Awakening in the beautiful Lanquin by the river we decided to have a well earned rest day and chill out in the hammocks, and swim in the river. An enjoyable day before another 8 hour bus journey to Flores. Flores is a small town on a peninsula surrounded by a lovely calm lake. 

From here we decided to explore Tikal, probably the most famous Mayan Ruins in Central America. We had the option of a sunrise tour, but all gagging for a few drinks we decided 4am was a bit too early! Turns out 8am was probably even too early, and with sore heads we headed to the ruins. These ruins were far more vast than the ones in Honduras, and unfortunately no Irish connection. The detail and scale of the buildings was fierce impressive and must have been bloody hard work with no machinery. A bottle of coke and a chicken sandwich got rid of the hangover and we enjoyed the day re igniting our cultural spirits. 

The next day we were back to our adventurous selves (even with a slight hangover!). Kayaking was on the cards today as we heard about a rope swing somewhere on the lake. After some investigating and some bargaining we were off on the lake with three kayaks and two canoes. We found the rope swing, and some jumping platforms, and a few beers! We stayed there until evening  and watched the sun setting over the lake, as we kayaked back into it. Nobody spoke on the journey back and there was no need as we all watched in awe at our surroundings. 

We were headed to Belize the next morning for Christmas, all a bit sad to be leaving Guatemala. Another early rise (4.30am) was on the cards, no such thing as a lie on when travelling!!!

Guatemala is a real gem of Central America. For anyone who likes active holidays this is the place to be. We arrived in Antigua to a fireworks display, we would like to think it was in our honour but no, you guessed it, another religious festival. We spent a lovely morning in the sunshine exploring the city and it's wonderful churches. In the afternoon we headed for Lake Atitlan about three hours away. This lake is surrounded by three volcanos, giving the scenery a distinct advantage.The lake is dotted with small cultural towns around the edges, picking a town is the hard part! We found ourselves in San Pedro after a very bumpy lancha (regular wooden boat driven at very fast speeds!) across the lake. The views did not disappoint, in fact they were spectacular, even if we were half soaked!  The next morning we kayaked across the lake to a small beach, taking in the views as we paddled. The only word to describe them are breathtaking. 

Another fourteen hour bus journey (we are getting used to them at this stage!) we arrived in Lanquin, a very remote town in the mountains of Guatemala. Our hostel was located right on the river edge, surrounded by beautiful scenery. We signed up for a day tour, which turned out to be one of the best days of our trip so far. About twenty of us clambered up onto a pick up truck, no sitting down as there wasn't enough room. We headed off in this position for  a hilly 12km drive. The proximity in the truck left us no option but to all chat away, and by the end of the 12km we had definitely bonded. First stop was a candlelight cave adventure. We swam through the cave, in varying depth waters, while holding up the lit candle with one hand. It's safe to say several candles were distinguished ! We climbed up over a waterfall (inside the cave!) and did a cliff jump (still inside the cave!). Next up was tubing down the river, nice and easy except for the varying currents. Luckily we had several young local boys supplying us with beer cans from the side of the river! To get your hands on a beer you needed to catch it as they threw it with force at you! For the brave, after the tubing, was a chance to jump off a 10m bridge into the river. All this and it wasn't even lunch time yet! The afternoon was spent at the wonderful Semuc Champey. This natural wonder is a set of pools, turquoise in colour, sitting on top of a river that flows underground. We hiked up to the viewpoint for a marvellous vantage point. We hiked back down and explored the different pools. We swam, jumped, leapt and dived in the various pools. To finish off the day we hopped back up on the pick up truck and had a rocky 12km again. We returned to the hostel, wrecked and very happy campers! Phew, we were only half through Guatemala ! 

With our convoy now the size of a small army we decided to ignite the cultural bone inside us and head to the mountainous Copan Ruinas. This is the home of the ancient Mayan ruins, Copan. 

After a long day of buses we arrived in the small village in need of showers and nourishment. We were greeted with great hospitality and delighted to hear the hostel had hot showers, a rarity in Central America. We were recommended a fantastic food place and all went to bed full and happy. 

With an early rise and a lift from the hostel owner we arrived at the site of the ruins. Deciding to go without a guide we roamed around aimlessly trying to figure out what we were looking at. We all agreed the detailed carving was impressive even if we couldn't understand any of it! 

A local guide overheard my accent and decided he needed to say hello to the Irish. Much to our delight he gave us some great information about the structures of the ruins and the activities that would have gone on there. The reason he needed to say hello (it wasn't my great charm!) was the founding archaeologist was indeed an Irish man. 

John Gallagher was the first to produce a map of the ruins and is regarded in the highest respect in the world of Mayan ruins. He discovered the Mayan ruins at Copan in 1834 after he went searching for what the locals called a lost city. Deep in the rainforest he was surprised to find a Mayan city, almost completely preserved, with no less than 28 palaces.He became famous in Central America. He is buried in the city-state and is the only non-Mayan to be buried there, a great honour. 

It was with great pleasure to hear the strong connection with an Irish man in a remote location in Honduras. His influence has left a great trail for Irish people who are greeted warmly by the people of Honduras. 

Travelling through Central America it is a common occurrence to bump into the same people in different places. It's great to see a familiar face ( even if you can't remember their names!!) , catch up, discuss where you both have been, swap some stories and move on to the next destination, maybe never to see them again.

The opposite can be said for a group of four lads from America. On our second day in Costa Rica we met these four lads beside a rope swing. They convinced myself and Sue to give it a shot, giving us some pointers. After nearly killing myself (twice!) we all had a laugh about it, had the chats and bid farewell. We saw them again three hours later at some hot springs!  Since this first meeting we have bumped into each other in nearly every town we have visited ( they claim we are following them!). In Leon, we were all staying in the same hostel. We discusses our plans for the next week, we were heading in opposite directions. Phew!

The next morning Sue and I changed our plans and headed for the Bay Islands of Honduras. A 14 hour bus journey later we arrived at the dock for the boat to Utila. To our surprise (and definitely theirs!) the four lads were also at the dock awaiting the boat, they too had changed plans last minute. 

We decided to give into fate, we were clearly destined to be together! This time we exchanged names, and remembered them. Utila is an island where learning to scuba dive is the main event. Within an hour on the island, we had all signed up for a diving course, and moved in together for the next week. We shared an apartment right next to the dive school, so we wouldn't be late for class! It was also right next to the bar! 

The following week consisted of theory classes, practicing diving skills, going scuba diving and a few nights out. We got to know each other pretty well, through chats when it was raining, supporting each other through the diving, piling into our room to watch the only English tv, and playing games while drinking. As they say if you want to know me, come and live with me! 

By the end of the week , they were no longer the American lads, but Lee, Shawn, Peter and Kurt, our friends.

We arrived in Granada amid a religious festival. The continuous fireworks, the packed streets, the religious re enactments on the street were a sight to see but in no way was it the quiet day we seeked after a mad week. Unfortunately sickness struck as it was bound to at some stage, and we rested up as much as one can with fireworks going off every ten minutes throughout the night. 
 
 We moved onto Leon to further seek solace. We found the cutest little town instead. We explored the largest cathedral in Central America, the roof included, which was stunning. 

Still not 100% we signed up for some volcano boarding the next morning (when in Rome!). We headed off early on the back of a truck through the rickety roads until the volcano came into clear view. We hiked up the volcano, carrying a piece of timber that was to be our sledge (of sorts!). From the top the realisation that we were about to launch ourselves down a very high volcano on a piece of board hit us. But there is only one way down. The guide gave us instructions on how to steer the board (as if we were going have any control!). Off we went...

We both made it safely to the end of the volcano, hitting up speeds of 48 km per hour. Those brave enough to go flat out ended up with skint arms and legs, and some very extravagant falls. We celebrated with a drink at the bottom of the volcano, while being told we are one of only 50,000 to complete the activity.  The speed and adrenaline cleared up the sickness, just in time for a 14 bus journey to Honduras at2am! 

On everyone's recommendation our next stop was the Island of Ometepe, and in particular a hostel called Little Morgans. Ometepe is a small island in the middle of a lake, that is home to two volcanoes, one active. The island is beautiful, the scenery spectacular, the people very friendly, the bugs very hungry!

We arrived at Little Morgans and immediately felt welcomed and at home by the three staff,Gaz, Joe and Zoe. The hostel is located right by the lake with a beautiful treehouse, and it's kinda it's own little world. It is owned by a Dublin man, Morgan, who never lost his accent! As we were checking in, a loud Kerry jersey caught my attention in the bar. It wouldn't be the last time we would see it! Let me say that we haven't been looking or not looking for fellow Irish travellers, we just hadn't met any yet, so it's comforting to see someone from your own country.  We introduced ourselves to the three Irish lads and swapped travel stories. We were heading north and they were heading south, so we exchanged plenty of tips, hostel names,must do activities etc. It wasn't long (five minutes) when we all felt we knew each other well enough to start the slagging. The Irish craic had begun. 

For the next three days, we discussed everything and anything in our fast paced,full of laughter way. The surrounding guests looked at us in awe, not believing we were speaking English, until they joined in the fun themselves. We got to experience a different variation of the Kerry jersey each day (supposedly that's all he packed), we taught anyone who would listen some Irish sayings including 'There's great drying out there today' and 'Slainte' (of course). We explained the Rose of Tralee and badly sang the words we could muster together. We mostly laughed and laughed some more. 

The whole hostel celebrated Thanksgiving together with a meal and rum punch night. The atmosphere was special. About 50 people conversing, laughing, singing, dancing all with their own stories, own cultures, own journeys, all grateful to be in Little Morgans on that night. Nearing the death of the night, or the start of the sunrise, I noticed all five Irish still going strong, a Canadian and the wonderful Wim from Netherlands. It made me think two things, one that maybe our drinking reputation is true and two, you can't beat the Irish craic !

Arriving into San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua on a Sunday evening and the whole town was drunk, we had the feeling we had just missed the party! We were right, a Sunday Funday had occurred, a day session, it turns out we were the only people unaware of it! Ah well you can't win them all. 

Hangover free the next day we decided to take advantage of the beautiful setting of this beach town. We headed out on a boat for the afternoon in the glorious sunshine. We were soon joined by some dolphins who escorted us to a private beach. We enjoyed a few drinks, a swim and ended the trip watching a beautiful sunset from the boat. We decided to create our Funday and found a bar where ladies drink for free! We weren't going turn that down! 

The next day was a scorcher and against my better sense I decided to hike up to a Jesus statue that looks down over the town. I set off with my hangover, no water and no sense. I passed by a school where children were learning numbers, I stopped as I recognised a familiar accent. Their very pleasant teacher was indeed from Ireland, educating the children of Nicaragua. I continued my waterless hike up the hill, and enjoyed the view after I got my breathe back! On the way back down singing out loud (there was a few dance moves too, shamelessly) to my iPod, a car pulled over to ask me directions. Well that's what I thought. Turns out the lads in the car recognised my dance moves from the free bar the night before! A few laughs were exchanged, and I explained my red face was from the hike not from my mortification! 

Get me out of this town quick....

We arrived in Costa Rica not knowing what to expect. We had organised transport from the airport and arrived in what can only be described as a compound. We had heard it was dangerous here but come on!! The hostel itself was nice and we were assigned the honeymoon suite! Romantic! When the day broke we went for the obligatory stroll around town. We soon realised that no one speaks English, our Spanish is really weak and a lot of people were indicating to us to hold onto our bags. Great start! 

We got out of the city the next day and headed for LaFortuna. The town has an active volcano and offers loads of activities. We booked into Gringo Petes  Too ( yes that's how he spells it!) and immediately felt welcome by Juan Carlos. We had the chats with him and he filled us in on all the free activities in the area. We headed off to a small waterfall, with a rope swing, and I nearly faced death for not the last time on this trip. We ventured to some natural hot springs that evening where we relaxed in the springs by candlelight with a beer in hand. Bliss. The next day brought us some white water rafting. The nerves were starting to kick in as we went through all the safety procedures, and next thing we were on the river. We were in the boat less than two minutes when Sue fell out.  The guide grabbed a hold of her but couldn't hold on, she went under the boat and I accustomed myself to the idea of travelling on my own for the next few months. Sue's smiling head popped up again and she clambered back into the boat. Me nerves!! The rest of the trip was edge of the seat stuff but we safely made it back to land. The rafting was followed by a trip to an organic farm where we were fed and educated. We finished off with a shot of freshly brewed moonshine, two for the Irish girls!!

After our two shots we planned the congratulatory drinks for the group (we are sound like that!) and all met up again that night. We danced the night away with the raft guides and locals and our planned departure the next morning was put on hold! We managed to drag ourselves onto a bus the following morning and bid farewell to LaFortuna and it's very welcoming people. We travelled on a bus, a bus , a boat and a bus for 12 hours, and reached our destination of Montezuma finally.

Montezuma is a surf town on the pacific coast with gorgeous scenery and beautiful natural resources. We chilled out here for two days. We hiked to a gorgeous waterfall, where the locals entertained us with their diving skills. We visited the gorgeous beaches and the quaint town. We conversed (badly!) with the locals, and felt grateful for having the opportunity to meet some of the lovely Costa Rican people. We decided to move on after restoring some energy and headed for Nicaragua, facing another 13 hours of buses to get there!

A cruise. A cruise to the Bahamas, Jamaica and Grand Cayman Island. A Caribbean cruise. Im like a child at Christmas! Being so close to Fort Lauderdale we looked into some last minute cruises for the craic. Cruises in our minds are reserved for the wealthy, the retired or the newly married, not two Irish backpackers. We have changed that. We got a great last minute deal and a few days later we were queuing up to board the Holland American Eurodam ship. 

We were the youngest in the queue (by far!!) and looking around us at walking canes, wheelchairs etc our excitement was fading. We were asked oh are you the crew?! We boarded the ship, checked out our sea view room and headed for lunch. One of the crew told us we had a choice of five restaurants! All inclusive!  We ended up in the dining room where the waiters pulled out our chairs, placed our napkins on our laps and handed us a menu with a lot of options. What had we let ourselves in for! For the remainder of the week we lived in five star luxury. Our room was cleaned twice a day, the bed made up morning and night, fresh towels twice a day, five restaurants and a never ending buffet, room service 24 hours, two pools, a gym, a spa and activities on all day. At night time there was several bars and lounges with different kinds of music, a large stage show, casino, and the Northern Lights nightclub. We found ourselves in here each night with the five other people under the age of forty, and some very energetic 70 year olds. And this is all just on the ship!

Our first stop was Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. Paradise is the only word to describe it. Simple as. Montego Bay, Jamaica was stop two and had all the personality you would imagine, yeah man. Grand Cayman Islands was next up and a beautiful day at seven mile beach. The final stop was the cute town of Key West and ironically is the end of Route One that we had driven on the Californian coast. 

To our surprise we were the only two Irish people out of the 2000 passengers onboard.  By the end of the week, approximately 1000 of these guests had been introduced to our Irish charms in one way or another ,we did our best in promotion (and the daily cocktails helped too!).

We returned to Fort Lauderdale after our seven days feeling like we had dreamt it all, the luck of the Irish was definitely with us on finding this deal

The beauty of plans is they aren't set in stone. To get to Central America we had to stop over in Orlando Florida, so we decided to make the best of it and visit some theme parks for a few days. Not originally part of the plan or the budget but a little treat for ourselves! It couldn't have worked out better.

We rented an apartment beside a hotel complex. Neither of us were sure whether we were  part of the complex or not, but their facilities were excellent so we decided we were! 

We got the full benefit of shuttle buses to the theme parks, and the gorgeous swimming pool. If anyone asked we smiled politely and put on our thickest Irish accent!  We booked a Universal Park ticket which gave us access to three parks. We got lucky. This time of year is off season, and the queues were basically non existent. We never queued longer than five minutes for any ride in any of the three Universal parks. 

Universal Islands of Adventure gave us the most thrills with fast rollercoasters, 4d experiences and water rides. On the water rides there is a sign saying you might get wet. This is a lie. You will be soaked, but you'll laugh your head off as it is happening. Universal Theme Park is like a Hollywood movie set with plenty of characters roaming around. The technology used for these rides (mostly 3d and 4d) is incredible. It feels like you're on a rollercoaster when in fact you haven't moved at all. Wet and wild was the water park we went too, twice. Two gorgeous days in the sun with various water slides and thrilling rides with no queues!

We finished up our week with a NBA game between Orlando Magic and Minnesota Timberwolves. Neither team have a reputation of being excellent so it made this game evenly matched. The entertainment was of course fun filled, fan focused, fantastic as always. The game was a cracker with Orlando Magic winning in overtime. 

A stopover well worth it!