I want to register an official complaint with the Board of Retired People. I have gotten up before 5am twice in the last few weeks. Yah I know, you're feeling my pain, right? A few weeks ago we had to get up really early to pick Mom up at the bus in Belize City. And today we got up really early to watch the start of la Ruta Maya canoe race. I should quit complaining....both very good causes!
La Ruta Maya (the route of the Maya) is an annual canoe race from San Ignacio in western Belize to Belize City on the Caribbean coast. It's a four day race and is hugely popular here. We decided to take full advantage this year. Last year Adam and I missed out on the race start by a few minutes. We wandered over the bank to the river just as the very last canoe was rounding the bend and out of site. Less than thrilling.
La Ruta Maya (the route of the Maya) is an annual canoe race from San Ignacio in western Belize to Belize City on the Caribbean coast. It's a four day race and is hugely popular here. We decided to take full advantage this year. Last year Adam and I missed out on the race start by a few minutes. We wandered over the bank to the river just as the very last canoe was rounding the bend and out of site. Less than thrilling.
So this time we actually planned a little bit. The evening before the start of the race they held a kick off party in the San Ignacio, at the Cayo Welcome Centre. In my effort to not miss out, I even reserved us a table at my favourite restaurant, Fuego. This was our first time taking Mom to Fuego. Fuego never disappoints me and this evening was even better with all the entertainment in the park. They had lots of live music and dancers. After gorging ourselves at Fuego we waddled over to the main stage and enjoyed the entertainment. Such a nice night.
After our evening in the park we made the group decision to get up super-crazy early for the start of the race in the morning. The official start time was 6am with the send off from under the Hawksworth bridge in San Ignacio. We got up in the dark, injected some coffee, and headed to the river.
In my past life, I got up at 4:45am every week day morning and was sitting at my desk by 6:30am most days. Just business as usual. Now, my whole body protests and it feels totally wrong. I didn't actually have to use an alarm clock (evil!!!!) but still....
In my past life, I got up at 4:45am every week day morning and was sitting at my desk by 6:30am most days. Just business as usual. Now, my whole body protests and it feels totally wrong. I didn't actually have to use an alarm clock (evil!!!!) but still....
And by the way, don't assume that a 6am-on-the-dot start in Belize would actually mean a 6am start. At about 7:10am the horn sounded and the paddles hit the water. Lots of yelling, cheering, and flag waving...and in about six minutes it was all over. At least for us fans at the start line. The racers had four days of hard work ahead. We went back home to bed!
I have to say, what a lot of fun! It really was! Good job to all the sponsors, volunteers, and racers. And of course to Mom, Adam and me for getting up so early in the morning!
I have to say, what a lot of fun! It really was! Good job to all the sponsors, volunteers, and racers. And of course to Mom, Adam and me for getting up so early in the morning!