By respecting nature and animals, we respect ourselves. We are just another species in a world full of the living, except we should have the capacity to make better decisions regarding our environment. Sadly, the decisions many are making are damaging our ecosystem. The further we harm our natural ecosystem, the more harm we our doing to the human race. Nature not only holds the key to keeping our world in balance ecologically, but it also provides balance to our lives by promoting wellness and cures to our ailments. Responsible travel and responsible living in general cannot be stressed enough!

‘Watu di video’ This video has been release for the first time and is dedicated to both Andy Palacio and Dana Martinez (both deceased). Andy and Dana will always be remembered not only as a Garifuna who loved their culture, but also as Belizean who loved everyone.

Tomorrow, November 19th is Garifuna Settlement day in Belize; festivities are celebrating all over the country but most popular in the south since most of our Garifuna people are situated there. This incredible day was founded in 1941 by Thomas Vincent Ramos and was established a National holiday in 1943.

Cut the onions, pepper, garlic and ginger roughly before putting in the food processor
Then add the dry herbs and spices, the lime-juice and the rum. Blend the mixture on full speed and add as much olive oil as needed to give it a smooth texture.
Rub the chicken pieces with the jerk seasoning and allow marinating several hours (overnight is best)

Belize’s geography, economy and society fostered a sense of interdependence and the need to work together as opposed to the more rigidly divided racial and class structures common to other colonies in the region. People of different backgrounds have always associated freely in Belize and often intermarry, resulting in a naturally diverse and harmonious culture. Belize is the only Central American country having English as the official language, but many people speak Spanish as well, and almost everyone speaks at least a bit of Creole (known as Belize Kriol).

By Lorenzo Gonzalez
All and every Saturdays, in western Belize, residents of the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town and villagers from all over the Cayo District come to San Ignacio to sell their local produce.
There you can witness a wide array of different foods, fruits and vegetables and many miscellaneous items. Villagers start setting up their stalls from early morning and at the crack of dawn the market place comes alive with many people buying, trading and conversing amongst …

“Belize is at once Caribbean and Central American. To Belizeans, this is not a contradiction but an affirmation that goes to the heart of their national identity and shared aspirations.” – Americas Magazine
Travelers to Belize quickly discover what makes Belize unique. It is the friendly people. Colorful personalities with an array of traditions and customs representing over ten diverse cultures make the Belizean people the country’s greatest resource and stewards of Belize’s tourism. Comprised of the Maya, Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, …

The epic story of the Garifuna begins in the early 1600’s on the Carribean island of St Vincent when West African slaves were brought on the island by the Spanish. The slaves who survived found shelter in the existing Carib Indians settlements and over the next century the two groups intermarried and eventually fused into a single culture, creating the Black Caribs or Garinagu culture, commonly referred to as Garifuna. Over the next 100 years, broken treaties, defeat and conflicts defined the beginnings of the Garifuna culture. The Garifuna were shipped from St Vincent to Roatan, Honduras, where barely 200 Garifuna survived to make the landing. Unfortunately, a civil rebellion forced many Garifuna to flee north to the shores of Belize. On November 19th, 1832, a large group of Garifuna landed on the coast of Belize at what is now considered one of the most important Garifuna settlements in the Caribbean. The site of their historic landing is the town of Dangriga which means “sweet running water” in Garifuna language. Garifuna Settlement Day is now celebrated annually on the 19th day of November to honor the arrival of Garifuna to the shores of Belize.

Under a full moon in Belize, Andrew partakes in a sambai, or fertility dance, with the natives of the region. Watch the full video:

There is a surprise around every corner in Belize; and guests at Chaa Creek and other area lodges may not know it, but one of the world’s strangest, most unique art galleries is only a short drive away, a few clicks south of Benque Viejo on the Hyrdo Road.

Maya Civilization
Archaeologists estimate that at their peak, 1 to 2 million Mayans lived within the borders of present day Belize. Mighty Maya cities such as Caracol, Xunantunich and Lamanai dotted the landscape, with small agricultural communities farming the land between. The Maya civilization is divided into the Pre-Classic (1000 BC to AD 300), the Classic (AD 300 to 900) when the civilization reached its height of development, and the Post-Classic (AD 1000 to 1500) when the civilization fell apart and …

This was our first trip to Belize, and we wanted to experience both the jungle/inland culture as well as the ocean scene. I’m very glad we picked Chaa Creek for our stay on the mainland!
We were picked up at the airport & driven the 2 hour trip to the resort by private transport, which after a long day traveling was quite appreciated. It was nice to have a knowledgeble & friendly driver telling us about the countryside during our ride.
Our …