95. Spend a week somewhere completely cut off from modern technology

While in Belize, we had no television, no radio or newspapers, limited internet access (one computer in the hotel lobby with a satellite internet connection) and no mobile phone coverage - Basically we where cut off from society.. it was PERFECT. Although we both occasionally gave in and painfully put up with S-L-O-W internet so we could feed our addictions, it was a fantastic 10 days and neither of us really felt as if we'd missed all that technology (apart from not being able to speak to family and friends of course)!! 

Paul sneaking in a quick internet hit on our final day at Chaa Creek, Belize 

49. My Two words of the Week

hoi polloi

  \hoi-puh-LOI\ , noun;

1.

The common people generally; the masses.

AND

gourmand

  \goor-MAHND; GOOR-mahnd; GOOR-mund\ , noun;

1.

One who eats to excess.

2.

A lover of good food.

29. Visit a Mayan Site of Significance

While honeymooning in Belize we had the opportunity to explore Mayan history and culture by visiting many historical sites. The two most awe inspiring would have to be Tikal and ATM cave.

Parque Nacional Tikal - Guatemala

The Guatemala border was only 5 miles from our Jungle Resort in Belize and so we decided to take the opportunity to visit Tikal - one of the largest archeological sites and urban centres for pre-Columbian Mayan civilisation.

Upon arrival we trekked into the jungle and was soon greeted by a wonderful mish-mash of archeology and nature as towering limestone temples and pyramids, some over 70 meters high (now weren't they fun to climb!!) became visible through the thick jungle.

It was once a wealthy metropolis and kingdom, the home to an estimated 100,000 inhabitants. The ruins where built over time however the oldest dates all the way back to the 4th Century BC - it was an awesome feeling being at Tikal - It gave me a real sense of history and of time weighing down upon me.

It was a wonderful day out, full of culture and history and lots and lots of walking... by the end of the day we had covered 6 miles or so of path... which is only a small amount of area that the site covers... Just wish I had of been lucky enough to see one of the resident howler monkeys!

30. Visit 5 countries other than the US and Australia (2/5) - Belize and Guatemala

Paul and I where lucky enough to spend our honeymoon in the beautiful Central American country of Belize - the only Central American country whose official language is English (thanks to its status as a member of the Commonwealth... until it gained independence in 1981 it was British Honduras). It was pure bliss!

The first half of the trip was spent at Chaa Creek Lodge, deep in the rain forest of the Cayo district. The lodge itself was breathtakingly beautiful and the relaxing setting allowed us lots of time to recharge our depleted batteries....

however Paul and I are never satisfied relaxing for too long and so it also provided the perfect starting off point for many of the activities in the area. During our 5 days we found the time to river cave tube through Caves Branch River, go spelunking Actun Tunichil Muknal (or the Cave of the Crystal Maiden), and head 5 minutes down the road to cross the Western border of the country into Guatemala to visit the Mayan site of Tikal.

Getting ready to hit the crystal clear, though cold water at Caves Branch

Caving at ATM

The second part of our trip took us to a gorgeous little beach resort called Matachica on the Caribbean coast 6 miles from the town of San Pedro by water taxi.

Matachica Beach Resort from their jetty

It was a complete juxtaposition from the jungle which was an amazing change of pace - it felt as if we had travelled to another country!! Being isolated at Matachica allowed us plenty of time to sit back and relax on the sand with an umbrella over our heads, the warm azure water at our feet, a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other - BUT more importantly it also provided the opportunity for me to test out my new scuba gear at some of the best dive sites in the world!! (But more on that in a later post)

Needless to say neither of us where ready to leave when eventually our time came to an end and we're both in the process of trying to figure out how we can manage another trip back to Belize before the end of our time in the States - after all who wouldn't want to return to Paradise once they'd found it?!?!?! Best honeymoon ever!!!

49. My Two words of the Week

felicitous

\fuh-LIS-uh-tuhs\ , adjective;

1.

Suitably applied or expressed; appropriate; apt.

2.

Happy; delightful; marked by good fortune.

AND

maunder

\MON-duhr\ , intransitive verb;

1.

To talk incoherently; to speak in a rambling manner.

2.

To wander aimlessly or confusedly.

77. Get married to my wonderful fiance

Just over three weeks ago now, on Sunday 1 November 2009 Paul and I made the ultimate commitment to each other by marrying in the city where we originally met all those years ago! The day, which had been planned around the beautiful swan river, couldn't of gone better and began with the ceremony, which took place at Heathcote Reserve, Applecross in front of 80 of our family and friends.

After arriving promptly at 3pm and having to circle the block for 20 minutes because half our guests hadn't arrived on time, dad and I finally managed to jump out of the car and begin that scary walk down the aisle to my soon to be husband...

The weather on the day was absolutely perfect, and although it was a little windy it actually made for some amazing shots as my veil was continually picked up by the breeze and blown about my head like a halo of tulle.

I had worked very closely with our celebrant, Michelle for months to ensure our civil ceremony seamlessly incorporated traditions from both Catholicism and Judaism without favouring one over the other and I believe we achieved this balance well. Apart from that I can't really say I remember too much of the ceremony... it was all over in a quick blur as I spent most of the ceremony staring off into the distance or at Paul trying so very hard not to cry, especially through our vows which where highly personalised and meaningful to us both. Heaven forbid I should ruin my makeup so early in the day - especially since we still had hours of photos to get through!! But in the end I was very proud of myself as I managed to struggle through, not shedding a tear, saving my makeup! Actually I think Paul pulling faces at me through the ceremony, trying to make me smile probably helped!

Afterwards we breathed a HUGE sigh of relief and headed to the Round House in Fremantle with the bridal party for our professional pictures. Another beautiful location that takes advantage the ocean! Cant wait to see the professional shots!

The reception was held at the Red Herring in East Fremantle and once again seems to have gone by in a bit of a blur... I think by this point I was blissed out and tired - especially after doing the Hora!

It was the most beautiful day of my life and well worth all the pain, stress and emotion I went through during the organising and planning and the best bit is I can now call myself Mrs Bianca Benet... well once I've sorted out all the visa issues I can!! :D

98. Investigate, Research and purchase all my on scuba equipment

I've been desperately wanting to gear up for scuba diving since I completed the course and got my Advanced Open Water Certificate 18 months ago! Well it took an upcoming trip to Belize to be the catalyst but finally the time has come!

After much consideration and playing around at the local dive stores in Houston I decided upon:

Aqua Lung Pearl i3 BCD

I decided to go with a female specific BCD because lets face it.. unisex BCD's really are designed with guys in mind and I'm a little sick of wearing a BCD that is too big, rides up in the water, is heavy and is just plain uncomfortable so I decided if I'm going to be shelling out the cash I may as well get something that fits!!! I fell in love with the Aqua Lung because of the i3 - the inflating / deflating device is a little device on the jacket pocket instead of the normal hose on the shoulder!! Since I'm all about streamlining my kit and reducing the weight it seemed perfect!!

The Aqua Lung Pearl i3 BCD - I did get mine in black and silver... really wasn't keen on pink

The i3 inflation device that I LOOOOOVE!!

Aqua Lung Mikron Regulator

As my main aim during gearing up was to ensure my kit was as light weight as possible and the correct sizing for my relatively small body the Mikron Regulator seemed like a no-brainer as it’s the smallest and lightest regulator available on the market today! Woohoo no more mouth fatigue!! Now I just need to get the matching occy to complete the look!!

Suunto D9 Dive Computer and Transmitter

The only acceptable dive computer for a number of reasons… first of all its small! All I need is the watch on my wrist and a transmitter on my cylinder and I’m ready to dive! No more large cumbersome computers to tuck into my BCD, secondly its one of the best computers on the market currently and thirdly it makes Paul insanely jealous that I have one and he doesn’t and it makes me the envy of many on the dive boat and who doesn’t love that??? ;D

Ain’t no one getting their hands on my D9 – LOOOOVE it!!!

So at this point I now look like a pro diver! Well until I get into the water that is!!! Bring on the diving!!