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I`m attempting to cover over 3 weeks of our trip in one go here. Three very busy weeks! Our time in Latin America began with an organised trip through parts of Mexico and Guatemala (9 days) followed by a couple of weeks of independent travel back towards Cancun, taking in Belize on the way.
Highlights have included:
* Mayan history - Wow, I must admit I knew little of the ancient Maya, however after visiting historical sites at Chichen Itza (often mispronounced "chicken pizza"), Palenque and Tikal (where we managed to see some spider monkeys and toucans) we gained a little insight in to their amazing culture. They actually believed they came from the corn (you certainly can`t go too far in Mexico without eating corn) and were able to construct their buildings with unbelievable precision and without modern technology. They were also keen astronomers and acurately predicted numerous significant events.... the world is headed for disaster on December 21, 2012. You heard it here my friends!
* Utes, police, shotguns and re-fried beans - OK, this only touches the surface when describing Mexican culture. This place is amazing... everyone gets around in the back of a ute. Got 12 mates who want a lift? No worries, just pile them in the back! There are 5 levels of police in Mexico which means it`s hard to go more than 30 km without having to stop at a road block by the feds or the state police. Why? well apparently they like to put on a good show to make it look like they are tough on drug runners (no one believes it makes any difference). Did I mention shotguns? Every cop and even security guards outside supermarkets have either a pump action shot gun or a machine gun on them. Makes you feel like a firefight between the cops and druglords could break out at any stage! Yay! And finally, Mexican cuisine. I love a good tortilla, salsa, re-fried beans and jalapeno combination.... but for every meal, every day? We have started to resemble corn (used in making tortillas)!
* Guatemala - home of crazy drivers, minature people and mayhem.
Our lives flashed before our eyes on too many occasions to recall when on the Guatemalan roads. Overtaking on a blind corner? No worries. Speed limits? Are you kidding? Landslides blocking off half of a main carriageway... bring it on at full speed!!! Having said all that, the Guatemalans were very relaxed and friendly. Most of them are about a foot shorter than us also which does wonders for your ego as you walk around the streets looking like a giant!
Staying with a local family overnight was a very humbling experience. It makes you question the luxuries we take for granted. Climbing a volcano near Antigua was also a highlight. Although there does not appear to be any health and safety legislation in the country, we were not permitted to climb to the top of the volcano as people had recently died doing so. We did, however get to roast some marshmallows in a natural sauna not far from the top. Delicious and a little scary at the same time! The motto "expect the unexpected" was never more true than when we headed out for a drink with the tour group after dinner in Panajachel. The local band at "Pana Rock" wore Mexican wrestling masks and sung a mixture of 60s surf tunes (think beach boys), modern clasics and guatemalan favourites.
* Rancho relaxo - every trip needs some down time. Belize was just the tonic for us. Belizians are so laid back they are horizontal. We enjoyed a chilled out day of snorkeling in which we were able to see magnificent coral as well as touch nurse sharks and sting rays (couldn`t make myself touch the rays in deference to our late mate Steve Irwin). Sailing back to shore with reggae music and lashings of rum punch was a fitting end to a magical day. Last stop on the beach bum trail was spending 3 nights in a beach side cabana at Tulum in Mexico. Despite now having sand in every orifice, it was priceless to be able to stroll out the front door and walk 50 metres to have a dip in the Carribean Sea.
- comments
Kylie Ryan Hey Luke & Jodes, Thanks for the update, it's great to hear about the trip, it sounds like you're having a fantastic time. Kyles xx
Greg Connolly Luke you have to get your hands on a "pana rock" CD as they say 'for the memory', or you will never forgive yourself. In years to come you can fill up every orifice with sand and put on the CD and bingo - you're back in Rancho Relaxo land. Loving hearing your travels. Keep the blog flowing!
alastair summed it up well ...love the pana rock almost as much as the drunk owner ...viva gutemala!!! ha ha make sure you load up the supplies of zacapa ...we found you could buy it in houstan so we thought it would be all over the us but no.... im trying to look up an importer to oz ha ha ...good luck on your travels Al and Jules
Nat and Mal Brilliant blog. Love the idea of you two being giants!! Sounds like a fantastic couple of weeks. Brazil next?? Must be close to Carnivale time - so jealous! Nat and Mal
Mark Plonka Hey guys! You are looking relaxed and absorbing the laidback, simplistic lifestyle of the Mekiko and central America. I am completely enjoying the photos here. Temple/ruins of Mayans and in Guatemala look awesome...almost as much as the quintessential lazy beach hut. Who needs flooring anyway - its an overrated building expense!! Lots of love. Plonka