It was a beautiful morning to cross the sounds, although I felt decidedly dodgy, which was compounded by the twistyness of Queen Charlotte Drive - but what a drive. The view from the road was spectacular. We arrived in Nelson and opted to stay at the Palace, a victorian house overlooking the town. We went out for a couple of drinks and met a girl from Arran - we scots get everywhere!!! The following morning we went to the local market - loads of organic food and arts and crafts (we only made a couple of small purchases). An early start [View Full Entry]

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Standard of hostels in New Zealand surpassed that of the USA (booked into Auckland Central Backpackers - 600 beds!!!). After a refreshing afternoon nap (travelling really is hard work), went out for a late lunch in downtown Auckland. This was followed by the best freebie of the trip so far! I can fully recommend Toni and Guy for a free haircut (ok just the fringe) without an appointment (as well as a few free hair products). Maybe I looked like I needed it! Sara on the other hand paid for hers (dont worry Jane - it was just a trim!!). By [View Full Entry]

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In order to fly out to Fiji we had to go into LA. It was a great chance to meet up with mum and dads friends, Arthur and Darlene who live in Ventura. We were so spoiled - thanks again for the great Scottish/American hospitality!! After paying a visit to the much talked about Antique Trading Company shop and warehouse in Ventura we were driven along the coast to Santa Barbara and watched some wild dolphins playing in the Pacific Ocean. Enjoyed a coffee in a beautiful adobe hotel - The Biltmore, walked along the pier at Santa Barabara and then [View Full Entry]

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The flight from LA to Fiji is as long as from London to LA, so arriving at 3 in the morning having crossed the international date line we were a wee bit weary. We had to wait for 4 hours for the connecting shuttle bus to take us to our accomodation and despite the seating in the arrival lounge not being the most comfortable I still managed to catch some shut eye, while Sara caught up on her crosswords (Esther you would be proud!). Even at the planning stage of this trip we had decided that Fiji was always going to [View Full Entry]

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We returned to Antigua - and had a shower (cold) - in order to make the connection for an early flight back to Mexico. After a few bed bug bites we were up at 3.30am to get to the shuttle bus to Guatemala City Airport. We had a lay over of about 5 hours in Mexico City Airport before our flight to the northern city of Chihuahua. When we told the taxi driver where we wanted to stay he was not too keen on taking us there - as it turned out it was a bit below our expectations, but it [View Full Entry]

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Sadly our timing has meant that we are visiting the lake during the rainy season, so we are unable to see to the other side nor the full glory of the volcanos that surround it. It does mean that the lake and its surrounding hillsides look very eerie, almost like a movie set... We opted to stay in Panajechel, as our accommodation is around $2 a night!!! The cheapest so far - however, it does mean that we have had to use an outside toilet and neither of us has been brave enough to venture into the shower (three days later [View Full Entry]

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We both found it a little strange passing through Guatemala City as it feels like a long time since we have been in a busy city!! Apparently it is the murder capital of Central America - the direct shuttle bus out to Antigua was a very welcome sight!! Antigua is a really pretty, colourful town in spite of the number of times that it has been hit by earthquakes and rebuilt. Thankfully we didnt experience any tremors although there had been one the previous week. As a coincidence, a girl from the gym at home is currently studying Spanish here (Fifers [View Full Entry]

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Had an eventful border crossing partly due to our lack of local money to exit Belize and partly to the inconsistenices of Guatemalan border officials!! We were joined on the bus by a local who persuaded us that his hotel was "very good price"and we should all stay there and ... the whole bus did!! Within minutes our arrival we were accosted by a guy from Essex(Steve) who hadnt spoken English or seen a Gringo for 3 weeks!! We couldnt shut him up or turn down his dinner invitation!! Several beers and much chat later - (including several references to a [View Full Entry]

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First class bus took us as far as Chetumal on the Mexican/Belize border. Due to a 3 hour wait for the connecting bus to Belize City we transferred to the 2nd Class bus station. Were persuaded to get on an old US school bus (also known by Gringos as chicken buses!!)that would take us as far as Orange Walk for the princely sum of $2 for a 2 hour bus journey!!This price included free Bob Marley and Venga Boys (played at full volume) all the way through northern Belize!! Air conditioning consisted of open windows, refreshments - mango on a stick [View Full Entry]

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Having survived the overnight bus journey with a bit of sleep we arrived in Tulum VERY early in the morning. The local hostel didn't any vacancies, but sent us in the direction of a nearby hotel. It may have been a former prison....but at least we had our own bathroom, even if there wasn't a toilet seat and we did have an unexpected overnight guest. During an unexpected tropical storm, we were forced to take shelter in a local bar, where Liverpool were playing Chelsea in the Champions League semi final. After a couple of beers we got chatting with an [View Full Entry]

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