Belize Revealed

My Belize trip was the perfect transition after leaving Saipan. Greg and I just spent about four weeks ziplining through the jungles, exploring Mayan ruins, and diving in the second largest barrier reef in the world! Whale Sharks are amazing, but more on that later.



These pictures are from our afternoon trip out to my favorite Mayan ruin known as Xunantunich (Stone Maiden). It's just located a few short miles from the Guatamalan border.





From San Ignacio you can either take the local bus or a cab to the site and it's about a twenty minute commute. On your way to the site you must cross the Mopan River at the base on a hand cranked vehicle ferry!













Without a doubt, this site has great energy and the climb to the top is definitely worth the visit. It's set on a leveled hilltop and is the archaeological pride of Belize.
















This view was pretty impressive. I kept thinking I can't believe I'm here!! Did you know that only about 5% of Belize has been excavated. If they could only find a way to get more funds to do more research and uncover more sites like this.











This site once flourished as a ceremonial center and is thought to have been abandoned after an earthquake around AD 900. It's tallest building, El Castillo, rises about 40 m (131 ft) above the jungle.

More posts to come about my other adventures=)

Adieu Saipan

I’m terrible at goodbyes.

Amy, what would I have done without you?!

So I’ll keep this short and tell you how you guys were the BEST part of my every day. Thank you for your friendship and the memories. I’ll never forget the laughter and happiness you brought to my life. Here are a couple pictures of my last week in Saipan.

My Saipan Family

My scuba buddy, Harry! Thanks for coming to the airport to see me off.

The SDA Dental Clinic had a farewell party for me. A favorite patient baked me a yummy Apple Coffee Crumb cake!


My daily sunshine at work! I'll miss Mark and Tammy James. Thank you for throwing me a farewell party at your house! I will also miss Aunt Judy and Uncle Dennis for teaching me how to scuba dive. You introduced a whole new world to me and now I'm ADDICTED!

Ken and Crystal gave me a beautiful lei from Chuk! I have had the time of my life and I'm so glad I got to spend it with them. They were my spiritual mentors in Saipan and have encouraged me to follow my passion and dreams. I'll miss you guys!

My good friends, John Dax and Mai. Always there to listen to me Rant about everything! There's Noah squeezing his cute face in the pic.

Lunch at 360 with Angelo. Thanks for the laughs!

If you have ever read the book Eat Pray Love you’ll understand me when I say that living and working in Saipan was my “India” experience. I came to Saipan on a quest for personal and spiritual growth and left with so much more. This journey changed my life. My heart has awakened and my soul is at ease.

This picture pretty much describes my experience in Saipan: A blast!

My beautiful friends.

And now I’m ready to grab life by its two horns. I hope you will continue to enjoy the ride with me. I’ll keep the same blog address but there will be some changes in the next couple of weeks. I’m still trying to come up with a new title. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Scott and Atsuko Eck baked me this yummy choco brownie cake! Thank you!

What’s Bubbles’ next adventure? Scuba diving and searching for Whale Sharks in Belize this June! Greg found this one just recently in Belize. I hope they come out when I get there. Stay tuned Neh !!!=)

Whale Sharkey! Picture taken by Greg Moretti.

Crepe and Mandi Asian Spa Escapade

The other student teachers left last year and a new batch has come. It's like having instant friends. All prechosen, packed, and ready to go! I'm so happy that they are out here with me. This weekend was the first time I got to hang out with all of them at the same time. Well, actually Jessica was missing in action since she was in Guam this weekend. Our good friends, Myla and Derek, were there as well. The new SDA teachers are finally settled in after three weeks of school. I know that they have been really busy but all seem to be adjusting well.

Myla and Derek

Although I miss the other student teachers from last year these new student teachers bring on a different type of energy to our little group. Their stories of why they decided to put their lives on hold for God to teach in Saipan for a year are extraordinary. More details on that later. I am looking forward to getting to know each of them more this year. You can read more about Mai, Vero, Judith and Rikki on their blogs. Still trying to get Eva and Amy to start one.

Veroynka and Eva

We headed out to our favorite Crepe place called Café de Comer. If you haven’t been there you must stop by and order the Choco-Banana Crepe! It’s Oishii! We just had a chance to bond and talk about all the traveling we want to do this year. It’s going to be a very eventful year. Never mind that I will be broke! At least I will get to see and dive some of Micronesia and Asia before I move back to California.

Judith and Rikki

Speaking of traveling, I have just started reading a book on people embarking on journeys all over the world. Some taking up odd jobs to just get by. It sounds so appealing to just wander in different countries and live amongst the locals. Is that strange to wander like that? To not have a home or a P.O. Box for awhile? My family would probably kill me if I said i wasn't coming back for awhile but what a unique way to experience life! Hmmm, so much to consider.



I love Sundays in Saipan. Usually you'll find me diving but I have taken a little break from it for awhile. I've been hanging out at the Mandi Asian spa just relaxing and reading in the sun all afternoon. I ran into some other bloggers at the spa! It was nice to chat and catch up with all of them. Mandi's Spa has alot of beautiful decorations from Bali. It gives me a feel for what our Bali trip will be like in November! I'm so excited.

Missy and Me



Amy

Anywho, Sunday was the first time that the new student teachers got to experience Mandi Asia Spa. They really loved it especially the infinite pool on the deck below. Sipping on Green tea Lattes, listeining to Bob Marley on my ipod, and enjoying this view . . . Life is Good in Saipan. Ok, I'm recharged for another work week =)