don't leave me tropical thunder

I know some of you may have forgotten that i even know how to write anymore... but thank you for bearing with me and my continued non blogging rut. just so you know, it's definitely not due to a lack of inspiration, more of a lack of taking pictures and the write up and the recipe ... maybe just blogging in general for the time being. i must confess though, you all have provided inspiration enough and i have been secretly and quietly visiting your blogs, just don't have it in me to comment or say a congratulatory thanks or show some excitement and gratitude... forgive me fellow bloggers and readers.

Well, recently, i went on an amazing trip to Belize. there is SO much i want to say but i feel that no matter what i say, it could not do justice to the beautiful people and country. it's a tiny little country but the food and the people and the views make up for its demure size. if there is only one reason to visit, i would have to say go and see the gorgeous people... they are of mixed cultures and ancestry... indians, natives, caribbean, african, chinese, lebanese. so much intermingling to produce one of the world's most beautiful population. and not just beautiful from the outside. they are some of the most hospitable and endearing individuals you will come across.

We stayed in a rented condo beachside on the island of San Pedro... remember that old Madonna song... 'La Isla Bonita'... this is the island she was on when that song was written. i so know why she dedicated an entire track to this island. it is just love love love. serious island lovin....

The food is as varied as the people, i thought i may have a hard time finding vegetarian food, but even in the most remote areas, it was not an issue .... they are used to having backpackers and the like - vegetarian and vegan dropping by as well as the island's large Rasta population which are predominantly vegetarian as well. On a sidenote... i fell in love with a gorgeous young Rasta street side fruit vendor selling this fruit that looked like chestnuts... something called boucanaboi... maybe Cynthia may know the correct spelling... he was sweet enough to cross the busy street to sell us some delicious fresh green coconuts. he macheted off the tops and inserted a straw and gave us each one. it was perfect in the hot afternoon sun.

of course, i must mention the delicious Marie's hot sauces and the tasty cold Belikin beers which are made on the island and sold there exclusively, that we assuredly indulged in much too often.

there is a lot more to write about my fabulous trip, but for now i leave you with the photos of the beach and the fruit... i DID shoot a photo of the handsome Rasta boy, but my cousin lost the SD card.... still so UPSET about that!!!!

Oh, and did i mention that you are allowed to drink at the tiny little airport while waiting for your plane, on your plane and in vehicles?! more reason to pack it up and MOVE....



boucanboi - this is fruit which resembles a chestnut... it needs to be peeled and then you eat the inside which is very fibrous...



look at him go!! this was a view from a treehouse bar which had the most amazing food...



one of the main shopping streets on San Pedro island.... only golf carts and private taxis are allowed i believe...



view from the condo... imagine being lucky enough to wake up to that every morning!!!


Listening to: Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita' of course... going to follow it up with Beenie Man....good times, good times...