BELIZE

We are leaving Sacramento for exciting Belize. As we landed in Belize City, we are whisked up by our private guide for a 2 hour journey up into the jungle. Along the way we drive through towns and countrysides then stop at a local restaurant to grab a beer. The Amish have quite a bit of land established for their farms. They are beautiful and so well tended. Upon our arrival at Duplooys, our jungle lodge we are amazed at our room. Very spacious with a view of the jungle (tree tops) and the river below. The lodge informed us that after 10pm no power would be available. The lodge is run on generators which are far enough away that you can't hear them running.

From the outdoor bar there was a great viewing area where you could see the monkey's in the trees-amazing! Our dinner that night in the restaurant on property was excellent. The chef will customize your dinner to suit your taste. We were treated with a desert of their choice. After our journey we were glad to hit the pillow. What a great sleep with the natural breezes-no need for any air conditioning. In the morning we were treated with a tasty breakfast before our horseback ride. It was just the 2 of us with our guide. He led us through the mountains, past villages and to the river where our canoe was awaiting. We leisurely paddled down the river, past local families washing their clothes, wild horses drinking and even saw a few iguanas in the trees (enough critters for me). Our lodge was close to the river and was very easy to access. On property they have wonderful botanical gardens with many of the medicinal plants that we all familiar with.

The next day we ventured off to another lodge that I wanted to check out called Chaa Creek. This was an amazing place and I would recommend it for a unique and special honeymoon.

As our time ended in the jungle we were ready for some beach time. We were driven to the airport for a short flight to Ambergris Caye where we were to stay for 4 nights at Ramon's Village (photo above). Another great choice (that is why you use a travel agent!) Amenities included an excellent restaurant on site, a short walk to anywhere (there are no cars allowed on the Caye). We did rent a golf cart and that was fun , but remember they are operated on a battery, no gas, so when they tell you not to go to the end of the island-listen! We were towed back to our resort by a friendly local-by electrical wire. On the way we saw children feeding frozen chickens to the crocodiles-boy they are big!

The next day we went to Hol Chan Marine Reserve for some snorkeling and were able to hold and pet the nurse sharks-they are so smooth and thankfully NO TEETH! Exciting day! Other activities included walking around town and experiencing great restaurants and shops. The local people are so kind and helpful and they love us tourists. My recommendation when traveling to Belize would be to split up your time between both the jungle and the ocean/Caye for two very different experiences. Until next time...