Week 5

Another quiet week here in Belize. The week started off really humid and hot but another "cold front" came in and made it really comfortable, especially at night.

I spent last Sunday relaxing after church.

On Monday, I had to go get my passport extension. I have to do this every month. It was a quiet day at work. Not much happening. I tried pizza for the first time since I've been here. It wasn't that bad but nothing like the abundance or quality of what I am used to from home. When I got home from work I started a workout regimen seeing as I am doing the Iron Girl and a half marathon this year.

Tuesday was another quiet day at work but Mr. Ramos (the office assistant) took me to get my package from the post office. I thought it would never get here! As soon as we got back to the office I was so excited to open it. My mom had sent the items I had asked for along with some Valentine's day goodies for the kids. My favorite thing out of the whole package was the penguin figurine with a note attached: "To help me think cooler." I have the best parents <3

Raf the Cytologist got me a chicken quesadilla from Moon Clusters along with one of the signature drinks. MMMMMM..... : )

I walked home on Tuesday and considered that my workout for the day. It took me almost 40 minutes and that was walking fast! That along with the humidity definitely felt like a workout. When I got home, I helped Terry get and do some last minute things for Dante's birthday dinner. We had pizza, sandwiches, chips and dip, and Terry's homemade ice cream cake. All of which were fabulous. I spent the remainder of the evening relaxing and watching the Olympics.

Wednesday morning was slow but in the afternoon I helped Mel (the youth clinic and education director) organize her office. For dinner that evening, I had half a burrito that was soooo filling along with a dip made of onions, cilantro, spicy ketchup and grated cheese that Terry made. (Man, I thought I was going to lose weight here!)

Thursday was a bit busier with everyone being back from a workshop. I spent most of the day helping with the International Planned Parenthood Federation yearly report. I entered statistics for some of the BFLA clinics. For lunch I went out and about with Patricia. We went to a place called 'Courts' which is a furniture/appliance store. It was interesting to see how expensive T.V.s are here compared to the US. We caught a cab from the store to the downtown area (near my house). The cab only cost us $7 B which I was in awe about. You can barely sit in a cab in the US for $3.50 let alone get a ride so far.

We went to lunch at this nice sandwich/wrap/panini place in the downtown plaza. I got a roast beef panini and it was delicious. It had garlic butter on it which reminded me of my favorite sandwich from the Downtown Deli in Cortland. It only cost us $6 B (3 US!) to get back to the BFLA (crazy!).

When we got back to the BFLA, I helped out in the cytology lab and continued to work on the IPPF report. Raf brought me a double-shot choli (double shot of espresso with ice cream and cinnamon) MMMMMMM. I expect nothing less from Moon Clusters and I can say that I am addicted!

Friday was a busy day. In the morning I went to a local clinic on the southside with Nurse Suzette to run a clinic. She would be giving pap smears and drawing blood to test for HIV. I handled the paperwork and passed out pamphlets and condoms in the waiting room. While at the clinic I could smell wood burning outside and it reminded me so much of camping at home!

It was interesting to see how Belizians act towards one another. Women who would come into the clinic and not know each other would pick up a conversation. One young lady came in with 5 children. When she went into the exam room, she gave the baby to the oldest daughter. The baby started crying and the little girl couldn't get him to stop. Another woman sitting in the waiting room took the baby and cradled him. I would never see that back home.

For lunch I tried a 'fish burger' which was just a fish sandwich from the chinese restaurant. It was pretty good. The remainder of the afternoon was spent finishing up the IPPF report.

Came home and relaxed for a bit before heading to D'Ceviche Hut with Alberto and Terry. I am addicted to ceviche too and I think it will be a once a week activity. The picture above is me at the D'Ceviche hut and for the first time I ate a whole one to myself : ) When we got home we watched the movie 'Daybreakers.' It is a vampire flick and started off slow but it turned out to be an okay movie.

Sleeping in on Saturday felt great! I took my time in the morning and got dressed to go out and walk around for a bit. I first stopped at the salon where I get my pedicures. I had to return the flip flops she lent me last week. I also put money on the cell phone I have here because every so often they have a double/triple day so for $25 US I got $150 B added to my phone! That should last me a little while. While I was out I figured I HAD to stop at Moon Clusters to get my fill. Raf was there and brought me across the street to his wife's salon so I could meet her. They are such a nice couple. On my way back towards home, I stopped in a lot of the stores on the way. I bought some nice long skirts that I can wear to work when it starts to get really hot out, along with sandals and a nice tank top shirt. You'd be surprised how cheap things are here along with being able to talk some shop owners down. My sandals were the last thing I bought and they were priced at $15 B. The place did not take cards and the only cash/change I had left was about $14.45 B. Needless to say she took that and I had myself a new pair of gold sandals : )

When I got home, Terry and I ordered lunch from 'The Celebrity,' a restaurant located sea side that has $10 takeout meals. The meals can feed 3 people so we ordered and brought it over to her mom's house. It was pasta and chicken that was delicious. It almost seems that everything I talk about is the food I consume here haha. When we got back home, I had a bad headache so I layed down for a bit. I ended up falling asleep for almost 2 hours! It was the greatest nap I have had in a while and I really miss those days of being able to do that. Relaxed for the evening while trying to be productive.

I am looking forward to Marielle's visit so that I have someone to go out and explore more of Belize with : )

I love you and miss you all. Wish you were here instead of stuck in the blustery North <3