explorer mum

We meet friends at Tulum Mexico

  We chose a budget bungalow and it overlooks the beautiful pool area when we stayed in Tulum. We were hoping for a front room, but they are booked well in advance – not surprising seeing they have access straight onto the beautiful beach. Our room had a tight-fitting mosquito net.  The first few nights […]

Chetumal & Bacalar Our first days in Mexico are pretty dead

Chetumal & Bacalar Our first days in Mexico are pretty dead My son dreams of coming to Mexico, but where we are you can’t swim with the mangroves, the town is pretty quiet (apparently it has a lot of nightlife after 9 pm along the boulevard) and there no cactuses to be seen. On our […]

Bus from Flores Guatemala to Belize & Chetumal, Mexico

  Bus from Flores Guatemala to Belize & Chetumal, Mexico 16 countries in 16 months !!!!  Now that is an achievement. Our shuttle arrives on time for once,  We are first on, and had booked from seats.  We collected people along the way at el Remata and it was no surprise when the couple from […]

Flores Guatemala – 3 days of delight (& Tikal)

  Flores Guatemala – 3 days of delight (and Tikal too) We take another mini-van.  This time it was from Lanquin to Flores.  The couple in the next room were on the shuttle, and the couple from our journey to Lanquin were n the shuttle.  It was a familiar crowd.  Firstly we had a 15-minute […]

Lanquin and Semuc Champay Guatemala

  Lanquin and Semuc Champey – Guatemala’s most amazing natural wonder We had spent the morning 2 days earlier – fairly stress-free – getting back from Xocomil Water Park and then arriving back for our last 2 nights once again in our favorite room in Yellow House Hostel in Antigua. Saturday morning was hectic with […]

Lake Atitlan Guatemala by boat

Lake Atitlan Guatemala by boat, and a weaving lesson too. A day trip around Lake Atitlan with a weaving lesson in San Juan. This morning we regrettably pack our bags and leave one of our favorite places we have stayed so far – Hotel Bambu.  The kind owner drops us down to the pier where […]

Santiago Lake Atitlan Guatemala – culture and tradition

Santiago Lake Atitlan Guatemala – culture and tradition We woke in the serenity of the beautiful gardens of Bambu Hotel, on the shore of Lake Atitlan.  Surrounded by volcanoes, and green rolling hills with the mirror stillness of the lake in front. As I sat out with my morning coffee, I felt the peace of […]

Chichinango Markets Guatemala

Chichinango Markets Guatemala and where to find a bargain Chichinango markets are by far the most famous markets in Guatemala and are open only on Thursdays and Sundays.   To get there, you can take a bus or private shuttle from Antigua.  This shuttle stops at a cute mountains-side café for a morning hot chocolate or […]

Antigua Guatemala The gem of colonial history

Antigua Guatemala The gem of colonial history Antigua is known as the gem of Guatemala.  Steeped in Mayan history, you can wander the cobblestone streets, or wander up to the vantage points on the hillsides. Arriving in Antigua after a really stressful and long day, really took its toll on me. I spent 2 days, […]

Earth Lodge – A night sleeping in a Tree House

 Earth Lodge  –  A night sleeping in a Tree House Hostel or Hotel Name: Earth Lodge Location:  Foothills of Antigua, Guatemala – refer to the website for details Telephone:  (+502) 5664-0713 | 4980-2564 email: earthlodge@gmail.com Website: http://earthlodgeguatemala.com Date stayed: November 2013 Breakfast: Not included but available till 2 p.m. Bar: Yes Kitchen: Meals are available to purchase and are eaten […]

Earth Lodge – Our first night in a Canopy Cabin

Earth Lodge  Antigua Guatemala Our first night in a Canopy Cabin in an Avocado Plantation A series of cracks, like fireworks going off, woke me this a.m.  Unable to see through the canopy of trees, I raced down the path for a better look.  Darn. Too many trees. I could see volcanoes but I was […]

Toasting marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano

Toasting marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano We have been staying in Antigua for over a week already.  There is so much to do. We could stay for a month! But so far we have not yet managed to see an active volcano in Central or South America.  There is always a reason we don’t get there. […]