Spring Break

Well, there wasn't any foam parties and I certainly didn't do any body shots, but I did enjoy my few days of semi-spring break on the beaches of Mexico, just south of Cancun in Tulum. Though I can hardly call it Spring Break since I live in a climate of perpetual summer and don't really work hard enough to earn a break, but a couple of days at the beach was pleasant none the less. Plus, you know you need a break when upon entering Mexico your first thought is one of shock at how clean, organized, and well-developed everything is.

Tulum is one of the most beautiful spots in the world, made even better by having my friend from Seattle, Jana, there to greet me as I stumbled blindly up the wide expanse of powdered sugar beach in search of a place called Playa Paradise. We quickly caught up, comparing our respective lives in Mexico and Belize and then got down to the business of sun-tanning and relaxing. Tulum is an interesting destination in that it’s caught in the middle of it's backpacker roots and the encroaching ultra-lux resorts that are creeping down from Cancun. We went the backpacker route, riding rented jalopy bikes out to the Maya ruins (they sure picked a great spot) and then scanned the streets for the best local street foods (and ice cream!). I basked in the glow of a real grocery store and mexican beer while Jana enjoyed her new found freedom as a recently graduated student (2 MA's in 3 years, way to go!).

After Tulum, we headed to Belize so that I could show Jana what a real developing country looks like.  We spent a night in Belize City, hitting up the Princess Casino, where a few dollars spent at the nickel slots gets you endless free drinks and amusing pick-up lines for hours (i.e. - could you please show me how to work this slot machine, I’m from England and they don't work like this back home).

The following two days were spent in the laid back atmosphere of San Ignacio. Ever since I arrived in Belize I have been wanting to visit a much-lauded cave, the Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Sacred Sepulcher) where hundreds of pieces of pottery and at least 12 skeletons have been preserved in the rock by calcification. After swimming and wading up the underground river, you have to literally step over the pottery and skulls as you make your way to one of the most beautiful caverns I have ever seen. Look for pics on the right --->.