You better Belize It

The first question most people ask is "where is Belize?".  So for clarity, Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America.  Bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala in the south and the Caribbean sea in the east, its the only country in the region where English is the official language.  Its a small country of about 22,800 square kilometres and a total population of 320 thousand plus people.  But it is a beautiful, lush country that sits right on one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world.

So with a pretty hectic and stressful month behind me, I decided to escape the hustle and bustle of the Houston front yard for some peace and quiet in Belize's backyard.  The first thing I noticed was how amazingly friendly and welcoming the Belizians are.  They love their country and are very proud to welcome you into it.  Everyone from the kids on the street, to the golf buggy about to run you over, is happy and smiling.  That's the other thing - no cars on Ambergris Caye where I escaped to.  Only golf buggies and push bikes.  So the air is clear, the sky blue and the ocean like bath water!!  And the water and beach was what I was really looking for.

The Belize Barrier Reef, as its known, is about 300km long (part of a much bigger 900km reef system making it second to the GBR in Queensland).  The reef is Belize's top tourist destination and has some brilliant snorkeling and diving.  Apparently, old Charlie Darwin described it as the "most remarkable reef in the West Indies" in 1842 and he wasn't wrong.

San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, is tiny and reminded me a little of Thailand.  It had some great little restaurants and bars - some of which are built out over the water, and serve not only great  Rum Punch but also more lobster that this gal could ever eat!  So that was a huge bonus.

But I guess the main attraction for me was its history.  Belize was (and still is) part of the Maya civilization which emerged three millennium ago on the Yucatan Peninsula.  This fabulous culture still persists in the area despite 500 years of European settlement and domination.  Locals will still tell you that they are Mayan and you can see it in many aspects of life from the architecture, to their paintings and sculptures and in the jewellery designs.

Having been to a couple of other Caribbean countries, Belize has a much slower pace and none of the big touristy glitz and glamour that you might find in say Grand Cayman.

Its old world and charming and is genuinely a place where "foot wear is not required"!!

A Brush with the HPD

Firstly, my apologies for my complete absence from the waves.  I have been without comms now for a few weeks thanks to some slick thieves who enjoyed a free reign in my home for a few hours.  Which brings me to this week's blog - my brush with the great people of the Houston Police Department.

Let me set the scene.

I started my day in a great mood as I had some pretty cool things on my morning's agenda followed by an appointment at the collision centre to get an estimate on the damage to my car door as a consequence of a brush with a pole (another story).  So following the usual 'toilette' process, off I went on my merry way and had a fabulous morning.  I was feeling on top of the world and buzzing when I then headed off to the collision centre.  Of course, Houston's freeways being what they are, part way en route, a semi-trailer sent a rock my way which made very quick work on my windscreen.  The cracks were pretty significant but the potholes and bumps on the freeway (yep the freeway) just made those little suckers grow exponentially such that I knew I would have to detour to an emergency windscreen repair joint or lose the whole thing.  So thanks to my trusty Garmin, I located the nearest place.  Driving in, I kind of got the distinct feeling that I really shouldn't have been in that particular suburb.  I felt like I had driven onto a movie set for the Gangs of LA or something.  Jacked up cars pumping and grinding down the street and pulling in beside me.  Gang members jumping out and having a heated conversation outside my car door.  All pretty disconcerting really.  Meanwhile, the windscreen dude calmly tells me "stay in the car, ma'am".  I of course did exactly as told.

With repaired windscreen sorted, I got the hell out of Dodge!  And then headed off to the collision repair centre.  All went well there, but by now I was about 3 hours overdue to be home.  A friend tells me it was the universe's way of making sure I wasn't home.  When I pulled into the garage and walked into our foyer - I knew something wasn't right.  My Sherlock like detective skills were ably assisted by the fact that there was broken glass everywhere and blood.  Needless to say, I freaked and immediately got out of the house and made my first 911 call.  I then called my lovely boy who came to the rescue.

So that brings me to the HPD.  Two officers initially arrived and with guns raised and instructions to "stay clear", they proceeded to search the house and ensure that we were safe to enter.  Amongst the things stolen was all my jewellery, all my beautiful cameras and associated equipment, my beloved laptop, iPod and iPads x 2.  Now I don't normally engage in advertising something, but the good ole' "Find My Phone" app came to the rescue in respect of one Ipad.   C's phone was showing that the iPad was on the move and in the neighboring back yard.  So before you could say alacasam, there were 4 squad cars, multiple police officers with guns out and a firetruck in the street.  It was all action and very dramatic.  They searched all the neighboring yards for people and our property.  No luck on finding the perpetrators but they did find one iPad.

Anyway, several hours later, with black fingerprinting dust on everything and blood samples taken, we were finally left alone to survey the damage.  Once the adrenalin lowered, the heartbreak set in as we discovered not only some very valuable jewellery was amongst the haul, but also our most treasured and sentimental and heirloom pieces were gone too.

The whole thing was a horrid experience, but given we live in Texas where everyone is armed, all I can say is thank you to the semi who threw up that stone and delayed my home time so that I wasn't there when our nasty friends arrived.  I don't want to even contemplate what might have happened to me home alone.

So with the experience behind us now and a new collection of stuff to shop for, I have to acknowledge the response and professionalism of the HPD.  They were excellent and treated us with sensitivity and priority!!  I don't however want to engage their services again....if possible.

Diving the Keys

Me and my dive buddy

Its been a long while since I last donned the BCD and plunged into the great blue, but one can't visit Florida and not take the unique opportunity to get wet in the Atlantic and explore the Florida Keys.

The Keys are a coral cay archipelago on the southernmost tip of the US.  Starting at the Florida peninsula and extending westward to Tortugas, the islands (or Keys) lie along the Florida Straits dividing the Atlantic Ocean from the Gulf of Mexico.

Its a wonderful tropical climate in the Keys and the water temperature is like bathwater.  Visibility excellent.  Perfect conditions for diving the reefs and enjoying the marine life!!

For me, diving is like riding a bike - you never forget.  What I do forget is how perfect and peaceful it is down there and how time disappears.

SoBe Cruising

South Beach Miami, or SoBe, conjures many cliches for this Aussie girl.  And once there, some of those ring true.  For example, it really is a place where the eye candy can be pretty interesting!

However, its history is equally if not more interesting.  SoBe is a beachfront neighbourhood of Miami Beach.  It was originally farmland - wouldn't you love that!  Then it was slowly developed as a seaside resort starting in the early 1900s.  In the 30s, an architectural revolution began bringing Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Nautical Moderne architecture to the shores.  SoBe is today known for having the world's largest remaining collection of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture. (Napier, NZ, is the other).  In this regard, it really is beautiful.

Some of the buildings are divine and give the area a wonderful old world charm.  Strangely, it kind of felt like the Gold Coast, Queensland, about 30 years ago.  Albeit there are new constructions, and some high-rise, the vast bulk are mid rise and most have wonderful old facades.



Then, with the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, the US Army Air Corps took command of the area and  interestingly, that brought tourism!  Today, tourism is one of Miami's largest industries and in June, with the US school holidays on, its is flooded with folk.

The 1960s saw Hollywood come to town with various movies and TV shows being filmed there right through until today, all of which have continued to fuel the imagination and the 'mythical' Miami picture.

It is a great spot for a beach holiday.  There is plenty of shopping and restaurants galore.  But best of all, its within easy distance of the Florida Keys and all they have to offer in terms of water sports and adventure.

Grizzly!!!

I admit it.  I have an irrational fear of bears.  Yep, but I have to say, its only big bears such as grizzlies and black bears.  I have no idea why but I think it may have something to do with watching an old American west film called, strangely enough, “Grizzly”.  I recall being terrified by it.  So it is absolutely true that when in bear country, I become a complete nervous wreck, constantly looking over my shoulder and listening out for that crack of the twig!

Consequently, you will appreciate my recent experience of holidaying in the Canadian Rockies.  While I am a regular visitor to the Rockies, I usually go in the middle of winter when I can pretty safely take a leap of faith in nature and the need for bears to hibernate.

Further, I generally have skis on my feel, which I believe provide me with a speed advantage.  So this trip tested my resolve as its spring and of course, nature’s critters are all happily out there enjoying the sun!

Therefore, in preparation of a close encounter, I did my homework and researched the options for my survival techniques.  I did momentarily contemplate using the generally reliable “throw your husband in front” strategy but decided that our legal affairs were too complicated to efficiently pursue that one.  In the end, go with the experts I say.  

So I was thrilled to obtain official advice from the Rocky Mountain Visitors Guide on what to do.  For your benefit, I thought I would repeat the important bits:

“If you encounter a bear on the trail: stop, stay calm and quiet.  Don’t make any sudden noises and avoid eye contact.  Avoid getting between cubs and mothers….You cannot outrun a bear, so don’t try.  Back away slowly.  Talk to the bear in a calm, but firm, voice.  Keep your bear spray handy….If a bear is charging, have your bear spray ready.  Direct the spray at the animal’s eyes.  Fire at a close range of five to 10 feet as bear spray is not effective over 10 feet.  Step aside and let the bear pass…If a black bear is attacking you, or you are attacked at night by either a black or grizzly bear, consider it a predatory attack and fight back with everything you have.”

Right.  So as I understand it…don’t pick up the cub for a cuddle, have a chat with old mate, wait until its 5 feet from you, spray it directly in the eyes, and then if that fails to have any effect on a 4000 pound killing machine…. die.  That seems reasonably straightforward.  



However, I do have some questions that require clarification:

1. What is the appropriate nature and subject of the conversation one would have with the bear? 
2. When “stepping aside”, how much space should one allow for the bear to “pass” on by?
3. What the hell is bear spray???!!@@##

Because I was unable to obtain sufficient and timely clarification, I decided that while hiking, staying in the middle of a number of other people who can safely provide ‘snack pack’ options for the bear was wise, as was staying in the car while at a substantial distance.  Survival of the fittest I say and I am not afraid to admit it!

All jokes aside though, there is something exhilarating about seeing one of these guys in the wild.  I was blessed to see three black bears and one grizzly on my travels.  All four were pretty happy grazing on dandelions, which these big critters apparently love. 

There is no question that the Canadian Rockies are magnificent and if there is one place everyone should get the chance to see in their lives, its these wilds.  

Winter or spring, it is truly one of Mother Nature’s most spectacular sights.

Lessons

Its cocktail hour in Houston.  So, I'm sitting here on my wonderful little 'Juliet' balcony with a G&T in hand, surrounded by blooming Magnolia's, Jasmine, Wisteria and all manner of spring flowers, and with my little balcony mates somewhat disconcerted by my presence.  But its a kind of witching hour for me where my mind is calm and able to ponder the challenges and gifts of the last week.  For me, its been a challenging month.  The demands of life require my presence, but my body has been determinedly taking me to places that are difficult on the heart and soul.  Chronic disease is a constant companion for those that suffer some form of it.  Sometimes quiet and thankfully absent, and then other times she barges in through the front door without a care in the world and totally disrupts your peace and quiet.  She is the kind of visitor who is demanding, petulant, disrespectful of your intimacy and needs along with those of others in the house, exhausting and absolutely dreadful.  But you can't get rid of her...certainly not without some assistance.  Patience is truly tested beyond belief, and the heart just wants to give in to her demands.  But my gift....my partner, C, who never gives in and doesn't allow our unwelcome visitor to overcome.  He is a constant source of energy and positivity, love and encouragement.  He gives me power in the sails to push through the rough sea and to hang in there.  The other gift this week....Nurse Michelle, who is always ready to give a smile and share a joke and convince you all will be good tomorrow.  I should also say modern medicine is a gift.  I think often of my amazing and beautiful grandmother who must have lived through sheer agony and without the benefits of the modern treatments today.  When I woke up this morning and the sun was shining and I was pain free for the first time in 18 months, I smiled, stretched out like a cat, and gave thanks for everything I have in my world!!