When Astrid Bellamy attended her first PCS Travel Club meeting to learn more about a trip to Belize, the eighth grader was hooked. The eight-day adventure would include exploring the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, a selling point for Astrid.
“I like to travel and I thought it would be fun to go with the school,” she said.
A group of nearly 30 students, seven chaperones, and numerous community members touched down in Belize City on April 11. They spent their first day exploring the Cayo Region, which included visiting the Mayan Ruins and Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce Factory, and ziplining through the Belizean Canopy.
“Ziplining was super fast, but there were beautiful views,” said Lily Wolcott, an eighth grader. “I was scared at first, but it was very safe.”
Like Astrid, the Belize trip was Lily’s first experience traveling with the club. She had no expectations except a desire to see something new and bond with other students.
“I never thought I’d be able to do something like this. It was a great opportunity,” said Lily.
During a visit to a Mayan village, the group got to experience authentic Mayan cuisine, as well as learn pottery-making techniques. They then boarded canoes and paddled along the Macal River in San Ignacio through unspoiled scenery. The following day, the group explored the country’s southern coast. At the Gulisi Garifuna Museum, the travelers learned about the Garifuna culture and their journey from Africa to southern Belize. Next up for the group was cave tubing.
“They did a great job planning the activities because we had no time to be bored,” said Astrid of the packed itinerary.
Belize is home to the finest cacao beans in the world, which are used to make delicious treats perfected by local chocolatiers or international companies. The group had the opportunity to visit a company to learn about the chocolate-making process. At the Maya Center Mayan Museum, the group learned more about the Mayan culture through hands-on activities and live demonstrations.
Sophomore Jonah Smith is a history lover, specifically European history, and was reluctant to visit Belize. The country won him over.
“I liked the cultural activities and the adrenalin junkie stuff we did,” said Jonah, who also enjoyed ziplining. “The trip was awesome. It made me enjoy traveling internationally.”
Before heading back home, the group also had the opportunity to go snorkeling in the barrier reef, visit the Belize Zoo and the Belize Spice Farm and Botanical Gardens, and learn how to play the Garifuna drums from local musicians.
For senior Trent Thomson, his first trip with Travel Club was filled with adventure – and good food.
“This trip was adventurous and out of the ordinary,” he said.