Burrell Boom This tranquil riverside community is located approximately sixteen miles north of Belize City off a weathered dusty road and is surrounded by rich orchards of exotic fruit trees. Burrell Boom epitomizes the very essence of rural Belize as the local residents maintain a peaceful coexistence with the vastly unspoiled natural environment. Flora and fauna abound. Multi- colored species of tropical birds including the yellow-headed parrot, redheaded woodpecker, several types of hummingbirds, and the famous jabiru stork inhabit the orchards, marshlands, and riverbanks of the subtropical countryside. A profusion of fruit trees line the winding country roads and are an essential component of the villages many flamboyant gardens. Vibrant yellow cashews, rich custard apples, deep purple and red mangos, berries of every shape and color, and an infinite host of tropical plants create a breathtaking ambiance as well as provide the key ingredients for an array of local dishes and beverages. The village has become famous for its assortment of natural fruit wines and is home to a number of locally owned wineries. In particular, "Oliver's" winery has recently achieved international acclaim for its appearance in "Temptation Island". Over the past decade, the proprietor has consistently produced a superb blend of rice, sorrel, potato, berry, and cashew wines to suit every taste. All wines are brewed from fruits harvested on the property and are fermented in an assortment of large hollow barrels. The bottled products are displayed in the small rustic grocery store situated to the front of the wine storage area. The store also stocks a variety of homemade pickles, pepper sauces, and fruit jams that are made from all organic ingredients. Villagers stop by for a special taste of the newly distilled wine and to relaxingly discuss the day's events while tourists grasp the opportunity to savor some of Belize's finest home brewed products. The most amazing spectacle of the village's natural splendor can be experienced at sunrise and shortly after sunset. The typical morning breaks with a magnificent sunrise; blazing rays of orange, red, magenta, and yellow can be seen beaming over the seemingly endless horizon of lush vegetation. An echoing melody of birdsong, the occasional flutter of wings, and the tapping of tiny beaks against glass paned windows announce daybreak. The sun's fluorescent glare reflects on the glass creating a natural mirror that is a source of fascination to a multitude of feathered visitors. The nighttime air is saturated with an equally melodic rhythm of animal chatter. The cooling night breeze combined with a natural incense of fruit aroma mixed with the distant vapor of burning bush generates a soothing atmosphere of relaxation. The sound of chirping crickets, the frequent coo of birds nestling in their nocturnal hideaways, and far-off calls of howler monkeys ring out into the night air. Nighttime activities for the local residents mostly consist of conversation, animated card games, and inventive story telling aided by a taste of refreshing berry wine. One of the best ways to experience the true flavor of village life is to attend the annual La Ruta Maya riverside fair. A range of thatched roof bamboo booths are assembled on the village's most popular riverbank to serve as vending facilities for an assortment of local dishes. The cooling grass and clay along the riverbank overlook the emerald waters of the historic Belize River and make for comfortable seating. The air is saturated with a delicious aroma of fresh fruit, exotic spices, and BBQ smoke. Delicacies on offer far surpass the typical mainstay of rice and beans and stewed chicken. Local specialties such as stewed deer meat, roast gibnut, iguana, and hicate (river turtle) are in abundance. Piping hot tamales, ducunu, coconut rice, and stewed beans also nourish the hungry spectators. For those who prefer a little spice in their diet, there is a variety of locally produced pepper sauces made from the richest homegrown blazing red and yellow habanero peppers. Lush fruit jams made from freshly stewed supa, berries, and cashews are on offer as are richly roasted cashew nuts, the local delicacy. Beverages are also in plentiful supply. The ever-popular beer tent supplies ice-cold lager to the riverside visitors while the local wineries make use of the opportunity to display their prized stock. For the younger visitors, a tasty mixture of locally made fruit ice-creams, sweet corn, syrup, and snow cones are available. Of course, the highlight of the day is the sight of the energetic but weary paddlers as the canoe race completes its' winding Bermudan Landing to Burrell Boom leg. As the bright colors of the victorious canoes radiate upon the horizon, a throng of spectators flock to the riverbank to view the highly anticipated finish. As the winners rapidly approach the finish, the energy and excitement overwhelms some spectators who decide to cool off by taking a refreshing plunge into the emerald waters below. On the average day, the riverbank setting is a popular swimming and picnic area. A quaint riverside restaurant and bar is constructed along the sloping riverbank with steps leading up to a veranda area which provides a spectacular view of the scenery below. Across the river, the rainforest environment is still preserved in its natural state. A vibrant assortment of parrots nestling in the riverside vegetation is a common site as is the blurry spectacle of black howler monkeys scurrying through the trees. The most popular and stylish dining facility in the area is undoubtedly the "El Chiclero" restaurant and hotel that is located on the Burrell Boom- Hattieville bypass road. A scenic garden area complete with gazebo and birdbath lavishes the entrance to the restaurant. Glass paned doors open on to a ballroom style dining area with cozy tables furnishing the large floor space. The décor displays an old west ambiance by the addition of bookshelves, a collection of mugs and other novelties, and an elegant grand piano. The cuisine is just as appealing as the atmosphere. The menu includes an array of local dishes including escabeche, stewed deer, and rice and beans. For the health conscious there is a variety of tasty garden salads, freshly made sandwiches, and crisp baked potatoes. An assortment of juicy southern style burgers comprising of a hearty portion of flame-grilled beef are also available. Desert lovers can indulge themselves with delectable apple crumble made from a tangy stew of apples and raisons with a hint of vanilla heaved into a rich cinnamon basted crust or a thick slice of strawberry cheesecake with a smooth filling of chilled cream cheese and generous helping of sweet juicy berries. The rich chocolate cake with its' layers of mouth watering chocolate fudge frosting complimented with thin slices of fresh almonds is best savored with a generous dollop of whipped cream. These delicacies are popularly served with afternoon tea or coffee brewed from the finest Belizean grown beans. Clearly, the sleepy riverside community of Burrell Boom is a vibrant natural haven awaiting exploration. The abundance of leisure activities, wildlife, and natural beauty combined with the overwhelming mood of relaxation certainly exceeds the appeal of some of the country's most upscale resort facilities.