Guatemala

Went to the Belize Botanic Garden on our way from Belize to Guatemala. Its a privately run garden on the grounds of a fancy lodge, and is really gorgeous, with well marked plants. Crossed the border into Guatemala with no problems at all. We ran into some americans from los angeles at our lodging in san ignacio who had all kinds of problems driving over to Tikal. Told us they were charged forty dollars to take the car into guatemala, then some large sum at tikal for parking the car. We did some investigation and found out that what they did was not correct, and we crossed for the 40 quetzals (about $5) that we expected, no cost to park the car at Tikal, etc. Everyone at the border very nice and helpful. I think those poor people must have just tossed handfuls of cash at everyone they met.

Tikal was impressive but crowded during the early part of the day. Nothing like some of the big popular sites in Mexico, but more people than I expected. It cleared out a lot beginning around noon when all the day tour buses have to start back. Weather was southern california gorgeous at the site, and there were few bugs.

We are staying in a guatemalan style thatched bungalow above Lake Peten Itza, gorgeous place with pool, etc. and on-site monkeys wandering through, for the outrageous sum of $44 per night. Don't know how long we'll be here, we may go back for another day at Tikal as we didn't see it all.

Still having trouble with photos on this site.