Belize’s streets are full of people selling fruit, fresh fish, crafts, and so much more. Here are some colorful characters I met while traversing small towns in northern Belize.
Caye Caulker is a chilled-out, relaxing caye one mile west of the Belize barrier reef. Only 5 miles long with a population of about 1,300, this island is a blend of several distinct cultures, including the Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonite. “Cay Corker”, as it was spelled on early British maps, was known for its supply of fresh water, and it was where sailors could replenish and cork up water bottles. The Spanish call it Cayo Hicaco, which means “island of the cocoplum”. It is known for its fishing industry (especially lobster) and also for its tradition of ship-building. This picture shows a typical flat fishing boat, which can be pushed/pulled with a large rod or stick in the shallow waters. As they say on the island, “No Shoes, No shirt, No Problem!”
I started out the day early (had to wake at 5am and be on the boat dock by 5:45am). Here’s me looking not so lovely at that dastardly hour of the morn. I seem to have good luck wearing skirts while fishing. Works like a charm. Our guide’s name was Omar, and he was a pro at finding good spots for us to fish. But first we had to go get our bait. No ordering from a bait shop here. We headed out to a certain section of water to cast for sardines, which we caught and later used as bait for the bigger fish. Our goal was tarpon, but we didn’t catch any of those. Even though we spotted many, they were quite elusive. I did catch a barracuda! Nice teeth! The one I caught was only about 1.5 feet, but a guy on our boat caught a four-footer.
I cannot explain in words how beautiful this water is. Hopefully my photos can!
