July 27, 2005 • Tropical Ecology Institute • NC Museum of Natural Sciences

A warm breeze from the Caribbean Sea mixed with the smell of strong coffee and fry jacks (deep fried tortilla dough) greeted us on our last morning in Belize. After our early morning beach combing, bird watching and yoga session, the group gathered for our last meal together. We began with an animated reminiscence on the final presentations of the night before including a two-hour drumming and dance lesson from a local Garifuna group. This local band, Lumalali Beidi, included two Belizean teachers. After seeing their energetic instruction in traditional and modern Garifuna dance, we would love to see them in action in the classroom.

After finishing our hearty tropical breakfast, our thoughts turned to the many goodbyes we would need to say today. As a special tribute to the group, Elsa read a Creole poem in English and Creole on the unique blending of cultures in Belize. Then with tears in our eyes we listened as Germaine and Elsa sang a traditional parting song in Spanish; Entre Tus Manos. With additional farewells to the helpful and supportive staff at Kitty's we gathered our belongings for the long journey home.

From Kitty's we walked the several hundred yards to the Placencia Airport enjoying once more the vivid colors of tropical flowers and butterflies. Our skin glistening beneath the tropical sun, we arrived at the airport. Ensconced in the air-conditioned waiting room with the TV blaring CNN, we slowly transition back to our lives in the United States. Ten hours later at 10:30 p.m. EST we arrived with our luggage to an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends, all eagerly waiting to hear the details of our adventures!