Well we left Mexico, oh a week or so ago now. Can't remember the date. Well so much has happened.

Crossed the border into Belize with few problems, which was nice. Immediately noticing a complete change of culture. We'd stepped into mainland Caribbean. Was a relief to be able to come off the little Spanish that I knew and resort to good old Queens English!

We headed on a bus to Belize City, which we were warned was pretty ropey, and we were not disappointed. Highlight of Belize City were the bus station toilets. Something on the floor dissolved half my shoe ... no really!

Decided to head straight through to a little town called San Ignacio on the border with Guatemala. Looked like it was straight out of Blazing Saddles, just missing Mongo, Beans, Gene Wilder and houses made out of cardboard, but apart from that it was just like it.

Checked into a room, and headed straight out on the town. Well we made a pact that after long journeys we deserved to wind down with a few beverages ... and that we did. Oh the adventures that followed ...

Tasted the local Belikin Stout (6.8%). Then decided that we would not be doing the Caribbean justice if we did not taste the local Coconut Rum aka Paint Stripper. Shared that then hit a few bars. For some reason our charm and charisma attracted a few people in the form of a Mayan Indian, a couple of German lads, some Dutch people, a cockney barman followed by a rastafarian and his lovely wife. It was with the latter that Carl and I trotted off for a few more beers.

Were taken to a bar where Carl promptly disposed of all and sundry on the pool table. Can't play for peanuts when he's sober though. That says a lot. Gonzo was asked by the barman to run his bar and act as DJ, so I spent the time dishing up as much free beer to myself and Carl, and playing tracks by none other than The Thompson Twins (Hold me now). Wonderful. Promptly left when the barman asked me to pay only $US2. Heaven forbid he do a proper stock count.

Anyway next day was spent recovering before heading off to Guatemala where Carlos takes up the story ...