Home away from home

It's a regular Saturday in Belize. The sun is shining, the humidity is on the verge of oppressive and the heat of the sun wraps around with the comfort of a blanket. I wake up at eight in the morning. Michael is already up and getting ready for the day ahead. We look out at the ocean from our apartment to see if any storms are heading towards us. It is the rainy season, but today the sky is no-worries blue. I perk coffee while Michael gets his big breakfast of papaya, bananas with a mix of at least three cereals together. We sit leisurely. There is no rush.

Once dishes are clean and put away we head out to the Pickwick Club across the street for our work out. The ocean and palm trees paint the backdrop to our short walk. In Belizean fashion we say good morning to everyone who crosses your path; no recognition required. After a good sweat we jump into the club pool and sit out in the sun lathered in sunscreen. The Central American sun will roast you in minutes. The heat feels amazing, but moving to the safety of shade is necessary. We start to get a little hungry and decide it's time to head home.

After a hot cooked lunch, sandwiches are unheard of here, we get picked up by Gastone and Marta to watch some European football at the Riverside Tavern. Walking into the pub you feel like you've been transported to an American sports bar. It is a popular spot for the ex-pat community. We are joined by Mirna, our Thursday night pilates instructor, and say hi to all the familiar faces around us. We laugh, drink and watch Gastone's changing reactions to his home team's performance. He hasn't stopped smiling since the Italian World Cup win. Once the game is over and the chatting is done it's siesta time. Michael and I curl up into bed for a bit of nap at home before the evening comes.

We wake up before dinner time and head out to the local Indian restaurant called Sumathi. It's just down the street and makes for an easy and tasty dinner out. On the way to the restaurant we pass Richard and Maria's flat. They are sitting on their balcony and invite us up for a drink. Richard is the owner of Premium Wines and has an arsenal of wine and liquor at his fingertips. One drink turns into five. The four of us decide to get the buttered chicken and naan delivered. Five drinks turns into ten and five hours has passed quickly with debate and laughter. It's time for Michael and I to stumble home.

After six months in Belize, we have discovered a circle of friends and have found comfortable routine. Being newlyweds and on our own, Michael and I have become a real team. We look to our future and think of parents who reminisce about their first year together as a married couple. The cheap apartments they lived in, subjects studied and jobs they held are always main attractions to the tales told. Michael and I feel lucky to have our story begin in Belize. We will hold the memories and friends we have made here close to our hearts. We have made this place our home away from home.