Belize and People

When I started my trip in Guatemala not too long ago, I could not have foreseen what a life changer it would be. I remember writing in my blog in Xela that traveling this time feels different. So I had a hunch. But I had no idea how, where and for what reason my life would change.

Of course my life hasn’t changed all that dramatically. But I have. I’ve learned so much more about myself, about life, about people. And however amazing the countries and places I have been to have been, they do not compare to the people I have had the privilege to get to know.

Last time I updated my blog I was diving in Utila. Since then I have traveled through Honduras, small piece of Guatemala again, and Belize all the way to San Pedro. Since then I have also left Belize, but let’s linger there for a moment.

I decided to couchsurf in San Pedro instead of staying in a hostel. Best decision I have made so far. I stayed with Bruce, awesome and unique American retiree. What’s so awesome about Bruce, you might ask. What is not, will I respond. He is just something different! So much fun, great sense of humor, and a huge hockey fan! He knows so many people on the island, introduced me to bunch of them and I ended up having the time of my life. How many times you get invited to go sailing in the Caribbean with bunch of awesome people? (okay, happened in Egypt, but still. And yes, I know Egypt is not in the Caribbean).

I met a group of girls from Canada doing their teacher practicum in San Pedro. These girls reminded me again that every single day should be the best day of my life. Every day counts, so live it to the fullest. So many laughs, so many good jokes, so many good songs, good times, and of course, night swims. Oh girls, how I miss you!

After five fully lived days in San Pedro I continued my way to Mexico and found myself in Playa del Carmen, again couchsurfing with Xavi, a Mexican guy who lives with friends and animals (two dogs, four cats). After two days in Playa, I hopped in a bus again and ended up in Isla Mujeres.

What can I say? Traveling is my life. Not knowing where I will be tomorrow, or even tonight, is exciting. When people hear that I travel alone, they usually ask me two questions: don’t you get lonely or aren’t you scared? But how could I be lonely when I meet so many new people every day? Or scared: Why would I be? What should I be afraid of here? Even though I do crazy things sometimes, I’m not stupid. And besides, I could get robbed or molested in Finland too. It’s not about where you are, it’s about how you deal with where you are.

My life is right now, at this second; not tomorrow. My dream is to live my life today. And I do.

What do you do?

Scuba Fun in the Caribbean

I open my eyes and see the bluest of all blues around me. I see corals and fish, eagle ray and shrimps. The sea is filled with life.

I’m diving in Utila, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras. Or I was diving. I spent nine days in Utila, enjoying a relaxed and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle with no worries in the world. Even the lack of working internet didn’t bother me. I was able to check my e-mail every now and then, and it was enough.

What can I say about diving? I feel like I’m drugged. The underwater world has bewitched me. I always knew I wanted to be certified as a diver, but never could imagine how it would be like. You always hear people praising diving and telling cool stories and you think it just can’t be that cool. Well you know what: it isn’t. It’s way cooler!

I completed PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water courses. I’m now certified to dive to 30 meters.

Nine days and 13 dives. I did my deep 30 meter dive on a ship wreck. Absolutely amazing. I got to do a night dive during full moon; even more amazing. The nightlife in the sea is quite different. And as my last dive I was cave diving: can’t really decide which of these was most fun.

But diving is not just about diving. It’s also about meeting new people and making new friends. Divers are very laid-back people, they have very mellow rhythm of life. All divers seem to be getting along great, having fun under the surface and enjoying the night together after diving.

Unfortunately my time in paradise had to end sometime. I’m currently on my way to San Pedro, Belize. I’m spending the night in Omoa, a small Honduran town close to Guatemalan border. I was very happy to notice that after speaking only English in Utila, my Spanish has not disappeared. I was able to have a full conversation with a local guy while having dinner. And I think this town doesn’t see many Western girls traveling alone, since I was greeted with a lot of interest.

Apparently it’s common for older, married men to invite themselves to the same table. Oh well, even though it was little bit uncomfortable to eat my grilled fish when some stranger was staring at me all the time, I managed. The conversation was interesting though, although it took me five times to explain that Finland is not a neighboring country to China.

I have so many great stories that I would love to share with you, but I’m just way too exhausted. Have to hit the bed to be able to continue my travels again tomorrow. Maybe next time.

"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."

- Jacques Cousteau