Belize, Part I (Placencia)

I went to magical Belize with my beautiful wife for our honeymoon and it was pretty much the greatest ten days of our lives. My photos from the vacation should clarify why it was so difficult for us to get on the plane home. It was, hands down, the best vacation we've ever been on and we have Susan's (my wife's) maid of honor, Melissa Pugh (of Jet Set World Travel) to thank. Melissa planned the ENTIRE honeymoon for us and she is basically the greatest travel consultant and person out there so you should immediately book a vacation (because you know you need it) through her and fabulous Jet Set. I'll kick off my series of Belize posts (there will be four total) with a look around breathtaking Placencia. Enjoy!

So, yeah, this was our home for five nights. Our little cottage on the sea at Turtle Inn (a Coppola Resort). It was heaven. We have nothing but amazing things to say about our stay at Turtle Inn - it's a spectacular place. The staff is wonderful as is the management. Actually, I might just go ahead and apply for a job there.

This was our hammock... 

And this was our porch... 

And this was our ornate bathroom door...

And this was our "phone" (cutest intercom ever)... 

UGH TAKE ME BACK. 

 Paradise.

I spent a lot of time underneath this coconut tree. 

Sometimes I would pick a coconut off of it... 

And the staff taught me how to use a machete to crack it open... 

And then the beach bartender would make me a fresh coconut water mojito and I would slurp it down and stare at the Caribbean Sea.

Feeling stressed was virtually impossible for obvious reasons.

Placencia Village proved itself to be a darling, artistic little area packed with fun bars and delicious restaurants. 

The Placencia Village Council 

This is actually the narrowest main street in the world according to the Guinness World Records. 

We had our first meal in Belize here at Omar's. Absolutely incredible local food (and a laundromat and guided tour service to boot!). Our other favorite restaurants in Placencia included The Secret Garden and Rumfish. Turtle Inn (which boasts its own organic garden) also had an array of fantastic restaurants to choose from.

Yes, I totally purchased a "You Better Belize It" sticker from this man. Jah love.

Best way to make a reservation ever? I think so. 

Oh Belize I miss you so.

Houndmouth

Houndmouth brought their southern charm and Americana sound to Lincoln Hall a few weeks ago. The quartet played a high energy show, often trading instruments in between songs to showcase their versatility. They have fun with each other on stage and that energy translates to the crowd. Solid songs and a solid band. For more of my photos from the night, go here.

Howell Dawdy joined them on stage for a nice cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released."