2007 Daily Journal

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Our second day here in Belize! Can't believe how much we have already experienced from the sights and sounds, to the food and traditions.

The day started with a bumpy ride to Domingo Ruiz Cave deep in the jungle of the Mountain Pine Ridge. After a 30 minute hike we were rewarded with a refreshingly cool exploration of the cave. We saw stalactites and stalagmites, bats, Black Witch Moths, and blood-sucking Conenose bugs. Deep in the cave we experienced something that few people ever have the chance to experience — complete darkness and silence. It was hard to tell if your eyes were open or closed and you could not even see your hand in front of your face.

After hiking back to the bus, we discovered it was stuck in a ditch created by water runoff. It took a great deal of teamwork to collect wood, jack up the bus, push from the back and dig out the dirt from the behind with a machete before we were back on the road.

We ate lunch by Rio Frio, a tunnel carved through a mountain by a flowing river. The Maya used to celebrate special occasions at this cave, such as burials. It was thought to be a passage to the underworld.

After a very hot day, we plunged into Rio On Pool, a waterfall that we were able to use as a waterslide. We soaked, lounged, slipped and relaxed in the pool’s natural whirlpool.

The day ended with yet another great meal by Miss Lydia at Warrie Head Lodge. In the evening we were entertained by four children of Mayan and Creole descent. Two of our friends from past Institutes, Elsa Ochoa ('05) and Fernanda Pulido ('06), also joined us. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Q & A for July 25

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