Today was a very early departure from the hostel of the Weary Traveller; we had to be ready to leave at 5:40am. My alarm didn't go off, but luckily Melody's did. We only had about 10 mins. to get outside and head to the bus station. After our morning rush, we headed to the bus station and arrived around 5:53am. The bus was supposed to leave at 6am, but didn't come to the station until 6:50am. We were all very tired in the small station, but once we stepped onto the bust most of the group fell asleep for the 4hr. journey to Chetumal.
When we arrived at Chetumal we had to wait about 45 mins. to get onto our next bus to Corozal. The washrooms at the station were not very clean from what we are used to back home and luckily I brought my own toilet paper because there was none in the washrooms. As well, we had to finish all of our fruits since we were crossing the border into Belize. The bus ride took about an hour to get to Corozal. We had to get out of the bus twice to get our passports checked. The second time we had to unload all of our belongings and go through customs.
Once we arrived in Corozal we took all of our backpacks and walked a few blocks to the air conditioned bank, which was sooo nice! After most of us changed our traveller's cheques or American money to Belize currency we were ready to have lunch. We walked to the water where we had to get the boat to Sartenja and dropped our heavy bags off in the boat. The weather was very hot and humid so a few of us decided to stay and have something to eat at a small place right by the water. There was only 2 tables outside and a window that you ordered from. I had tostadas, which was a tortilla shell with chicken, tomatoe, cheese and mayonnaise - YUMMY!! After that, a few of us went exploring in the town but a lot of the places were closed probably because of siesta time. We waited around for another couple hours before we had to get on the boat, Thunderbolt! It is a speed boat that took about 25 mins. to get to Sartenja.
We walked off the boat and along the water for about 7 mins. with our backpacks to Fernando's Seaside Guest House. It is such an amazing place. There are four rooms with 2 double beds and a shower/bathroom in each room. The family that runs this place is so nice and welcoming to our group. This place was luxury compared to our last hostel that we stayed at. After checking our bags, Kim, Ebony, Carolyn, and I headed to the dock to go for a swim and it was sooo refreshing. Once I put my feet to the bottom to stand up I was surprised at the feeling I had on my feet - it was really muddy and squishy. As well, the water wasn't as salty as it was when we went swimming in Tulum. After a quick swim we headed back to have a shower and have some dinner. Since the guest house is a family run place, they made us dinner that night. For dinner we had fish (snapper), rice, beans, and carrots which was really good.
After travelling a few days with everyone I have gotten to know them better. Our group works really well together and it is interesting to have a diverse background of information come together.
This trip so far is a great experience and I am glad I am here with everyone. I am enjoying the nice hot weather and I know I will miss it when I return home, so I will have to take in as much as possible!!!
