One cannot really expect a man who can recall only one foray into the ‘zen zone” after 48 years on earth to grasp the concept of “Zen-ness” as a mind-body-spirit connection. Any yogi worth their turban would know that it has less than nothing to do with the very worldly and sensible choice of avoiding trains, buses, or automobiles while on vacation (First time visitors to this blog are invited to to read references to such nightmarish experiences).

I wish to respectfully rebut MartiniMan’s prattle about my unimaginative trip to Belize. My friend and I did, after all, dive to 80 feet and swim with sharks and moray eels. After that, it is equally true that my daily travels were physically limited to position changes (assuring an even tan) in the beach-side hammock or pool-side chaise lounge chair, but my imagination had traveled to 16th century England as I devoured Phillipa Gregory’s “The Other Boleyn Girl”. The combined sights of stingrays swimming beneath our feet, smell of salt air, sweet sound of the gulls, the warmth of the island breeze, and a slightly bitter but refreshing taste of the local brew, Belikin Beer, resulted in the luscious awareness of all 5 senses. Boring? pshaw. Zen? Only if watching a young women practicing yoga on the peer at dawn counts.

Janie at the Victoria House dockJanie at the Victoria House dock. (Photo by Chris)

I should not fail to mention the culinary excitement each morning as we were serve coffee, juice, and a British style assortment of toast and pastries on our patio in front of our private pool while watching the sunrise over the sea. This was after a deliriously rejuvenating night’s sleep on cool white sheets surrounded by mosquito netting. Shopping? No problem. The local artisans would come to you with handcrafted collections of blankets, jewelry, purses, sarongs, and hair braiding. American dollars accepted everywhere. I’ve never been more content. We plan to stay longer next year.

~cb~