It was an early morning today. We woke up around 6-6:30am and gathered our things before heading to breakfast. The girls from TAMUK who stood at the Chaleanor hotel were able to eat breakfast on the roof top of the hotel overlooking the city and into the water. There was an amazing breeze as well. After breakfast we walked over to the Bone Fish hotel where the other group of girls were staying at. We boarded the bus and said our goodbyes to Dangriga. We continued to get stared at as we left the city but soon we made our way back down the beautiful hummingbird highway which is just relaxing to sit down and look out the window. It still amazes me at all the green you see.
As we continued with our journey we were able to stop at the University of Belize. It was a lot nicer than most of us had anticipated and it was a nice campus. Unfortunately, the bookstore and buildings were closed due to it being a Sunday but we were able to take some nice photos. The dorms at the university also substitute as hurricane shelters for the people of Belize. This was actually the way the dorms were able to be built; if the university agreed for them to also serve as the shelters. Eward actually works at this campus and takes an hour to a two hour bus ride from Belize City to the university. The bus prices is five Belizean dollars which I found a little expense compared to the prices of everything else we have been seeing. While leaving, we saw a government assembly building which was built as a mayan structure. Eward explained that when it was built, the first prime minister wanted it to not be painted so it remains unpainted to this day. Also while driving I noticed there aren’t any police officers. I saw two police stations but no activity or patrol cars. It makes me think if something were to happen, where can I get help?
Maybe this is a safe city and there’s some sort of underlying understanding. I’m not really sure.
After the university we made a stop at the Belize zoo. We asked what city the zoo was located in but we were told it's not a specific city but a mile point. This was interesting to hear. It makes me wonder how people can find places by a simple mile point but I guess the locals are used to it. The zoo was nothing like any other zoo I've ever been to. All the animals here are rescue animals which is amazing. They each had their own story written by their cage or tree. Reading their stories actually made me sad but happy at the same time that they were rescued and now safe. We wanted to get into the jaguar cage exhibit however they only allow six people inside total in one day and they have already reached the limit before we got there so a few people were slightly disappointed. Before boarding the bus we visited the gift shop where a few people made some purchases.
After the university we made a stop at the Belize zoo. We asked what city the zoo was located in but we were told it's not a specific city but a mile point. This was interesting to hear. It makes me wonder how people can find places by a simple mile point but I guess the locals are used to it. The zoo was nothing like any other zoo I've ever been to. All the animals here are rescue animals which is amazing. They each had their own story written by their cage or tree. Reading their stories actually made me sad but happy at the same time that they were rescued and now safe. We wanted to get into the jaguar cage exhibit however they only allow six people inside total in one day and they have already reached the limit before we got there so a few people were slightly disappointed. Before boarding the bus we visited the gift shop where a few people made some purchases.
For lunch today we ate at Cheers; it was extremely close to the zoo. I had the chicken fajitas which was different than an American chicken fajita plate. This one came with a big pita instead of tortillas and pureed beans. Nonetheless is was still good. We then re-boarded the bus and headed back to the princess hotel. I’m actually excited to be in one spot for the rest of the trip, and to have bed sheets. Our beds did not have sheets last night in Dangriga. This is something we probably take for granted; simply having sheets on a bed.
Once back at the Princess Hotel we began preparing for our presentations tomorrow at the Stella Maris school.The real reason we came! It’s exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. I will be presenting on dual language development. It all became more real once I saw everyone working on their presentations and preparing their materials. I’m nervous for tomorrow but in a good way! I feel once we begin working with the kids we won’t want to leave. We’re finally going to be able to do what we love!
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