Whew! It's Hot!

We have had a very hot week -- highs in the 80s everyday. I suppose this is the norm for April. I've just never been here this time of year. After a whole lot of thunder and lightening the past couple of nights, we finally had some rain last night. It rained hard for about an hour in the middle of the night. At least it added to the cisterns as the water supply in San Pedro has been kind of if-y. In fact, over Easter weekend there just wasn't any water. I'm glad I was at home and missed that adventure.

There is water now, but the power outages continue at crazy random times. A neighbor remarked this morning that in the US we are used to the power going out when there are strong storms with thunder and lightening. Not here -- plenty of electricity during last night's storm, but on a clear, cloudless day, it will go out for several hours. Hmmm.... Electricity in Belize comes from Mexico, and there has been a varity of reasons given for the outages --- downed lines in Northern Belize, birds landing in transformers, someone who forgot to mail a check to Mexico :) and the list goes on. I am now armed with a flashlight and an assortment of candles. It just gets pretty warm without the fans.

I have some company in my apartment. This pair of geckos (cleverly known as "Tropical House Geckos") make their appearance on my ceiling about dusk. They make a loud "clicking" sound which makes them seem much larger than they really are. They are fun to watch, and they very nicely eat insects. Tomorrow a group of 10 student teachers from Vancouver Island University arrives at Holy Cross. They will be here until the middle of May. It should be a good mutual learning experience. In another week, another group of student teachers from Gainsville State Univ. will also begin working with and learning from our teachers. It should be eye-opening on both sides.

Francis left yesterday to spend time with her daughter who is nearing the end of her pregnancy. She has been put on bedrest, so Grammy Francis has gone to help out with the 2 year old and 4 year old grandsons. I am very grateful that Vernon is still here. I am not totally on my own out there this time, and I have a much better idea of expectations and responsibilities. I know we will be ready for her to be back long before she actually returns.

I took a short stroll through town this afternoon. Too hot to do more than stroll. It seems pretty quiet -- not many tourists. The Belizean economy is suffering because of the American issues. Many folks have cut back on vacations, and that hurts things here. So, if you find yourself in need of a holiday, come on down! Let these pictures entice you..... Have a great week.