25 at 25! Flores, Guatemala!!

We boated to the mainland shortly after breakfast and took the first bus to Belmopan, the capital of Belize. From there, we took a bus close to the border of Guatemala, then took a taxi the rest of the way. We cleared Belizean customs in moments after we were forced to pay US$18 to leave. Apparently we will have to pay again on our way back through. No double entry for this country. I understand, us westerners are supposed to be rich and all, but $40 here, $10 there still adds up. Its as though they think the money is endless.

We had numerous people harassing us to change currency at god knows what exchange rate. We ignored all of them and made it to the first bank machine. It is fun to be back in a Spanish country after our time in Belize. People are definitely poorer here and the men stare and whistle at me. I guess white legs are more exciting than the brown ones everywhere. Their women were dressed in short skirts too! Some people are wearing pants, but the heat is unbearable!

We took a collectivo bus to Flores, a small city off a peninsula of Santa Elena. Our collective was a small van with many people stuffed in. Everyone just hops on and off as needed and pays the man in charge. I don’t think many people here can afford cars (especially those who live out in the valleys). This bus is a nice alternative. Sort of. It took about two hours of windy roads and speed bumps, stops and chattings with friends. Our driver was waving at everyone! I saw women carrying water baskets on their heads and children carrying wood on their backs. Everyone seemed to be going somewhere.

We arrived in Santa Elena and took a tuk tuk into Flores. Totally cool, these three legged vehicles are motorbikes with a little seat on the back . Pictures are cute! Flores is so picture perfect. Surrounding a lake, our hotel had a beautiful balcony to sit and watch the sunset. We opted for dinner over looking the lake. Fresh chicken and pasta! We celebrated my twenty fifth country at 25 years of age!! I will make it into the 100 countries club!

On another note, the animals seem better treated here, and happier. I still want to take them all home!

We enjoyed english television and air conditioning in our hotel, while we had our laundry done!

The next day was spent roaming the city exploring cute stores and checking out the neighborhood. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast of eggs and toast, Joe had some interesting pancakes with jam before exploring. Everyone stares at you while you look around. We are a spectacle! I secretly snapped their photos (so I guess all is fair...)

After lunch we took a short boat ride over to an island off the peninsula. It is called Radio Peten, I believe. There, this man takes you on a tour of his family´s museum. He actally let us touch 4000 year old artifacts from the mayans. He collects, and puts back together ancient artifacts that he has collected. Some donated. It was a really unique experience. He showed us fake teeth from a skull that had fools gold and jade encrusted in them, several whistles and bowls used for various rituals. It was a highly unusual museum, which we thoroughly enjoyed! We had a late dinner before hiding in our room from the relentless heat!