Started off in Antigua and left early to go to Rio Dulce. Took ferry to our hotel, delightful cabins on the riverside. Swimming pool, super outdoor dining area, swim up bar. A bit more luxury than I am used to and a lovely change from some of our accommodation.

Sun 27.04. Took boat trip along river. Went up river to Lake Izabel to see Castello San Felipe, a fort built in 1530 to stop pirates, who came up the river from the Carribean, from sailing to the lake and spreading throughout the country. Then turned around and went back up river past little settlements where tiny children were fishing the river in tiny canoes or just playing in the water. They live in palm roofed huts and the families make most of their income from fishing. The children take themselves off to school by canoe, much as ours catch a bus. They must learn to swim very early. The river is incredibly wide and fast flowing. Further on we came to Livingstone, a town mainly populated by descendants of the slave trade. Wonderful characters and all very cheerful people who seem to be permanently smiling. Back on dry land to our hotel and then by bus to Flores in Petan district.

Mon. Early start to incredible Mayan ruins at Tikal, a vast complex of temples and buildings in the heart of the jungle. Saw spider and howler monkeys and Miguel, our guide, called up birds who answered him and flew close by. The ruins were spectactular. Occupied probably between 800AD and 800BC they are complex structures that are still being discovered under mounds and jungle undergrowth and being restored. Apparently babies born with a blue birth mark on their lower back have Mayan blood and possibly can be traced back to Mongolia which is where the Mayan people came from. An excellent visit. After lunch, over border to Belize. English speaking people, after months of trying to mumble my way through Spanish. On to St Ignaica. Good hotel with another pool. Delighted with that as it is incredibly hot.

Tues. Spent an incredibly lazy day by the pool, reading, swimming, playing cards. It was good to have a 'do nothing' day.

Wed. Arrived in Caye Caulker. A delightful Caribbean island with sandy streets, laid back locals and a wonderful atmosphere. My birthday and what a place to celebrate. In the evening had a BBQ on the beach prepared for us by a local family assited by their twin girls, aged 6... They proudly produced a beautifully decorated cake complete with candles and proceeded to help me cut it to share out. Offered some, they gladly said "Yes" and proceeded to give me a list of all their cousins of which there appeared to be many, who might like a slice as well. They were great fun. Went on to a Reggae club for a few drinks and bed at midnight. A super day and great fun.

Thurs. Went out snorkelling on the reef. Excellent guide who stopped and showed us different coral, explained what the fish were that we saw. Swam with sharks, eagle and sting rays, barracuda and a multitude of different fish of all colours and sizes. Magical. Then on to an island for lunch. As we pulled into the jetty we saw a crocodile in the water. Very rare to see them during the day and even our tour leader didn't know they were on the island. After lunch on to another site where we were so privileged to see and swim a Manatee. They are only in the local waters for the breeding season that does not start until a bit later in the month so we were so lucky to see her. She was huge and really slow and cumbersome. Local bar on the beach for dinner. Another special day.

Fri. Left island at 0600. Long day's travel to Bacalah to stop at another good hotel overlooking an aqua marine blue lagoon. Delightful situation and we had a cabin overlooking the lake so that was good.

Sat. Arrived in Cancun, having driven past Playa de Carmen. I'm not sure I am ready yet for civilisation. Commericalised, expensive and a bit over the top. Went to local shopping mall, welcome to the real world - very American and huge. I think I prefer the quieter, more remote places.

Sun. Took ferry to local island then hired a golf buggy to drive around. Five on a golf cart is quite an experience...

Mon. Leave Cancun today to fly to Florida Keys. This is going to be quite a change for me and I think it will be interesting. Have to wait and see what the US of A has to offer. Watch this space....