Today is May 13, 2012. One year ago today Gina and I had our last day of work in Melbourne. It feels like forever ago and also like it was yesterday. It's been an absolutely amazing trip and we're both so thankful and grateful to have had the opportunity to do what we've done. Today we are crossing into Guatemala which is the 26th country on our trip. Initially, we thought we'd be about done by now, but...well, we've still got a little money, a little energy an...

It had been a while since I rode on a Central American chicken bus, but the sensations all came flooding back right away. Hot, sweaty, B.O. filled air, noisy, constantly stopping to drop people off or pick people up...yup, just as I remember it. The good thing is that it was a short ride, only 2.5 hrs, and once we were on the highway with the school bus latch windows wide open the breeze was pretty good. We pulled into San Ignacio and made our way to Casa Blanc...

After roughly 10 days with our trusty comrades, we rose on a Monday morning and with a sinking heart knew our time together was nearing an end. To make matters worse, we were forced to pack up and vacate our Very Presidential digs in Isla Mujeres. It's pretty amazing how quickly one can get used to living in the lap of luxury, even when it's only been less than 24 hours! After a slow pack, clean, and breakfast session, we said goodbye to our Presidential Suite a...