LivingTheDream's Guestbook

Hi Ben! Your stories about Belize aren't any different to the stories I heared so far from travellers. It's a pitty that these people can't think a little further than their day-to-day income. I bet it would be a far richer country (especially as they speak english) if they would organize things a bit different. Thank you for your lively and detailed stories! Keep on writing them!

Be careful please ...
As a police officer I can tell you some bad stories about situations that people have gotten themselves into HITCHING! So have fun but please be careful.

Always good to read your stories. And, indeed, hitch hiking was so easy on Borneo. Also a fantastic part of the world.

Interesting comment about pronunciation! Would you believe here I am in Mexico teaching English and my students correct MY pronunciation because they don't like my pesky English habit of pronouncing 't's. Come on kids it's 'party' not 'pah-dee'. Well, due to geographical location I'll let them have it their way. They are more likely to make it across the border then the Atlantic, I guess. Glad you're enjoying this leg of your trip. I was around Cancun and Tulum over Easter and yes, that water is amazing. I spent several happy hours leaping in the waves. :)

You hit it on the head
My wife and I are in the planning stages for a 2 month stay in the Philippines and we really enjoy your posts. We have traveled extensively in SE Asia and have found your descriptions of the red light bars in Angeles to be on the mark. What you described can be found all over Thailand and Nam and India and Pakistan and, hell, it happens all over the world.. An economic fact of life that tends to bring out the irrational in some people's comments. It happens. At least the women you described had the option of leaving the profession if they chose. Most of the poor prostitutes in India and Pakistan are not as fortunate. I read a book a few years ago entitled - Sex Slaves: The Trafficking of Women in Asia by Louise Brown. An objective report on the economics and personal costs associated with the sex trade. I recommend that anybody offended by your story read this book. It'll give you a whole new perspective on the business. Here in the States we dress up our version of the enterprise by hiding it behind closed doors or in dark parking lots in truck stops. Call girls work Craigslist for clients and live in constant fear of getting arrested or forced to pay bribes to 'officials' so that they may work unmolested. For all the candor of your description of the Angeles scene I think that the way we conduct business in most of the United States is exponentially dirtier. Thanks for a great read.

Hi Ben!
Sorry to disappoint you, but the ray you have there is a very nice ray, but not a manta ray....guess somebody did misinformed you. Belize is on our list for 2011...but I hope it will be a liveaboard, with a lot of diving!

hola
Sorry to hear Guatemala is so dangerous. I went with my family to Tikal during the civil war there in the 80s and we felt safe. It was a sidetrip from Ambergris Caye. Very undeveloped then, I don't think you will find that kind of unspoiled nature any more, unfortunately. One thing unmentioned about the heat is that inside the living quarters within the great stone complexes it is incredibly cool even during the hot mid-day sun (although perhaps a bit damp). Also, there was a hotel in Tikal one could stay at. Definitely a must for any traveler. Congratulations at beating the corrupt border agent.

Thank You
Dear Ben, Just a quick note to let you know that I've been following you for some time...I've read almost all of your posts and eagerly look forward to each one that you write. I want to let you know that you provide a beautiful service to those of us who can't go off right this minute. I have done it in the past and will do it again, but in the meantime, you continue to inspire me and to keep "the dream" front and center. Safe travels, Mary

great panorama!
Great pics and panorama, Ben. It definitely seems like you chose the best option of camping there overnight - sounds a magical experience to wake up there and have the complex all to yourselves! Another place to add to the list of places we want to see (which surprisingly keeps getting longer even though we tick a lot off!). Also good on you for standing up to the Immigration Officers, too many people just pay because they are worried about the consequences! Happy travels!

Fantastic photos. I especially love that panoramic. Tikal looks amazing and you seem to have the right idea staying overnight. You have great pictures without swarms of people, very lucky! Thanks for sharing your trip, it makes for an interesting read.

I miss Latin America!
Glad you enjoyed Tikal, your pictures are fantastic (as usual), I took a similar trip in reverse a few years ago (Gua->Belize->Mex) and your recent entries make me nostalgic. Belize is simply AMAZING, I hope you have as great a time there as I did! And do take care back in Guatemala, I got robbed, not even by locals but by fellow backpackers. Que lastima!

You and your mangoes...
...some things will never change! Your travels have definitely spiced up again. Good luck for Guatemala, been watching the news here, I hope you can get about okay. Maybe time for some volunteering???