Belize arrival

After the zoo, we hopped in the back of his pickup, and enjoyed the ride across the Belizean countryside. At that point, it had been over 10 hours since our last meal, but our guide was set on us waiting until we reached the market stalls in Belmopan. Belmopan is the capital of Belize after a hurricane trashed over 75% of the buildings in Belize City in the 60s. The "city" seemed like a half-hearted attempt never really believed in. The market was respectable, however. In Belize, the traditional meals consist of beans and rice. We came up to a stall with a woman sorting dried beans on a picnic table and ordered our meals. I had a long-simmered saucy beef dish, while Reb had the chicken. They were incredibly good. Afterwords, we collected a few limes, avocado, etc. at the other booths, and we were off.

After checking out the still, dark, stuffy bunks downstairs of the hostel, our man showed us his 3rd floor rooftop apartment with windows on all sides and gentle breezes filtering through the room with great views across the countryside. We were hooked.

The following day, we went to Xunantunich. Here we are crossing the Mopan River by hand-cranked ferry.

The brief gentle downpour gave way to an excellent day meandering among the 1500 year old ruins.

Belize, the zoo

So, we just got back from a quick trip into the belize backcountry. We were picked up by our hostel host/guide/writer/organic researcher Ray, from Falconview Hostel. Our first stop on our way was the Belize Zoo. They had a great collection of cats, and the layout of the zoo allowed much more room with a natural setting for each animal. They seemed more content than the typical zoo animals, and we thoroughly enjoyed the park.

Umm. yeah. lettin' it all hang out...

Where have you been?

That's where I've been. Didn't think a job would take over my life again, but this one is totally worth it. Sometimes I think when I return back home each day, home is the home away from home (anybody get that?). I'm the greenhouse manager (among other things) at a certified organic urban farm. We do all kinds of stuff: CSA, community gardens, u-pick crops, research and education. My passion in life has shifted here. I'll be around from time to time, but I'm a slave to my job. And I love it.

Kohlrabis for the pickin'

If you happen to know what a kohlrabi is, most likely you'll grow them for the bulb (longer storage). I grow them for the stalks and leaves. A sweet and stringy-less alternative to kale and collards. Munch 'em raw if nobody's looking, or chop and toss in stir-fry. With a little smoked bacon. Oh, yeah. That's good.

Betty

The last couple of weeks we've noticed a female turkey passing through our yards most every day. A few days ago, I even got to see her roost up in one of our pines in the backyard for the night. Well, yesterday, being on the weekend and all, she brought a date.

Whodini goes on vacation

It's not easy being the bottom of the pecking order. Constantly getting picked on by everybody is a full-time job nobody wants. So once in awhile I give Whodini a break all by herself in "The Spa". It's the perfect blend of fluffy dirt, sun, and seclusion. Who could ask for a more perfect dust bath?

Oysters and oysters and oysters and oyst...

Our last trip out before starting back to work at the farm. What a great trip. We rented a cabin on the beach and feasted. And relaxed. And rejuvenated ourselves.

p.s. A half bushel of oysters is just enough for two. Heh, heh.