Mr. Russel

  
       Today we visited Xunantunich Archaeological Reserve, the second largest Mayan Ruins.  Our morning started with a delicious breakfast at the Bull Frog.  We were adventurous with their pancakes and omelet.  The orange juice was our favorite part, because it was freshly squeezed.  They gave us soooo much food that neither of us could finish any of it.  We were served fry jacks, which are a Belizen 
pastry that is severed with breakfast. They are yummy and sweet and served maple syrup, jelly, butter, and cheese. 

L-R: Paige, Chrissy, D'Elise, Lisa

Mr. Russel

     Dr. John (our fearless UNF leader) had told us that a gentleman named Mr. Russel was going to come and drive us to the ruins which were about an hour away in San Ignacio. We were surprised when Mr. Russel arrived in a mini-van to transport all 9 of us to the ruins, but we made it work. We were able to see more of the country and admire places that other UNF students have been.

Our first stop was to the bank so that we could take out Belize Dollars.  Our currency is worth roughly twice the amount of Belize's.  Therefore, to take out $100 in US dollars you must tell the ATM that you want $200 Belize. Lisa was glad to take out money and begin to think in Belize dollars as it can become confusing when spending US dollars.  

     After our scenic ride in the tiny van, we soon arrived in San Ignacio. Upon arrival, we saw a river ferry that transports vehicles and people across the river. This was amazing to see! We also met our tour guide, who was eager to begin! Soon it was our turn to get out of the van and onto the ferry. While we were on the ferry, we saw an iguana that was resting on a tree branch. When the van drove off the boat, we all piled back in and drove up the mile long hill to Xunantunich. Before we entered the archaeological reserve, we had to purchase our tickets which were 10 Belize dollars (only 5 US dollars!).

      Our guide, Eder, provided us with an intense history of the Mayan people who live there thousands of years ago. We saw numerous ruins, including where royalty lived, where people were sacrificed, the ball court where warriors played to the death, and the giant temple. We were able to climb and explore each of these areas. The hardest of which was the giant temple.

     We tried an all spice leaf, which tasted like pepper and a small nut that the tour guide cracked open with a huge rock. The small nut tasted like a coconut. 

      Sadly, it was time to climb back down the hill where their was a small shop where we purchased water and postcards. After piling back in the tiny van and crossing the river, we headed to Hode's for lunch.


      Hode's was a beautiful outdoor restaurant where we had the best food so far. D'Elise and Lisa tried rice and beans for the first time and raved over their baked chicken and chicken burritos. D'Elise completed her meal with pineapple juice that was so refreshing! At Hode's we called the hotel to confirm that our luggage had finally arrived to the Bull Frog Inn. 

 

     Upon arrival back to the Inn, D'Elise and Lisa hugged their luggage and was finally able to unpack and settle in room 15. It had also been decided that D'Elise was the key master! This meant that wherever D'Elise went, there the key was. This was to ensure that Lisa would not lose it.  After showering and organizing their donated supplies, they settled in for the night looking forward to the first day of school.