The Un'Belize'ableness Of It All!
From the moment I descended the main atrium off the Carnival Dream, down to zero deck, to embark on a tender that would take me to the beautiful Belizean Coast, I was mesmerized by this Central American success story. Having only obtained full independence from the British crown on September 21st, 1981, this country has been catapulted into a period of economic growth. Although to the average American, it does appear that the country is stuck in a 1990’s fog, the country continues to improve upon its infrastructure and economic engines. Time Magazine has lauded Belize as one of the fastest growing economies that will emerge in the 21st century.
Upon arrival at the Belize City Port, I was greeted by a string of locals who wanted nothing more than to say thank you for coming to visit their country. Yes, we were propositioned for all sorts of things. Radios, Trinkets, and your basic souvenirs were all being offered as we made our traverse to the street where we were met by Mr. Jake Martinez of Belize Grand Jaguar Tours. It was there that we were united with Natalie, our expert level guide and Lincoln, our driver and the others from our Carnival group.
We embarked on a combo tour, 5 interesting sites all wrapped into a 6-hour day that would allow us two additional hours when we get back to port before we had to board our tender to head back to our dream
Natalie eloquently described to us the workings of the city of Belize, the neighbouring countryside, took us through an eloquent tour of local ecosystems to include native fruits and berries and the do's and don'ts of each. The third destination was through the rainforest and then upon our arrival at the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha. it was there that we were in for our biggest treat. Being a devout Christian all my life, I thought for sure this was going to be an academic experience. I listened to Natalie describe the ruins, the countryside, the jungle, and all the sites of the city of Belize while Lincoln our stalwart driver navigated the signalless and pothole laden streets. They have recently just installed their first stop lights in the city, and for that fact, I believe in the entire country. Everything is controlled by stop signs and roundabouts or traffic cops.
As we migrated through our tour, and it was time for our arrival at the ancient site of the Mayan ruins. We listened to Natalie speak of their rituals, their hierarchical society makeup, and all the things that made them unique. We were given the opportunity to roam around the site. I ascended one of the smaller temples, and it was there that I had my most profound spiritual experience.
I need to flash back in history here and remind you that 2017 for me was a devastating year. I lost my family, I lost my self-esteem, and in some ways, I lost touch with God. That was August. I booked this Cruise in October and pretty much just remained on autopilot until my departure. Not having much involvement with anyone out of fear of perpetual abuse and ridicule.
As I was climbing the smaller temple, I started to receive what I interpret as personal revelation. I started to see clearly, I started to sense the presence of many deities at that site. When I reached the top of the ruin, I was struck in my steps. Like Moses who had seen the burning bush on top of Mount Ararat, it was I that was met with the presence of a familiar being. It was a happy presence and it was a confirming one. God had taken me almost 1800 miles from home to speak to me because he knew it was there that I had no place to run. My cell phone is not working so I did not have that distraction. It was just he and I amongst the lush vegetation and misty rain filled air. Although our encounter was momentary, it was life-changing. I am writing you on this travel blog because of it.... I was in a way affirmed that I was standing upon hallowed ground. All religions, no matter what their difference, have one common theme and that is that God, whatever their conception of that person that may be, comes readily to those that seek Him or Her. It has been my experience that God is a gentlemanly God in that he is not going to go where he's not invited. The Mayans had a very intricate system of gods, and their religious practices persist until this very day in various communities throughout the Yucatan, but very centralized in Belize.
As we continued our roaming, I was given the opportunity to climb the granddaddy of them all, the Temple of the Sun God, and having had my experience on the smaller mounds of a sentry’s temple, I opted to remain on the ground and respect it in reverence. Just for the same reason that I would not hook a ladder to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome and persist to climb it, I felt that I should not desecrate someone else's religious edifice. I opted to remain on the ground and marvel at the Majesty, the simplicity, and yet the technological advancement of this great people.
Upon returning to the bus, I was in a reflective state of mind. As Natalie was explaining more about the jungle in the surrounding ecosystems while enroute to the port, I was overcome by a distinct calmness and tranquil sleep. Our next arrival was at the Rum Factory, which we completed our 5 in 1 tour. Having had the experience that I just did, I was not ready to be in a crowd of people. I instead opted to remain behind outside smoking a cigarette just reflecting on the beautiful experience that I had. As I stared longingly down the street, I began watching the local populace go about their everyday lives. The thought came to my mind that I need to tell their story and get more people to experience the “Un’Belize’ableness” of it all!!
I hope that you will contact me about these amazing specials to this beautiful place. I have worked tirelessly trying to secure local operators that can handle my clients and offer them the same experience that I did.
Special Packages Lined Up For You! from $299/pp for 3/2 getaways**