Its the last day of 2015, ready for a fresh start? I am.

Off to the Chocolate Factory in Belize. Unfortunatly there were no oompa loompas or a chocolate rivers here. However, we did learn the process of making chocolate all the way from the tree to the candy bar. Cacao is what chocolate is made from and actually has many health benefits such as fighting depression and working as an antioxidant. While this sounds like good news, its only beneficial when its dark chocolate and must be 80% Cacao. So much for living on Hersheys cookies and cream bars… Maybe in another life.

Cacao pod where chocolate beans grow

The fruit inside the pod

After leaving the chocolate factory we took the bus down the bumpiest dirt road all the way to the rain forest. Let me just fill you in quick, seeing the rainforest has always been a dream of mine so I was absolutely thrilled. I cannot even put into words how unbelieveable this place was. Books, movies, Tv..etc dont even do justice. If you ever get a chance to see it you will NOT be disappointed. There is so much life and vegatation. We hiked along a river to a cave opening. Along the way a couple of us were blessed to learn from a Shaman (spelling?) which is essentially a doctor that heals with medicinal plants and herbs. Sylvano was the coolest. When we got to the cave he strapped us in life jackets, we grabbed our headlamps and followed him over the rocks. This is the part where I thought we were hiking in the cave. Turns out we were swimming. So there we were….swimming in a dark cave with headlamps. I know you’re probably thinking “Were there any critters in the water?” Not that I saw and the water was so clear. He took us to a waterfall before turning around to head back out. Serisouly one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. (Side note: Props to Katie Gerlovich for sending me with her hunting headlamp)

After all these activities you will be surpised to hear we still celebrated New Years Eve. For the first time this week we all did our hair and dressed nice. Within five minutes of being outside all our hair was frizzed out from the humidity but at least we tried right? We watched fireworks on an ocean side deck which was pretty awesome. Most of us went home after that. It was such a long day. The Minnesota girl in me was saying “Oofda!”

Myself, Hanna, Ashley

Happy New Year!

-Kirsten