Who Zelaya? Mel Zelaya!

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Excuse me while I dust off the old 'you couldn't make it up' cliche, but that really is the name of the (ex) President of Honduras, who was unfortunately (for him) removed by military coup a few months ago.

However, it wouldn't have felt like an authentic trip through Central America if there wasn't some kind of large scale political turmoil underway, so hats off to Honduras for stepping up to the plate and giving us a good old fashioned military backed junta-state to ride through. Apart from being stopped at army checkpoints every now and again, and having to negotiate the occasional pro or anti coup demonstration, it didn't have too much of an impact on us, and gave us plenty to talk to the locals about.

Near the border with Guatemala, we visited the ruins at Copan, which is one of the most important Mayan sites. The incredibly detailed stonework is the most remarkable feature of these buildings, which were constructed between around 400 and 800 AD.

Nicaragua has struck me in much the same way as Guatemala - a fantastic welcome from the locals, and a beautiful place, but it has been rendered fairly poor by the decades long stand off between President Daniel Ortega (hero of students and trendy lefties worldwide) and good ol' Uncle Sam.

Costa Rica border crossing tomorrow, so another day of endless waiting around in between episodes of shelling out US dollars to a stream of form-wielding officials - joy.

Nos vemos!

Postscript from Guatemala - news reaches us that the Government there is now starting to enforce its recently passed law banning the carrying of passengers on motorcycles. This is an attempt to stamp out the current method of choice of drive-by assassination, ie from the pillion of a bike. Good job we got out in time - might have been a long walk for Christine...

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Photos

Stonework at Copan
Very detailed, and slightly disturbing.

Hung over in Honduras
Not looking at my best at this time in the morning.

The Plaza, Granada, Nicaragua
This is the building that they keep in good condition. Unfortunately, it's surrounded by an enormous slum. Still, nice for the tourists.

It's not a holiday, it's an adventure
That's what our leader, Kevin, keeps telling us. What cobblers - this is the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.

Getting into the spirit of the local politics...
...and it's half the price of a Che t-shirt from Camden market.

Comments

[Alison]

Che-Che
Nice to see that you've fitted in with the natives of Nicaragua. I thought Che-Che was the infamous panda and of course my granny's dog's name!! Sorry for the rather abstract comment. Maxy you have your legs out and I believe they might actually be changing colour! P.S. I've managed to finally change my Trek for a more up-market Specialized road bike with flat bars - impressed!! Its so nice and light I'm now realising that cycling didn't have to be so tough! P.P.S. Surprise Surprise no decisions as yet on the YMCA Publishing as the powers that be have taken a 'emergency' holiday!

[richard]

Honorary islander
Glad you're both well. Not really bothered about seeing Max's legs... where's that micro skirt Christine? Guess you're saving it for the last few miles. Things have gone from weird to weirder here. I am now a semi-sponsored cyclo cross rider, supported by Wight Mountain bike shop in Newport. I was just pulling on my Wight Mountain hoodie this morning and realised it is made in Honduras. I'm sure you can reassure me that all workers enjoy conditions of splendid comfort and MP-like remuneration, or not. Had an odd day where I was flown down to Sandown, collected at the airstrip by Russell (owner of Wight Mtn) and driven to the shop to be given a whole pile of clothing and a below cost cross frame. Doing a cross race in London on Halloween where I'll be sponsored by Spooky Cycles, which he imports. Like a fantasy day really. Promised Russ a meal at Christmas if you're still on for heading to the Island. Flew over Quayside on the way home and waved at it. Karen sends her love. Got the 3 peaks this weekend... Rich