lead the country to Independence 30 years ago. It was interesting to be apart of this remembrance, as I couldn’t help but reflect on the U.S. and what I would feel for our politicians or president. The Belizean people truly admired and respected Mr. Price as a national hero and ambassador of what the country is today.

Monday morning and I am back to work. I met Lucy early to discuss the book, butterflies on the road program and other projects. Things are going smoothly, but realized for the remainder of my time here she will be gone on vacation, so this week is in overdrive for trying to get things accomplished.

In the afternoon Lucy and I headed for BRC, which is a printing company here in Belize and who will be drawing the illustrations for the book. Great artist, but I didn’t realize until after a few minutes that he speaks manly Spanish. He just kept saying Yes so I thought he understood me. Very entertaining! On our way back to Chaa Creek I was in a state of awe. I never thought I would be meeting with an illustrator, let alone for a book I was writing. I kept thinking that this is truly an example of following God’s path because this wasn’t in my plan, as I have done everything to avoid writing in the past included bribing Andria to write all of my school assignments. Thanks Sis!

Day 14:

I was scheduled to go to the Mayan temple Xuantunich, but you have to cross the river to get there and the ferry was broken. So the guide took us to Cahal Pech, which is right outside of San Ignacio.

Most temples are similar in the way they are built representing the Maya belief system, for Instance:

The Ceiba Tree, which is the national tree of Guatemala but is the spiritual tree to the Maya people. It is used in representing how the Maya view the world and Life itself. They believe that there are 3 sections to the world. 1. Heavens, (branches) 2. Present day, (The trunk) 3.

The underworld. (The roots). Totaling 13 different layers within these 3 sections and representing the 3 stars of Orion’s belt. With this belief the Maya Temples display the significance of these numbers through out the sights. Using sets of 3 or having 13 rooms face the courtyards, showing respect and also a sense of superstition to the Gods.

In visiting these sights you gain an understanding of the Maya people during ancient times and also what is still present today.

Then I went to the Belize Botanical Gardens where I enjoyed seeing all of the imported Asian and African fruit trees but I’m not really one to know names of plants or even really be interested other then stating, oh nice, awh, that’s pretty. So a 1-½ tour was enough for me. The guide was thoroughly amused when at the end he asked if we wanted to see orchids that were not in season. I replied doesn’t that mean there’s no flower; it’s just the stem? He said yes. HAHA, I’ll pass on seeing a green stem, but thanks.

Day 15:

This is the day of Belize’s 30th year of Independence. There was a 3 hour parade in town where school marching bands come from all over the country, followed by the town’s celebration. They actually make a podium in town and sing the national anthem with a countdown at midnight the night before like our New Years. Then they celebrate with a fireworks show, and the local nightlife.

Day 16:

Today was spent working on projects and another meeting with the Illustrator. When I got there I realized that today was a day of making some big decisions. This project is pushing me in ways I never would have imagined. The tasks of choosing color schemes, designs, and size are all new to me. I sat there feeling insecure of my opinion and at my ability to make the “right” decision. Then I realized…I am alone in this and there is no right answers…only ME. So I changed my mindset and took on the challenge. Walking out, I felt a sense of confidence and satisfaction, as I had learned a valuable lesson about myself. In only two weeks I have continually felt out of my comfort zone, but I am seeing that’s when you truly see who you are and what your capable of.

Sky’s the limit and I feel like I am strapped into a Rocket!

Day 17:

Went to the Organic Maya Farm this morning. This is the where Mick (Chaa Creek owner) spends his days. As an eco-lodge the reduction of water, food, and resources is a priority. I learned about how the cardboard boxes are used for the planting, fertilization and how they continue to be organic by not using any pesticides for the crops.

Day 18:

Started to feel a bit under the weather yesterday and it hit me hard today. Fought a fever this morning, and slept most of the day. Start again tomorrow.

Belize Travel that Makes a Difference

Belize by Jessica Marcotte Pt 4