We continued our journey in Belize starting on the western side, San Ignacio. It is a great little town and if you want to go tubing, caving or experience the mountains of Belize, this is where you need to go. At first, I didn't warm up to the town at all. Our motel room was very modest, but had a/c and to us this was important. Rosa's was the name and it was clean and small. Rosa and her staff were wonderful hosts. The motel is right on main street and close to restaurants. We loved Eva's food and right across the street is where we booked our trip to the ATM cave- (Achtun Tunichil Muknal). Also booked our trip to Caracol, the Mayan ruins. Both excursions were well worth our time and money. The ATM cave was the most fun and adventureous of the two. After our tours, we realized that the locals there were very friendly and anxious to talk about their heritage. Working in a museum, the history of this tiny country fascinated me. We chose not to ride a bus to our next destination if possible, and we met a couple who were willing to share the cost of a van ride to Placencia. We paid a driver to take us the 3 hours to the coast and it was definately worth it.



Placencia was a beautiful place, but when we arrived it was disappointing to see all the trash that was littering the beach and water. If we had chosen to swim that day, we would have had to swim through plastic, styrofoam and debris about 15 feet all across the shoreline. I realized how filthy people are and I was saddened that recycling is not more prevalant here. The locals told us that this trash blows in from the Caye's occasionally. The wind was very strong, and the beach was a total mess. However, the locals began to pick up hundreds of trash bags full that afternoon and made it more appealing to us. The next day was a calm, clear day and the beach was nice. Great food in this small place and the room at the motel next to the restaurant De Thatch was a great find. Our room had a balcony with a hammock overlooking the beach- 35 USD per night! No a/c but the breeze was great the entire time we were there.

We stayed there for 3 days and went by plane on to Caye Caulker. The plane ride was great in itself, soaring above the Caribbean, flying low enough to see clearly below. The plane was very small, but the ride was smooth. I found my ideal destination in Caye Caulker. The place is very laid back with no paved roads. Being only 5 miles long and 1 mile wide, it was easy to get around by hoofing it- day or night. We snorkeled in Shark Ray Alley and I couldn't believe how clear it was. Did you know this is the second largerst barrier reef? We ate well, and when I found lobster kabobs, all other food became less important. Getting off the Caye is an adventure too. The water taxi was very reliable and actually quite fun. We went back into Belize ond day so we could visit the zoo and the Howler Monkey Preserve.

All too soon, it was time to leave, but the memories will remain forever.