I absolutely love to travel. Yes, I dislike the lugging of bags, time changes, airport hassles and all that but I adore being in new places and seeing life in a completely different way. So, for my 40th birthday, I knew that I wanted to do something special. I took my youngest son with me on an adventure to Belize.
I had heard about Blancaneaux Lodge years ago and have always wanted to go. It's a mountain lodge in the pine forest of Belize that is owned by Francis Ford Coppola. It's a wonderful place. The staff is incredible as is the food and wine. The vegetables all come from their own organic garden at the lodge. The eggs are fresh and the fish all comes from the coast. It'll satisfy the foodie travelers for sure. The lodge itself is really pretty as well. I would describe it as eco-luxury or kind of rustic luxury. If that sounds good, then I highly recommend it.
Our room had its own little pool. All of our soap was handmade locally and smelled wonderful. Taking a shower under the stars is amazing! It took me 4 days to convince my 5 year old to do it but then loved it! (we had an indoor one too)
The rooms did not have AC but the nights were pretty cool so it wasn't bad at all. Every morning they brought Finnian fresh squeezed orange juice and me coffee. It was a perfect way to wake up.
The trip almost didn't happen. Finnian was super sick right up until the time we left. It was touch and go whether or not we could even go. We finally got an antibiotic shot and an ok from the doc and, nervously, headed out. It was stressful at first but we managed to settle down, his fever broke and we started to have some fun. Finn discovered horseback riding and fell in love with it and all the horses at Blancaneax - especially Sunny. We celebrated my birthday with one of the best chocolate cakes I've had and a great bottle of Coppola's Claret (Finn had a sprite).
We climbed the Mayan ruins at Caracol.
Saw lots and lots of interesting (and big) bugs...
Belize is butterfly heaven! They are everywhere!
We swam in waterfall pools.
and toured the mountain reserve and pine forests.
We even went through a hurricane! When I got home, my husband said, "well you wanted something memorable!". I did and it was. I kept telling Finn thank you. I think he got it too, because he would stop and turn on these soulful little eyes and say it right back.
If you like, you can check out a few more images from the trip on my Flickr page.
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Laura Phillips says:
OMG Farrah...how awesome... I couldn't believe it when you posted the link on FB because Jeff and I are going in November for some diving and 'jungle-ing' at Turneffe Atol and Chaa Creek. Hey...you 'stole' our itinerary! Caracol and the mountain pine forest, etc.... Thanks so much for sharing this teaser. Now I'm really excited to go. Belize has so much to offer and is right up our alley. No real place for a vacation from shooting is there?
(10.27.10 @ 06:55 PM)
Sarah Lynn Seaton says:
Thanks for the inspiration!! ow I know what I want to do for christmas!!
(11.06.10 @ 05:09 PM)