So it seems that once I got going, I semed to be moving about quite a lot. San Cristobal de las Casas was a great stop - cute little colonial town with brightly painted buildings, an brilliant day trip to Canyon Sumidero and a poor attempt at Salsa dancing.

The canyon has a river through the bottom of it, along which we sped in a boat, and saw various wildlife including herons, big black birds whose names I don't know, and crocodiles. The 2 Dutch, 10 Mexicans and 5 Brits that went on the trip then all went out in town that evening which is where the salsa dancing was attempted. Strictly Come Dancing it was not. However, local instructor at hand to help and well, it's the taking part that counts right?!

Then it was off to Palenque to stay in the rainforest surrounding the ancient Mayan ruins. Apart from the mosquitos, it was briliant listening to the sounds of the rainforest at night, although sadly we didn't spot any Howler monkeys. The ruins at Palenque were impressive and would have spent more time there had it not been for the intense heat and humidity, from which the only respite was when I was in the (cold) shower. Palenque town itself is nothing to get excited about, and a bit of a drag waiting there for the night bus to Tulum. Another sleepless night on a bus, this time well away from the driver, but the unnecessary number of speed bumps on Mexican roads (in the middle of nowhere on a main road!) ensures a decent kip to be near impossible.

Tulum - finally I'd made it to the seaside. Great to feel sand between my toes (and lodged in every item of clothing, in my ears, in the suncream, book etc etc) and the beaches there were beautiful, soft white sand and bright turquoise sea. More ruins to be seen on the hill top right beside the sea, not the most impressive ruins I've seen (and the most touristy I've been to) but probably the prettiest location.

So that was Mexico. what a brilliant start. Bright and busy, fab food, and plenty more yet undiscovered. My first bo9rder crossing will be into Belize, heading for Caye Caulker, a tiny island off the East coast in the Caribbean sea.

Hours spent on a bus: 32.75

Miles travelled: 1239