"It seemed like forever, but it was really only a few minutes later when Julia emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in his Christmas gift. The black satin fabric accentuated the pink and cream of her skin, while the corset itself made her breasts look fuller and her waist smaller. Gabriel couldn't help but admire the exquisite hourglass that was Julia's now transformed figure. His eyes hungrily regarded the merest glimpse of black lace panties, paired with black-silk stockings that were held up by a garter belt. Finally and gloriously, a pair of black pumps decorated her feet. Gabriel nearly had a heart attack when he gazed at the shoes alone. "Bonsoir, Professeur. Vous allex bien?" Julia purred. It took a moment for him to figure out why she'd made this linguistic choice, so taken as he was by her figure and her footwear. Julia was wearing his beret.
When his eyes finally met hers, she watched him swallow hard. She pouted at him provocatively and removed her hat, tossing it at him. After he threw it aside, she walked slowly, very slowly, to the bed. "I really like my Christmas present, Professor." Gabriel gulped, at a loss for words. "Have you seen the back?" She pivoted her hips, watching him over her shoulder. He reached out a finger to touch the laces that tied the corset, dragging his hand down to the panties that cut across her pert backside. "Enough teasing, Miss Mitchell. Come here." He pulled her to him, bringing their mouths together in a forceful kiss. "I'm going to take my time unwrapping my gift - with the exception of the shoes. I hope for your sake they're comfortable."
Gabriel's Rapture, Ch. 19
~~~~~~~~~
I've had such a wonderful time exploring Belize with you, but sadly it's time to say goodbye to this incredible place. Before we go, let's stop by the souvenir store for an item or two to remember our incredible moments here.
Postcards:
(My sincere thanks to those who created such lovely fan art.)
For Book Lovers:
For Gourmets:
For Music Lovers:
For Entertainers:
For Art Lovers:
For Her:
For Him:
(Courtesy of IndiaRose)
For Them:
I'm afraid it's time to board our flight...
While I'm sure we'll all miss this tropical paradise, I've already prepared a recovery from our post-vacation blues.
I'll be back next week with the first installment in a new series of Destination posts, and I look forward to sharing some new adventures with you.
"Do you ever paint your toes?" Gabriel stroked Julia's ankle, before sliding his thumb along her instep.
They were reclining in bed, she with her head on a
pillow, he lying at her feet. The gentle rhythm of the rain hitting the roof of
their hut filled the warm, humid air. “Sometimes. But it’s so cold in my apartment, when I
get out of the shower I just want to get dressed.” Gabriel frowned, but continued his foot
massage. “We have to move you out of
that apartment.” She sighed. “We
talked about this.” “You can paint
your toes at my place.” He gave her a searing look. She wiggled her toes. “Why wait? You can paint my
toes here.” “No.” He placed her foot
gently on the bed. “No? For a man
with a shoe fetish, that’s very strident.” “I don’t have a shoe fetish. I simply admire women’s
shoes because they’re sexy and they enhance a woman’s attractiveness. And I’m
not into feet.” “Oh, really,
Professor?” “Oh, really. So no toe
painting, Miss Mitchell. Or toe sucking.” He winked and slid his hand up her
calf. “That’s disappointing,” she
pouted. “What else can we do on a rainy afternoon?” “I have a few ideas.”
********
In
one swift movement he covered her and pressed their mouths
together.
“You’re very intense,” Julia
breathed. He was over her, inside
her, his sapphire eyes focused and unblinking. “I’m with a beautiful woman, having fantastic sex.”
He increased his pace and moved to her neck, nipping and sucking at the
skin. “I feel like we’re the only
ones in the world.” “Good,” he
mumbled, kissing across her shoulder. “You make me feel beautiful.” In response, he licked her breast until she began to
groan. “I love you.” Gabriel lifted his head. His eyes glittered, then
grew determined. “Nothing can
separate us,” he growled, quickening his pace. “Nothing can separate us because I love
you.” Without warning, Julia felt the
pleasure overtake her and she moaned incoherently. Gabriel continued thrusting
until he too, was overcome. “Nothing,” he whispered, as he lay on top of her,
their bodies covered with a thin sheen of perspiration. “Nothing.”
Gabriel's Rapture - Outtake
~~~~~~~~~
Water.
I need lots of water.
And air.
I need fresh air, preferably accompanied by a sea breeze.
So ... Umm ...
It looks as though Gabriel and Julia are still quite preoccupied with one another. I guess we better occupy our time in Belize with a tourist attraction ... or four.
Let's do ourselves a favor though, and begin our expedition in a place where we can cool ourselves off just a bit:
The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a large underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 100 kilometres (62 mi) from the mainland of Belize City.
The hole is circular in shape, over 300 metres (984 ft.) across and 125 metres (410 ft.) deep. The world’s largest natural formation of its kind, the Great Blue Hole is part of the larger Barrier Reef Reserve System, a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Great Blue Hole is a world-class destination for recreational scuba divers attracted by the opportunity to dive in crystal-clear waters and see many species of marine life including tropical fish and spectacular coral formations.
The marine life in these areas include nurse sharks, giant groupers, and several types of reef sharks such as the Caribbean reef shark and the Blacktip shark. Dive excursions to the Great Blue Hole are full-day trips, that usually consist of one dive in the Blue Hole and two additional dives in nearby reefs.
And if you want an idea of what's underneath those beautiful waters, come on a virtual dive with me. I promise it's worth your while and perfectly safe:
The nice thing about a virtual vacation is that we're not hampered by pesky, logistical things like distances and travel time. Now that we've cooled off under the sea, let's head inland into the wilderness for a truly awe inspiring experience:
Caracol
Situated high on the Vaca Plateau, 500 meters (1650 ft) above sea level, Caracol is the largest Maya site in Belize. It was once one of the largest ancient Maya cities, covering some 168 square kilometers (65 mi²). At its peak around 650 AD it had an estimated population of about 150,000, more than twice as many people as Belize City has today.
Ancient Caracol was occupied as early as 1200 BC. Its greatest period of construction occurred between 484 AD and 889 AD when over 40 monuments were built. The largest pyramid in Caracol is Canaa (Sky Place), at 43 meters (143 ft) it is still the tallest man-made structure in all of Belize.
Caracol was first reported by a native logger named Rosa Mai, who came across the site in 1937 while searching for hardwood trees.
As you may have guessed by now, Belize is a country for nature lovers. I'm not entirely certain I can picture The Professor backpacking into the jungle, although something tells me we'd all be in very capable hands if he led us inside one. Either way, I'm sure he would have a certain appreciation for our next stop-over:
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the biggest, protected destinations in Belize. The reserve was founded in 1990 as the first wilderness sanctuary for the jaguar. Although roughly 60 of Belize’s 700 jaguars are believed to live in the sanctuary, your chances of seeing one are very slim. However, it’s an ideal environment for plant-spotting, bird viewing or seeking out other wildlife, and the trail system is the best developed in any of Belize’s protected areas.
Perhaps that's enough of the outdoors for the time being. Besides, what journey with The Professor would be complete without a trip to the museum?
Museum of Belize:
The Museum of Belize, located in downtown Belize City (Gabourel Lane), and on the grounds of the Central Bank of Belize, was the country’s first national museum, inaugurated in 2002. The Museum is housed in a refurbished British colonial prison built in 1857 and evacuated in 1993.
The Museum of Belizehas retained its link with the past as each window of the structure signifies a cell that was built for one inmate. One cell has been restored to give visitors a glimpse of what prison life used to be like.
What used to be a dwelling for inmates is now where valued Belizean treasures are on exhibit. Both permanent and rotating collections are on display. Maya Masterpieces is a permanent museum collection that spans the ancient Maya civilization from 600 B.C. to A.D. 1500. Many artifacts displaying the legacy of ancient Maya achievements are exhibited. Rotating exhibits include “Insects of Belize” a colorful collection of butterflies, including the spectacular Blue Morpho, and “Stamps of Belize” which, features a stamp commemorating the Coronation of King George VI (1937).
"Without warning, she moved so she was straddling his lap and placed her hands on either side of his face, pulling him toward her. They kissed passionately for a moment before she took the mango and knife from his hand and placed a piece temptingly in her mouth. He gave her a heated look before he brought their lips together, tugging the piece of fruit away with his teeth. "Mmmmm," she hummed. "By the way, I don't think I ever saw the security video from our date at the museum." She gently squeezed a piece of mango over his chest and began kissing and sucking across the droplet trail. "Ah - ah --" Gabriel had trouble finding his words. "I've seen it. It's pretty hot." "Really?" She sat back and languidly ate a piece of fruit in front of him, licking her fingers slowly. "I'll show it to you later." He pulled her into a tight embrace, his hands sliding up and down her back. Then, when he couldn't stand it any longer, he tossed everything aside so he could lift her into his arms. "Where are we going?" she asked, slightly alarmed. "To the beach."
Gabriel's Rapture, Chapter 19
~~~~~~~~~
I have to tell you, I'm a bit relieved that Gabriel and Julia are leaving the hut for a little bit.
Next week will be our final one in Belize and no vacation is complete without browsing for souvenirs. So while our favorite couple is busy enjoying the surf and sand, I'll be setting up shop.
I hope to see you there. I'm pretty sure you'll find something to take home with you.
"I think we missed our dinner because we were feasting on - ah - other things."
"And what a feast it was, Professor. At least there's a fruit basket."
She sat up, wrapping the sheet around her torso, while he walked over to the large basket that was sitting on the coffee table. He found a Swiss army knife in the kitchenette, made an adjustment to the music, and brought a mango with him to bed.
"I needed to match the song to the fruit," he said, his blue eyes sparkling. "Now lie back."
She felt her heart rate begin to increase.
"You don't need this." Boldly, he pulled the sheet away. Now they were both naked.
"Who's singing?"
"Bruce Cockburn."
He began cutting the mango slowly, his eyes exploring Julia's body.
She gave him a quizzical look. "Naked lunch?"
"More like a naked midnight snack."
Gabriel's Rapture, Chapter 19
~~~~~~~~~
Last week, we arrived in Belize and explored our accomodations at the Turtle Inn Resort. I don't know about you, but all that activity made me hungry, so let's see what's on the menu in our tropical paradise.
My research on Belize has revealed there is no truly distinctive cuisine for this culture. As we ponder our choices, it is safe to say we will discover a combination of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish and Mayan influences.
With miles and miles of coastline, it should be no surprise that Belize is best known for its seafood. And if you like to indulge in lobster you're in luck because it's readily available and inexpensive.
However, there's no need to panic if seafood isn't really your thing. Stew chicken is considered a national dish.
Stews are also popular, including Chimole (black gumbo) and Sere, a coconut based seafood stew.
Another widely available dish is conch fritters, which are popular appetizers.
I've come to understand that no Belizean table setting is complete without a bottle of Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce. I wonder if the Professor's neighbor back at the ManuLife would appreciate some?
However, there is one bit of bad news for the Professor and Julianne. According to Frommers, "Belize doesn't have a very extravagant or refined dessert culture. After all, the country was colonized by the British, not the French."
But we all know the Professor enjoys a challenge and I'm sure he could find a creative way to introduce his Beloved to the wonders of the locally produced Goss Chocolate.
Is it hot in here? I'm suddenly feeling a bit thirsty. Thankfully, there are plenty of delicious beverages for us to enjoy. While fruit shakes are common, someone in a more adventurous mood might try out the local delicacy known as a seaweed shake.
This is a concoction made of dried seaweed, evaporated and condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and blended with ice. They are sometimes kicked up with a shot of rum or brandy (which I would definitely request).
Speaking of rum...
The Caribbean is world famous for its rum production and Belize is no exception. I highly recommend a local brand called 1 Barrel (but please don't let Sailor Jerry know that I said that).
And if you're wondering what beer the Professor might have been enjoying as he sunbathed on the beach with Julianne, I would guess it was likely a bottle of Belikin.
But if for some reason, none of these dishes hold an appeal for you, there's always the mango.
With deft fingers he cut a small slice of the fruit, juice dripping from his hands and onto her abdomen. She arched an eyebrow.
"Hmmm." He peered at the juice with an impish expression. "I'll have to take care of that."
She opened her mouth as he leaned forward to feed her. "You have a feeding fetish," she said, licking her lips and angling for more.
He bowed before her in obeisance, his tongue snaking out to capture the liquid from her stomach. "Pardon?" he asked.
Julia groaned incoherently.
"It isn't a fetish so much as an act that gives me joy. I like to care for you, and there's something sensual about sharing food with a lover." He eschewed her lips to kiss her shoulder, the tip of his tongue tasting her skin. Withdrawing, he cut another slice of fruit. A few droplets fell like liquid sunshine on her left breast.
"Damn. Forgive my mess."
~~~~~~~~~
Since it looks like Gabriel and Julianne will be enjoying another feast for two inside their private hut, we best find other ways to occupy our time in Belize. Next week, I'll be back to show you what kind of things you can do in Belize (besides the Professor).
"With the relief that an early acceptance to Harvard brought, Julia was able to redouble her efforts on her thesis. When she and Gabriel were apart, she worked tirelessly, spending hours upon hours in the library or at her apartment writing.
As a reward, Gabriel decided to whisk her away to Belize for Valentine's weekend. It was a celebration of love, Julia's acceptance to Harvard, and other things that Gabriel was not yet ready to share."
Gabriel's Rapture, Chapter 17
~~~~~~~~~
If you're like me, you'd never turn down an opportunity to travel.
Although Belize has been on my list of places to see for many years, I have to admit it's ticked up quite a few spots since reading about a certain romantic weekend. I even had dreams of spending my upcoming birthday enjoying the scenery there, but sometimes real life has a way of interfering with our best laid plans.
In the meantime, we'll have to be content with a virtual vacation and some romantic inspiration from The Professor. This month, I've planned a few posts centered around the tropcial setting from "Gabriel's Rapture" and hope you'll sit down with a refreshing drink (or two) and join me.
Today, we'll explore the romantic retreat where our favorite lovebirds spent all of their time.
"When Gabriel and Julia finally arrived at the Turtle Inn resort in Belize, it was late in the evening and the stars were already out."
According to the resort's website:
Turtle Inn is sandwiched between the Garifuna settlement of Seine Bight and the Creole fishing village of Placencia at the tip of a narrow 26-mile long sandy peninsula. To the east, the Caribbean Sea is studded by a patchwork of coral cayes and the Belize Barrier Reef UNESCO World Heritage site.
Directly behind Turtle Inn to the west lie the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon and spectacular views of the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak. South of the Placencia Peninsula is the Monkey River formed from the Swasey and Bladen rivers that flow from the jungle clad peaks of the Maya Mountains across the coastal savanna out into the extensive mangrove flats and barrier islands that hug the coastline.
If you can tear yourself away from your villa, it sounds like there are many wonderful places to visit in Belize. But first you'd have to be willing to leave your own private bit of Paradise. Personally speaking, it would be difficult to be lured away from this wonderful reading space. I could see The Professor and I enjoying many a blissful moment right here...
So I guess we'll save the local attractions for another day.
"Julia explored their accomodations - a private hut on a secluded beach - while Gabriel ordered room service.
The walls of their hut were white, with the exception of a row of tall, teak panels that accordioned to open out onto the covered porch. The ceilings were a mixture of bamboo and thatch, and a large bed was centered in the room, shrouded in mosquito netting."
"Julia was particularly taken with the open air shower and bathtub that were located on a side verranda.
While Gabriel wrestled with the kitchen staff over the telephone, Julia quickly slipped out of her clothes and took a shower. The space was not competely closed, affording the bather a view of the ocean. But since it was dark out and they were on a private beach, there was no possibility of being surprised by anyone, apart from one's lover."
What could be better than a luxurious shower for one? How about a bathtub built for two?
"A tropical rainstorm moved through the area the following morning. While the raindrops tapped against the roof of the hut, the couple made love slowly in a bed covered with mosquito netting. They found their rhythm in the steady dance of the rain.
When they were both blissful, he suggested that they rinse the sweat and humidity from their skin in the large bathtub on the veranda."
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Even so, it's always important for a couple to savor every moment of their time together.
"Gabriel and Julia spent their last full day of vaction in and out of the ocean. They sunned themselves, then relaxed in the shade with a beer and an umbrella drink. Julia nodded off in her lounge chair, her large floppy hat discarded on the sand.
Gabriel loved to watch her sleep - the way her chest rose and fell with her gentle breathing. The way her lips curled back with the occasional sigh. She looked so peaceful."
We'll leave the relaxed pair there for now, but I'll be back next week to discuss the cuisine of Belize.
