NSCC International

Woke up in paradise, went to bed in hell!

Started the day off at Ian Andersons Cave Branch with a wonderful morning swim followed by a walk through the Botanical Gardens. Met with the rest of the group and Ian Anderson to hear his story of moving to Belize and building his empire. We had a delicious breakfast at the Jungle Lodge and then ventured up 230 steps to the newest addition "the tree house". The tree house was the most luxurious room I have ever seen, with breath taking views. From there we went to Cockscomb to a Mayan Museum where we learned about the Mayan Culture, how they prepare their food, traditional dance and the tools they used in their every day lives. We had lunch at Julios, and headed out for our hike through the Jaguar Preserve to the waterfall at Ben's Bluff where we enjoyed a refreshing swim.

The hell began upon returning from the falls once we checked into our accommodations at the White House in Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve for the night. At the White House I encountered a supersized spider and a cockroach on steriods which made sleeping impossible. On the bright side, the lack of sleep gave the ladies and I a great opportunity to bond thoughout the night.

Overall it's been a amazing experience and I can't wait to see what else Belize has to offer.

Courtney Nauss
NSCC Tourism Management Student
Lunenburg Campus

Day Three: Ian Anderson's Cave's Branch
This was truly a day of highs and lows, in the literal sense. After leaving the Log Cab-Inn after a fantastic breakfast, with my first cup of coffee since arriving in Belize (yay) we headed to Cave's Branch, where we went on a river expedition, cave tubing and exploration. The bumpy bus ride through the valley, lined with rows of orange trees, we made our way to the river.
The first low was plopping our butts into the middle of the inner tubes our guides, Alex and Pablo, gave us, and sinking into the wonderfully cool and lazy river. We floated our way to the mouth of a giant cavern, where the sheer beauty and mystic wowed us all.
With headlamps adorned and our guides leading the way, we made our way through the darkness of the cave, spotting incredible formations and minerals that sparkled like diamonds. We saw the fertility site with carvings set up by the ancient Mayans. We climbed higher and ducked lower through the rocky formations. It was exhilarating for some, scary for others, and an experience none of us will soon forget.
Coming out of the cave, after a delicious picnic lunch inside the cave and some more exploration, we saw the sun again, flopped back into the tubes and floated out into the jungle.
This was not the end. Many of us experienced another high as we climbed up the river bank and jumped down into the river below, a rush to say the least.
The bus ride back and tour of Mr. Anderson's Cave's Branch resort was breathtaking. The pool was definitely refreshing after the stuffiness of the cave and dinner was once again delicious, buffet style.
The day concluded with a debrief, recalling all the highs and lows of the past day as we sat with our feet in the pool surrounded by the jungle and all its sounds and beauty. An awesome day to say the least. Can't wait for tomorrow at Cockscomb Basin.

Erin Delorey
NSCC Tourism Management Student
Akerley Campus

Our first full day in Belize was full of many new adventures. We woke up in Hotel Mopan, and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of refried beans, eggs, fryjacks and johnny cakes. Belize city holds all kinds. Several sweet schoolboys, big brother and little walked along the street holding hands. While still cooing over this adorable gesture, a butcher walked by carrying two huge halves of a pig. Interesting contrast. Our first big stop for the day was the Belize zoo. This housed an amazing array of rescue animals, our first contact of which was a boa named Bellboa. We each had a turn to drape her sleek body across our sholders. We were also able to visit Jr. Buddy, a friendly jaguar with a taste for chicken feet. Several of us had the incredible opportunity to be "kissed" by Jr, an experience in which he licked his rough tongue over our face. It was exilerating to interact with such a wild animal so intimatley. Our next stop was Xunantunich. This was amazing. The ruins were huge, but we all managed to make it to the top. I personally am terrified of heights, but got to top, clinging to the walls for dear life. The view was phenominal! We also had a fantastic surprise, as howler monkeys in their natural habitat made quite an appearance (and noise!) All exhausted and sweating profusly, we got our rooms at Log Cab Inn and immediatly jumped in the pool! A delicious meal ended a near perfect first day.

Sarin Postma
NSCC Tourism Management Student
Lunenburg Campus

We have arrived! Today was a travel day and after a long day (and 3 flights) we arrived in Belize! A hot one out there today! 32 degrees with a feel like of 40! Everyone except Wendi got their luggage (maybe tomorrow?). Now off to sleep to get ready for a big day tomorrow... The Belize Zoo and the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich! A student will be blogging tomorrow...stay tuned! (-:

Wendi Dewey
Tourism Faculty
NSCC, Akerley Campus

One more sleep until NSCC’s International Tourism Expedition class depart for their study tour of Belize!

Ten students and two faculty (from three different Campuses) are travelling for a two week International Study Tour to Belize on May 9th.

In conjunction with their “in country” partner, TIDE Tours (www.tidebelize.org) learners will be experiencing the tourism industry, culture, nature and heritage of Belize during their travel from Belize City to Punta Gorda.

We’ll keep you updated on all of our activities and experiences over the next two weeks, so stay tuned and tell your friends!

Wendi Dewey
NSCC Faculty
Tourism, Akerley Campus