Belize

Sipping a frozen mojito -- the signature drink -- I convey to Sergio that our snorkeling expedition has whetted my appetite for a deep-sea scuba dive even more.

“Not tomorrow, my friend. I have plans for us,” he says.

“But the Blue Hole is calling me!” I say.

“Listen closer,” he replies. “Something else is calling you too.”

“Fido’s?”

“No, something green and lush.”

“Another frozen mojito?”

“There’s nothing frozen about it. But another mojito is not a bad idea. Hang tight and you’ll see.”

The Jungle

When you think of Belize, the visceral image that comes to mind is mile upon mile of pristine beaches. You think of well-mannered attendants delivering boat drinks while a tropical sun warms the soul. What you don’t think about -- at least, what I hadn’t considered -- is the rugged, mountainous terrain and the canopy jungle that blankets two-thirds of the country.