Be a tourist in your own country. “But I live here” many would say, sometimes I wipe my tears of laughter when I see the many idyllic places our beautiful Belize has to offer, yet most of us fail to experience such wonders at our very home country. Largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, pristine waters, lush jungles, ancient caves, historic Mayan ruins. We truly have natural wonders all to ourselves, and with Chaa Creek’s undeniable professionalism and core values such an experience would be life changing and unforgettable.

In light of recent global events such as the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and the close-run US Presidential election, Belize’s Lodge at Chaa Creek has extended the closing date by two weeks for submissions to its “Ultimate Maya 2012 Winter Solstice Experience” contest, worth over US$4,600, owner Lucy Fleming announced today.

9 years ago I found myself alone, raising a 7 month old little baby boy. It was not what I had planned or expected. So, I sat down and asked myself, what do I want for Jack and what would I want our future to look like. I created a vision for us. I knew that I had a special little guy and I decided that just because he only had me, he would have all the opportunities any child would have and I drew it out.

We are not fancy people and are somewhat intimidated by fancy places, but the draw of jungle trails, a rainforest preserve, a Mayan underworld, Mayan medicine and holistic healing (tickling into my career in nursing) is strong. Ceremony is an added bonus. The nature in which the contest is offered is also a positive for me….to know that you, the people who are presenting this opportunity, are enjoying doing so in the spirit of hospitality and giving, and having fun with it!

Win it: A Two Night Stay Vacation Package at Chaa Creek, Belize

When we returned to our room, we were in for quite a surprise. Sitting on our bed was a small wooden box, with glass walls. Inside it was a cocoon, and beside this were two cards, and two vouchers for free drinks at the bar. One letter explained that we were being given a butterfly that would emerge from a cocoon in a couple days time. We were to let it wait at least three hours after it emerges before releasing it. The other letter was welcoming us to The Lodge at Chaa Creek, personalized to us.

Xunantunich was amazing. Joe knew the history of everything we saw, and told us all about the mythology, rituals, habits, politics, and even showed us their ball court. As we moved through, we came to a clearing. As we came into the clearing, it opened up to our left, showing us a massive palace, El Castillo, and several small temples. They looked incredible. A dozen pictures later, Joe took us closer. We looked up at it from the bottom, and I snapped away on the camera.

If our actions contribute to destruction of the environment then someone else has to clean up the mess while the flora and fauna become innocent victims of our carelessness. If everyone enjoyed their environment by keeping in mind that we are accountable for our actions, pollution would diminish..

So, at the airport on day zero, carrying spontaneously packed luggage in a backpack, it was feeling like a reality. And I’m not saying I didn’t expect it to happen, exactly, but just that it didn’t feel like reality to me. When my wife (fiancee, at the time) told me we won, I was happily surprised. However, it still just felt like words. It felt like maybe there were stipulations we had not yet met, and it could be taken back at any moment. A year passed. We still planned on going, and Chaa Creek seemed more excited than me. We were wed, and my wife set up an exact date.

From here I really was part of the forest. Light mist hung in the trees and caught the early rays of the sun. Birds awoke from their slumbers and began their usual raucous rituals especially the Macaws and Tucans. Not to be outdone, in the distance, began the cries of the Black Howlers, fighting over territory, mates or just happy to be alive. As usual, basking in the early sun, eying me up, was my resident Green Iguana. He just lay on the railing of my deck as if he owned the place, perhaps he did?

Jenny learned a lot from the children about how communities need their local wildlife to ensure the sustainability of not only animal populations and healthy ecosystems, but also the economies of the people who depend on tourists to visit the area and help local businesses prosper, when otherwise they would have a very difficult time doing so.

It would be a privilege to visit another land that has taken the time to put the ecosystem before the financial gain of tourism. I have visited home a few times since I moved up north and Key West is not like it was 21 years ago when I was fifteen years old. Many corporations and chain restaurants moved in slowly and changed the vibe of the island and along with it they have tampered with the nature of the island.

So I lay upon your soft green grass and stare into the blue; Daydreaming of majestic lands and how each spring they grow anew. Your generosity is noted as I dress and eat each day, For all I ever needed you have gladly sent my way. I need not ask for extra towels, rare corals or fancy gems, Those are yours to keep, so I may visit them again. The evening brings me solace as I watch your sunset gleam; I ponder ways to renew your hills and protect your flowing streams.

The Caribbean Vacation Sweepstakes offered free eco-holidays inclusive of: Round trip transfers from International Airport or Belize City, A visit to the Belize Zoo with transfer on arrival or departure, four nights Cottage accommodation, full breakfast, lunch and dinner, guided visits to the Natural History Museum, Butterfly Farm, and Belize Rainforest Medicinal Trail, canoeing on the Macal River, guided early morning bird watching, one full & half day tour to Belize’s Maya Temple Sites, Sacred Caves, or Nature Reserves.

As all parents can attest to; traveling with children requires planning and forethought. Snacks for the road, clothes for every possible weather, potty needs, and how to fit everything into one backpack are just the tip of the iceberg. In today’s world one of the most important considerations for travel is how can we teach our children to be responsible world citizens. Our children learn through imitation: what we do, they do. So how do we as parents get involved and make a difference in our world? Choosing to travel not as a tourist but as an eco-touristis a good first step to take.

Walking through an archaeological site would be like walking through the past of a culture that created so many wonderful works of art and questions to explore. Asking me to find my own answers to what I think will happen in 2012.

I hope human life will soon come to see how great this Earth is and embrace…Ecological diversity is so important for humans and wildlife.
If I go on this trip it would be the best time of my life!

His body was made of leaves and stones, and he could change shape and travel around the forest without being noticed and leaving no trace at all.
He was so well blended with the surroundings that nobody could spot him, so he had no friends, cause nobody ever got to meet him.

My wife’s name is Ann Roellke she has been a nurse on cape cod for the past 15 years and is a caring and giving person. She is also a nature and animal lover . Her job is extremely demanding and stress-full . After her 4 twelve hour shifts , in her most exhausted moments I look at this giving individual in awe of her stamina and her ability to give and give. I often search and wonder what could be the perfect venue for respite for the giver that she is . Then one day she came upon your website and she was deeply moved by your resort and the Eco friendly environment you provide. She has always been a “nature child” and takes great comfort and peace when surrounded by natures beauty. It truly “recharges” her and enables her to continue her selfless gift of giving…..

Coming from New York City where I see mostly man-made waste, construction, and noise pollution, I long to vacation in a natural, relaxing setting. Chaa Creek provides an exciting experience in an unspoiled environment that I would love to getaway in! I can just picture myself relaxing in one of the beautifully decorated rooms surrounded by the natural sounds of the jungle, rather than loud city sounds of car sirens and the commotion of the city. I love that Chaa Creek offers so many ways to encounter the organic beauty of Belize, through bird-watching tours, exploring archaeological ruins, relaxing in a spa in the middle of the jungle, or even just relaxing and listening to the peacefulness and tranquility of the Macal River.