What I learned in Central America

---

As with most travelers on there first outing to an unfamiliar country, I was introduced to many new customs, sights, and experiences. Some of these go beyond description, others I could have done without, but whether they were good or bad there is no doubt they will not be soon forgotten in the years to come.

The following is a small list of knowledge I have gained in my travels.

1. Never, never ask, “What’s that smell?”
2. When using Central American transportation you can always fit in just one more person.
3. The best place for a chicken bus to pass is on the blind corner of a winding mountain road.
4. A vendor’s “lowest price” will always instantly lower if you walk away.
5. Don’t ever order a Belizean hamburger, unless you like your meat marinated in salt. (It took me four times before I learned this lesson).
6. It’s OK to climb the archeological work ladders at Temple IV as long as you bribe a guard.
7. Always carry clean underwear for the first time you hear a howler monkey.
8. A pig on the roof is worth two in the bus.
9. TD will always set in 10 minutes into a 5 hour bus ride.
10. Don’t eat the unshelled peanuts.
11. You will pay $2.00 for the boarder crossing even if the sign says it only cost $1.00.
12. When hiking: never complain about the weight of your pack, inevitably a 60 year old Mayan woman is sure to pass you on the right carrying twice as much weight as you on her head. (Thanks to Heather for this one)
13. Volcanoes only erupt for the other groups.
14. No business owner ever has change for 100 Quetzals, yet that is the only denomination given by any ATM in Guatemala.
15. In the shower: C stands for Caliente, H is for Frio.

---