Okay, confession time: This week’s Thursday Postcard Hunt entry almost became my own archaelogical dig in my junk box. While I was searching for my rogue yo-yo (please don’t judge, I’m an old-school girl at heart) that I bought for myself on my birthday this year, I stumbled upon this Belize postcard. It was tucked in a box with a faded, fluorescent yellow sticker note with a screaming handwritten note, FOR BLOG POST. Who knows how long it has been in there, and how it even got there, but it seems that this postcard was destined for a rediscovery.
This little detour has thrown me off my weekly postcard line up, but it also reminded me of another delightful ritual — and I’m sure you’d all agree on this – discovering hidden gems through postcard swaps!
Now on to the postcard from sunny Belize.
Belize is this incredible tropical paradise nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. They boast pristine rainforests, stunning coral reefs, and ancient Mayan ruins. TRIVIA: it’s the only country in Central America where English is their official language! But the focus of this, though, is the swing bridge in Belize City.
The Swing Bridge in Belize City is a historic landmark and a popular tourist destination. It is the oldest swing bridge in Central America and one of the few manually operated swing bridges left in the world. The bridge was constructed in Liverpool, England in 1922 and was brought to Belize City by a United States company in New Orleans. It was built to allow sailing ships with tall masts to pass the bridge and continue up the Haulover Creek, a tributary of the Belize River, to offer supplies and services to the city.
The bridge requires a minimum of four men to crank it by hand until it is perpendicular with Haulover Creek. This process can take up to ten minutes. Today, the bridge is only swung on special occasions, such as for tall ships or for ceremonial purposes. However, it is still a popular spot for tourists to take photos and to watch the boats go by.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Bridge_(Belize)
Imagine rush hour traffic grinding to a halt for ships and fishermen making their way to and from the harbour since 1923 – all thanks to this manually operated marvel. Talk about a well-oiled (hopefully?) routine! That was the daily routine for Belize City folks back in the day.
So, a big shoutout to Debbie for the postcard. I almost “lost” the postcard, but thanks to that errant yo-yo, I found it again. Sometimes, the best finds come out unexpectedly life’s detours and lost toys!
What a beautiful bridge. And a great post, too. I like those bits of information. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for dropping by!
This is a gem! I’m glad you found it.
Not so usual to see postcards from Belize.
Me, too! It’s one we postcard-swappers consider “rare” or a difficult country to get postcards from.
Wow, four men to crank it open – and closed! Bridges like these certainly teach everyone patience.
Four strong men, with lots of patience and probably a good arm workout!
Nothing like a rummage to discover the joy of something forgotten. That is a super swing bridge. As it was built in Liverpool it made me think there are a few on the Leeds-Liverpool canal, of course they are a whole lot smaller and easily moved by one person.
Thanks! It must be fun to see these little bridges in action.
That’s a long wait if you’re trying to cross the bridge! It would be worth is for a tourist to see though.
Haha, that’s true! I wouldn’t want to be stuck waiting in a hurry, but it would be fascinating to see the bridge swing open for the boats, especially for tourists.