Loras College Guest Post: Listen to the stories and soak in as much as possible…

Expressing Loras College spirit, students Ryan, Anna, Marcey, Leah, Liz, Sam, Amanda, Joanna, Kelsey, Kendra, and Betsy with their professor, Dr. Anderson after reaching the highest point of the Lamanai ruins.

As I swing back and forth on a multi-colored, rope hammock with the ocean breeze whipping the white capped, crested waves toward the shore, I hear the laughter of my classmates—from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa—in the distance as we all enjoy the warmth of Belize.

The view from Hopkins

Back home, the snow and cold are awaiting our return.

Looking back on the adventure of understanding Belizean culture thus far, I contemplate what we have learned: how the people of this country interconnect and how we all communicate with one another. For instance, I have learned that the Creole language is the foundation of the whole country, and in fact it is indeed the glue that holds Belize together; however, the culture of Belize is much more than just language. What has stood out to me the most is the emphasis on the non-material—the welcoming we receive from Belizeans at each place that my classmates and I have traveled to, their hospitality, joy, enthusiasm and willingness to teach our group their traditions, and by sharing their stories with us.

Loras College students, Leah, Ryan, Joanna, Betsy, Marcey, Kelsey, Taylor, and Liz learn how to weave baskets at the Living Maya Experience.

Now glancing toward the horizon, the sun has finally peeked out from behind the clouds— sailboat in the distance. Yesterday, school children welcomed us at Coconut Row in Hopkins with traditional Garifuna singing and dancing. Afterward, I was politely asked to dance and our entire group moved to the beat of the drums on a happy whim. The boys and girls are energetic and just as curious to know where we live as we are to learn about them. They are passionate about sharing their personalities and excitement with us just as the instructors at the Living Maya Experience were about teaching us how to make the similar kind of hammock that I am currently sitting in. Though, I cannot fathom how they started to learn the ways and nuances of each plant and animal in the jungle.

After triumphantly reaching the top of the ancient ruins at Lamanai, students Leah, Kelsey, Joanna, and Sam enthusiastically pose for the camera before climbing down the steep walkway.

Zipping through the twists and turns of the river, the boat we took to get there has finally reached Lamanai. Exploring and climbing up the colossal steps, this experience and the entire trip leaves me in awe of my surroundings. I am fascinated by the entire process of how they built these ancient ruins. As my classmate Betsy states we are “exploring a world that I couldn’t even imagine!”

Rappelling to the bottom of the Bocawina Waterfall

Whether the experience has been having a conversation with a Belizean, watching the scenery whiz by on the bus rides, petting a jaguar at the Belize Zoo, learning the daily life of students while teaching them a lesson in division and pronouns, or hiking to the Bocawina waterfall to fall—rappel—into its basin, the culture of Belize is so much more than just a tourist destination. The people of Belize show their vibrant passion through their way of life that goes at its own pace. So, listen to the stories and soak in as much as possible. Enjoy the colorful atmosphere that is Belize.