Central America

... was my favourite Mr Men character/Thick of it episode so I think it's a great title even if you don't.

Having discovered that my dorm was next to the meeting point for the early morning expeditions (a 3AM) I was quite happy to be part for the 4:30AM group to visit Tikal.

Stunning. A vast cut above the ruins to date (Tulum, Chitzen) and still being excavated, I'm still slightly awestruck by not only the supremely sophisticated calendar system but also the buildings built with such clear purposes - to manipulate the sun, the people and to demonstrate power. Arguably politics hasn't changed much in the last 3000 years.

Oh, and monkeys. Muchas monkeys.

Enjoyed the day with Marisa, my new (and fleeting, given she is heading south) solo traveller friend who, unlike all the other Dutch people I met, is German.

Went to enjoy the sublime sunset and bumped into my favourite sun bumpkins Tris and Lou - who careered sprinting around a corner as they continue to try and fit about 7 countries into far fewer weeks.

A few beers and some food later (no photos taken) while T and L continued their trademark flurry of organising tomorrow's adventures it was time to go to sleep....

... Only to be woken by the loud 3am expedition!Read more