Greetings from Belize! This post is coming out a little late this week, but I have a good excuse — I just couldn’t stand to be on my computer any more than necessary for the nine beautiful days my family was here! (All the other posts you’ve read recently were written and scheduled long before their arrival.) Exploring Belize with my mom, little sister and cousin was a highlight of my time in Central America and a trip I know we’ll cherish for years.

Our first stop was the coastal Garifuna village of Hopkins, where we snorkeled, biked, and swam our way through every minute of sunshine. Next we moved inland to the beautiful jungles of San Ignacio, where we climbed ancient ruins, yoga-ed our hearts out and took a traditional Mayan cooking class. Finally, we made our way out to the Cayes, where I’ll be reporting from next week.

I’m already giddy to share more about all these experiences with you in the future. But for now, a little preview in the form of Photo of the Week…

Photo A

Bike Riding in Hopkins, BelizeBike riding in Hopkins

Photo B

Snorkeling in Hopkins, BelizeSnorkeling the barrier reef

Photo C

Snorkeling in Hopkins, BelizeCurious and colorful

Photo D

Hopkins Bay Resort, BelizeFresh juice at Hopkins Bay Resort

Photo E

Yoga at Xunantunich, BelizeYoga at Xunantunich Mayan ruin

Photo F

Ka'ana Resort BelizeJungle vibes at Ka’ana Boutique Resort

Which photo is your favorite?

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58 Comments...
  • Maddy
    April 7 2015

    I choose B and E! Snorkeling looks so fun (and I love that little wooden painting) and yoga in front of an ancient ruin?! How insane AND incredible. πŸ™‚

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      I know! It was one of those travel experiences where I was literally pinching myself.

  • becky hutner
    April 7 2015

    I am so excited for your Belize reportage! This country is high on my list. Photo A all the way!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      It’s so close to the good ‘ol US of A! Definitely a great vacation contender πŸ™‚

  • rebecca
    April 7 2015

    Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your past updates and most recent post πŸ™‚ I have just started on WordPress since I am just beginning my travels – not only to keep my own recording of the journey, but also to read other people’s recommendations and insights. I am 23 and my first post lists the places I will be visiting. Thank you for your post!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Welcome to the wonderful world of blogging, Rebecca! It’s been a wonderful journey for me, wishing the same for you πŸ™‚

  • Ahh… your pictures make me want to go back to Belize! I’ll be honest last year after spending a week in Belize, I thought that I was okay not going back there, but your pictures of Hopkins makes me realize that I want to go to the southern region. Enjoy the rest of your time in the Cayes. If you’re on Caye Caulker make sure you grab dinner at Wish Willy’s. Totally awesome food and Willy is the coolest dude around! πŸ™‚

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      I think I felt the same way after our first family trip here…. but after the second, I am definitely ready for a third at some point!

  • Martha
    April 7 2015

    Photo C is stunning. I am hooked on your underwater photos. The universe keeps conspiring against me, but I may finally make it to Koh Tao next month for a little under the sea fun.

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Do it do it do it! I promise it will be worth the wait πŸ™‚

  • Love F! So classy! I like what you did with the palm leaves in one and the palm shadow in the other.

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Thanks Sonja! I saw those palm shadows and had a vision… thankfully my sister was on hand to model!

  • Emily
    April 7 2015

    Going with Photo B this week (that painting is adorable!). Taking a yoga class next to ancient ruins looks right up my alley. Can’t wait to hear more about it all!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      It was definitely a savasna I’ll never forget πŸ™‚ What a week!

  • Leah
    April 7 2015

    I’m loving the jungle vibes of Photo F but I honestly cannot tell if that’s you or Olivia! Who is it?! The yoga by the ruins is super cool! Alright, ALRIGHT I guess I’ll go to Belize one day.

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Ha ha — It’s Liv! Funny enough though we got asked AT LEAST ten times this week if we were twins. We do get asked that occasionally but never this often! Cracked us up!

  • Priya
    April 7 2015

    LOVE your photos! Looks like you had an amazing time with your fam!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      I really did. I didn’t want them to go!

  • Ashley
    April 7 2015

    I love photo A, but C is a close runner-up! How incredible was the barrier reef?!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Oh my gosh, it really was amazing. So much color and coral diversity — stunning. It was an amazing snorkel!

  • Olivia PHOTO OF THE WEEK SUPERSTAR Baackes
    April 7 2015

    Uhm B E and F.

    Dreams come true people.

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Thanks for making me snort Diet Coke out of my nose at breakfast this morning! Miss you.

  • Karlijn Travels
    April 7 2015

    Such a hard choice this week! Even harder than usual, I mean πŸ˜‰ I think I’ll pick E, but B is awesome too. Photo E makes me feel instantly relaxed, I can’t imagine a better place to do yoga!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      It’s definitely one of my top spots I’ve ever practiced! Now actually, that gives me an idea for a post…

  • Katherine
    April 7 2015

    I’m usually your underwater photo fans, but this tine I’d have to choose E! Striking tree pose with the Mayan ruins as backdrop is just surreal!

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      It really was unbelievable. Major props to Ka’ana for offering that!

  • Justine
    April 7 2015

    I’m loving F…I totally thought that was you! I’m excited to read more about Belize. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to go to — I’ve obsessively watched like EVERY House Hunters International on Belize — but I don’t know all that much about it as a travel destination.

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Ha, I wonder sometimes when I post pictures of other blondes on Instagram if people will think they are me… I guess in this case yes they did!

  • Katie
    April 7 2015

    I love F, the contrast for the two photos works really well πŸ™‚

    • Alex
      April 7 2015

      Thanks Katie! I always find the jungle inspiring…

  • Photo E – love the yoga spot!

    • Alex
      April 8 2015

      It was unreal! We couldn’t be luckier…

  • Jason lewis
    April 8 2015

    Hi Alex,
    All pictures are looking stunning!!! But I like Photo B and photo c the most.

    • Alex
      April 8 2015

      Thanks Jason! It was a gorgeous week…

  • Anne
    April 8 2015

    Every time I read your posts, you make me want to book a flight right away! Oh, Belize! I hope to make it there someday. For now, I’ll relish these beautiful photos! I’d go with Photo E. <3

    • Alex
      April 8 2015

      That’s what I like to hear, Anne πŸ™‚ Book away!

  • Marni
    April 8 2015

    The ruins are gorgeous, and to do yoga there would be an incredibly surreal experience, but I have to go with B. I love the way the images balance each other!

    • Alex
      April 8 2015

      Thanks Marni, me too! Good thing my ‘lil sis is a great underwater model!

  • Rashaad
    April 8 2015

    I choose picture C – because I wish I had a good underwater camera.

    • Alex
      April 8 2015

      Mine has been vexing me lately quite a bit, but I can’t deny that we’ve had some great times together πŸ™‚

  • Kimberly
    April 8 2015

    Belize is on one of top countries on our travel list… on a scale from 1-10 how expensive is it compared to Bali?

    Wondering if there is both expensive and budget friendly, with more local places to stay that still give you access to great diving (like Bali?)

    • Alex
      April 8 2015

      I haven’t spent too much time in Bali, Kimberly, but Belize is…. much more expensive πŸ™‚ It is one of the priciest countries in Central America! I am definitely feeling the pinch. Like anywhere it is definitely possible to do on a budget but not super easily. For example, my hostel here in San Pedro is $15 a night for a dorm and my dinner salad last night was $20!

  • Sky
    April 8 2015

    Yoga at a Mayan ruin…I’m not even a big yoga fan and that sounds incredible!

    • Alex
      April 9 2015

      This trip has gotten me more into yoga than I’ve ever been before. I feel a post on that subject coming on, actually πŸ™‚

  • Joella in Beijing
    April 9 2015

    Oh my gosh Belize looks amazing! I can’t wait to read more about it in the future. I’ve recently got it into my head that I want to go there- now I’ve seen your photos I definitely do! I won’t be so far away once we move in a couple of months so I’ll have to start planning a trip. It till be coming up for hurricane seasons (I think?) so maybe it can be Christmas in Belize- just got to convince the husband..! Yeah! Oh and I love all the photos but going with E- just looks like an awesome experience.

    • Alex
      April 9 2015

      They do have a very long rainy season here, from what I hear! But for what it is worth, our first family trip here ten years ago was in August (rainy season) and we had nothing but sun, and this trip was in April (dry season) and it rained most days. So I guess you never really know, ha.

  • Maddy
    April 9 2015

    Belize is one of our favotite destinations! The snorkeling/diving there is UNREAL! My vote goes to Photo C!

    • Alex
      April 9 2015

      Thanks Maddy! Belize was the first place I ever went snorkeling over ten years ago and all this time later it still blew me away. Gorgeous!

  • Emily
    April 9 2015

    Oh my gash – fresh juice!?! Yes please!

    • Alex
      April 11 2015

      Something I will truly miss when I head back Stateside!

  • Monique
    April 10 2015

    Hey Alex,

    Sounds like you had an amazing time in Belize πŸ™‚ Saw some pics on Instagram of your yoga session at the temple, I’m very jealous! Have to say photo C is my fav, so pretty.

    • Alex
      April 11 2015

      It was so cool, I was basically jealous of myself. Ha. Thanks for voting!

  • Camels & Chocolate
    April 11 2015

    FISH! All day, errrrday.

    • Alex
      April 11 2015

      More coming up this week! πŸ˜€

  • Neysha
    April 15 2015

    I choose F because I can’t resist palm trees! (Or maybe I’m just having some serious sunlight withdrawals after a long Korean winter, wah)

    • Alex
      April 17 2015

      Either way works πŸ™‚ I love me some lush palms!

  • Erika
    April 18 2015

    Definitely B!! So fun!

    • Alex
      April 20 2015

      Ah, I’m missing Belize already!

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