Saved!

Today I set out to see Xunantunich and go to the Botanical Gardens. I hopped on the bus, paid my $1BZE ($0.50 US) and away I went.

To get to Xunantunich from San Ignacio, one must ride a bus for 7 km, then ride a ferry across the river and then hike a mile up the hill to the entrance to the ancient Mayan city. The ferry is free. Today, however, the river was flowing too rapidly (storms in Guatemala), and the ferry couldn't run. I was bummed out. A lady from the midwest got the news just as I did and she hopped back in her car along with her compatriots and headed off. I felt a little dejected that my planned itinerary had just gotten the boot--and alone.

Just then I heard, "Hey Scott!" I turned toward the voice and there was Tim! What timing!

I met Tim and Kim the prior day when I did the ATM cave. (Actun Tunich Muknal) On the cave trip, Tim & Kim and I shared a backpack & bugspray and chatted almost the entire time. They are from Seattle--outdoorsey, relaxed, sporty but low-key--very cool.

As a light rain started to come down, they offered me a ride and we headed to the Botanic gardens. The road to the Botanic gardens was the first dirt road I had ever seen with speed bumps. And these weren't ornamental: they were very serious, scrape-your-undercarriage size speedbumps!

About 5 miles down the dirt road, the little Ford Escort had had enough climbing and we lost traction up a steep rocky grade. (Hello, Kevin? Could you send me one of your customized Jeeps right away please? :) We parked the Escort along the roadside and hiked the rest of the way into the botanic garden.

The gardens were completely unattended, so we headed to the nearby hotel office to pay our fee and then ventured onto the grounds. The temperature was hot and the humidity high... Sweat dripped when I stood stationary. Keep moving!

We explored the gardens, took some great photos (only some of which came out--My little Canon may be on its last legs--it has messed up my memory card twice now--sigh!). Saw a giant spider, a cinnamon plant, and a Red Bird of Paradise-which every Phoenician would recognize, but they grow differently here--lanky and tall and airy with hummingbirds all over.

We headed past the lagoon to the rainforest beyond and then ascended the fire lookout tower. The view was breathtaking. We saw verdant green hillsides and misty clouds raising up from the rain forest canopy. A wall of rain descended from the distant clouds and headed our way.

We decided to watch the storm from the fire tower and huddled under the small thatched roof. As the rain overtook us, we listened and talked about religion, philosophy, and Star Trek.

Since I started this trip, I've answered questions in general terms--never divulging much detail, never getting too personal--keep it simple, keep it quick--don't bore anyone. For the first time, the conversation was significant, detailed, and personal.

It was a perfect afternoon.

I spent the rest of the day reading & writing. I went to a local cafe and had coffee and sat and read and wrote in my journal. It was wonderful and relaxing. I'm almost done with my current book (Thanks Aunt Bird--I'm really enjoying it!)... Which means my backpack is just about to get a little bit lighter--which is always something to be happy about :)

My time in Belize is nearly done--and it went by so quickly. I need to get back to the hostel, pack up, change my money to Quetzales and get on my way.

Tomorrow I travel to Flores, Guatemala to meet Jacob! I'm excited!








MISC:
At the entrance of Actun Tunichil Muknal






















Easily grossed out? Don't read below!!


This is why DEET is my new best friend in the tropics: