Most people that venture to Belize spend most of their time on one of the islands. But the farming and fishing community of Hopkins offers many cultural and indigenous (Garifuna) rewards. Its unique character can't be beat. Except when you are listening to some of the best drumming in Belize!

This is the community I live in and love. Full of amazing people and beautiful places-the natural landscape rules here and we are so blessed to raise our children in such a magical place. This map is a labor of love for my place, inspired by my 4 year old's gift for "I Spy" and my endless wanting to collage everything I touch-Meigs Co. Ohio is truly a wonderful secret!

Smela's coat of arms depicts a girl breaking the arrow. According to the legend, during one of the Golden Horde raids, a local girl guided Russian warriors to the rear of the invaders. The enemy were defeated but the girl was killed with the enemy's arrow. Nobody knew her name, so they simply called her Smela ('a brave girl' in Russian). When the town was established there, they dicided to keep the name to commemorate the girl who saved the warriors and the local people.