We had a long, exhausting and completely fabulous day yesterday. It started early — 6:00 a.m. alarm so we could have breakfast and be on the dock at 7:00 for our taxi into town. We caught the 8:00 a.m. flight to Belize City, where we were picked up by John, our driver and guide for the day.
It was a little rainy when we first got to the zoo, but that worked out fine as it seemed to keep other visitors away. For the most part, we had the whole place to ourselves. First up, the boys look for some snakes in their cages (they were well-camouflaged).
Next up a much cuter animal — a red brocket deer.
Ezra was quite taken with him.
After that we saw the national animal of Belize — the tapir. Here’s the momma and baby.
Here are some more of my favorite animals. The collared aracari looked like a miniature toucan.
The margay was adorable and seemed like a very cool house cat.
Puma!
Scarlet macaw — this one took an almond from us and held it in its claw to eat.
Finn really liked this little guy called Coatimundi or “Quash” as a nickname.
We were all taken with the harpy eagle. Unfortunately, my pictures don’t really do it justice.
We also saw spider monkeys, howler monkeys, grison, boars, parrots, owls and several other birds.
The highlight of the day for me was when Ezra decided he wanted to hold the boa constrictor. He is much, much braver than I!
He really seemed fascinated and not at all scared of the snake.
Until it started to get a little fresh, and then he was ready for Papa to take it.
Bruce also took a turn as snake charmer. I like how he’s watching it very closely out of the corner of his eye here.
After the zoo we had a nice lunch on the large patio of a restaurant near the zoo called Amigos.
The boys took a snooze in the van as we drove around Belize. (Truth be told, at one time or another everyone fell asleep in the van except Jamma and, thankfully, John.)
We also went to the Museum of Belize, which is housed in what used to be the jail.
It’s a very interesting place — I liked the Mayan tomb and the Mayan artifacts the best.
Although the stamp room (which was air conditioned, unlike the rest of the museum) was also quite nice!
Ezra and Finn enjoyed the insect room. Here’s Ezra checking out some bugs.
After that we went grocery shopping at the main supermarket in Belize City and then flew home to San Pedro and caught a taxi to our house. Dinner and showers and then everyone collapsed. Great day!
Jamma
I am so glad to have these pictures for when I am in the nursing home, and I show them to the attendants day after day, saying this is my Ezra holding the boa, isn’t he just the bravest boy you ever saw. I may have to buy a house down here yet, looking at how much fun we always have.
Kathy Carpenter
Jamma – I have the perfect house for you. Very similar to the one you are staying in now! Heh.
Christy
I have to say … I think Kathy has a good point.