                  Interesting points: · Although the Yucatán Peninsula has been pretty much as flat as a pancake, surprisingly it’s been tough cycling due to wind, humidity and the intense sun. Also, because on the flat terrain we need to be pedaling continuously meaning we don’t get mini rests and we’ve found our bums getting much sorer. Being on a tandem also means we can’t stand up so much so it’s been interesting. · Welcome to the world of cenotes. Yucatán is famed for these wee treasures; with over 1000 of them scattered about the place. They are an underground sinkhole that holds water; often with limestone stalactites hanging from the ceiling. It’s quite the treat bathing in the cool water in the shade after cycling in the severe heat. Also, near Akumal on the Caribbean coast is the world’s largest underwater cavern system called Dos Ojos. Roland remembers seeing this on some discovery program and was keen to check it out (albeit expensive). He got to do some snorkeling in three cenotes that were connected and seemed “quite mysterious and magical”. We checked out another cenote together near Valladolid called Cenote Dzitnup and because we arrived at opening we were the only ones there which was awesome. · In Akumal we stayed with a Couch Surfer host (Lucy) who originally hails from the USA but has been living here for 15 years. She is quite the inspiration, single-handedly running a ranch with 23 dogs she has rescued, owns a homemade ice cream store and restaurant. Take it from us, the food and particularly the ice cream is heavenly. To find out more about the Akumal Animal Rescue Fund click here. It was so refreshing to see happy, confident and well cared-for dogs in a country where this is not so common. We found it so difficult to leave as we only stayed one night but we don’t want to get to the five month marker in Mexico! · It was lovely coming across Laguna Bacalar only 40kms from Chetumal (our final destination in Mexico). It is a crystal clear freshwater lake with shimmering colours and white sand bottom. A perfect retreat to break up our day of cycling under a palapa, surrounded by other Mexican families enjoying the Santa Semana holiday season. Even though we did get a flat tire, which the bored marine guards watched the repair very intently. · On entering Chetumal we had a dousing of refreshing liquid sunshine but also surprising after so many days of blue sky. Chetumal is a perfect sized city and actually the Capital of Quintana Roo although Cancun is where all the money is. It is not very touristy and yet just like Campeche, it has a beautiful waterfront boulevard that is well utilized by the locals. This morning we got up at the crack of dawn after a sticky sleep to get a view of the city and our first glimpse of Belize from an old unused factory. Here we are staying with first time Couch Surfing host, Alvin who as grown up in this town. We had a driving tour of the town at night and then shared a delicious meal of tacos and papas (mashed potatoes smothered in all sorts of yummy goodness) at Chiles which is one of Alvin’s favourite eats. Continuing on our ruin buzz we visited three more sites: Chichén Itzá, Cobá, Tulum on our way to the Caribbean Sea. Chichén Itzá      After a full day of sweating (aka cycling) we rolled up to these ruins to discover it had closed six minutes prior. This pretty much sucks when you’re on a bike and cheap; not wanting to stay overnight and pay for accommodation. However, we soon discovered there was an alternative and expensive way of seeing the ruins after hours. It is required to go in with a guide but the bonus is that you have the place to yourself which is usually covered in photo- snapping tourists. So we made a decision, that I would go in and share my finds with the rest of the team afterwards. We managed to get a group together, with a Canadian sister duo (who were a pleasure to chat with and share in the experience). The highlight for me was learning about the ancient ball game called ‘Gran Juego de Pelota’ where there are two teams with seven players in a court. There were two small vertical hoops where if a player scored meant their team won. It was forbidden to use hands and the ball was most commonly passed with the head, shoulder, hip or knee. It was a pretty serious game as the losing team players were often sacrificed by decapitation. There was a communal platform where their skulls were displayed. On a less gruesome note, Elton John performed here just a few days before we arrived. Cobá      Cobá has the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán and one is still allowed to climb the precarious structure if one chooses. The view from the top emphasized the flat terrain as you could forever into the distance, along with some nice lakes too. The ruins are scattered over a large area and ironically you can hire bicycles to cover these distances. We opted to walk! This was probably the nicest part of these ruins; walking along shaded trails from the tree canopy above as the structures didn’t really have much “wow” factor after seeing other grander ruins. Tulum         The draw card of Tulum was definitely the setting. Once again the ruins weren’t particularly distinctive apart the wall that surrounds the compound. It was pretty toasty walking around this site and the turquoise water of the Caribbean called to us…. Incessantly. We obliged (along with the rest of the bus loads of tourists) and took a refreshing dip. Two iguanas were chilling out near to our spot on the beach, with one being particularly interested in our lunch. Roland, in all his wisdom hand fed the iguana some banana; however it decided Roland’s finger was on offer too. Roland was not impressed! Sad and yet exciting…. This is our last day in Mexico as tomorrow we cycle to the border of Belize which is only 10kms away. Looking back to when we first cycled into Tijuana, we would have never expected to stay this long or see and experience so many different and amazing things and meet such special people. And who would of thought, we do actually know some Spanish now too. We hope our ride through Central America continues to blow our minds……… Crib Score Roland 135 Belinda 78 (I got skunked twice in a row!) Tick Count Roland 0 Belinda 3 (one on my bum, stomach and wrist) A new addition… We are excited to (in the near future) introduce a new member to our family. All we can give away right now is his name is “Nutty” but he is still getting acquainted with Atony, Big Bird and his chores. CommentsSat, 17 Apr 2010 13:39:43 Is it just me or is Roland looking skinner? I guess biking for 250 days will do that to the buffest of men! Love you guys. Scott Williams Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:59:19 Belinda, Not to scare you but, My wife was bite by a tick while we were in Mexico and after 2 months started to have serious medical problems. It was a whole year later with multiple medical symthoms during the year that she was finally diagnosed with Lyme Disease. The doctor told us it was most likely the tick bite that she received while in Mexico. So, be aware of that and pay close attention to your health over the next few months. If you do develope mysteries health problems, seek medical attention immediately and never discount the possibity that you could have Lyme. I hope you guys have a safe trip. Jo Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:25:42 Love the look of those cave waters, I think I could happily stay a few days there. The photos are great em Wed, 21 Apr 2010 04:18:00 The tick probably bit you the first time to let you know he was there. When you didn't invite him to join Atony and Nutty, he bit you again and then got a bit cross at the whole business and had another go. Love the look of the water, and the sun. Less keen on the tick pet and Lyme Disease...you guys ever thought of getting a dog, cat or baby? FRANCISCO Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:26:26 SALUDOS. ES UNA LASTIMA QUE NO ME HAYA ENTERADO DE SU PASO POR EL ESTADO DE CAMPECHE PARA RECIBIRLES COMO SE MERECEN LAS PERSONAS QUE HACEN UNA AZAÑA COMO LA QUE REALIZAN USTEDES, LES DESEO MUCHA SUERTE. Rebecca Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:17:46 Wow...what amazing photos! Really liked to see your regular morn. set up..makes it seem more real and not just some picture story. Khush Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:38:36 Hey guys: Leave a Reply |  Roland and Belinda
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