Our Introduction to Belize

The following morning we boarded a plane for Belize City through San Salvador. We arrived in Belize, picked up our car and started on our Belizean adventure. At first, we were in a little bit of a shock as Belize was completely different from Nicaragua. Judging from the prices in Belize (same as in SF) we expected it to be lil bit nicer - but it wasn't. And unlike Nicaragua, which was very much alive and humming with people and animals... this country was rather dead. I guess one can't expect too much from a country of the same size as Marin & Sonoma county put together and half the inhabitants.
We hoped that we would see some more of what really Belize was all about in it's capital - Belmopan... once again we were rather disappointed when we realized that the crappy block of a street that we just crossed through WAS THE DOWNTOWN!!
We thought that maybe Belize would improve it's standing if we visited the highly recommended Blue Hole National Park. The park was known for the St Herman's Cave and the actual Blue Hole itself. But yet again the hike to St. Herman's cave and to the watch tower thereafter was a muggy and mosquitoes filled experience. At least we were able to wash off all the sweat in the Blue Hole before we headed towards San Ignacio.
Unfortunately, San Ignacio was not what we hoped for either so we just tried to get out of there as quickly as possible just so we can get to our Lodge in the jungle.
The turn off for Black Rock Lodge was only a few miles outside of the town and it took out about 45 minutes to cross the 6 miles of dirt road that lead to the lodge itself. The views along the road were spectacular! (through the farms, orchards and finally the jungle itself we arrived at our destination!)
We checked in, had a glass or two or maybe three in the hammock by our cabin and headed for the family style dinner Black Rock was offering. It was a great way to meet and connect with all the other people that stayed here. We had a great time talking to one couple from BC but originally from Slovak late into the night!