Leaving Belize was a bit of a circus, we had to catch 2 buses and managed to get on the wrong one in Belize City that instead of taking us up and over the border into Mexico left us in a town 20 km before the border. We managed to find another bus to the border then we had to walk through the Belize exit and the Mexican entry with our packs on - a sizable distance. If we'd caught the right bus it would have taken us right through. You get that when you don't speak Spanish! Finally in Mexico again we found a bus to take us to the nearest town of Chetumal as it was by now almost dark and we purchased a bus ticket for 6.00 am the next day to take us to the little fishing village called Puerto Morelos just south of the major Mexican Caribbean tourist destination of Cancun.

This lovely town, full of friendly people,live music in the streets and good food became our home for the next week. Heather's actual birthday was spent here - warm Caribbean weather, sidewalk restaurant with live music, beautiful food, Chile wine and chatting to fellow travellers. The band played Happy Birthday and a Mexican waiter waltzed Heather around in great style. Avan even found a masseuse for a birthday massage for Heather.

From Puerto Morleos we took a day trip to Chichen Itza, a place of ruins from the Indian Mayan civilization. We found we were there at a special time - the equinox. Twice a year the sun is in such a position that it causes a shadow on the pyramid that leaves a sliver of light forming a snakes body which joins perfectly with the stone carved snakes head (see picture). This is supposedly the image of the snake god, Kukulcan descending to earth. It is one of those amazing things where you think how did the builders of the pyramid work this one out!

And so it is goodbye to Mexico as we take a flight out of Cancun to a much awaited and intriguing destination.........CUBA.....

Footnote: Chichen Itza Yucatan, Mexico is one of the New Seven Wonders Of The World Winners. Pre-Hispanic City Of Chichen Itza is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Pyramid of Kukulcan, Chichen Itza is featured in the book Unforgettable Places To See.