We're still here....



Get a load of this...

January 13, 2011

I had a pretty good birthday yesterday.  Lots more excitement in the village of Placencia.

On Tuesday night after I posted my last blog and shut down the computer and while the computer was shutting down I went to the bathroom and upon my return a teenage boy had my laptop in hands.  As I yelled at him he looked at me and bolted.  I ran after him yelling from the top of my lungs.  By the time I got around the other side of the cabana he was gone.

While this is a most unfortunate incident I don't want my readers to get alarmed.  I've been in contact with my insurance agent at State Farm and so I will let you all know if they're like the advertisement, "like a good neighbor, State Farm is there". 

And so I realize I have a lot of catching up to do.  I've had multiple business people in the village let me use their computers to enter information.  And frankly, I haven't had the time to get the video downloaded to the site.

That doesn't mean we aren't enjoying the village.  As stated previously we're staying at Julia and Lawrence Guest House in a room that has a shared kitchen.  So far we've had some Floridians, Danish and now the Italians.  In fact, tonight the Italian guys are preparing spaghetti for us all.

So while I'm unable at the moment to provide you with video footage I'll let your imagination run wild with the fact that our gentlemen neighbors are two very handsome Italian gardeners cooking a wonderful meal with all fresh vegetables!

January 14, 2011

Getting back to the rest of the story.... I got the camera out yesterday and took some landmark shots.l  As I passed by the soccer field it just happened to be a field day for the kids.



I used up my battery before returning and wanted to get some shots of one particular dive shop.  On my birthday night Linda and I went over to Tipsy Tuna's, a sea side bar where drumming was taking place.  Two drummers, three women singers and seven children were dancing.  The kids were delightful.  When they took a break three of the children put on traditional costumes and danced their dance.  When they began each child took a turn out on the dance floor.  They were amazing.  They're age range was between 7 and maybe 12 years of age.  I noticed how one of the women singing coaxed the little one along.  This tradition of drumming, singing, dancing is taught to the young by their parents.  Unfortunately the lighting was very dim and I was unable to catch this portion on video.

I plan on getting more shots of the school today as I'm curious about the education.  I know that public education ends at age 14 I believe and from there it's the parents responsibility monetarily for the rest.  I've talked to quite a few kids and asked what they're favorite subject is and a majority indicate Math.

I want to also speak about an amazing woman I met at the dive shop but will reserve that story for the next entry as my time is running short here at the Boson's Chair.

Yesterday, January 13th, Linda's friend Estilita came to Placencia to sell her crafts and she stopped by our place for a visit.  I had given her kids three harmonicas with the thought in mind the gift of music.  I was unable to get footage of the kids playing around with the instruments as our bus came early.  However, I did ask her if the children were playing with these mouth harps and she said, "oh yes, Kendric the middle son was the leader and the other two had their various parts.  Even Mom and Dad have been playing them as well.

This morning I got some fantastic pictures, I went down to the school and had the privilege of speaking with the second grade class in Placencia.  They greated me with open arms.  I brought my pictures of around my place and the snow mermaid, and tried to explain how cold it is in MN right now.  And then let it open to questions.  The questions were a range from how cold does it need to be to have snow to why do you have such a long braid?  Afterward the class sang not one but two songs for me.

I can tell you this in regard to the sand fleas...watch out!  They infect me as bad as mosquitoes.  The Gold Bond anti itch cream works pretty good or there's another cream they use down here called Jungle cream and that also does the job.

Along with that little problem my eye has been tearing since before I left on my trip however, locals suggested using some brown sugar and water.  So I started applying that and by golly, I believe it's working.

I make mention of this because there are many different herbal remedies available that may take a little longer in the healing process but are indeed quite effective.

And finally, I got a replacement to my stolen computer and am on my way once again.

And so, we may head to Caye Caulker tomorrow or we may stay.  I'll keep you all posted though!

Peace out for now!