Our group rode into Orange Walk on a hot sticky old school bus which drove down a dirt rode from Sarteneja to Orange Walk Town. The true spirit of Orange Walk was shown from our first step off the bus. The people of Orange Walk were refreshingly helpful and friendly, even to a sticky and smelly group of tourists not sure where to go.
When interacting with the community, everyone I talked to was willing to share their story with me. When walking down the street it was rare to pass someone without receiving (and giving) a friendly hello. This was strange coming from a city where eye contact is avoided when you pass by, but very refreshing. Even as a tourists and a minority I never once felt out of place. I will never forget the kindness from the people of Orange Walk. I will also never forget my first introduction to Belize directions. If you want to arrive at your destination it is best to find someone who is willing to show you the way, as the directions "just keep going right" as they point straight, will never get your destination. Laura and myself found this out the hard way on a hot morning were we attempted to ride our bikes to the Peoples Stadium. After 5 different versions of Belize direction, we came across two guys on bikes who found it quite humours that we were going in the opposite direction than the stadium and offered to ride with us there.
We stayed at the hotel De la Fuente which was the Fairmont of budget travel. The owners were just as welcoming as the rest of the towns people and invited us into their family. On our last night we were invited to enjoy dinner at their home. To my surprise dinner came with a show! The night was full of the musical styles of the De la Fuente family, there was piano, guitar and beautiful singing. If there was a Belizean Idol, their daughter would be the star.
The longer we stayed in Orange Walk, the more time I wish I had. Through talking with the locals I found out about so many activities available and places nearby to visit that I wish I had a change to see. The nearby lagoons were described with a magical appeal to me, but by the time I learnt about them it was time to catch a bus out. One of the activities that I was able to participate in was a Mayan pottery session. This was held at the House of Culture where locals came to share the art of pottery. We learnt how the clay was extracted from the ground and kneaded from rock into a soft clay. The same process being used today was passed down from the ancient Mayan culture. From existing molds I was able to create a Maya calender as well as a mask. The local news showed up and Erika and Rosalyn were interviewed about the experience. That evening we were able to watch ourselves on the local news with the De la Fuente family. This was a wonderful way to finish off the Orange Walk portion of the trip.
Carolyn
