Sunday, May 30, 2010

Ya Betta Belize It



(photo credit: Laura Wolfe)
Upon arriving to San Pedro, Belize, we were escorted to a private ferry from Matachica Resort and transported to the island of Ambergris Caye. When we stepped on the ferry we were asked whether we preferred wine, beer, champagne, or a mixed drink. The 4 of us (me, Ryan, and his parents) immediately said "champagne" in unison. As soon as we stepped into Matachica Hotel, we were handed our glasses of champagne. The water was a beautiful crystal clear aquamarine. It was a scene out of Couples Retreat. (see above photo). Belize was nothing I expected, and in the best way possible. English is the primary language there, but some speak a English dialect called Creole, and there's some Spanish there. The country was extremely colorful for its size. Lots of African American people, some Asian influence, lots of reggae, and quite a bit of conch dishes. The main town on the coast (San Pedro) was bustling with golf carts and locals trying to make a buck with their jewelry-selling, or just living a laid back life while looking out at the beautiful ocean.

The Blue Hole was something to experience, we'll say. Hitting the #9 best diving spot in the entire world, this diving spot contained the largest fish in the Caribbean sea and was inhabited
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by sharks. Although it appears there is land outlining the hole, it's just the reef and the sandy ledges. On the inside of the Blue Hole, there are layers of 8-10 ft sharks and at 140 ft, we were able to see the stalactite formations. It looked like a reflection from a ceiling, but that could have been the nitrogen narcosis. One thing I will say is it's definitely not a Blue Hole. It's a black hole, and I wouldn't recommend it for beginner divers.

We ate delicious food at Matachica Resort and at a place called Red Ginger in San Pedro.
I have videos that I will post later.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Blogging in LA 5/15/10

Little kids. What is with little children and there constant need to make unnecessary noises? While waiting to board my plane at LAX, 3 young children surrounded me. What sounded to be a horribly tuned choir, there were 3 kids “humming.” My mother informed me this is their way of entertaining themselves. Children are such a strange species. I mean, what if we all just busted out singing in the airport? What kind of world would we be living in? A really, really annoying one. Anyway, I feel there’d be a more efficient way of entertaining oneself. Take listening to music for one. Read a book maybe? Oh wait, they’re like 3 year old. I’ve made my point.

The Hills. Something about girls bitching at each other and sisters and brothers hating each other sucks you in. And it doesn’t really leave a happy feeling inside for either party. What is it with fake celebrities like Heidi Montag? Not to mention her psycho husband, Spencer. She lives a life of glamour and well…plastic glee. In a recent episode, Heidi flies to Colorado to visit her mother for the first time after her 34,678 plastic surgeries she received in one day. Her mother was evidently upset (no, really?) and Heidi expected her to greet her with open arms. So guess what we got? We got a really dramatic and entertaining episode of The Hills. I think it’s a bit much to go through a bunch of surgeries like she did and not even mention it to her own mother. On top of that, to expect her mother to be pleased with her MJ-esque transformation.

Sisters. Can’t do with ‘em, can’t do without. No, but really. A partner to keep you entertained mid flight via trivia games on the iPhone, as well as someone to shop with. A sister is someone you can make fun of and still be really close to! A novel idea. After a weekend trip to Los Angeles with the family, it’s only natural to do the same things as your sister. You can either take naps and be boring (mom and dad), sit around drink beer and talk about music (brothers), or go get Pinkberry, shop around and be given a full-on explanation of everything that Mac Paint Pots can do for you. Thanks, Maddy. I’ve been enlightened.

Countries. One thing I’d love to do in this lifetime is visit as many countries as physically and financially possible. Also, to learn as many languages as possible. I was recently asked if I considered myself a linguist. I thought to myself (after I chuckled) and said, “you know, YEAH.” Even though I’m not, that would be really cool to know lots of languages. Language. I see it as a secret code of extremely different cultures and exciting places. Anyway, back to countries—I played some trivia games that involved thinking of every country in the world. We came up with 75 out of 190. So, go me? I’ve got to get on top of that. GrrrrAAAUUU. P.S. There IS a country named Djibouti. You’re welcome.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Los Angeles

So, here I am at the Belamar Hotel in Manhattan Beach, which is pretty much Los Angeles. 6 hours of flight time and quite a bit of stress later, we arrived and headed straight to the USC Kappa Sig house. We had drinks and had dinner and listened to each of the seniors make a toast. It was bitter sweet and it made me realize I need to really and truly enjoy every minute of college I have, because it's already half over. That hurts to say.

Graduation. So my older brother Matt graduated and received his Bachelor of Science Degree for Music Industry. There were about 45 other undergrads receiving the same degree and there was a lot of excitement in the air. Graduation is such a big deal. Family and friends fly in from all over the world. It's an exciting step in a person's life. The completion of 4 years in higher education. I don't know where I'm going with this. But congrats, Matthew!

Weather. It's absolutely perfect here. Sunny and low 70s. I hear it's not so perfect elsewhere....summer starting out with rain and temperatures in the 50s over in Oklahoma? Sucks.

This Summer. I will be visiting quite a few countries this summer, so I will be posting about each place I visit. First, I will be headed to my favorite place: Akumal, Mexico. Where I can pack all of my worries and stress in a box and leave it at home. Upon arriving, I can just smell the relaxation and good memories that I have had there. Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend and his family, I've been fortunate enough to have stayed there 9 times. 9 times!! Akumal is a place of beauty and character. It's not your run-of-the-mill stay in Mexico. It's old Mexico resort feel, the most gorgeous beach ever, clear waters, delicious food, friendly people, and fun things to do. Did I mention i love Akumal?

Anyway, best of luck to anyone who's still taking finals. I wish everyone a happy and worry free summer :) Stay in tune, I will be updating much more frequently