An intriguing account was related to me earlier this morning by a young woman (with whom I am dealing professionally) in response to my enquiry, “What’s the news?” She said she was going to travel to Belize in January for a holiday. If you, dear Reader, like I, have a moderate geographic knowledge only, it may help to recall that the former name (until 1973) was British Honduras. It is a country on the Caribbean coast of Central America; population 359,000; languages, English (official), Creole, Spanish; capital, Belmopan. Apparently, like so many other products of colonialism, Belize was “proclaimed” a British Crown Colony in 1862. Belize became an independent Commonwealth state in 1981. Guatemala, which bounds it on the west and south, has always claimed the territory on the basis of old Spanish treaties, although in 1992 it agreed to recognize the existence of Belize.
Following is a more picturesque account of Belize:
Belize is a nation on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life. Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid; lagoon-side Lamanai; and Altun Ha, just outside Belize City. ― Google
Belize is considered a very good place to visit, especially for nature lovers and those interested in culture and adventure, offering a mix of Caribbean beaches, rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and world-renowned diving at the
Great Blue Hole. It provides a laid-back atmosphere with unique cultural experiences, making it a suitable destination for both relaxation and active exploration within a small, easily navigable country. AI
Both I and the woman with whom I was chatting had never been to Belize; though we agreed we had heard of it before. Apart from that, we knew nothing of Belize or where on the map it was precisely. Upon learning that a vacation there was imminent I expressed my mutual excitement about the upcoming holiday.
Punta Gorda is the largest village near Belize’s southern border, a spot largely off the typical tourist track. It’s where the country’s densest jungles are found, as well as a concentrated Maya community. This is a popular spot for adventure travelers, those who have already been to other parts of Belize, and visitors who prefer to avoid the crowds. Though it’s on the water, it’s not too beachy, so keep yourself busy with excursions out to nearby cayes or visit some of the Maya ruins nearby.
The woman had introduced the event by saying she had been “invited” to travel to Belize with a friend. Reportedly the friend had booked the trip with his girlfriend at the time but she parted ways with him. He could not cancel the trip without extraordinary penalty. So he invited his friend (the woman with whom I was speaking) to travel with him. Naturally he invited the woman “free gratis” (as I have so often heard it cleverly expressed by the late John H. Kerry to calculate zero expenditure).
It was about this time in the dialogue that the young woman to whom I was speaking advised that she was married. And that her husband had approved of the adventure. When I jokingly suggested her husband was up to no good, that he was placating his wife for some ulterior benefit for himself, she casually dismissed the possibility. She predicted instead that her husband would have – by way of reward – his “bro get together” or some such slang for male companionship. I didn’t pursue the matter further except to say that I look forward to hearing her report of the trip. Meanwhile I pondered the peculiarity of the arrangement and the numerous possibilities which even the most uninventive person might imagine.
The audacious dialogue was part of my morning agenda today. My personal interests at the office were by comparison plain. Upon my return home (it was still before noon) I languished for a half-hour on the balcony in the blazing sunshine. This fine weather is already a memorable feature of my life. It is similar glorious weather which I recall from years ago; and, I never fail to enthuse gleefully about the recollections.
Once my matinée upon the balcony was complete, I drove to get the car washed. I didn’t linger in that mode. Back home I parked the car in the garage then retrieved from its cage my red tricycle. Then followed a shortened outing but nonetheless a fulfilling one. I don’t think that my legs will ever regain their former capacity but I consider it best to continue some form of exercise. And did I mention the fabulous day? The weather just screamed to enjoy the day outside!
The field of dry cornstalks provides a keyboard of sounds with the balmy wind ricocheting off its crowns and sweeping the patterns like waves. I have rewarded myself the indulgence of fine nut butter with an equally divine toasted sprouted bread. I had already allowed myself a green apple while sitting upon the balcony. And now it is the elixir of espresso. Deus fois!
Perhaps as a reflection of the incongruity and cycle of the day I chanced to meet with a woman who has recently suffered a family tragedy of the most conspicuous mockery – the death of her daughter while walking on the sidewalk from a falling tree branch. She had the air of being yet stunned by the horrible event, as well she might. I wanted to tell her: There is no answer! But nothing from me will mollify her loss. The unparalleled moments in our lives forever border on magic and madness.