So, we'll try start from the beginning, even though we're almost half way through our trip...
We finally left NZ on 23rd May after a painful wait for UK Visas.
Had 2 nights in LA before flying to Mexico and spent the day at
Disneyland/Californialand. We stayed at Venice beach, which was interesting. More homeless people there than what we've seen in Mexico.... We went to Disneyland, which was exactly how I remembered it as a kid, but Ruben was not as impressed - the whole plastic fairyland
thing freaked him out a bit and it was also completely packed being Memorial Day weekend which made matters worse. We went to Californialand next door, which was way cooler, with rides catering for those over the age of 8.
Flying over Mexico city gives you a good idea of how massive the place is. The city centre was amazing - full of cool public spaces, art,
galleries and buildings. Our introduction to Mexican food was awesome, and we haven't been let down since. What looks like shit doesn't always taste that way...
Two buses later and we were in Merida, headed for the Yucatan Penninsula and its fine white sand. We visited the mayan ruins at Chichen Itza and this weird sound and light show they put on. It was a bit of green, red and blue beamed out at the temples with a spanish narrative going on some loud speakers. It was as though they were trying to explain Mayan history in the same vein as the 1980's sound production of War of the Worlds. After that, we were headed to Cancun. We didn't stay there, instead catching a ferry over to Isla Mujeres (the backpackers Cancun)
It was great to finally get to the beach. Being covered in sweat is actually bearable when you can swim. We spent four days on Isla Mujeres working on the tans and eating ice cream. On of the days we went out on a snorkelling trip which was cool. The other two people on it couldn't swim. Go figure. I can't swim, but snorkelling sounds like fun!! I now know why lifejackets are compulsory in Mexico's marine reserves.
Then it was onto Tulum. Tulum was the beach highlight so far. We found these cabanas right on the beach, and ended up staying there for 4 days. It was pretty windy, so with every gust came half a cup of sand through the thatched roof and onto the bed. Other than that, it was the perfect place to stay. Wake up, swim, eat, swim, lie around, swim some more.... We went to salsa night at a bar there. Barman dressed as woman (machismo didn't make it to Tulum), cheap mojito's and a salsa band. Everyone knew how to dance, except us, and this other couple. Poor guy - he had a pink shirt and after one song had dinner plates the size Anne Marie's head.
That's about it for Mexico from us. After all that time at the beach it was time for some culture in Guatemala.
