12-1 to 12-2-2019 Belize International Yoga Festival

Cara carpooled with several friends from Hopkins to Belize City for the 4th Annual Belize International Yoga Festival.

We missed the first couple classes and got there in time for the opening ceremony and keynote address from Quentin Vennie,
a speaker, wellness expert, metal health advocate, entrepreneur and author, who spoke about how yoga changed his life.

There were lots of different types of classes offered, and Cara took Intro to Tai Chi, Ashtanga Yoga (pictured here), an
Ayurveda Workshop, Restorative Yoga, and the Reiki Circle & Guided Meditation. It was loads of fun and great to be able to
try new things.

During the lunch hour we were treated to really nice music from the local group Kadence.

Friends' children played their version of chess in the cafe.

That night we went to a really cool restaurant called The 501 Hub. In a beautiful courtyard it had several spaces with
different vibes.

Cara's Crispy Tofu Tacos - yummy.

The next morning we had breakfast at Spoonaz Photo Cafe.

Cara's fruit and yogurt parfait.

After breakfast we checked out of our hotel and headed out for lots of shopping for stuff you cannot get in Hopkins. While
she did not purchase one, Cara thought these odd pillows were worth a photo.

11-19-2019 Garifuna Settlement Day in Hopkins

Even after staying up really late partying with friends the night before, Cara got up early to watch the Yurumein, which is the
reenactment of the Garinagu people arriving on the shores of Belize.

It was at the public dock, and lots of people gathered to sing and watch.

The first boat coming in to land.

The people land and ask to make Belize their home. 

The Garinagu are turned away twice.

Finally, after the third landing and request, they are allowed to stay.

There is a big procession with drumming and singing all the way to the church.

11-13-2019 Return to Belize

We left Indianapolis just a couple of days too late, because we endured the first snow, and it was seven degrees (Farenheit)
the morrning we left.

The view from our "hopper" flight from Belize City to Dangriga. Ahhhh, this looks much more appealing.

We're happy to be back in Belize!

10-18 to 10-20-2019 Hayride to Hell - Pioneer Edition

Tent City begins at Hayride to Hell, our friends' annual Halloween camp-out weekend in beautiful Brown County.

Since the original house burned down last winter in a fire, and the new house is under construction, everyone had to sleep in
tents and use the portable toilets this year. That's why it's called the "Pioneer Edition".

That's also why a tent became the center of the festivities.

Our friend Mark made this wonderful, creepy chandelier for the tent.

Thankfully it was a beautiful weekend for camping.

The Halloween decorations are always wonderful, and we are happy to help set up.

Things are coming together...

The jack-o-lanterns are always creative, and often funny.

Our friends are so talented - love the entries for the pumpkin competition.

More people arrive and things get under way.

The first hayride is usually for the kids, and the adults enjoy the nighttime hayrides.

Mark's chandelier in full glory.

Later in the evening the bonfire is the secondary gathering spot.

This Cheshire Cat jack-o-lantern really came to life at night.

A murderous Alice in Wonderland tea party.

Cards Against Humanity.

American Gothic.

Head in a jar - creative costume.

Pioneer woman, in keeping with the theme.

The Invisible Man.

Head on a plate - also very creative.

The last hayride is on Sunday morning when the riders toss all the hay into the field along the way.

We always stay to help tear everything down, and we stay most of the day.

While Eric played board games in the barn, Cara enjoyed a walk down to the lake.5-

Peaceful and beautiful as always!

The leaves were definitely changing colors more down at the lake than up at the barn.

Alas, it's finally time to go home.

We had a great time. Many thanks to our hosts and all our friends. See you next year!