Rays Touring Central America...part 4 and final

So we make it back to San Pedro Sula, this on record, has the highest murder rate on the EARTH!! Not sure why wikipedia decided to say 'on the earth' instead of 'the world', but we got a big kick out of it.  Never did we feel in danger or see a murder or any crime to speak of - but, it is a busy place with crazy driving and lots of people.  After we checked into the hotel, we walked to the market.  Dad did tell us to stay close, so I got the feeling this wasn't a super safe city.  They had built a new market since Mom and Dad were there last, and this one was much nicer and cleaner, but also much smaller- so that was a bit disappointing, but just a bit.  A market can be a bit scary.  So after the shopping trip, we walked back to the hotel and went exploring and winded up sitting by the pool enjoying an ice cream.  The hotel was neat, in an old fashion kind of way.  I can't decide on the decade- but I'm going to say early 70's. I would be interested in seeing what everyone else would say.  We ate dinner and breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. That night we stayed in the room and played Phase 10, and got our bags ready to head home.

1- In every city the Cathedral and City Hall are located in front of Central Park. This park's gazebo is the only piece of architecture that remains standing since built in 1901. 2- what do you see?? Tried to get a picture of the city at night and all I see are the golden arches :/  3- Just some wiring....wha!!!!

  When I got up at 7am, I looked outside and the road in front of the hotel was blocked off and they were setting up for a festival!  On one end there was a huge stage with tons of lights and speakers, the other end had 3 blow up slides and bouncy houses, in the middle they were building a boxing ring- that was an interesting process, and a volley ball net.  By the time we were leaving, the festival was beginning to kick off.  We asked what they were celebrating and the hotel clerk looked annoyed by our stupid question, and said it just for the kids.  Well fun!  It would have been fun to watch from our 6th floor room - we had a perfect view from the middle of hotel.  They were skating in front of the big stage when we walked to the car.



Now Dad and me are very much alike when it comes to what time you leave for the airport, which is EARLY!!  When most say 2 hrs early, we say 3.  I mean you never know what will happen on the ride there, traffic, car troubles, a wreck, it may not be you involved, but can slow you down.  Or what if you have trouble with your ticket, or if there is a super long line to get the ticket, or the computers are down.  Then there is security- you never know how long this will take.  I rather be there 3 hrs early, and be able to rest and have a cup of coffee- on the other side of security!!!
So, Dad drives up to the front of the airport, we all get out of the car, he says "we'll get your luggage out, and I'll go park the car and meet you inside".  By the time he gets the statement out of his mouth- he has our luggage out and is driving off - just that fast!!   Anna Ashley and I were standing there, in middle of the road, with our luggage thrown and scattered on the ground- I looked around and said, "we look like we have just been thrown out with our luggage, and left here"!!  Well, we started laughing, then laughing harder, now we are doubled over -all in the middle of the road!- uncontrollably laughing at this site!! Finally we are able to gather our belongings, wipe our tears, and head inside.  After all that excitement, Dad joins us and we smoothly get our tickets and check Mom and JB's bag (Dad felt like this was a learning experience for JB).  We sat around and visited over our coffee, then it was time to separate from Dad.  Well, this was the first time EVER that we were the ones getting on the plane and leaving Dad behind, and behind in a foreign country.  It was SAD- I quickly went through the gate, not to cry, and because I knew if Mom saw me or I saw her that would be it! (You don't ever want to be with the two of us during an emotional situation, happy or sad, we will cry!! ugh...)  I also could tell Mom was having a hard time leaving.  We made it to the gate - there were 3 or 4 gates only! Wow how nice!  Soon time came to load the plane, AA and JB sat separate from us, and Mom sat behind me.  Two sweet older ladies sat with me, Spanish speaking only, so we had some nice smiles and nods and settled in.  Well, I had been wanting to write down what we did each day, but we were so busy moving until we went to sleep, there just wasn't time.  So I thought this was the perfect opportunity to catch up on my "journal"- which cracks me up because if you told me that I had to keep a journal, I would cringe, feel sick to my stomach,oh, the stress!!  (I was such an awful student) Anywho, I am writing away, then we hit turbulence!!! TWO things I should never do while riding or flying are WRITE or READ!! I know this also, but I had felt so good....well, the minute that plane shook, I instantly looked straight up and sat completely still- it had hit, the motion sickness was coming on - then turbulence again!! Oh, this wasn't good.  I think the lady next to me was getting concerned. I sat still, slowly put my stuff away, kept my head totally straight. Then, I got up to go to the bathroom (not something I usually do), came back and it only was getting worse.  I had the air on full blast blowing in my face, I checked out where the "bag" was - and was thinking about my "sick plan" - just not good at all, I was sweatin'- literally and figuratively .  I really didn't want to freak out these ladies, and a medical mission team was in front and across the isle- I didn't want to draw attention to myself.  Finally the drink/sandwich/snack lady got to our isle. Thinking I hadn't eaten since early that morning maybe food would help- that would be a NEGATIVE -it almost got ugly, so I decided to take more medicine (I really never know if this will be good or bad- I have a history of medicines causing everything to magnify) but I went for it, actually took several things, maybe too much - BUT it eased all, and I just closed my eyes (which can be dangerous too), and then slowly everything was getting better and the rest of the flight was smooth as silk- as I napped!! The poor ladies were freezing and all bundled up - sorry sweet ladies!!  We got to Atlanta fine, and head to customs and immigration!!! If you have ever done this in the ATL airport, then you may know how time consuming this can be, so me and Mom were busting it to get there (I don't think I have ever seen AA bust it to get anywhere- hehe, love you AA!! but seriously, I could write a post on this very subject).
WELL- they have updated with computers!! HOW NICE- I can't wait until Dad comes home and gets to see how easy it is!!  EXCEPT that Mom and I were on a computer together and she was going first and it tells you to align your face with the outline of the face on the screen-  well, Mom got the silly giggles because she was too short, the more she tried to stand on her toes to get her face in the right location, the more she laughed!!  It was hilarious - except for the fact that I needed her to be serious and take her picture!! The more serious I was trying to be- the more laughing she did!!! Finally she got the picture taken- she was barely in the right place, looking down, and laughing- face red and eyes watery!! We got a hoot out of looking at it- laughed all the way to the immigration man.  After I took my picture, I realized that there were arrows that we were to use to lower the face - GEEZ, country come to town.  It was just another "laughing hysterically" moment of the trip!!

Last group selfie for the trip - sorry it's blurry

Final thoughts of our trip:
* It was wonderful!! I so want to go back and work on projects.
* It was beautiful, interesting, and many times fascinating.
* The people were so kind, very friendly, and as Anna Ashley put it, peaceful.
One thing I didn't mention was when we were at the church, we sat near the back, and every single person who come in greeted us with a handshake or a hug, even the very little children came to us and shook our hands- they were not told to, and they all entered in at different times, so it wasn't like "follow the leader". It was what they do!! So sweet. I had to hold back tears when those precious children came by!!  I left Santa Cruz with such a loving special feeling.
* The food was very good!!
* In Belize, most people drove a moped. Women, dressed in suits or skirts with heels, drove them to work! Hair all nice and fixed.  and y'all, it's HOT there!  I would have been a mess.
* More on mopeds:  They carry everything on their moped. Every country had them, with the most being in Belize then Guatemala. I saw a guy riding with a car tire between him and the handles (he was making a delivery for the tire store). I put up the picture of the person carrying the table!  Things we would think impossible - NOPE, its not and they can prove it! (impressive)
* The people are BUSY!  Always moving, either walking down the road (and a lot of them carrying something on there heads and arms), cutting grass on the roadside with Machetes!! YES machetes! (fascinating), working on the road, shoveling gravel off the side of the road (for work or for their own personal use) (hysterical)! Just busy!  Selling, and selling some more.  Carrying all kinds of heavy stuff- a long way- just to set up and sell goods, or cook food to sell.  I didn't see laziness! Just hard working folks!
* More on machetes:  they were everywhere, sold everywhere and every one had one.  There were little kids walking down the road- with a machete.  Never did I see a case on one.  Little kids like 5yrs old!! I probably didn't let mine hold a dull dinner knife! Geez.    I saw lots of young kids cutting down trees, but the most interesting was the men cutting grass!!! Can you imagine going out and cutting your grass with a machete!! Seriously!
* I regret not taking more pictures.  I really didn't feel right taking pictures of people (unless they didn't see me - is that wrong?).  But like Dad says- I will store it in my memory (my memory just isn't so good- the reason for the blog).
* Most of the windows had bars on them. It didn't make the town look bad because the bars were so decorative. Not too decorative that they were tacky- just added interest.  I think we could learn a thing or two here in the states.  Also, their doors and window panes were very pretty.  All hand made and out of pretty wood.  I was impressed with their skills.
* One very neat thing they have is bag water!! Love this concept.  You buy bags of water and just pour into your bottle- less trash! and Cheaper!! Like 15 cents for 16 oz!! (brilliant)

* Also, I keep meaning to add this!  I was able to meet Dilcia's sister, Mira, and Margot's daughter, Pam, and sister, Esperanza.  What a pleasure it was, they were so nice.  Mira had many gestures that were just like Dilcia!  and Margot's twin sister looks just like her!  I was real happy to get to meet them.

*Had many many many good laughs with the family.  I am SO GLAD we all got to go together.  I loved hearing all the stories of Mom and Dad's travels.  From the time we started our journey til the time it ended was filled with stories, history, admiring the beautiful scenery, laughing, putting past stories and names of people with the actual place or person.  I hate that it took us so long to go, but am so thankful that we were able to go.  Such special memories! 

I'll end it with just a few more pictures!!!  Also, who knows how many more times I will come back and add things as I remember them or when I realize I left it out :)      (or do some editing)

Random pictures.  Love their paintings!

1-The police, and their machine guns, didn't bother me. Yet, I didn't want him to see me take a picture of him!!  2- A full load- ya think!  3-just a bit of town

Trying to find an ATM that is working.  After trying about 5 different places, we realized they were all down!! Nothin' but a thing. 

Ending with one of my favorites!!!

Rays Touring Central America...part 3

When we got back to Puerto Barrios, the plan was to stay another night at the Hotel Del Norte.  Well, there was a little protest from a few in the group (not mentioning names, but to clarify, I was not one of them).  So we decided to hit the road and find a hotel somewhere.  Dad, I could tell, was trying to please all, but was concerned about finding a hotel, even tho this is the main road that leads to Guatemala City.  Each night he makes mention of making sure we are 'there' before dark.  I thought it was due to safety.  Well as we drive, and drive, which seems like forever, it begins to get dark.  I asked him about the danger- well, the danger wasn't at all what I had thought, it wasn't people- it had to do with the roads! The danger in the fact the road may no longer be there, or a big section is gone!  I witnessed this twice later in the trip!  Both times it was on a side of a mountain, and there was a tree limb in the road.  That's what this naive girl thought.  What it really was- was where the road fell off the mountain (I guess- it wasn't there) and instead of repairing it, they put a tree there!! So you drive around the tree. Problem solved.  The second time we came to one, I was prepared so I was watching the road's edge- Mistake!! I felt like I was about to fall off the cliff when we got to the tree/hole- it was straight down, and we were right there!!!  I'm not sure if anyone in the car knew how much that freaked me out.  I decided to enjoy the scenery from there on out, and not focus on such things as missing roads and cliffs!!

Beautiful scenery - God's gift - and I thank him for it!

Back to travels, so it's getting dark and we drive into this town.  We have driven thru many little towns by now, and they are so interesting because the buildings and houses are right on the road. Everything is close together and seems less than 1/4 mile wide. Also not large enough to have a hotel.  Well this town was hoppin!  Seemed to be where a lot of semi trucks stopped while heading to Guatemala City.  So Dad whips off the road in front of this aqua colored 2 story 'hotel', right on the edge of the road.  He said, "we will stay here tonight, I'll go see if they have a room".  Well, it really was what I expected to stay in, but we had been staying in better than I thought hotels, so when I saw this, I sank a bit.  I told myself, I would NOT complain, or make a face (I hope I didn't), it WILL be fine, I CAN do this!!!  I'm not sure what everyone else was thinking - no one said a word! (which alone was impressive)  Well..... they were booked- no rooms available!!! And they suggested a hotel down the road.  So prepared for another 'hotel', we slowly drove down the busy street looking for the sign.  We thought we had missed it because we seemed to be heading out of town, I looked to my right and a sign facing the other way read "Hotel Santa Monica"! We pulled thru the gate into a big parking lot and it was like an oasis in the dessert!  It was glorious, it also was empty...Dad had to go hunt for an employee, then she went to find a guy who didn't act like he had expected any visitors - like ever.  So with much discussion, with Dad and man, we had 2 rooms!  I just could not get over this place, it was a hidden treasure, just fabulous!  It did have a/c, it did have hot water, and a wonderful shower!  It also had such pretty flowers, plants and HUGE ferns!

Hotel Santa Monica ~  Rio Dulce, Guatemala

We ate dinner down the road at a street side, open sandwich/ice cream shop (open meaning- literally no walls).  They were blaring old 80's American music, and there was lots of activity on the road, people walking, cars, trucks passing- busy.  I thought it was great, and loved my cheesy quesadilla! Things were good.  We got up the next morning, ate breakfast at the hotel, and struck out for the border of Guatemala and Honduras.  Now this border was much busier, with lots of people.  I'm glad we experienced one that wasn't small and just us, but I'm glad it wasn't more crowded!  Now that we were back in Honduras, next stop Copan!  Mom had talked about this town for 20 yrs, and this whole trip, so I was glad to finally arrive.  I know now why she liked it so much.  What a neat town, cobblestone streets, very hilly streets, nice little shops, a few American speaking people, Maya Frozens & Cappuccinos :). Spectacular!!  It was fun hearing stories of them in Language School and living there.

Mom talked the whole trip about eating at Jim's Pizza, she said it was the best pizza she ever ate.  Well about 2 days before we got there, it dawned on me that 20 yrs had passed since Mom ate at Jim's Pizza, what if it's not even there!!! Oh the disappointment.  So when we got in town, we found the pizza place and planned to eat there for supper.  And sure enough, it was a delicious pizza, I mean- really is worth the trip, and a must do if you are there! Jim himself was there, and come over to speak.  It was a lot of fun and I was so relieved it was still around.

Look at that happy mama!!  and those empty plates.

The next morning Dad, Anna Ashley, John Buck and myself went to tour the Mayan Ruins. Mom opted out, she had been there.  All our lives my dad has taken us to historical places,  I think we have seen every fort on the east coast, Adam may have been the only real interested one.  I'm curious enough to want to go, but usually miss most of the point of the tour, Mom is not a fan- and it does seem to be super hot at every one.  Thank goodness Dad has a bunch of grandsons, and they LOVE going, and will go again and again.  Dad has 2 more that are just getting old enough, I hope they live up to their older cousins :)  Anyway, hi ho hi ho, off we go, walking about a mile to the entrance.  True to Ray family tradition, we declined the tour guide!! The first thing we saw are these BIRDS! They are fabulous, beautiful colors, so exotic- and very loud. They are the Scarlet Macaw.

So the Mayan Ruins are impressive, in the fact that they were found, still together, and the fact they could make them with such detail in stone so long ago.  Other than that......well, I hope it's not bad to say, but I was really more interested in those birds!  And the trees and tree roots fascinated me!! They were huge, so impressive.  The top right picture above is of air plants that grow on most of the trees.  This was a cool thing to see also, some were so big! And what happens to the ones that fall to the ground during a rain storm (which was just the night before)??  So here are some photos:

1- Anna Ashley and me reenacting climbing these steps for a picture Dad wanted to send Mom- we had only climbed a mile and were exhausted.  AA was none too pleased to have to go back down and then back up for photo op. Cracks me up! (bottom left) This is how they find the pyramids and then they put them together like a puzzle.

John Buck impressing us with his master climbing skills - he really did get up there quick, it was a 6ft step

Now for the really cool part.  1-JB standing by this enormous tree! 2-Tree growing sideways out of ruins. 3-JB standing on root of tree. 4-check out these cool roots - awesome! 5-JB standing by this crazy growing tree, look how big the branch is to the right side, then the trunk/root to the right of JB.  I would like to thank John Buck for standing in has a measurement comparison in these photos! Also, I didn't think the root pictures would show up good, so I didn't take NEAR the amount I wish I had.  You're welcome :)

 Good times were had by all!  I would like to know how many steps we really did climb!!

Dad pointing out where all he has gone in this photo.  He has been to all but 2 of these places: the Vatican, and one of those bottom 2 (sorry Dad- can't believe I forgot- please let me know, so I can correct)

 

For lunch we ate at this lovely restaurant.  I love that most of the restaurants here have courtyards and outdoor seating.

After lunch we toured the town some more.  Here are a few points of interest (thru the eyes of Hayes)

Check out that fancy trash can! They were all like that.  It's things like that that can make a town super neat. The last picture is the sink that goes with this bathroom - outside of the bathroom, just neat to me.

1- Oh, these Maya Frozens were just what Mama and I needed, John Buck trying out new drink :) 2- took this picture because of cute little old man, but you can't even see him- but got a shot of that awesome flat fan palm!! 3-4: town views 5- I loved this tree, so pretty

The Cemetery! Isn't this neat.  Anna Ashley and I thought so!

Our hotel. The Hotel Acropolis Maya. The pretty garden in the center.  French doors to the balcony.  But our favorite part was this open sitting area on the second floor. 

Us hanging out in "our" living room. It was wonderful, always a breeze, beautiful scenery, and we could just hang out together and talk, laugh, and oh yeah there was wifi too!!!

For Dinner that night, we walked around and discussed several options, checked out the menus, but we all were intrigued of the gaudy restaurant at the end of town, so decided on that one!!  Good choice- if you are ever in Copan, I highly recommend it and the fajitas :)

We did have a little adventure while out in about.  While we were walking to dinner, the lights in the town went out - a black out again!!! YET this time we were on the streets! Yikes!!  Dad said to remain calm, get close together and keep walking.  Well I hooked up like Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Lion- trying hard not to act like the cowardly lion!!  So with me, Mom, Dad, and AA arm in arm, and JB being brave by us, we walked on to dinner where they had a generator!!  Dinner was awesome, in case you haven't gathered that, and we had a great time, but when it was over a storm started brewing.  So now we are walking back in the dark with the chance of rain.  Good thing was, by this time there were generators scattered about so it wasn't so bad.  I was still locked in arm in arm, really wishing I could remember the words to follow the yellow brick road (but then there would have been the singing issue- and didn't think Dad would have seen the humor or think it appropriate!)  Needless to say we made it back to the hotel safe and sound.

Sadly this was our last night in Copan.  The next morning we headed to San Pedro Sula, and will fly out the next day.  Here are some fun and interesting things we passed on our travels.

We ate breakfast at the internet cafe - as the parents called it.  They had many fond memories of this place.  When they went to school here, this was the only place you could get online, so it was a fun meeting place and hang out!  It was a neat little place and several pictures earlier are from here (flowers, banos and sink). There was a restaurant, little gift shop, book swap section, and of course an outdoor seating area.  I'm glad that we got to go see this in person.    We were served breakfast on these clay plates. Ain't that quaint :)

The girl on the back of the motorcycle is carrying a metal frame of sorts- but look how she is transporting it!! Next, this truck was in front of us way too long, because the whole time I was afraid they would hit a bump and fall off the back!! there is no rail, rope, support of any kind on the back, and he is casually standing with his feet crossed, and the young girl that you can barely see on the right near the cab- well, she was listing to music and sitting on the edge and not holding on, as I would have preferred!! actually I would have liked her to sit in the base of truck bed.  The next is a picture of a truck with the side that lower for loads too wide.  They are common, just not to me. The trees I just like :)

Top 5 were several towns we drove thru.  Then all of a sudden thru a town we come across these two beauties!  That was a surprise. Then we came to a really nice shopping center- out of the blue- wonder what brings money to this little town? We did get to stop at a Burger King :) When entering the shopping center, the cop with the big gun, gave us a ticket, which Dad kept on his person, because no car can leave the center without a ticket!! That's one way to prevent car theft.

Burger King was having a party and check out the cute way to do the balloons!!  I was so impressed! Group shot to remember the moment :)  Love my family.

Rays touring Central America....part 2

Monday morning we were up bright and early and off to travel to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.  This was the first time we crossed the border.  Everything went smoothly and we got to Hotel Del Norte by the afternoon.  Now my first thought about this hotel was "summer camp", then it reminded me of the house on the Swanee River (Jeri and Gresham's-maybe-I remember going when I was about 7). It had NO hot water, No a/c.  Yep, summer camp.  It was a cool hotel, had a big screened porch, looked over the ocean, and the loading docks for the banana trucks. It was HOT, so really the cold shower was nice. It rained that night, and me and JB slept good, AA did not. We ate at the hotel that night, and had the nicest little old man wait on us. They had white tablecloths and everything, just nice- old timey nice! Oh, this was the first night we experienced the power going out.  We were out under the thatched roofed porch playing Phase 10, and out went the lights in the whole town- pitch black darkness!! But no fear, Anna Ashley had her flashlight ON HER (mine was in my bag in the room- fail).  Luckily the Hotel had a generator, and after about 30-45 min it started working.  I don't know how long the city lights were out. Lots of people were on the water walk, but didn't seemed too bothered by no lights.
Note:  Back in 1993 or so, when Bo was 6yrs old, and Adam 24yrs old, they together traveled down to Honduras with Mom and Dad.  They also visited the Hotel Del Norte, so that was one reason we decided to come here.  The shipping platforms were new, and the hotel had added on a more up to date wing and pool, but we stayed in the original part.  Adam couldn't believe we didn't ride in any "stand up only" buses, with no air, with way too many people crammed on it.  But we also were not able to go over to the beach with the hammocks and huts that they went to - so it seemed even.

Shipping containers- loading/unloading 24/7

 The next morning, we packed only the necessities and took one backpack and a taxi to immigration and then to the ferry headed to Punta Gorda, Belize.  Now when I thought "ferry", I'll admit, I thought large and slow- a nice "stroll" across the ocean to Belize.  Well, it was a speed boat!! Do you remember me saying I get car sick?? Well, that goes for boats and water also!  The longer I sat there, the worse I felt, must have been nerves.  We waited for a looongg time- hour or two, maybe 3. This is where we meet Coco, now here was a character, he talked 90 to nothing.  He was from Belize and knew everybody and everybody knew him. He kept saying, just tell them Coco sent you.  Dad did some money exchanging with Coco's friend, and finally they found other travelers to talk to.  We also watched some men load a boat.  They were taking goods off a truck and carrying it 50 yards to the boat.  It would have helped to have a forklift, but dad laughed at that.  By the time it was time for us to load the boat, I was feeling better- thank you Lord!! The ride over was a lot of fun, but about an hour long, the second half of the trip most people were asleep. I was whale watching - unfortunately there were no whales.

Taxi driver Renee, he made us family and invited us to dinner! He was going to take care of us. He heard JB wanted a hat, well by georgie, Renee was going to make sure he got one.  He took us to a crowded, hot, closed in big market, he guided us thru, kept us in a straight line, made sure Dad or JB were at the end of line- watching over us girls!  We winded around that place for ever... at the end- no hat!

Coco- in the blue. The man w/ wheelbarrow only made 100+trips and 400-500lbs each. The man with the 100lb cement bag on his head, either carried it this way or 2 across his shoulder blades- and at least 100 trips. Last pic is of the worst bathroom we used.  You had to pay to use it, the woman gave you toilet paper and when you were done- YOU got a bucket, scooped some water out of a larger bucket and poured it in the toilet- this was suppose to "flush" it!!! And lucky me, I got to do it a couple of times :)  and to remind you - all toilet paper goes in the trash can- right next to toilet!!  Yep... yep... yep

just a waitin......

A little selfie - mainly to see who was behind us

1- all the goods were in front of boat, which helped weigh it down. 2-3, ridin' - love the 3rd one of Dad! 4-leaving the dock,      5-6 Ocean front housing, prime real estate!!!

Entering Belize! English speaking country, but oh so hot.  Coco told us to eat at Maria's (pic 3). We ate all our meals there.

Our hotel: Saint Charles Inn - it had A/C and TWO FANS.  Needless to say we spent a lot of time here. We also slept in until 9!! and it had black out curtains! It was wonderful.  It's the little things folks :) This is the morning we had Fried Jacks! Oh so good.

This is a picture of me and AA standing normally at the sink.  We could not see anything but the top of our heads- the mirror was hanging that high!! It took us forever to get this picture for laughing so hard.  Anna Ashley would die laughing every time she looked at it.  Which was hilarious to me.  Needless to say, we got many laughs for many days off this one photo!

This lady is carrying her 3 month old baby by her head!! That blanket that the baby is in, is tied to the bandana that she is wearing like a headband, yet it is holding her baby- using her HEAD!!  And that's the way she carries it all the time.  These people have some mighty strong necks!

I'll share a little info about ordering a Watermelon Slush in Belize- They GRIND up the watermelon SEEDS and ALL!! So when drinking it, you are constantly spitting out little bits of seeds- it REALLY takes away from the drink!!

The ride back was slightly different than the one going.  We were the only ones on the boat, and there was only 3 bags of dry milk in the front- so not near the weight and the water was choppy!!  All the above caused the SPEED boat to fly thru the air over waves.  Well, the first 10 mins, me and AA (probably more me) screamed followed by big time laughing- EACH time it hit a wave and flew thru the air!!  I kept trying to gain my composure before the next wave, but nope I repeated the same ole scream then uncontrollable laughter. Of course we were in the front, which just made it more fun :)  Finally, we either got use to it or the water settled some, and we successfully made the trip.  With no sickness either - there was no 'resting the eyes' tho- heck no- the ending to this story would have been very different- water didn't settle that much :)  Such a fun experience.