After experiencing all the wonder, beauty and people of Mexico, it was time to leave. I love it there and will always go back. I invited all of my facebook friends to join me on the remaining part of my trip, Cancun to Panama. Hey, guess what, no responses…? As a result, I met a very experienced traveler at the Hostel in Cancun, named Fokke [Peter] from Holland. He agreed to join me on the exciting final leg of my journey! our last night in Playa Del Carmen with my long time Mexican friend Yax-can. We started off at a campsite in Bacalar, Mexico called the Green Monkey. Legend has it that there are seven colors of blue in Lake Bacalar. This is where I heard the saying “Don’t Worry Be a Hippie”…. Everyone was so laid back, playing guitar, singing, dancing, so in tune with the surroundings…A large community dinner followed that evening and yoga began at 6:30 am the next morning. I talked to a few people on the dock in the afternoon to see if we could find another traveler to join us on the trip. Another person would help reduce expenses. A young lady from Germany approached me that evening, asking if her and her and her two friends could get a ride with us to Belize city. I said no problem, absolutely yes!....Backpackers try to look out for each other on the road ,one helping the other. We now have two Germans, two Canadians and one Dutchmen driving to Belize city. It was a fun drive. After we dropped the girls off in Belize city ,Peter and I carried on to San Ignacio, Belize for the night. We stayed at a nice hostel and they charged me $10.00 for use of all the amenities. I slept soundly in the van. There was a funny situation that happened in Belize. Peter and I were still trying to speak Spanish to the people ,but Belize is an English speaking country. Wow, it felt weird speaking English again, wink wink[my Spanish is a little better]…. Great city to visit, very friendly people and lots going on with families in the Centro park and small streets. During our stay in Flores, we chatted with a young lady named Stephanie. She has been traveling for a year and a half now, on her own through South and Central America. She is also a blogger. We let her know that we were heading to Rio Dulce in the morning, the same place she wanted to go. She asked if she could hitch a ride? We said of course, see you in the morning. Next day ,while picking her up, another girl Cyriara ,asked if she can join us for the 4 hour trip south. It was no problem for us. Again, backpackers like to help each other out. Arriving in Rio Dulce, Stephanie informed us that she had been here before, couch surfing on a boat. So off we went to the marina and asked the owner if there is a campsite close by? They gave us directions through a gated campsite. The site had no trees. We asked the hotel the cost to set up a tent as well as have my van parked there? They gave us a real good deal $30.00 USD[ $7.50 each for a 4 star resort]. Outstanding Deal! We get to use everything, including the use of the large, scenic pool overlooking the lake. Oh, so fortunate that I brought my tent along to share with others, looks like we may stay two nights at least. Travelling is so fun and exciting! Pete Montgomery from TavelCheapWithPete.com
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Driving through Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Merida, I noticed many new developments, particularity in the outskirts of each city. To my total surprise, the colonial city of Merida has a skating rink in one of its big shopping centres. They are copying West Edmonton Mall, maybe? Thanks to the Mayan hostel in Cancun, I was charged only 50 pesos (less then 5 bucks Canadian) a night for total use of their facilities. James, from Nova Scotia, is a volunteer at the hostel and made me an amazing spaghetti dinner when I first arrived. Wow, how did he know spaghetti is my favourite meal? I have met many good people in Mexico. Marcella’s brother Silvano, his wife Maria and their three children invited me to their home in Merida.I got introduced to their Mexican culture quickly. After we saw their son play soccer, Silvano and I took off to Izamal city known mostly for it’s bright yellow buildings. The City of hills are actually the remains of ancient temple pyramids. Merida is known as the “white city” and also capital city of Yucatan. This area is famous for its rich Mayan history as well as some of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites.
The one thing I always like to do while travelling, is visit cities and explore the culture. I want to experience first hand how people live presently and as well as learn about their past existence. In most cities, something is always happening at the main plaza (Centro park). In Merida, I watched a couple of amazing shows. One was a game similar to soccer with a hard rubber ball. Players could only use their hips or butts to move the ball ,a very difficult athletic technique.. Watching another game similar to volley ball, a burning fire ball was introduced .Object was to try and get the team through a vertical basketball hoop. One team on one side of the hoop and the other team on their side of the hoop…..Wow , unbelievable to witness, so amazing and different to see!
Time for me to leave Mexico. I hope to leave Sunday, hitting the highways to Belize. Time moves on and my apologies for missing friends that are coming down during the Christmas break. I will always love Mexico, for the people, culture, history and scenery…. Pete Montgomery from TravelCheapWithPete.com
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