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Polaroid of the Week: Encountering Tropical Depression Matthew in Belize

Polaroid of the Week: Encountering Tropical Depression Matthew in Belize

Just 12 hours after arriving in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye—a vibrant island off Belize's coast—we faced Tropical Depression Matthew, our first major storm on this journey. Originally expected to strengthen into a hurricane, we watched locals board up windows and stockpile supplies on day two. Thankfully, it downgraded to a tropical depression, though strong enough to suspend ferry services to the mainland. We stayed put in San Pedro until it passed, with no major damage reported anywhere.


Tourist Attraction
  • Polaroid of the Week: Stuffed Boar s Head at Lucca Market, Tuscany, Italy

    During our travels through Central America, weve encountered unusual market scenes—like baskets of live iguanas tied and ready to cook in León, or fried grasshoppers alongside the final squeals of pigs in Oaxaca. Yet nothing quite matched this discovery! Wandering through a vibrant market in Lucca, Tuscany, surrounded by fresh olives, global sea salts, and fragrant rosemary, we came upon a stuffed boars head proudly displayed at a delicatessen stall, nestled between olive oil and Chianti wine.

  • Polaroid of the Week: Dodging Hurricane Ernesto on Mexico s Caribbean Coast

    Hurricanes have become a recurring adventure in our travels. Since hitting the road full-time in 2010, weve encountered one every summer. Two years ago, on Ambergris Caye off Belizes coast, we arrived just as Hurricane Matthew loomed. Locals boarded up windows, ferries shut down, but it weakened to a tropical depression before striking. We rode it out safely in our hotel. Last year, en route from New York to New Orleans, Hurricane Irene forced a scenic detour through the Blue Ridge Mountains,

  • Polaroid of the Week: Our Cheeky Gecko Roommate in Mexico s Costa Maya

    Though our remote beach house on Mexicos Costa Maya had few neighbors, it was alive with dozens of geckos of all sizes. These natural pest controllers kept mosquitoes and bugs at bay. Jess adored the tiny newborns—barely an inch long—but our favorite was this bold green gecko. He loved hanging out nearby as we cooked, read, or dined, and was incredibly photogenic, striking poses for the camera instead of scurrying away.This morning, we said goodbye to him, the other geckos, and our faithful beac