On the final day in Belize, I visited a Belizean family of Yucatec descent who invited me into their home to learn of their Mayan heritage and ways of farm living. Here, Jose, Hilda, and their daughter shared their family history and taught us how to make corn tortillas (on a stove made of ash!) before showing us medicinal plants that help soothe anything from symptoms of common cold and flu to UTIs, and diarrhoea.
The excursion through Santa Cruz ended with a visit to the Botanical Spice Farms and Botanical Garden along the Golden Stream. Here, I boarded a tractor bus which guided us through the palm tree-lined farms and flower-arched valleys, often used for weddings, where I observed the blossoming plantlife throughout. Cinnamon, Vanilla, Lemongrass and my personal favourite, Bilimbi fruit, were among the plants smelt and tasted, a memorable experience. The spice farm was a key moment during the trip.
The Garifuna dance presentation
With a decorative bonfire to light the Garifuna dance presentation, I was met with performers of Garifuna descent – the Afro-indigenous population of St Vincent. On moonlit sand, I was taught various dances and drum patterns in an unforgettable interactive experience.
To meet those of such a rich history in Belize felt like a full way to end a deeply enriching trip to one of the most dynamic countries in Central America.
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