Hola de Flores

Hello All,
Sorry for the long time inbetween posts but we have been busy and while there are internet connections in most places we stay it has not been our top priority to get on the web and look around. I have been keeping tabs on myself by keeping a small journal, basic day to day stuff. We are currently in Flores, Guatemala, which is on a great big lake and is actually an Island *flores is* We are in the Northern part of Guat, called the Peten. Yesterday we went to check out the ruins of Tikal, by far this was the most spectacular of the ruin sites we have checked out thus far. Huge mountains of stone, temples, acropolises, more temples, pyramids, lots of spider monkeys, tucans, etc. Anyway all of this tucked away in the deep Jungle. Such a spectacular site!
But I guess I should get you all caught up from Tulum, this will be a quick rundown. From Tulum we headed south, to Belize, crossed the border, always some little story there. Basically they drove us to the boarder, made us all take out our bags, go through customs and then pack our bags back on the same bus. And by bus I really mean, old school bus from the states, BlueBirds. From the border we swung down to Belize City. Getting there at night was a little sketchy and we probably did not pick the best location for our hostel. BAsically right downtown in the worst part of town, but the room was cheap, and that was about it. Ate at a chinese place that night, it felt like we were in a prison though, Bars on the store door and Bars between the counter and the sitting area, a rough part of town. Next day we Shipped over to Caye Calker (pronounced Key, Kay, Caye...anyway you want really) Spend a few beautiful days there, did some snorkeling on the reef, saw turtles, rays, nurse sharks, bunches of fish and lots of coral. Heaps of Fun!! hopefully got some pictures too. From Caye Calker we headed inland again to San Ignacio, and rented a car after a day of struggling what to do. All the adventure packages out of town were very expensive. Renting a car was too but we had more freedom. Got to see St. Hermans Cave and Blue Hole Nat Park (not the Blue hole in the Ocean off the Reef) and hiked around in the jungle for a bit, Went to the Cockscomb National Park or refuge or something, in an attempt to spot some mammals , mainly looking for a Jagaur!! or some Monos, but didnt see either. Then from there we headed up to the Belize Zoo which is near Belize City, saw a whole bunch of *wild* life, all had been rescued so it was a good story. Anyway got to see a Jaguar, and man they look powerful and Majestic! Also saw more critters but more on that when I get back. Then spend the night in San Ignacio again and headed for the Guatemalan Border the next day. Now here we are in Flores and we are about to head south to Rio Dulce I think unless Kyle and I change our mind for like the 17th time today.
Love you all, and miss ya,
Malaria Monday, two weeks in and 8 to go!!
Jonny