We took the 2 and a half hour journey down to Agonda. It was a good day to travel as it was slightly overcast but yet sill warm of course.

Once in Agonda Ian went in search for somewhere to stay. The rest of us took the easy job and waited in a cafe with chai (tea) in our hands. The place is still as I remember it. Still in an exquisite setting and a gorgeous stretch of beach.

He came back announcing he had found a place at the north end of the beach, which is also the quietest place and is near the river. Its the last huts on the beach at this end and is Velvet Sunset.

We got two huts of which both had a comfy double sized bed in each and not much  other than a couple of side tables. They each had a balcony where you could spend all day if you wished reading in the shade. Even though not on the front we catch glimpses of the sea every day. Though we didn’t have hot water the shower was still sufficient. There was a restaurant of which had delicious food for both breakfast and dinner. The beach was less than 10 metres away and the sea not much further. At the end of each day we were rewarded with a perfect phenomenal sun set. We stayed here for 16 nights.

Instead of writing what we did EACH day I’ll stick to the days that have stuck more than others or special moments.

We did a boat trip down the river. The guy spoke little English but was so kind and tried to show us everything he spotted along the way, the whole time a huge real smile on his face. It was so peaceful as he paddled us down the river, observing everything around us, from motionless to full of life. It was a great day for me to use the camera and dive into the depths of focusing on the subject and remaining silent. When I use the camera or become one with the creature it gives me a sense of calmness and peace. It is a remarkable feeling.

There were kingfishers, herons, cormorants, hawks, eagles, snakes, bats, buffaloes, monkeys and so much more not even including the scenery the plants or the river.

Jed was quite satisfied sat at the front of the boat with either a paddle helping the man or holding his wooden ‘sword’ waiting for pirates.

At the end of the river (which continued but was too shallow) we stopped and walked around on a sand ‘island in the centre of the river watching nature enfold before us.

After this trip the boat man always greets us with either a smile or a hello whenever he sees us.

We visited Palolem which is another beach town further south. I remember this one too. We spent a whole day here messing in their river and enjoying the calm warm sea. Its more packed than Agonda and also a smaller bay which is why I prefer Agonda.

Thanks to Auntie Karen I’ve woken up for a few sunrises which are just as breathtaking as the sunsets and sometimes even better. An orange sphere announcing another day. When its the perfect colour orange and a perfect sphere it shows in my eyes so much emotion.

We also went on a dolphin trip which started at around 7 am and lasted around 2 hours. We saw more dolphins than we did last time and Jed enjoyed himself. One jumped completely out of the water and landed graciously. Some were in groups others alone. Following them that morning made me feel as if I was truly with them. There were a few times were I would nearly jumped into the sea to join them.

We visited a few bays around the corner and I could have sworn I saw a turtle floating on the surface of calm waters. But no one else saw it so I can’t be sure.

We drove down south on a couple of scooters to Talpona and Galgibaga beach. The ride there is amazing and has so much scenery through lush jungle and small villages. We had a few drinks at the only shack on the deserted but beautiful beach and this is where I got attacked by a crow who stole my sandwich out of my hand and scratched my ear and neck. I was not happy about it but it is something to laugh about now. We saw lots of monkeys here as well which was a highlight. They were swinging in the jungle. We stopped off at another spot on the way home to watch more of them messing about.

On the 22nd it was jeds birthday:). He is now 3! Wow how time flies. I still remember him being brought home from hospital and me the excited 10 year old dying to meet her new and only baby brother all day. He had a great day and loved all his presents.

Ian decided to get the kite out and was concentrating so hard on getting it up in the air that he kept walking backwards until…bam he did a magnificent backwards failed somersault into the river. He came up looking like a fish dying for air and if it wasn’t for the 2 Indian guys laughing their heads off (of which had helped untangle the kite beforehand) he would have been in a really bad mood.

Mum has also fallen in a river (a crocodile infested river) which was hilarious (see Orange walk in Belize to read more). So it looks like I’m the next victim or the lucky one in this family, let’s hope it’s the latter.

Today is also the winter solstice! So happy birthday baby brother and happy belated winter solstice everyone.

And next obviously was Christmas. Now a lot of people ask me ‘how do we celebrate Christmas?’. Well we don’t celebrate it nearly as much as people do at home but we still do presents and have a meal although we don’t have a tree and obviously we are in the sun :-).

So yes both me and Jed got presents. I’m happy with all my presents so thank you to my family and friends!
Jed also enjoys each one. Since we were both in a good mood me and Ian decided to play chess of which ended up being a draw although I’m sure he would have been a lot more satisfied if he had won.

Unfortunately I passed the cold I’ve had for a couple of days to mum and Auntie Karen so neither of them were in good shape.

As my present and treat I took everyone for a meal as I did last year.

Merry (once again belated) Christmas everyone!