Day 5: Thursday, May 7. Belize City, Belize.

Today we spent our time exploring Belize. It was amazing. We tendered to the shore in the morning (same thing we had to do at Grand Cayman), then found a tour that sparked our interest – a city tour of Belize and a trip to the Mayan ruins. Luckily it was a really overcast day, but it was still very muggy and humid. We loaded into another rundown tour van, but this time we got one with a working air conditioner. As we drove through the city streets, it gave me a greater appreciation for the U.S. and the comfortable lifestyle we have. There were stray dogs roaming the streets, crumbling houses, and front yards full of rusted, broken cars. We passed by schools that looked more like prisons and the richer areas that looked more like the Bronx.

Taiwan Embassy - just for you Taylor & Gordon!

Did I mention the rusty car parking lots?

Not quite what I'd expect a laundromat/grocery store to look like...

Don't really know what this guy's job is.

Street performer with freaky face paint

It was about an hour long car ride out to the ruins. It was pretty awesome to see such ancient structures and learn about the Mayan culture. We walked around the ruins for a while, bought some souvenirs, then got in the van and headed back into the city.

That's me at the top!

We got really thirsty so we couldn't resist an ice cold Sprite and Fanta.

Views from the ship as we left Belize

We got back onto the ship and got ready for another enthralling dinner with our table pals. A magician came over to our table and performed a few tricks for us. He did this one where he had a red sponge ball (like a clown’s nose) that he put in my hand and told me to squeeze my fist tight around it. He did his magic, said “Abracadabra”, I opened my hand and there were TWO sponge balls! I still have no idea how he did it. He also kept calling Jared “Jerry”. Apparently that happens a lot to him. I couldn’t help but laugh.

It was one of the 'formal' nights for dinner...lookin' good

We wandered around the deck after dinner and watched the sun set over the ocean.

Towel animal of the day: KOALA BEAR!