Back in North America, well sort-of.

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Hello everyone. I've moved on from Guatemala and now I'm in Mexico. I went from Xela (Quetzaltenango), the point of my last entry, to the famed Semuc Champey. Semuc champey is a series of beautiful turqouise pools flowing through a natural bridge under which the raging river Kan-Ba flows. But better than the pools are the nearby cave. The cave has a river flowing through it so we had to swim with candles. There were some massive caverns in it with waterfalls and rocks that we could climb around on and jump off. There were also some really tight squeezes with just about a foot of room between the water and the ceiling. The cave tour was by far the best 30 Quetzales I've ever spent. I took a very long bus ride from there to Tikal - to see the ruins. The ruins were spectacular, though it was pouring down rain the whole time I was there, so the experience could have been much better. I spent a few days in Flores (near Tikal). I then took a direct shuttle up here to Mexico via Belize. So I got a chance to see belize out the window of a mini-bus. That was a 16 hour bus journey involving 2 pain in the ass border crossings. But it got all of the major travel for the rest of my trip out of the way so I'm happy about that. I made it as far as Tulum that day. Tulum is famed for its beautiful Carribean beaches and for its Mayan ruins which sit on a bluff above the beach. I spent 3 days 4 nights there hanging out on the beach and checking out the ruins. I'm now a couple hours north of Tulum on Isla Mujeres which is more or less my final destination on this trip. I fly out of Cancun on the 22nd. Isla Mujeres is a half hour boat ride from Cancun. I'm going to spend a day and night in Cancun just to see what all the fuss is about. Maybe I'll try my luck sneaking into an all-inclusive resort or two. I arrived here yesterday at Isla. Its all about the beach and the party here which is a good way to end my trip. The beaches are beautiful and so are the women. I've vowed to myself not to drink up a hefty credit card balance unless it is worth it, but looking around it might just be worth it. I ran out of my own money as of yesterday, so now I on the banks dollar. But all in all I feel that I've stretched my money out nicely so no complaints from me. After being in Central America for so long I'm really impressed by how advanced Mexico is. But I do kind of miss the chaotic and disorganized ways of CA. As far as food goes I'm happy to be in Mexico. I can't get enough of the little taco stands. There is a type of meat called "al pastur" It's a leg of lamb that hangs next to a column of hot coals and is covered in spices. When you order it they spin it and hold a knife to it so little chunks get sliced off and end up making some delicious tacos. (In case you cant tell I'm writing this on an empty stomach). I'm ready and happy to go home, which is something that I had hoped for. I was so excited to go on this trip. I had so many good times and good experiences. Now I'm excited to go home. It works out perfectly. Goodbye.

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Photos

Guatemala Fútbol match.
I have much more appreciation for the sport now that I saw this match. Also for the first time in my life when I stood up in the crowd I could see over the tops of everyones heads.

Mayan farmers tending their plot
This is what most of Guatemala looks like.

Semuc Champey from the mirador.
Underneath these clear pools is a raging muddy river.

Comments

[Keturah]

Hi!
You're going to be back soon! Wow - I can't believe that much time has passed already, and how much you've experienced since you left in January! I'm looking forward to seeing you! Love, Sis