Going the other direction we discovered an area called, “Bird’s Island.” True to its namesake - many graceful Egrets sauntered around the Mangrove trees. We ordered drinks and dinner at an open air restaurant while watching an explosive sunset with pastel colors bursting from the clouds. We were so relieved to find this respite from the rough city life …with an astounding view, and excellent food.

While having breakfast at our hotel, the owner, a middle aged black woman, introduced herself. She’d been having breakfast with some celebrities’ Mothers. Penny Hardaway, her son an NBA Player; along with the Mother of Wesley Snipes, Actor. They were in town to celebrate her birthday. What a treat for us too.

Our final highlight was our 30 mile local bus trip taken in the Blue Bird Bus (multi-colored school busses which serve as the public transportation). We paid about $1.00 for the trip which took us far outside of the city to the Belize Zoo. What a grand experience as the zoo is set in the rainforest with only Belizean animals that have either been injured or have been found as illegal pets and then taken away.  The animals seemed so loved and well-cared for here. This zoo has a reputation of being one of the best small zoos in the world and we could understand why.

At the zoo we saw many unusual animals including a Tapir, related to the horse and the hippo, yet it looked like a large pig with an elephant trunk. It sure didn’t smell too well in that area either. A favorite sighting of ours was a Spider Monkey sharing a tree limb with a large Iguana. The monkey kept reaching out to pet it. The Iguana just stayed there – too content to be in the sunlight knowing that this animal would not eat it (so many others will).

Overall we did enjoy our visit to Belize City (if nothing else – for the chance to experience the zoo). We do highly suggest though that when you land at the airport – just go right out to one of the islands – unless you have a strong streak of adventure in your soul!