Belize Botanical Gardens

One of our favorite places in all Belize is the Botanical Gardens. Located on the grounds of DePlooys Jungle Lodge, the Gardens is known throughout the world as one of the best. One of their highlights is the Orchid House which hold hundreds of varieties. The Gardens boasts of both native plants as well as imported from all around the world. Some of us decided to hike the Savannah area to the fire lookout while a few others meandered around the palm garden and picnic area. It was a lovely, peaceful afternoon.

 

Everyone enjoyed the Mayan House. Everything in it was made authentically in the Mayan style and out of natural materials. We were almost scared off by a hairy 4" diameter spider.. but we braved it out long enough to take a good look at all of the items in the house! :-)

Gracie and Amanda say hello to some horses. They were old acquaintances as they were the very same ones that Ryan, Ashley and Amanda took on a trail ride back in 2012 during Nana's trip to BZ

We thoroughly enjoyed talking with Willy, one of the gardeners at BBG. He has worked there for 12 years and had many stories to tell us! :-)

Mrs. R with her 2 youngest in the Orchid House

 

 

 

 

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

After the tortilla factory in Santa Elena we headed to the Mayan Ruins out near the village of Succotz...

First off, we saw these lazy Howler Monkeys in the trees.. can you spot them?

Days before our visit, they had just completed an informative museum up there at the ruins. It was very interesting to learn more about the Maya culture. Sadly, there are still many evil traditions and superstitions that the people here in Belize still hold to, stemming from these, their ancestors.

 

 

Time to start the climb! I, as usual, elected to stay down below and watch the brave and energetic climbers.. and of course I made friends down there. :-) This time with a very knowledgeable educator who runs an alternative school in Phoenix. She was a wealth of information in regard to hands on learning, unschooling and natural learning. We also spoke about how the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom and how we should be looking to him for instruction on how to teach our children. I was very blessed by that precious lady.

 

Mrs. R helps her little one up the steep rock staircase

The view is so breathtaking from up here!

Daddy and our girls head down..

As does Mr. R

Group pic!

 

Riding the ferry back over to Succotz Village on the handcrank ferry. They had upgraded ferries since our last visit. The 4 vehicle transport seems like a luxury liner compared to the 1 car ferry of old.

Rye gives it a try

So does T. What a great day at the ruins!