Life so far...

Everything has been so amazing here. Yesterday we toured the island and then had free time the rest of the day. First a few of us went to lunch at a little place that was delicious. I had fish, rice and beans and pasta salad. I was really surprised they had pasta salad and we also had an option to eat cole slaw as the side as well. 

Then we all came back and changed into swims suits and went to the pool. Once at the pool, Tori, Jordan, Lauren, Lizz Caitlin and I went to the beach for a while. We walked a little ways down and thought we were at the resort that was own by the owner of Pedro's but later found out it was not the right one. We also had a chance to jump into the ocean off a dock. There was also a boat that had two angry birds motors. That was definatly not something I was expecting to see.

We also saw this little seagull on one of the docks. A fisher boat came in and there were lots of seagulls that ended up in the water looking for the fish.

All the people who went to the beach came back and everyone else that stayed at the pool was getting back from dinner but the beach people decided to try a taco place for dinner. Once we got there they told us they only have tacos earlier in the day so we all had burritos. Then we just hung out for the rest of the night.

Today was a very simple day as well. We got up and Jordan, Samantha and I tried to go get fruit for breakfast but the fruit stand we wanted was closed. We went to another one instead but went back to the original one later in the day to get pineapple, which is delicious. You pick the fruit you want and then they will cut it up and put it in bags for you. I got pineapple and watermelon.

  

First we went to the high school. Everyone in Wilmington says we go to school at the beach but really the kids at San Pedro High School do. There school is literally on the beach. You can see the water in the background of the courtyard picture. There is also an ampitheter which is basically where the whole community likes to hang out. None of the students were there though because they were inland at the reginal track and field meet. Because a lot of the students are part of the track and field team, they just cancel school for the day.

Then we went to the primary school which is basically middle school and elementary school here. They  call their grades infant  1 and 2 which would be like first and second grade then standard 1-6 which would be third to sixth grade. We will find out which teacher we will be working with when we go to school on Monday. Also, the lady who owns the school is going to be feeding us lunch so that is really nice of her. The menu looks delicious with cheese dip, meat pies, fry jacks and tacos. I am really excited to be in the schools.

Once we got back, we got lunch and ate really quick. Then we all changed and Jordan, Tori, Caitlin, Elizabeth and I went to the beach for a few hours. We all took a nap then went swimming off another dock. We want to bring our mask and snorkel back out because there were tons of fish and the water was so clear. After, we have been hanging out at the pool since. It has been great so far. Tonight we will be having a dinner made at Pedro's that is going to be very good. This island is great!

Travel Day

Right now I am currently sitting outside on the porch of the third floor of our hotel. It is so nice outside. Heather. Jordan and Samantha are all sitting out here as well. It has been a long day of traveling starting at 4 this morning. 

We got to the airport around 5 and and easily checked in and went to the gate. Elizabeth, Jordan and I were all super tired and fell asleep once we got on the plane. We then arrived to Dallas and had around a 4 hour lay-over before the next flight. For our own entertainment, we rode the skylink (train that takes you around the airport to the different terminals) all the way around the airport. In case anyone is ever there, you can get from one side of the airport to the other in less than 20 minutes. 

Upon arriving in Belize we waiting a very long line in Immigration and customs. Then we had to board our teeny tiny plane to San Pedro. I was very nervous about this flight, but it ended up being super cool. We flew over the water and saw all the little islands. The people waiting for us at the other end of the flight were so friendly and asking "are you guys the teachers?" Everyone knows that we are coming and everyone will know we are the teachers after about a week of being here. 

We got to where we were staying and everyone greeted us. We brought our stuff to our room and immediatly changed and went to check out the bike we will be using for the weeks we are here. Then we joined everyone in the pizza pub and enjoyed some pizza and social time. We all came back early around 8:30 (10:30 NC time) and are all now just hanging out and unpackng and getting ready for tomorrow. 

Tomorrow we are going to be getting and meeting everyone at 9 to go to breakfast together. Then we will be touring the island. We will then have the rest of the day to enjoy and relaz. I am really excited to see what the next few days will bring!

I also have every intention of including pictures with blog posts, but that all depends on how the computer and internet want to cooperate since I can't upload pictures from a camera to my ipad. 

Pre-Departure

In less than 24 hours, I will be leaving for Belize. Yesterday we had our pre-departure meeting, learning all about what to do once we get there, divided up the supplies and got our polo shirts we will wear a few days. After, I drove home to Charlotte where I will leave from.

Today, (Tuesday), will be full of packing and making sure I have everything I need.

Tomorrow I will arrive at the airport at 5 in the morning and meeting Jordan and Elizabeth and we will begin the journey to Belize!

 I can't wait to get out of this rainy cold weather, but I am not sure I am prepared for how hot it will be!

Check back for more about my experience living, exploring and teaching in the Belize!