Happy New Year, Happy New Year, Happy New Year

Yesterday we drove from Placencia to the island of Caye Caulker. First, it was a 3-hour car ride and then a little less than an hour by water taxi. This island was split into two parts during a hurricane in 1961: the main part has the small town, and the other part has the beaches.

Some information about Belize: Belize has only about 380,000 inhabitants and used to be called British Honduras. The official language is English - but most people also speak Spanish and Creole. Belize is a small country, but 40% of its land is covered by forests and nature reserves. Belize City is not the capital, Belmopan is. During the aforementioned hurricane in 1961, Belize City was destroyed to the point that it was decided to choose another location for the capital. Although Belize was British (and now belongs to the Commonwealth), people drive on the left side here (and not on the right). Why? Almost all cars were destroyed by the aforementioned storm. Since it was easier to get left-hand drive cars, the traffic was switched. Belize is of course in the hurricane zone, but it has been spared from further major disasters. Belize has good roads, a pretty good infrastructure, and is a safe travel destination: so it's ideal for a vacation on your own.

Now we wish everyone back home a Happy New Year.