The journey begins

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We arrived in the middle of the night after a long and arduous journey. Officials in Miami really got on our tits, but small men with big guns aren´t worth the hassle.

The taxi journey in the dark got us a bit worried as it looked like we were going to be staying in a half built hotel in the middle of a dead swamp, but then someone directed the taxi driver to the correct address. Which was in the middle of a dead swamp.

In the morning we were so chuffed that we had booked Rancho Libertad as it was just perfect for us. A lovely room with two hammocks on the balcony overlooking the caribbean, and a massive car ferry which had been beached by hurricane Wilma. Which might sound a bit shit but it was actually awesome.

We spent a couple of nights there meeting some lovely people, not least of all the owners. Valenté had been an archeologist for 30 years and knew a thing or two about Mayan history and culture, and had a book on anything and everything. Hilda was really lovely and patient with us and our mala éspangol. A couple of days in Puerto Morelos was definately enough - it´s a small fishing town which is still getting over the hurricane. We spent the first few days in shock and recovering from jet lag.

On Saturday morning we had arranged to meet up with Mike and Dean in Tulum, our neighbours from Worthing who are doing a world tour the other way round. We were dreading the bus journey but amazingly we were offered a lift from Connie and Chaffee, two lovely people from San Fransico who were also staying at the hotel and going on a day trip. Which saved us a day of hot fuss.... thanks guys.