Belize City

23 November 2011

Yesterday I drove from Belize’s tiny capital Belmopan back to the former capital Belize City. It was difficult taking photos in Belmopan. For a capital it’s one of the quietest I’ve seen so far. There’s really nothing there. I guess the center is the bus station. So that’s what I photographed. On the small pacific islands I expected this, but not in Belize. Anyway, it turned out quite allright in the end and I left Belmopan, the capital where the few restaurants close at eight.
It was a long time ago since I’ve taken a cross-country local bus. When I got in the quite crowded old thing I lucked out with the front seat. Although bumpy, I like that one the best because you’ve got a great view. Once the bus had taken off I started thinking about all the bus rides I had taken since I started traveling almost 20 years ago now. These bus rides, which can be excruciatingly uncomfortable, started when I was 19, in India. Over there they sometimes took two days. Totally run down busses with no tires left and a maniac at the wheel navigating dust roads in the mountains with steep cliffs on one side, constantly overtaking on the winding roads. Terrifying, especially for a control freak like me. I am still thankful that I survived them all, up till now. This bus ride is an easy 2-hour drive over well-paved roads. Piece of cake.

My mind wandered off to all the places those busses brought me. As far as I could remember them, because there were too many. I guess by now including Streets I have been to about 150 countries. With many friends and lovers. The adventures and memories are locked in my heart and they are from all over the world.

Sometimes I still can’t really fathom the idea that I have actually built up a life around traveling. In one of those busses I actually remember thinking: “How can I make a living out of traveling...?”
The choices I’ve made the past 20 years have all directed me to this moment, in this bus in Belize. It has become a wonderful and fascinating life. I am happy in this bus.

By taking the Belize photo I have finished photographing the entire mainland of the American continent. After I’ve taken the photos of Jamaica and Cuba I’ll go home for Christmas. As usual I can’t wait. There will only be a few countries left in the Caribbean before I’m finished with the whole of America. I can’t believe how fast it is going. When I started Streets I knew one day, if everything went according to plan, it would be finished with it. But not really... right?
By now it’s becoming very clear to me it will finish. Asia and America are almost done. Next is mighty Africa. I will seize the moments while they are mine. Enjoy this superb freedom. And try to share the adventure with the world.

It’s amazing how far this crazy dream has taken me. Thank God there’s is still a long way to go. And many bus rides to take.