 |
Matt
Biography
Angel Biography
Belizean History
For those who don't already know where Belize is, maybe you'd know it from it's former name British Honduras. It's located in Central America and borders Guatemala. It's located next to the barrier reef of the Caribbean Sea. The country recently gained it's independence in September of 1981. This was an exhausting battle because of the Guatemala claim on the colony. The British made a deal with the Belizean people that they would train in the Belize Jungle and provide a force against Guatemala. Over the years, Belize has developed into a diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Some of the ethnic backgrounds are the following: Mestizos, Creoles, Ketchi, Yacatecs, Mopan Mayans, and Garifunas. Also over the years, Taiwanese, German, Dutch Mennonites, Chinese, and British have moved within the Belizean borders.
There are many national symbols that are used to recognize the country of Belize. The national flower of Belize is the Black Orchid. The national mammal is a Tapir, which looks much like a mixture of a cow and an anteater. The national bird is the Keel Billed Toucan.
It is rumored that Belize retained it's named from a Scottish Buccaneer named Peter Wallace. The pirates used the cayes as a prime point for raiding Spanish galleons that were filled with gold and silver. They often used the barrier reef to lay open the ships carrying tons of treasure. However, the pirates weren't the only ones that had their eye on the Belizean land. For many years the Maya were threatened by foreign countries such as Spain and Britain, but ironically it wasn't for gold or treasure it was more for the woods of the forest. They used the woods and some animals for beautiful colored dyes. The deep red heartwood, Mediterranean snails, and the mahogany were some of the most important species used for dyes.
The Mayan people primarily focused their lifestyle around astrological events and were agriculturally inclined and used the jungle to provide food for their people.
Map of Belize
Trip description
Our pictures of Belize
Our pictures of fish
Our pictures at the Belize Zoo
|
Hi, my name is Matt Runnebohm. I am a senior biology and chemistry double major. I am from Waldron, Indiana. This was my first trip to Belize. As a biology major, I was primarily interested in the ecosystem of Belize and its inhabitants. I did however get plenty of chances to goof around. Unlike Angel, I am an experienced flyer, but I'll let her tell you about that. |
Angel Biography
 |
Hello! My name is Angel Kimberlin. I am
a biology major with a computer information systems minor. I was
born and raised in Greenfield, Indiana. This was my first opportunity
to get out of the country. The first obstacle that I had to get
over was the plane ride down, after that it was sweet sailing from
there. I used to be terrified of airplanes but
after the trip to San Pedro, I am able
to fly in anything. For those who have never been out of the country,
this
would be a great experience for you because the place isn't crowded
with
people and the natives are relatively nice. If I had the opportunity, I
would
definitely go again. |
Belizean History
For those who don't already know where Belize is, maybe you'd know it from it's former name British Honduras. It's located in Central America and borders Guatemala. It's located next to the barrier reef of the Caribbean Sea. The country recently gained it's independence in September of 1981. This was an exhausting battle because of the Guatemala claim on the colony. The British made a deal with the Belizean people that they would train in the Belize Jungle and provide a force against Guatemala. Over the years, Belize has developed into a diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Some of the ethnic backgrounds are the following: Mestizos, Creoles, Ketchi, Yacatecs, Mopan Mayans, and Garifunas. Also over the years, Taiwanese, German, Dutch Mennonites, Chinese, and British have moved within the Belizean borders.
There are many national symbols that are used to recognize the country of Belize. The national flower of Belize is the Black Orchid. The national mammal is a Tapir, which looks much like a mixture of a cow and an anteater. The national bird is the Keel Billed Toucan.
It is rumored that Belize retained it's named from a Scottish Buccaneer named Peter Wallace. The pirates used the cayes as a prime point for raiding Spanish galleons that were filled with gold and silver. They often used the barrier reef to lay open the ships carrying tons of treasure. However, the pirates weren't the only ones that had their eye on the Belizean land. For many years the Maya were threatened by foreign countries such as Spain and Britain, but ironically it wasn't for gold or treasure it was more for the woods of the forest. They used the woods and some animals for beautiful colored dyes. The deep red heartwood, Mediterranean snails, and the mahogany were some of the most important species used for dyes.
The Mayan people primarily focused their lifestyle around astrological events and were agriculturally inclined and used the jungle to provide food for their people.
Map of Belize
Trip description
Our pictures of Belize
Our pictures of fish
Our pictures at the Belize Zoo