Day One: January 7, 2015

Dani's Blog

Once upon a time there was a little Dani that rather than fall asleep at a reasonable hour to prepare for a 6 hour flight opted instead to write Statement of purpose letters and receive late night phone calls from the man-children she claims to be her friends. Eventually she got bored and rolled out of bed around 3am to get ready for the trip.

After excessive meticulous planning and checklists to compensate for my naturally ditsy disposition, I finally felt confident enough to leave my home and head to my professor’s house for ultimate carpooling fun. After exiting the Hoyt street station and wandering the early morning streets of downtown Brooklyn with nothing more than a hiking backpack (the gazes of onlookers I assume concluded me to be a well dressed hobo) I finally found myself (rather abruptly) at my destination. My academic captor and host cheerily greeted me and without much delay we found ourselves whisked off to Laguardia Airport. Combined with the excitement of riding in a car as opposed to the all too familiar public transportation system and the buzz and activity of the airport, I was left temporarily immobilized. (see: confused and scared) Thankfully, with the gracious attentiveness from my professor and soon to be best friend did I soon find myself comfortably seated outside our gate, awaiting the remainder of our travelling companions.

For the first time since the tender age of 14 did I find myself once again boarding a space/time manipulating device I refuse to believe actually capable of flight. My personal vendetta aside, it flew us (see: teleported) to our layover hub in Texas.

After a disappointing sandwich and the brief rush of panic that swept over me as I considered the potential of never again eating Ben & Jerry’s (a kiosk being directly across from our gate) we re-boarded our final plane to the mysterious and exciting Belize! (bonus points for no small child kicking my seat this time around)

We departed the plan 1960's style (stairs as opposed to connecting hallway) and immediately found ourselves in the immigration line (forgettable, but tedious enough to make it stick out in my mind) but eventually we were set free!

First we reunited with our companion Walkiria, and it is here that we first discover the telling tale of the loss of her check-in luggage, affectionately named Walkiria’s bag. Saddened at the misfortune but comforted in her preparedness for the trip via her carry-on, we collected our belongings and met the first of our mysterious hosts for this adventure, Kanti. Kanti and Phillipe (not Sebastian) the taxi driver greeted us with local hospitality and helped us collect and pack our luggage into a humble, but road-nimble van we used to zip across the countryside to our first destination: Cheers!

After a delicious albeit not traditional belizian dish we made our way over the toe Belize Zoo for a midnight excursion.


After a successful evening of touching animals we headed to our first rest stop, the Savannah house! And it's here that I slept like a rock, because I was exhausted.



Patricia's Blog
Surprisingly I was able to get 6 hours sleep, usually when it comes to travelling I don't sleep because of my excitement. Woke up around 5:15 am, gave myself a one hour time limit to get ready and do some last minute packing (as always). Saying goodbye to my dog and my home, i walked out ready to head to LaGuardia Airport to get on the 8:20 am flight to Dallas, Texas. Before heading to the airport, I had to get myself some breakfast from my favorite diner located on the corner of Jamaica Ave and Lefferts Blvd: The Olympic Diner. I couldn't leave New York without have a bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll and a nice hot chocolate with whipped cream. After having a very quick breakfast, it was a race against time to get to the airport ASAP. 

What had me a bit nervous was that my dad decided to go local to the airport instead of using the expressway. Getting annoyed with every reed light coming our way. Thankfully, I made it on time. Arriving at the airport at exactly 7:20 am a bit nervous because I felt that one hour before the flight left wasn't enough time to check-in my bag and past security. What surprised me was when my dad park right in front of the entrance to American Airlines, there was one of the workers coming to me asking where I was going, I stated " To Belize, with a stop at Dallas". He took my bag and gave me my boarding ticket right outside the airport. All under 6 minutes, I was very impressed. Then I found one of my good friend Baljinder checking her bag inside and we both said goodbye to our loved ones and headed straight to security. 

View form Dallas AirTrain

Thankfully, all went smoothly; we met up with my professor and one other classmate by our departure gate. We made one pit stop to the restroom and to grab a drink for the plane, sat back by our gate and waited for our group number to be called and get ready to say goodbye to New York for the next 10 days.  On the plane I was upset that we didn't have individual screens to enjoy our 3 and a half hour trip to Dallas, Texas. However, the movie If I Stayed was showing, however I didn't bother to watch it again because the one thing I didn't want to do is to get emotional on my flight. After the movie, one show from NBC came on and the last order of soft drinks had just ended. For the first time I looked out the window of the plane and saw Dallas. When arriving in Dallas, we had to take the AirTrain to our gate on the other side of the airport, and I realized that everything in Texas is big. Once we arrived at our gate destination, it was time to get some food since our flight was delayed by an hour. 

On our way to Belize City!!!! Arriving in Belize, its was amazing how the climate changed from winter cold to summer sun. We met our host for the night and he took us to a great restaurant where I ate a delicious chicken quesadilla. After a wonderful meal, off to the Belizean Zoo for a night tour. My first ever experience going to a zoo at night. The Night at the Belizean Zoo where all animals are still awake :) One thing that amazed all of us is the T-rex of Belize, formerly known as the Howler Monkey. A small monkey that turns into a T-rex with its powerfully, yet scary howl. 

The Savannah Guest House

Our final destination on our first night in Belize is the Savannah Guest House. This place had two great host who welcomed us with opened arms. The bed was comfy and the night was filled with stars. A great way to start off my first night in Belize. 

The Legend of Walkiria's Bag 

Just the thought that in a few hours I will be in Belize was exciting!! I've been excited since Christmas. My flight was scheduled for 6:05 am from John F. Kennedy Airport, the night before I was gathering all my belongings making sure I grabbed all that I needed. I was too excited to even sleep (I actually did fall asleep). I wake up around 5 am.. I'm late ! I got dressed, grabbed my luggages and called the cab.. When I get in the cab I tell him "Terminal 4 JFK Delta Airlines.. AND STEP ON IT". I was panicking in the car hoping I'd make it!  I arrive at the airport, pay him and jumped out! Earlier my mother told me to look out for her friend Eloise, who would assist me in getting me checked in and past security. I finally found her she gave me my boarding ticket and took one of my bags and told me she'd have it on the flight for me. We ran and went through security. She took me towards the gate and told me "Okay you're departing from Gate B38, If you see the carts that take people to their gates stop them and ask them to take you." I started running my calves started aching I was out of breathe (somehow i'm not as fit as I used to be). I'm running and I see the car, I stopped and asked but he ignored me. Now I have 10 minutes till they close the gate doors. As I continue running I see another car approaching and I ask him "Would you please take me to Gate B38 ?" and they told me "No". At this point i didn't even care to look for another person in a car so I continued running. Five more minutes and i'm a gate away, as soon as I get to the gate the agent tells me "Hello Miss.. Are you on this flight?"and I said Yes. And She takes my ticket and scans it. I never felt more lucky. I finally made the flight and I go in and board the plane. 

The flight from New York to Atlanta was about 5 hours. Although, for the entire flight I slept. I sat between two people it was the worst i felt like I couldn't make a sudden move. When I arrived in Atlanta, I checked the monitor to see where my next flight was leaving from. I found the train in airport and took it one train stop away. I walked to the gate and started to familiarize myself and make myself comfortable. I got up to go use the restroom as I walk to the bathroom I am also using my phone so I'm kind of not paying attention (NEVER text and walk!). As I approach the restroom I walk in further I don't notice what I am walking into. A man says "Hey Miss Miss" "You're in the wrong room little lady" and I didn't hear anything.. When I finally looked up I noticed that I was walking to the Men's room.. I felt so embarrassed and I ran out.. I didn't get in too too far but far enough to almost spot the urinals on the wall. 

I couldn't believe I was moments away from being in Belize City. I'd meet up with the rest of the girls and we would have tons of fun. At this point I was traveling alone. I was the only person flight Delta Airlines. My mother kept calling me making sure that I was in the right place and that I board the right plane. I made sure I messaged my mother and Professor Lia because I was on my own going to a country that I wasn't familiar with. I felt ready to have boarded the plane and to be on my way to Belize but I was a little afraid about what I was going to encounter once I got there. Going to Atlanta was normal.. going to Belize I got to experience sitting in First class. I was asked what I wanted to eat, to drink, I felt well treated that flight was enjoyable.. It's not everyday I get that treatment. 

I finally made it to Belize!! I couldn't believe I finally made it. When the plane landed I quickly looked out the window as it drove to the gate so that we can get off. I was expecting to get off through a jet-bridge. Instead, I got outside ! I already knew I was going to love this place. I felt the warmth and I felt the humidity. I went through immigration and they collected all the paperwork the immigration were all very nice and welcoming. Then I waited a couple hours until my bags were on the carousel. After all the bags were dropped I didn't see my bag.. the bag that had mostly everything.. I only had a little black one that i packed in case something might have happen to it. And That is the beginning of THE LEGEND OF WALKIRIA'S BAG!! 

When I arrived and I was alone, I'm happy just 
couldn't really show it 

I was given a map and the the one luggage that survived

Apparently, The bag that Eloise checked in for me was NOT on the flight. It wasn't on the belt and it was nowhere to be found. Since I had internet service I contacted my mother through Whatsapp. She tried everything she could to locate my bag even though she was in New York and I was in Belize. The agents back in New York confirmed with my mother that my bag was on the next flight arriving at 4pm. I had arrived to believe at 12pm so I had time to spare. I wasn't the only one with "bag issues" this man from Baltimore also arrived to Belize on the same flight without a bag. We spoke and he educated me about places to go, things to see. He's been to Belize and was on his way to Caye Caulker. People approached me and asked me questions, questions that I really didn't know the answer to. One gentleman asked me "Are you Belizean ? " and I told him I wasn't. He told me that I could pass as a Belizean. I kind of have that look. That made me more curious to observe people and to see the different Ethnicities. 

The Global Club miniature Sandwiches 

As I waited I actually forgot about the fact that some people from BFREE were suppose to meet me. What was really on my mind was my legendary bag. After the second flight came in, I come to find out that my bag was NOT on that flight. At this point I was stressed out! They informed me that it would be in tomorrow and that I had to come in personally to the airport to claim it. At that point, What could I have done.. I had to continue on without it. I went upstairs to the cafeteria and decided to have something to eat. I looked at the menu and ordered a Global Club. It had roasted chicken breast, Ham, bacon, Cheese, Lettuce, Mayo, and tomato. It was $21.50BZ dollars which was $10.75US dollars. When I ordered the lady said to take a seat and that she will bring me my plate. 

Marie Sharp's Habanero Pepper Sauce 

At around 4pm when Lia, Baljinder, Patricia, and Dani would arrive i went outside in front of the door that Arrival come through. I stood there and waited. I knew they'd come out. Suddenly, as I'm standing there I see two men who's shirts say Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education. I had a feeling that those were the guys. This time I recognized their shirts but now that I think about it I've seen their faces walking all around the airport looking for me. Canti came up to me and asked "Are you here for BFree? " and I said yes and he told me that they've been looking for me for hours. I've been at the airport the entire time there is no other place i could have gone. But, thankfully it all worked out we finally met each other. 

I pretty much explored the entire airport 

Took advantage of the warm sun as soon as I got out 

After being together and loading the bags to the car we drive off to Cheers a restaurant located on Mile 31 and 1/4 Western Highway. This would be my first meal in Belize. I had a plate of shrimp and buttered beard with lime juice. I shared the story about my bag and already we were making arrangements about how I can get it back. After dinner, we drive to Belize Zoo. At first, I was under the impression that we would "sleep with the animals" if so call dibs to sleep with the monkeys, but it was simply a visit. I saw so many animals I learned about them and I took many pictures of them. 

After the Zoo, we went to our first guest house and the was the Savanna Guest House and that was when we called it a night. 

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow 

I was a little afraid 

Lucky Boy ! 

Baljinder's Blog:

I could hardly believe that I was actually going to Belize from the moment my airplane ticket was confirmed. When I was on the plane to the first stop in Houston, Texas I couldn't believe I was nearly there. Dani, Patricia, Professor Lia, and I were in the same flight, while Walkiria was meeting us in Belize from another flight. Walkiria got to spend a good three hours in the Phillip W. Goldson International Airport since our flight was delayed by an hour and a half. As soon as we got to Belize, approximately 4:30 pm we were escorted to our taxi by our wonderful guide, Canti. We stopped by a restaurant called Cheers, ordered our food according to our budgets. I ordered a vegetarian burrito with lime juice (my favorite).

                               

I instantly fell in love with environment, the restaurant didn't have walls as in NYC, needless because of the warm temperatures, so it was open to the outside and was very inviting.

After we finished our food we headed for the restrooms and had our first encounters with baby lizards and the stars. Afterwards we fetched our head lamps. and important tool on this trip from our luggage in the back of the taxi so that we could be prepared for the darkness and for our next stop which was the Belize Zoo.

As we entered the zoo we waited in the welcome center for our zoo guide to come. We were able to see snakes and a West Indian Manatee skeleton while waiting.  When our zoo tour guide arrived we were given a snake demonstration and were able to feel the snakes skins too. Dani, Walkira, and Patricia all put the snake around their necks, I didn't. 

We learned that the zoo only kept or took in Belizean animals that were either injured, or had a problem or caused problems.  We were all so amazed by the various animals that belonged to Belize, many that we've never heard of or seen, like the Howler Monkey. The animals were no harm or danger. 

After the guided tour of the zoo, we were off to the Savannah Guest House where we were to stay the night, owned by the Foster's, famous for their animal stories on The National Geographic's and more.