CHECK OUT TODAY'S BELIZEPOST...

This photo of Idris and me in Belize heading out into the jungle appears in today's Belize Post.  Check out the story on: http://bzpost.blogspot.com/2011/10/belize-people-cultures-chiquibul.html  Starting from the somewhat nerve-wracking moment when I was on my own in the jungle, surrounded by soldiers with sub-machine guns, it goes on to tell the story of my travels around Belize, the amazing forests, wildlife, cayes and coastlines I discovered and the people I met.  

I went out to Belize to do research for the gap year novel, 'In the Trees', but came away with very much more than I ever dreamt of or expected.  There's almost not a day goes by that I don't think about the jungle in all its beauty - the dusty roads, the smell of cahun palms and ceiba trees, allspice trees and orange groves. The Paranda music of the Garifuna people of Belize is often running through my head, especially the wistful voice of Paul Nabor who, if you've never heard, you  should definitely look out for him - certainly you'd find him on YouTube, and you'd be in for a treat.  [PS. Look for the CD "Paranda' from Stonetree Records, also 'From Bakabush - The First Ten Years of Stonetree', also 'Umalali - The Garifuna Women's Project', also by Stonetree Records.  All three albums are terrific].

I'm delighted that the Belize Post is carrying a feature on my time in Belize.  I know I keep going on about it, but it's a country - and its people are a nation - that I'll never forget.  If you want to know what I say about them, and about some of my experiences, follow the link.