Queen of the Bay

Corozal, Belize - Went to observe Corozal's "Queen of the Bay" coronation and was surprised to be confronted by armed troops.

"What the heck?" I thought. "Did I forget to renew my visa, or something?"

They were only on hand to commemorate the Battle of St. George's Caye, however. The historic 1798 victory over the Spanish is celebrated today.

Saw only one other foreigner in attendance. Like me, he was taking pictures and sporting a Trader Joe's bag.

"You must be from California!" he exclaimed when he saw my bag.

"Michigan, actually," I said.

That pretty much terminated the conversation.

After the crowning ceremony, the queen paraded the streets in her decorated boat.

Young cadets added a military flavor to the parade.