Geo: 17.92, -87.96Today was mostly a traveling day so I will not really be writing much unless you are interested in how the local buses work, in which case, I will just answer any questions you have. Now short on time, we made the decision to head back to the coast and check out another island we heard good things about. Just past the island of Caye Caulker, where this journey got started, San Pedro is a much larger tropical town with very colorful bars, restaraunts and shops, as well as people. Once we ariived, we followed the advise of a local we met on the water taxi and went to Ruby's Budget Hotel right on the beach. For $20 we got our cheapest room yet, with an extraordinary view. We took time this evening to ... read more

Geo: 17.16, -89.06What a magnificent day we had today. We started by waking in our new hotel run by the crazy, but very nice, old lady. Last night as I was laying on the bed looking at my phone, I here someone go on the balcony from the hallway. Next thing I know, the little old lady is looking in my window talking to me. Fortunately I was dressed, but decided I would flash her if she did it again. After waking, we loaded in a van for the ride to ATM cave, home of the famous crystal maiden. After swimming into the entrance of the cave, I soon saw why this cave was considered by the Mayans as a gateway to their heaven. The formations were beautiful. The guide saw we were a fit group ... read more

Geo: 16.2361, -89.0436Why lost? We had a 12 pm bus to catch to go further south towards the Mayan villages and a waterfall I wanted to see. Alex was content in te air conditioned room and I was good taking a walk alone for a bit. I quickly learned it was market day in PG so, putting on my parent hat I went back to get Alex so he could experience some of the culture. Many in the market were in typical modern Mayan dress. Fortunately for us, I took a wrong turn on the way to the market and we saw a visitor center. I went in and spoke briefly with the girl there and explained where we were going. She directed me to a pamphlet for Farmer Inn that advertised a bunkhouse for backpackers.We ... read more

Geo: 16.5181, -88.3682I am sitting at an outside table in the manicured sand lawn in the dark at our budget hotel trying to figure out how to convey how amazing the day was we had today. I don't think I can so I will just explain how the day went and try to support it with photos. We planned on diving this morning, but as I had my coffee, I became concerned about the dark clouds that were forming in the distance. About the time we were heading to the dive shop lighting started hitting nearby. Obviously concerned about my boy wearing a 25 pound lightening rod on his back, I asked the locals what they thought. The consensus was the storm is there and you are going over there, (out to sea). Everyone said it ... read more

Geo: 16.518, -88.3684Last night we finished the evening playing pool with our hostel friends. Alex is getting quite good and was providing competition for the locals. After a good sleep, we had our breakfast and raced to the water taxi for a ride to the mainland. There we caught a taxi to the bus terminal where we waited for the bus to Independence. We met an American in the terminal who had recently sold everything he owned and is traveling Central America. Once the bus arrived we crammed ourselves on the express chicken bus for our 3 hour journey to Independence. Another water taxi ride and we arrived in Placencia. Interestingly, we were the only tourists on this leg of the trip. I learned later that this is the slow season. It seems hotter here than ... read more