Tikal - We are spending three nights in Tikal National Park.
Day 1 - Our day started with a hard rain that luckily stopped right before our tour of the ruins began. We split into two groups – Francisco our tour guide was very good for me but a little long winded for most. He told us of the plants, the fruits, the animals, the medicinal values of many of the plants, the Mongolian birth mark linking the Mayans to Mongolians and proving the passage of man from Mongolia to North and South America, the Mayan Calendar, 2012 predictions and how NASA has visited Mayan ruins to discuss Mayan predictions for the future.
Day 2 in Tikal – The day again started with a heavy rain. Several of us had signed up for a Zip-line tour. It was a rain or shine tour so with our ponchos, hats, jackets we started out. By the time we got to the zip line station the rain had stopped. Two of the women chose to have a personal guide – he held on to them and zipped with them. Wendy after two jumps went solo; Gerry chose to zip together until the last one. It was thrilling, exhilarating. Several of our guests were in there 70s and couldn't wait to tell the grandchildren what they had done. Our next zip line will be in another week. Several are anxiously awaiting the date.
In the afternoon 7 of us went for a horseback ride in the jungle. It was a kind of one size fits all horse and saddle. One horse had a hand tied rope halter; no bit. We rode for 1 ½ hours then back to the campground for a dinner out as a group.
Rio Dulce - We are sad to leave Tikal but must continue on our journey. Today we (or most of we) had a leisurely start as the caravan did not begin departure until 7:45. I say “most of we” because Brian, the thumped, discovered a low tire on Rig 11. It was filled and off we went anticipating our visit and lunch at Finca Ixobel and let's not forget the pick up of the long anticipated bread order. We arrived suspicious of the turn, the cowpath/farm road leading us who know when as we round the corner we see a lovely spot with a circular drive and plants every where. What a beautiful spot. We were greeted by Maria, the daughter of the owners. Maria was born in Guatemala and adopted by the owners, a couple from the US. During the 60s her parents bought the farm/ranch and split their time between Minnesota and Guatemala. Maria and her parents eventually moved to Guatemala. They now run the hotel, bakery and restaurant. We had a delicious meal – hamburgers, eggplant, chicken and avocado, omelets, steak, and fried chicken. Several toured the dessert table and sampled the chocolate cake, carrot cake, strawberry/banana pie, banana cream pie and butterscotch brownies. Everything was done perfectly and professionally. Some took advantage of the WIFI while others toured the bakery and kitchen. Too soon we were off to Rio Dulce.
In the past we parked in a horse field at a hotel in Rio Dulce. This year we parked in the second boat storage area before the hotel. What a surprise!! They built a new reception area, new restaurant, new showers/bathrooms and added on to the pool. The facilities are absolutely gorgeous. The guests took advantage of the pool and bar. What a welcome sight. By far this is the best parking lot we have ever stayed in.
The next day we took a boat ride to Livingston which is on the sea. It was spectacular. We went by beautiful homes, simple hut type screened in porches with very nice sailboats, simple homes on the river with women washing clothing in the river and some bathing. Many wooden canoes with children selling shells, carvings, turtles and turtle shells. Birds, lily pads, fish. We visited the hot springs that feed into the river and enjoyed some home made coconut rolls. Just like mom's with a hint of coconut. We also stopped at a Mayan school where in addition to the normal classes they teach customs and crafts for their people. Several bought banana leave bowls, blouses, bags made of banana leaf paper. Finally to Livingston where we had a local meal. Livingston is a small town but very important little port city. Many nationalities visit and decide to stay on. Our visit was a short one and then back to Rio Dulce. We had a wonderful meal in the open air restaurant overlooking the river and those beautiful sailboats. Off to Honduras tomorrow.
Day 1 - Our day started with a hard rain that luckily stopped right before our tour of the ruins began. We split into two groups – Francisco our tour guide was very good for me but a little long winded for most. He told us of the plants, the fruits, the animals, the medicinal values of many of the plants, the Mongolian birth mark linking the Mayans to Mongolians and proving the passage of man from Mongolia to North and South America, the Mayan Calendar, 2012 predictions and how NASA has visited Mayan ruins to discuss Mayan predictions for the future.
Day 2 in Tikal – The day again started with a heavy rain. Several of us had signed up for a Zip-line tour. It was a rain or shine tour so with our ponchos, hats, jackets we started out. By the time we got to the zip line station the rain had stopped. Two of the women chose to have a personal guide – he held on to them and zipped with them. Wendy after two jumps went solo; Gerry chose to zip together until the last one. It was thrilling, exhilarating. Several of our guests were in there 70s and couldn't wait to tell the grandchildren what they had done. Our next zip line will be in another week. Several are anxiously awaiting the date.
In the afternoon 7 of us went for a horseback ride in the jungle. It was a kind of one size fits all horse and saddle. One horse had a hand tied rope halter; no bit. We rode for 1 ½ hours then back to the campground for a dinner out as a group.
Rio Dulce - We are sad to leave Tikal but must continue on our journey. Today we (or most of we) had a leisurely start as the caravan did not begin departure until 7:45. I say “most of we” because Brian, the thumped, discovered a low tire on Rig 11. It was filled and off we went anticipating our visit and lunch at Finca Ixobel and let's not forget the pick up of the long anticipated bread order. We arrived suspicious of the turn, the cowpath/farm road leading us who know when as we round the corner we see a lovely spot with a circular drive and plants every where. What a beautiful spot. We were greeted by Maria, the daughter of the owners. Maria was born in Guatemala and adopted by the owners, a couple from the US. During the 60s her parents bought the farm/ranch and split their time between Minnesota and Guatemala. Maria and her parents eventually moved to Guatemala. They now run the hotel, bakery and restaurant. We had a delicious meal – hamburgers, eggplant, chicken and avocado, omelets, steak, and fried chicken. Several toured the dessert table and sampled the chocolate cake, carrot cake, strawberry/banana pie, banana cream pie and butterscotch brownies. Everything was done perfectly and professionally. Some took advantage of the WIFI while others toured the bakery and kitchen. Too soon we were off to Rio Dulce.
In the past we parked in a horse field at a hotel in Rio Dulce. This year we parked in the second boat storage area before the hotel. What a surprise!! They built a new reception area, new restaurant, new showers/bathrooms and added on to the pool. The facilities are absolutely gorgeous. The guests took advantage of the pool and bar. What a welcome sight. By far this is the best parking lot we have ever stayed in.
The next day we took a boat ride to Livingston which is on the sea. It was spectacular. We went by beautiful homes, simple hut type screened in porches with very nice sailboats, simple homes on the river with women washing clothing in the river and some bathing. Many wooden canoes with children selling shells, carvings, turtles and turtle shells. Birds, lily pads, fish. We visited the hot springs that feed into the river and enjoyed some home made coconut rolls. Just like mom's with a hint of coconut. We also stopped at a Mayan school where in addition to the normal classes they teach customs and crafts for their people. Several bought banana leave bowls, blouses, bags made of banana leaf paper. Finally to Livingston where we had a local meal. Livingston is a small town but very important little port city. Many nationalities visit and decide to stay on. Our visit was a short one and then back to Rio Dulce. We had a wonderful meal in the open air restaurant overlooking the river and those beautiful sailboats. Off to Honduras tomorrow.
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