Day 3: Good Morning from Belize (Hopkins)

After checking into my hostel yesterday, I went out to explore the town. The beach was beautiful, with clear blue calm water and palm trees lining the shore. As I sat on the beach looking out at the picturesque view, I wondered what makes people happy; truly happy. What makes me truly happy. I'm in this beautiful place and I'm wondering if anything is missing. Is it that special someone? Is it family or friends? Is it the right place? Or the wrong place? Or maybe nothing is missing at all. Traveling by myself makes me think a lot about my life. I have no one to answer to; no one to ask. But I do believe that not all who wander are lost. I feel more confident in myself and where I am in life now than I did two years ago while backpacking through Europe; and that's a good feeling.

The town of Hopkins is small,  but has the necessities; a grocery store, an ATM, restaurants, and a beach side bar. I was hoping to find a place with Garifuna Drumming, however the drummer for that night was on vacation. My dinner was still delicious though. Even though I could not find hudut - a Garifuna traditional dish with coconut and fish - I had grilled fish with coconut rice which was delicious. I might just have to come back to Hopkins after "the island".

"The Island" is what I've been calling where my aunt and uncle (Brett & Barb) have rented to stay for a few days. They graciously invited me to come and stay with them since we are coincidentally going to Belize at the same time! I'm so excited to get out of towns where I am woken before 8am. To relax on an island, read a book, take a nap, go snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing, and eat fresh seafood. There is no WiFi, TV, or Internet so I will be off the grid and back in five days with updates!

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