Day 1: Thursday, May 11, 2006

1:14 pm

Awoke at 4:47 am to the classical radio station, realized it was already later than I wanted it to be, so I jumped in the shower, and had a taxi by 5:30 am. Breezed through Reagan to my gate with 45 minutes to spare until boarding. Had a bagel for breakfast, took off on time. I was a bit nervous, and there was light turbulence during the whole trip, however I had the seats next to me empty. Hit Miami, got to my next flight 20 minutes prior to boarding. The second flight was more peaceful, turbulence wise. A big, chubby guy moved next to me because again two seats near me were empty. He snored, badly, most of the flight.

Belize airport is pretty sparse. The kind where you board/leave the plane via the tarmac. I had already decided to take a puddle-jumper to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to start my trip. I figured I’d get acclimatized in the touristy spot. After the 15 minute flight, which was surprisingly uneventful, I landed in San Pedro. It was about 200 feet to Ruby’s, the Oceanside hotel I picked, about the cheapest place I was going to find. I checked out a room, none were seaside, nice bed, two fans, and booked it for two nights. There will be other opportunities for ocean views. I’m going to try and stay away from creature comforts like air conditioning and televisions, and the internet. The idea of moving around here on golf carts sounds novel, but they’re quite noisy, pollute the air, and kick up lots of sand. It’s probably an all around good idea to walk along the beach instead of the road. 

So I sat down at a fairly empty restaurant on the beach, sand between my toes, looking out over the Caribbean just like I thought, when I was at work yesterday. I love it when a plan comes together. The $3 pen I bought at Reagan sucks. I should’ve just taken one from work! The view is beautiful, turquoise, deep blue, and all shades in between. It’s bloody hot! This chicken burrito is spicy. I’m enjoying the first of many smoothies too! Banana. I’m watching people walk from the dock. I’ll take the boat, eventually, when I head inland. 

Costly first day! I did arrive in style though. Big Pimpin’. There’s Nickleback playing at the restaurant, very American station. It’s a good thing I’m not in a rush, to do anything. I’m tired after only 3 hours of sleep. Apparently I’m not as hungry as I thought. I only ate half the burrito. I do need to take a crap though. There’s a nice breeze going. I’ve got the bandana back on - just like Costa Rica. I’ve seen quite a few young couples, groups of girls, older folks. 

Whatever energy I had to get here, it’s used up. I’m absolutely content sitting with a cool breeze, azure waters, and American Top 40 on the radio. I think I’ll pick an activity for tomorrow, then make an effort to nap. I thought it was only a one hour time difference, turns out it’s two. I think that’s because of daylight savings time in the US. I’m glad to see a few healthy looking dogs trotting around.

Life is good. I’m ridiculously lucky. Really. I already got offered weed - didn’t take too long!

MP3 Playlist | Table of Contents | Day 2