CanACT gives ‘yes mon’ nod to Belizean experience

Taking a cue from a popular Belizean exclamation, University of Guelph CanACT students would say: yes mon their first day of adventure in the Central American country was unforgettable! A glimpse into a new culture, environment and charming hospitality set the stage for a great Belizean experience.

After a 3:00 a.m. airport shuttle Monday morning (writer’s note: yes Monday, not Sunday morning as one thought), seven students and their leaders flew from Toronto through Miami to Belize City. The group will spend eight days taking in Belizean agriculture and its way of life.

From the moment their feet touched Belizean soil, the Guelph group noticed very apparent differences between the two cultures. As they rolled across country in their white Ford van, the topography covered a range of savannah, swamp, mountains and rainforest. The typical humidity was relieved by a welcome dose of torrential rain along the two-hour, eclectic drive.

After a fast-paced half day of traveling with few pit stops, the group’s first introduction to Belizean food was grabbing fresh picked bananas from a local road-side vendor – an incredible eating experience! Lunch was another treat with a stop at Cheers with a tropical twist, a quaint, open-air restaurant. The Belizean sense of humor was apparent as the Canadians learned the difference between two Caribbean staples: ‘rice and beans’ (a mixed ordeal), and ‘beans and rice’ (two distinctly separate food items).

Following a hearty lunch, a trip to the nearby Belize Zoo revealed a unique opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Toucans, howling monkeys, jaguars and anteaters roamed about in their jungle home. A particularly memorable exhibit was the tapirs a.k.a. mountain cows – Belize’s national animal. This unique relative of both horses and rhinos sprayed warm greetings/excretions at visitors that passed.

As the journey continued, a short detour to a suspension bridge had the Guelph group marveling at the beauty of the surrounding nature and river below. Finally at dusk, the group reached the San Ignacio Resort Hotel (www.sanignaciobelize.com) and cooled off in the outdoor (and naturally heated) pool onsite before finishing off with a filling dinner. Among the entrees was the Mayan steak which featured pasture-raised beef from the Hotel’s Running W Ranch – a future stop in the week. After a long day of traveling and adventure, sleep came easily.

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