This bus would take us all the way to Belize City for $22 BZD each ($11 US) with a minimum of stops (only in the cities of Dangriga and Belmopan, not all along the way), so it would be faster than our trip down. Also, the bus was air conditioned and the seats were nicer than the buses we took down. The A/C was set to sub-arctic temperatures, though, though, so I was glad for my wind jacket, and Barry wore his rain jacket the entire bus ride to stay warm. One time we dared to open our window to try to let some warm air in, and the attendant came by and promptly shut it!
This bus driver didn't have the radio tuned to the terrible "mash-up" station we'd been subjected to on the the Ritchie's bus on the trip south, though he kept changing the station for the entire ride. He was also "horn happy" and gave long blasts of the horn at just about everyone we passed along the way, whether car, truck, pedestrian, or cyclist. I guess he was just being a bit overzealous in his safety warnings, but it was really annoying. We even saw locals outside turn and give him dirty looks. If I were biking on the road and heard that kind of a blast from behind, I would jump out of my skin!
We got a lot of comments and smiles from people as we paraded her through town on her leash with her bone. We could tell she wanted to find a place to "bury" it. Sure enough, when we got home, she quickly located a nice hiding place in our shower, and then crashed to sleep off her exciting visit to Pampered Paws. Glad we've found a place to take her where she is safe and well-treated, and can find new friends to play with too!
All in all, even with the disappointing Scarlet Macaw hunt, it was a great trip, and we loved Placencia. For those who are interested, here's a summary of our trip expenses:
Transportation (ferries, buses, taxis to/from Placencia): $278 BZD ($139 US)
Lodging (3 nights): $392 BZD ($196 US)
All meals out: $337 BZD ($168.50 US)
Car rental, gas, and tour guide + tip (Red Bank trip): $290 BZD ($145 US)
Miscellaneous (snacks): $8.50 BZD ($4.25 US)
Pampered Paws (boarding + food): $100 BZD ($50 US)
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TOTAL: $1405.50 BZD ($702.75 US)