Jungle Love

Well, friends, as it happens often in life, what originally seems to be bad news is actually good news.

We were planning on staying in San Pedro the entire trip, but our desired hotel is only available for the first three nights of our trip. Rather than move to another hotel on the island, I did some more research on jungle lodges inland. Boy, am I glad! These lodges are rustic and located in beautiful rainforest settings. Hiking, wildlife and scenery abound! Plus, we will be very close to Mayan Ruins and cave tubing. The only drawback is that we have to rent a car and drive ourselves, but should give us more freedom.

So once again, I'll ask my faithful readers for their opinions on the following lodging options in the Cayo district of Belize:

1. Pook's Hill Jungle Lodge
The obvious choice! Located in a 300 acre private reserve bordering the Roaring River and Tapir (!) Mountain Nature Reserve. The 11 Thatched cabanas and main lodge are located in a small clearing with lawns leading to the creek and forest below.



Each private lodge is fully screened with a bathroom, ceiling fan, and hot water. The lodge has a dining room. The rate is listed at $175 but there might be specials available.

2. Caves Branch Lodge
Jungle cabanas that are fully screened with ceiling fans. Washrooms and jungle showers are located outside of the cabanas. Buffet meals and bar on site. Good ratings.




They actually have a 3-night package deal that from my initial Excel spreadsheet seems to be a good deal. Includes 2 adventures (ruins, cave tubing) plus lodging, all meals and drinks! We can consider taking a bus from the airport as well.

3. Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Nice thatched roof cabañas, which each offer a locally handcrafted custom four-poster queen sized bed and furnishings, private bath with hot water, ceiling fan, and 24-hour electricity. The Aracari Room is complimented by a sundeck overlooking the tropical flower garden and has easy access to the main dining room and lounge.



Only $95/night. Includes on-site swimming, tubing, canoeing, and hiking. Meal plans available.

4. Five Sisters Lodge
The final option is located in the scenic Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the largest protected area in Belize, boasting an immense Rain Forest and natural Wildlife Sanctuary. The Five Sisters Lodge & Tours obtained its name from the five perfectly gushing waterfalls and the numerous crystal pools that form part of this natural wonder.



It also boasts of having Belize's only hydro-powered rain forest tram! I don't know what this entails, but I like it. It's quite reasonable too, priced at $85/night. Like the other lodges, there is an optional meal plan.

Well, what do you say?!

San Pedro Accomodations

Time to plan my next adventure! I've chosen Belize -- Mayan Ruins, cave exploring, snorkeling, kayaking, and of course, lounging in a hammock!

Here are my favorite options for lodging in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye (all prices US$, do not include 19% taxes).

#1 Mayan Princess
Right in the heart of San Pedro. Each suite has a kitchenette, living area, bedroom and balcony with hammock. Free continental breakfast and shuttle service from airport. There is no pool on site, but I liked the rooms so much I included this as an option. Deals may be available below posted rates of $120/night.


#2 The Tides
This 3-story hotel is just north of San Pedro, within walking distance. The owner is a well-respected Dive Master. All rooms face the sea with A/C and fridges. There is a pool on-site and small beach with pier. Rate for a room is $95/night. Suites with 2 bedrooms and a private veranda are $205.



#3 Caribbean Villas
This is a nice hotel about 20 minutes outside of town. It has a small pool, bar and beach with pier. They offer free bike rental and pickup from the airport. It got very high ratings on TripAdvisor and looks like a good place! AND! According to the website, they are running an internet special for $40/pp/night for the lofted suite. The lofted suite has a kitchen, living room, bedroom and 20' covered veranda.




#4 Hotel Del Rio
This is a cute setup of thatched roof cabanas about 7 minutes from San Pedro. The 'Dream House' is the largest cabana, and still only listed at $105 a night (not including a posted 10% discount). There are smaller cabanas for $60/night. There is a beach with a pier, but no pool (I think).



#5 Mata Rocks Resort
This is a contemporary style hotel about 1 mile south of San Pedro. It has a nice beach, pool, bar, and hammocks. Other amenities include free breakfast, A/C, cable tv, and free use of bicycles. It has good reviews. Rates are $120/night for the smaller room. They also have some specials that might be a good deal.



What say you, reader(s)? There are a few other places but they are similar in price and amenities to those listed.

Things are going swimmingly... in Hvar

Friends, I have one final post on my trip to Croatia! And I saved the best for last!

I took a ferry from Split to Hvar Island. It was quite simply, the most beautiful place on earth. From the stone beaches on the Adriatic to the views from the hillside fort to the small town of homes with red-tiled roofs to the square with church and bell tower to the harbor promenade. I was constantly taking my camera out for more pictures. I will break tradition and show you a few of just the views.



I spent my days walking around the town, enjoying beers at cafes, hiking to the fort and swimming in the sea. Good thing I packed my snorkel set!


And that concludes my recap. I can't wait for my next adventure!
- Cedric

Let's Split for the Coast!

I left the cold rain of Plitvice and headed for the Coast! I stayed at a glamorous resort in Potsdana, a few kilometers from Split. It had gorgeous views of the Adriatic sea and the islands.


In Split, I toured Diocletian's Palace and explored the Rive. I dined on burek, fish soup and of course, prosciutto.

Back at the resort, I checked out the harbor and picked out my future yacht.


I stumbled across the hotel garden and spied some of my gnome friends!


Next up: Hvar Island!

Waterfalls and Falling Water

Greetings, friends!
I apologize for being remiss on my postings. I know you have all been waiting anxiously to hear about the rest of my adventure in Croatia.

From Croatia, I drove about two hours to Plitvice National Park. Along the way, I stopped in a little village for a breakfast of veal and coffee. I ate overlooking a little river and luscious gardens.



After fueling up, I headed off to Plitvice. I took a ferry across a small lake and then began a short hike on the plank walkways leading through the lakes and waterfalls of the park. I then took a tram to the larger lake of the park. I was just plotting out my course when the sky opened up. Unfortunately, my hat is not waterproof, so I had to skedaddle back to the car.


Next up, Split!