Update!!

Hello All! It has been awhile since I have written, mostly because it has been the same ol' same ol'. I have started coaching the softball team with Jon, and we are having a blast. They really don't understand the game, and at first it was difficult because you have to be really elementary with them...which is good, but not for the level they should be playing at. So, we are working with them, and last week they have shown some real improvements! Everyone is counting on us to coach them well because they have never really had success at TCC. First we play another high school, and depending on the result, we would move on to regionals. From there, nationals, and then we are champs...if all goes as planned of course!

The weeks have been going by extremely fast here, and I can't believe I will be coming home soon! I feel really comfortable here, and homesickness never really came to visit. Of course I miss some aspects of life in the states, but life here is much different. There is an easy-going, Belizian pace that I have come accustomed to. Everyday I catch myself saying, "I will be back, no doubt." Being here has really made me contemplate what I want to do with my life. There are so many things that need to be done here, and I feel bad leaving it all. There is a lot more to life than I thought, and over time, I have reflected more about this than anything else. Traveling is great because you get to see other cultures, hear other stories, and get a glimpse of other worlds. But, living outside the U.S. changes a perspective on some issues. Especially for Belize, because it is such a small country, you really feel part of the community and get attached to it more than you would staying for just a week. I know all this is obvious, but it feels better once you see it...realize it...do it!

One thing that I will miss here is the radio! I have listened more of one station (Love FM) than I have done anything else! It is great! I don't think I can express my love for this here, but to get a clue, I have memorized all of the commericals, PSAs, advertisements, and all else that a station would entail. Also, they have the news every few hours, so I have all the latest skinny on what is happening in Belize. Elections are coming up soon, and WOW, it is something worth seeing. Politics here is...indescribable. Everything decided in Belize depends on what side you lean on. A lot of what I am saying isn't different than the states, but like I said, because it is so small here, everyone hears about it at the same time, it affects EVERYONE, and from there...it gets deep. People will resign from positions (a.k.a. get fired) the day a different party is elected. For example, at TCC, the former principal was UDP (United Democratic Party), but once the PUP (People United Party) won last elections, that principal was demoted to head of the arts department, and this new PUP guy stepped in. Hence, why the school systems here are slowly falling further in their own crap shoot. Nothing can ever be fully decided on because, for one, if you say what side you are on, you risk your job, and every time a new party is in, they seem to change the "old" and step to the "new". Even if everything is fine! A rant...yes, but I thought you all should know the importance of it here. So, there is tons of campaigning going around between four different parties! I will let you know the results!

Lucia is coming down in March, and I cannot wait!! It will be so nice to travel (once again) with my best friend. Lu, if you are reading this, love you! So, this means I will have about two weeks in PG before she comes, and I have been deciding what to do before she comes. My initial thought, work at a local Chinese restaurant. I think it would be a trip to work down here for a bit. Plus, who couldn't use money? Anyone reading this, I am up for any suggestions!

This past week, some of us went to Placencia again, and it was great! It is nice to get out of town, especially because our rainy season seemed to greet us a little early. And it has rained!! A LOT! It makes for a really sweet jungle though!! Anyways, they have this bar/restaurant there called the Barefoot Bar. It's a great place. I have never danced so much in my life since I have been down here, and this place is one for the ages. The floor is sand, it is outside about 30 ft. from the ocean, and the "Punta" (a type of dance here) is in full swing...literally! HA! They also have the smallest street in the world. It really looks like a sidewalk, but that is what Guinness says.

On to the food! I can't remember what I have written in the past, but to sum it up, I have had:
- Iguana and their eggs
- fry jacks
- tons of rice and beans (yes!!)
- great fish (snapper, barracuda, jewfish, etc.)
- the BEST fried chicken from this ladies kitchen at like 2:00 a.m.
- powder balls
- soursop
- custard apple
- mali apple
- Turbo (look at one of the first posts) with coconut water in a coconut
- great other fruits from the farm
- great banana pudding (really just bread)
- coconut tarts
- 1 Barrel
- my families tradition foods...soups, hot breakfasts. etc.

At any rate, the food as been as much fun as the places I have eaten them!

Alright, out of thoughts for now, but some interesting things are about to hit me, so stay tuned!

night,
Eddie


haha, oh yeah, there is this loud machine attached to this truck that drives around the city pumping out this terrible gas. Turns out, it is to rid the mosquitos from attacking us, but I would rather slap my arm from a bite then smell this. Yuck!