CAYO SENSING

The students first introduction to Cayo or to the non-local San Ignacio is somewhat of a shocker. As we drive students curiosity is peaked. They stare out the windows of the bus looking at the unfamiliar setting unfolding before their eyes. Silently they hope to maybe catch a glimpse of home. They step off the bus still distracted by their new place. Welcome to Cayo! The activity we will be doing today is Cayo Sensing. The next set of instructions instantly pulls their gaze to me. You will now take your journal and walk around San Ignacio for 20 to 30 minutes ALONE!!! Immediately questions start flowing from students’ mouths about safety and directions. Positive words about the hospitality of Belizeans and the size of San Ignacio allow them to collect their thoughts and again lose themselves in the hustle and bustle of San Ignacio. The rest of the activity is explained. Students disperse in all directions mesmerized. This will be the only time Cayo will be seen for the first time. After this it will become a familiar place where the energy of the town is no longer what holds their attention but rather the task that brought them here. There is always something new to learn about the place you live. For myself and everyone else I can only hope that that all-important task that brought us to San Ignacio or where ever we are does not get in the way and that once again we can slow down and experience something again for the first time. Check out the girls here already making friends with the police!