The highlights from our trip to the island included a SCUBA/snorkeling trip where we saw sharks, turtles, colorful fish, and a manta ray, watching the infinite number of stars each night as the wind blew hard (sometimes with rain), a bonfire on the beach, in addition to a great discussion of the course material with a group of incredibly dedicated students who managed to not let the view of the Caribbean distract them. The island has well documented eco-guidelines for anyone who develops property on the island. Property owners must use renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, have compostable toilets only, and must seek permission before removing any tree or bush. One interesting guideline was putting kayaks, canoes, etc. away from the shore as well to not interfere with turtles laying their eggs in the sand. There are a few others, and it's clear that all of the guidelines are not followed all the time, but it's definitely a worthwhile start.
We've had such fantastic hosts throughout our trip to Belize. On the island, we've had our host and chef Jennifer, our dive guide and Belizean expert who serenaded us at the bonfire, Mr. Reed, our captain and dive master Mr. Ish, and F (which stands for all things that F stands for), who was the first mate who helped with just about everything including making us laugh and starting the bonfire. We were fairly packed into our accommodations at Calypso Beach Retreat (www.calypsobeachretreat.com), which we knew going into it. We had a few visitors that were unexpected in the Noseeum's, bugs that gave some gifts to a number of the students as going away presents. All in all, it's hard to complain when you are 30 yards from some of the most beautiful water in the world, and a sting ray, octopus and glowing fish were spotted from our pier.
We leave in about two hours and will arrive in Belize City to wrap up what has been an amazing adventure, one in which we hope continues in different forms for years to come.
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