You can’t just assume that you can have older, more experienced travelers as a crutch to get around and to get more comfortable traveling solo. That’s not the point anyways. Although it is nice to have someone who has more experience than you to help navigate, it’s definitely not the same or rewarding when you do it by yourself.
I met Kristy and Toby on Caye Caulker on the second day I arrived and found out Toby had a similar travel plan as I did, as his next stop is also San Ignacio. Then last night, other people were headed to Guatemala, which San Ignacio is on the way to. Perfect, new friends, and I don’t have to navigate the bus process on the mainland by myself!
Anyways, the original plan was to take the water taxi with Toby and then somehow figure out a way to get to the us station for San Ignacio…but since when do original plans happen? Unfortunately it turned out that he had a ticket for the Ocean Ferry not the Water Taxi but we found out as we were boarding and everything happened so fast so I ended up on the Water Taxi without him.
The timing could either work out perfectly that his ferry leaves at 12 as well instead of 12:30…but then again I could get there half an hour earlier. Do I wait for him? We may not even end up on the same dock. And so I put my big girl pants on and am going to cross the country by myself. It’s called asking questions. It’s not like it’s difficult to get around here. It’s just one bus the whole way…the fun part is getting to the bus station and on the correct bus…because this is me we are talking about. I’m
I could just go on a bus and figure it out from there…no…I’ve already booked the hostel room and am going to the ATM Caves tomorrow. I’ll be fine and will see Toby later assuming he’s under the same assumption I am. This is why assumptions are no good.
This is one of the many reasons I love traveling. It requires people to think on their feet when plans change or unexpected situations arrive. It’s good for me. I’m not actually stressed at all.
Sure, the original plan was to go across with friends, most of which changed their plans and left just one, but sh!t happens and you roll with it…oooorrrrr you roll a joint if you’re like some other people at the hostel haha! Side note: apparently the weed is pretty good here in Belize, but I’m not the expert. You can try for yourself if you’re into it. 🙂
Life Lesson Time:
1. Don’t assume anything. About anyone or about anything.
2. Trust people, trust yourself, and trust your instincts.
3. Don’t depend on the original plan. It will always let you down by either falling through, or you miss out on other experiences and friends if you turn things down in order to stick with the original plan that will end up not working out anyways.
4. Be flexible. That is mentally, emotionally, and physically. Seriously, don’t forget your morning stretches or sunset yoga on a rooftop!
I am currently on the Water Taxi, and will eventually meet up with Toby and the other hostel friends we were supposed to go with!
As always, stay tuned!
I know I’ve been slacking majorly on the blogging, it’s a new year and my resolution is to be much more diligent with myself about it. That means finally talking about my experiences in Peru as well. I’m promising that in order to hold myself accountable.
And if anyone has any tips of things to see and/or do on the mainland, please comment below or email me at alyxmichele93@gmail.com!
