Honduras: Part 1: Copan

Due to laundry issues (the lady closed early on Saturday and was closed all day Sunday) Stu and I didn't begin the next phase of our trip with our new group. All transportation to Antigua was booked so we couldn't leave Copan until the following day, when our new group would be leaving Copan for Utila. The next 2-3 days were spent trailing the new group of people.

The site of Copan is known for its stelaes. There were a lot of carved stone pillars found all around the ruins. Some were more intricate, detailed than others, some more complete than others.

Later in the evening, after dinner we stopped by the Red Frog. Soon after our arrival a few folks from Intrepid came in as well. They quickly saved us from a strange man that kept repeating himself over and over again. 

Guatemala: Part 3: Antigua

Our return to trip to Antigua was delayed a bit due to a triathlon. 

After lunch a few of us wanted to use the net but it was busy. We stopped at the bar/restaurant a few feet away and suddenly I found myself in Red Sox territory. Photos, jerseys of the Sox were surrounded by signs against the Yankees. I had a good laugh and thought maybe I shouldn't mention I'm from NY.

The next few days were spent wandering and photographing the town. On Saturday night we went to a club, danced a little salsa and then moved to a different club to hear live music and ran into the Intrepid group again.

About an hour and a half's drive from Antigua is Pacaya Volcano. 

After a 2.5 mile walk/hike we were ready to toast some marshmallows. The lava was flowing, smoke was coming out of the volcano and I was surprised by how drastic the temperature changed when I moved only two feet closer from where I was standing. We stayed just until it began to get dark and then began our walk back down. 

That evening was our last official night as a group. Antigua marked the end of the Mayan Sun Tour portion of my trip.

Guatemala: Part 2: Chichicastenago Market and Lake Atitlan

Left Antigua on a chicken bus. Before our arrival to Panajachel we stopped at the Chichicastenago Market. There were numerous vendors: food, crafts, clothes, etc. This market definitely reminded me of the Otavalo Market in Ecuador.

We toured one of the churches and after an hour of wandering around I was done browsing. 

We arrived in Panajachel late in the afternoon. I walked around the town, took photos and bought a messenger bag made from an old coffee bean sack. After dinner we had a few drinks at Pana Rock, the sign was exactly like the logo for the Hard Rock Cafe. 

The next morning we took a boat tour around Lake Atitlan. We stopped by three towns/islands; Santa Catarina, San Pedro and Santiago. A parade was underway when we arrived at Santa Catarina. While watching the marching band and majorettes a few young boys began goofing around for our cameras. After each photo they had to take a look and kept asking for more photos to be taken.

During the lake tour we also visited a few churches, walked through another market, and saw Maximom, a statue that the residents pray to and believe is alive. Maximom is fed three times a day, is given cigarrettes, and is even dressed every morning and evening. 

 

Guatemala: Part 1: Tikal and Rio Dulce

Now in Guatemala- another stamp on the well used passport. I spent the day wandering around the town of Flores and relaxing in a hammock at the hotel.

The next morning we made a trip to Tikal. Spent a good six hours touring the site. I think it is the largest city from the Mayan civilization. For you Star Wars buffs this site was featured in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. 

After a long day spent at Tikal we were all starving. I ask you, Is there a  better meal to have than an Angry Whopper from Burger King after exploring an archeological site?

We arrived in Rio Dulce mid afternoon the next day. Relaxing in a pool and drinking rum sounded like a great idea to myself, Becca and Stu. We didn't leave the pool until shortly after midnight!

Early the next morning (5:30) we began the Monkey Sunrise Kayak Trip along the river. We only saw two monkeys but I enjoyed kayaking. First time I took a proper kayak trip. I spent the rest of the day relaxing at the lodge, swimming and reading. Always a good thing to take a break from the constant "on the go".

Belize: Part 2: San Ignacio

In San Ignacio we stayed at The Trek Lodge, complete with eco friendly cabins and toilets. The eco-friendly toilets were just a fancy name for outhouse.

During our brief stay here I went caving in Crystal Cave. We spent about three and a half hours walking, crawling, and climbing through the cave. There were some slippery moments and a few tight squeezes. Also in the cave were Mayan artifacts, left intact and exactly where they were found. Pottery fragments, tools, fire pits and a few human remains were scattered throughout the cave. It is unknown what purpose this cave served: ceremonial?, sacrificial?, did one Mayan enter or did several enter together, how long did they stay? Lots of questions left unanswered.

After our cave exploration we went for a swim in the Blue Hole of the National Park.  After a quick cool down and swim we returned to the lodge. The evening's festivities included a walk to the local fair. Bumper cars and a BB Gun game were some of the highlights. I didn't see any fried dough nor any cotton candy, a bit disappointed by that. 

Belize: Part 1: Caye Caulker

After two bus trips, a border crossing, and a water taxi we finally reached Caye Caulker. Our first night all of us were exhausted from our early start (5:45am) and travels.  A friendly and severely obese man served us excellent BBQ dinners from his shack of a restaurant.

The next morning the five of us; Ellen, Elena, Becca, Stu and I (small group on this two week trip) set sail for our snorkel trip. Another group, Intrepid, was also on board. This group was following the same route as us and for the next month we kept running into each other.

Anyways, we snorkeled around Shark-Ray Alley and the Hol Chan Reserve.  I saw a variety of coral, some sharks, two different types of sting rays, and lots of fish. Somehow I ended up with a few bruises- how, I'm not sure. I don't remember hitting any coral but there was someone who unknowingly? kept kicking me with her fins. 

Later in the evening we participated in trivia night at Lloyd's Sports Bar. We finished tied for third, only 4 points out of first place (I surprised myself by how much useless knowledge I do have) and the tiebreaker was a beer chugging contest, Stu took on that challenge and won. We received 20 Belizean dollars off our bill. I also was able to walk away with the only souvenir I wanted from Belize: a Belikin beer glass and bottle.  Belikin has a Mayan temple on its labels.

The motto on Caye Caulker is "Go Slow". Difficult for a fast paced walker but I quickly adjusted to island life. Back in 2000 I spent a few days in San Pedro, another island off  the coast of Belize. I enjoyed my time there and here and look forward to a return trip to either one.