“It’s been over two hours since 3 o’clock!” my internal clock screeched at me. “It’s way past happy hour!”
I’d spent all day in the hot sun on a metal boat, no cover, traversing the waters of the Macal and Chalilo rivers, looking for Scarlet Macaws. Happy Hour could wait…but now that we were hurtling down the red dirt road of the Mountain Pine Ridge, I could practically taste the cold Belikin.Malfunction Junction Bar Cayo District-5
I know – I know…it sounds like I have a problem. I don’t think I do; I just think that after seeing trees laden with screeching scarlet macaws, successfully climbing uphill to discover another Blue Hole, and essentially, crossing off a bucket list item, I had earned myself a beer.Malfunction Junction Bar Cayo District-3
Thankfully, Tamara felt the same, and she drove with a purpose. I dare to say she had visions of Belikins dancing in front of her the entire way out of the jungle and into the junction.
Our guide Roni had decided on a stout, his gorgeous little boy wanted an icy cold Coca Cola, and well, us girls wanted beers.Malfunction Junction Bar Cayo District-2
So there, like a beacon in the waning evening light, stood a bar. Literally at the T junction where one could head into Seven Miles into Barton Creek into Georgeville or to San Antonio, was a sign that said “OPEN”. The Malfunction Junction, just the pit stop we needed to refresh ourselves! We pulled in, parked and ran to the barkeep, who confirmed that yes, there were beers, and yes, they were cold.Malfunction Junction Bar Cayo District-1
There’s nothing malfunction about this quaint little watering hole, and let me tell you, that first sip was heavenly! After a long day, it was blissful to just swing on their chairs, checking out their homemade map and trying to figure out the sound of the birds that were settling in for the evening. Nothing like a little barstool birding to pass the time!
Seriously, if you are in the area, stop in at the Malfunction Junction Bar for a sip and a chat!

Topics covered in this article: , , , , ,

About the Author: Mary Gonzalez

Mary Gonzalez writes under the pseudonym 'Tia Chocolate'. Tia Chocolate enjoys writing short stories that focus on her life growing up in the small Maya village of San Antonio, Cayo District, Belize.
Tia loves (and we mean LOVE) eating and writing about her food experiences, often times trying out new recipes to try and recreate the foods of her memories. She also loves to travel, indulging in the culture wherever she is privy to visit.
She is slave to a giant cat named Kitty Boo Boo, and her cooking exploits are enjoyed by her significant other, Pookie.

Read Mary's other articles