Tag Archives: customs

Blog Entry: May 30 Title: From Coral Reefs to Customs Lines

We started our final day at Glover’s Reef way before sunrise—5 a.m. wake-up call, followed by a quick breakfast of plain bread and a lot of yawning. The boat ride back to the mainland was… rough. The water was choppy, and for the first time this week, I felt truly seasick. I did everything to distract myself: deep breathing, staring at the horizon, mentally listing every species of soft coral I could remember. It sort of worked.

Once we got to the marina, stepping onto solid ground felt like a small miracle. From there, we took an air-conditioned bus (best part of the day) to the airport. That’s when the travel stress really kicked in—I only had a little over an hour to catch my connecting flight. Cue a full-on airport power walk through customs and security. Luckily, I made it.

Now that I’m home in NYC, it’s strange to think that just this morning I was surrounded by turquoise water and coral reefs. It’s hard leaving a place where soft corals gently sway under the waves and lionfish lurk in rocky crevices. I already miss the reef—but I’m bringing back a suitcase full of memories (and probably some sand in my shoes).

Day 15: See Everyone in August

Today started bright and early since we had to catch a boat back to the mainland at 6 am. We had peanut butter and jelly rolls for breakfast and then got on the boat. I did not see any sharks or rays on this last day unfortunately. The ride was gorgeous but I was not able to stay awake for the majority of it. I took seasickness meds and they wiped me out; I was snoozing through rough, open ocean swells. But hey! I didn’t get seasick!

(Final interview on Middle Caye)

When we got back to the marina, I used my first flushing toilet in a week (its the little things in life). Then we loaded in the van and drove to the airport. At the airport I got my first cold coffee in two weeks. It was amazing. The flight was easy from Belize to Houston, customs was fast, and then I had a 3 hour layover with Ian before we flew back to Raleigh-Durham.

(Waiting to go through customs)

It was so nice to be in air conditioning all day, but I am already missing the rustic, nature lifestyle we lived for the past two weeks. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus in a few months! I hope everyone has a great summer!!!

Claire C