We had to hang around the Water Taxi terminal for a few hours - the water taxi leaves daily at 3:30 pm and it's almost a 2-hour trip across the water to San Pedro. As we waited, we realized it was going to be an almost full load. Most were young, European backpackers headed over to Caye Caulker then to Guatemala. I think there must be a backpacker guide and it leads them to believe there are only certain places they can hang if a backpacker. Backpackers all seem to go to the exact same places in groups.
The new, improved water taxi terminal -
I have to admit, in the past I have not enjoyed being around the young, European backpackers. Collectively, they seem to all be zombied out and totally oblivious to their beautiful surroundings, inconsiderate and whiny. I know this because I watch, listen and observe everything that goes on around me. But, it was different this time. The backpackers seemed a little more effluent, alive, and able to enjoy their surroundings - they talked, looked around and appeared genuinely excited. Most were traveling as male/female couples. Usually not the case.
We always get a little worked up crossing the Mx-Bz border because every time we have to pay for something different - and we always get stuck paying our exit fees from Mexico twice! Today that was different too. Terry whipped out a copy of our Southwest Airlines receipt documenting we had in fact paid our exit fees already. (even though we had cancelled our reservation out of Mx. we could not get an immediate refund for our exit fee so we had in fact paid it) Felt like we just saved $60+ US dollars!
The water taxi ride was quite enjoyable and it was a fun group on the boat. I think because everybody had a few beers at the new/improved terminal complete with a snack shop and an upstairs bar. It used to just be a long, concrete pier with nothing at the end.
Speaking of beers - we had hauled 5 cans of Sol with us in our traveling Mexican "Gaspar-supplied" bag. They were left over from Mahahual and they traveled with us on Caribe then we carried them to the terminal. Held them on the boat across to San Pedro. They were going to be our little bit of Mexico when we arrived on Caye Caulker...saved for a celebration making it to another destination. And 5 full beers weigh quite a bit after holding for a time.
When we got to San Pedro, we had to go through Belize Customs then wait for another water taxi ride of about 30-45 minutes to get to Caye Caulker...the last ride across for the day. We approached the Customs guy with our backpacks, passports and other paperwork and the Gaspar bag. When he saw the beer he told Terry: "I think I should let you know dat you probably can't bring da beer." So, he got the beer and we got to come into Belize. Mind you, we could have sat outside and drank the beer in his presence prior to entering the building without a problem. In fact, it was outside at the same spot we ordered Belikin beers and drank them after going through customs.
We didn't really mind giving up the beers - what we minded was hauling them all the way to Belize from Mahahual, Mx.
Almost all of the original Chetumal group loaded up on the taxi to Caye Caulker. Only about 6-8 people stayed over in San Pedro. Headed out to Caye Caulker.
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| Here it is! |
More to come on Caye Caulker!
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| Our Cabana |
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| Our Pier |
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| Yep!...this will do just fine |
