Hello Family, Friends, and other blog readers!
Since I haven't had a chance to sit down and blog until now - my posting is from April 25th. I have so much to tell in between, but I'm sure the rest of my group members will fill in the gaps up until now.
"Sar-ten-eh-ah"
Today was the big travel day! I was up and out of bed before my alarm and was outside of my room by 5:25am. I had just experienced a very interesting night on top of a very high bunk bed (without railings) in a room with more people then beds. Under the assumption that our bus left at 6:30am, I jumped on the communal computer to send an email home. In the middle of my email, at around 5:45am, I was informed that I was actually late as the bus departure time had apparently changed from 6:30am to 6:00am! Lucky for me, no one thought to inform me of this change as I had gone to bed early the night before. I stuffed my bag like a maniac while the rest of the group ran out of the courtyard towards the bus station. In my panic, I couldn't find my room key that I had likely put in a very "safe" place. After I ran (and by run I mean a brisk walk with my 50lb bag) to the bus station, the group sat down and waited for the bus that was to arrive within the next 10 minutes. Not to my surprise, the bus didn't actually show up until 6:30am as originally planned. Ahhh, budget travel at it's best!
The five hour bus ride left much to be desired, not because of the bus itself, but rather because there was no bathroom aboard. Although I drink at least 3 litres of water a day, and sweat the majority of it out, I was still concerned that I wouldn't have a place to go in case the need arrived. Of course my "in case" moment came and I took the opportunity to use the facilities at one of the bus stops along the way. After using the restroom I quickly realized that the bus bathroom I had seen before was a much better alternative to the seat-less/toiletpaper-less place I had just used. Enough bathroom talk...
This bus trip was particularly unique as we had to go through customs at 2 different places at the border between Mexico and Belize. The first time, still on the Mexico side of the border, we were required to file out of the bus and give our passports to an officer for inspection. Once we were checked through there, we got back into the bus and drove for not even 5 more minutes. At this next stop we were required to unload again and take all of our luggage through to the Belize customs office. As we checked in, the bus pulled through and met us on the Belize side of the border. We were finally in Belize! What a relief to know the bus ride was almost over.
Loading off at the bus station was a quick ordeal and we marched single file down the streets of Corozal. A quick bank stop and we were on our way to lunch! After an amazing lunch of my first chicken tostado, a group of us went on a mission to find at least 4 litres of bottled water. In the process of walking around town, we saw the type of community that we'd been waiting for. Small, quiet, and obviously very close knit. The town itself was sparse but the surrounding view more then compensated for the lack of signage.
After a quick meeting in the small patch of shade we found, we loaded on our transportation to Sarteneja - the Thunderbolt. The ride was a nice change from the heat on the dock and we all enjoyed the cool ocean breeze. The boat picked up speed in no time as the boat sported three 250 horsepower motors. I actually took a video to show where the colour "sea foam green" came from. After about 25 minutes we landed on the main pier of Sarteneja and began our hunt for Fernando's Guest House. As we walked down the road we watched the children playing at their beach side playgrounds with palm trees swaying in the background. What an amazing sight!
About 500 metres down the dusty road, we found Fernando's and were greeted by one of the guest house staff, Ronnie. After spending time at the Weary Traveller Hostel, Fernando's was literally a breathe of fresh air. Without a doubt, this guest house was one of the most hospitable and homey places I have ever stayed. The rooms were amazing as was the home cooked snapper dinner that was baked by Fernando's mother. We were served as if we were part of the family and sat at a long table that surprisingly held all of us! I couldn't get over the feeling of this place...it was like everything came to a speeding halt and we were able to finally relax. A must-visit on the next Belize trip.
Hope all is well at home. I'm trying to enjoy the 35 plus weather for when I come back to rainy Nanaimo!
Kim Harrison
