We Have Arrived

We Have Arrived - Belize

May 07, 2015

Without incident, we arrived in Belize yesterday afternoon. There was some confusion over the correct time but we quickly got things figured out. We even were able to catch an earlier Tropic Air flight to Placencia as well, so things were going great.

The little plane that flew us first to Dangrigia for a drop off/pick up of passengers and then on the Placencia seated about 12 people very, very tightly. Open to the cockpit with three seats right behind the pilot free, I was super excited to get almost a front row view of the flight. Coming into Dangrigia, headed toward the landing strip the size of a small side street was a bit unnerving since we could see it all but in the end it was "fun-scary". And we got to do it all over again in Placencia!

As we had managed to catch this earlier flight I quickly emailed Angie, our landlady while in Placencia, to see whether our arranged ride from the airport to the apartment could pick us up earlier. To my surprise and our delight, a very nice woman and her sweet young daughter were standing there, looking at me, asking if I was Daina. Her daughter liked my little plush moose I have hanging off my bag and noticed the maple leaf and asked me, "Canada?"

As we arrived at the boardwalk that runs by our apartment and many other cool businesses and homes, the little girl insisted on lugging my suitcase to the apartment for me. Being only slightly taller than the suitcase, I thought she did a fantastic job. It wasn't a short walk to the apartment either!

Angie was at the gate to meet us and give us some information on the Flamboyant Apartments and surrounding area. She is a lovely, friendly lady originally from the UK but has been here for many years. She came to Belize to dive in 2008 and hasn't left!

We are renting the top floor apartment for our stay in Placencia. I love how roomy it is and love how we can just open up all the windows and let the air flow through. It's very hot - we had a tough time sleeping last night in the heat - but it's wonderful to be here, near the water and feel the sunshine.

All the buildings are so colourful here. We've seen bright orange, green and purple houses and most are a combination of the colours of the rainbow. With the bright flowers and brightly coloured houses, you can't help but be happy here.

We ventured out last night in search of a drink and found ourselves in a cozy restaurant called Mojo on the second floor of a main street building. With nooks and separate rooms and simple yet elegant decor, Mojo welcomed us as we stepped through the door. We hit their "Happy Half" with rum drinks half price for the duration of the special. The Lady Westby, with dark rum, coconut rum, cranberry and pineapple juices, was very yummy! The staff were super friendly and helpful and they brought out free shots throughout the night as well.

The owner of Mojo is Canadian. She came to Belize, fell in love, and decided to give up her hectic Western life for a more laid back Caribbean one. Her story about taking possession of Mojo, the fire and other struggles she had getting her business up was included in the menu. What was really heartwarming was that through those struggles, the people of Placencia worked hard to support her and get things set up. There seems to be a strong sense of community here as everyone tries to help each other out.

After a few drinks, we decided to just eat dinner there too. The waitress was excited to have grouper for their fish selection because it's been awhile since they've been able to catch any. She did such a good job describing it that we all chose the grouper for supper. Mojo's has a selection of fish dishes that you can choose from and they'll just cook in the fish of the day. It was a neat concept because we all got to try a different flavour for our grouper. Bryan opted for the special, with a spicy pineapple and mango salsa. Mine was their Mayan style cooked in a banana leaf with peppers. Scott had another style but I can't remember it! Regardless, we were all very happy with those meals.

Overall, the food prices seem pretty good here. Our meal plus a bunch of drinks at Mojo's was only $92 US. (Lunch today was a huge entree and a fruit smoothi for $10 US each.)

After dinner, on the recommendation by Erin (the owner of Mojo), we headed out to a bar called Tipsy Tuna for a drink and then over to The Barefoot Bar for another. I have to say, the rum really goes down easy here and it may have gotten the best of me last night but the bars were fun and not too far to walk back to the apartment from. It's awesome having so many bars and restaurants so close. The food smells and looks so good that I am sad I don't have enough meals here to try everything I want to!

Today we are being lazy. Slept in, went for lunch and walked around town. The guys are now laying in the hammocks on the back deck. This isn't a bad life at all!!