Hello all,

We had a great time looking at the art deco architecture in Miami, though the service and noise at our hotel was terrible!

Now we're having a fab time in Belize re-doing our tans and soaking in the varied culture and cuisine. There is a wonderful mix here of Caribbean, Native American (Mayan) and Hispanic, which is why we chose this country. Everyone here is very laid back, and with the way their weather is it's hard to be any other way.

On our second day we found out the main supermarket on our side of town rips off tourists and locals alike with a dodgy till, running up huge bills for basic groceries. Never mind, after this rocky start we've busied ourselves with two excellent excursions.

The first of these was a trip to the very far north-west of the country, deep in the jungle, to visit the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai, completely swallowed by the jungle a team of archiologists found and restored parts of the city. Although there is a lot still burried in the jungle. Nowadays the place is only home to jungle creatures such as the troops of howler monkeys that roam the place.

Our second day trip was this morning, a half day snorkelling trip out to the coral reef to swim with the sharks and sting-rays, of which there were plenty. We even stroaked a couple of the sting-rays, which were as interested in us as we were in them, and actually let our guide hold them in his arms, as well as seeing some huge sharks and an abundance of other fascinating marine creatures!

Looking forward to seeing you all when we get back, not long now!

Love,

Alex and Debbie xxx