During the month and half that we spent in Belize, the country really began to grow on us. Underpopulated, poor, mostly uninhabited jungle habitat, with slim choices of fresh produce we were charmed. Friendly people, an incredible vast jungle eco-system, inexpensive (if not free) quality health care and delectable mangos. Additionally, we had began to settle into Placencia quite nicely due to the few cruisers that made our stay friendly and fun. Barb and Torrey, with visiting daughter Lauren on LITBE, introduced us to the funky town of Placencia, traded movies, jokes and “This American Life” NPR podcasts with us, and invited us over for many fun nights and delicious meals cooked by Barb, at the little waterfront bar Tranquilo. Art and Joan on OK FINE, joined in the fun, gave us invaluable information on Guatemala, lent us their Kayak and we all enjoyed Joan's 'Surprise' B-day party at Tranquilo.
I was relieved to have such good neighbors when Keith came down with a serious bout of Strep Throat. By the fourth day of Keith maintaining a high temperature, chills and his throat so sore he could not swallow, our cruising neighbors jumped in to help. Torrey and Barb lent me their phone so I could call my GYN (he can deliver babies, set broken bones and whatever you need) in San Pedro to ask him what kind of antibiotics to put Keith on, (in Belize you can actually REALLY call a doctor, any doctor, to ask for advice, you do not have to talk to the bitchy receptionist, make an appointment 6 weeks down the line and you do not have to be an 'established patient', doctors are actually there to help people, any people! Incredible concept) The doctor recommended CIPRO for the strep and we went to a nurse in town so she could properly diagnose the STREP and get us the antibiotics. For the phone call, the visit to the clinic and the antibiotics we paid $0. Barb brought over some Chicken Broth for Keith, along with a cooler full of ice cubes for Keith to suck on as his throat was so sore. Art and Joan brought over some vitamin drink packs so Keith could keep up his strength and a local man in town that knew Barb and Torrey offered to drive Keith, by boat, to the larger clinic the next town up if need be. I felt so much better just knowing that we were not really totally alone so far away.
Barb, Torrey and Lauren hosted a fresh baked “Cinnamon Bun” breakfast the day before we left Placencia. It was a 'good-bye' for us as well as some other cruisers that were getting ready to leave to the Rio Dulce, Guatemala. Although sad to say our farewell to our new friends, it is also great to have met new people and Placencia will always hold fond memories for us. And, in fact, we have not parted ways with everyone, Art and Joan on OK FINE also left for the Rio Dulce and we met up with them only a couple days later at Texan Bay Marina in the Rio. The adventure continues!
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