SubscribeEarlier that evening after a long day of riding I pulled into San Cristobal de las Casas and had a good feeling. Now walking into the main square I was certainly impressed. I have seen traditional dance first hand in Northern British Columbia and Nunavut but this was something special. Whether it was the energy in the air or vibrant colours of the traditional dress the crowd was being held by the display.
Archive for October, 2011
Oct
9
San Cristobal de las Casas, MX (- kms)
I didn’t think I stood out in the market. The place was swarming with tourist just like myself snapping off photos and bartering for this and that. The vendors went about their business preparing their goods for the next sale. After five attempts I finally gave up wondering how professional photographers do it.
Oct
3
Chetumal, MX (576 kms)
Mexico has been great but it was time to find my way to Belize. Two weeks earlier when I sought out jugs of water to take with me in Baja I never knew how much water would be an issue. Now it wasn’t the search for for water but the attempts to avoid it that were the focus.
Oct
1
San Ignacio, BZ (256 kms)
The rain was pounding down when I woke in Chetumal. I went about getting ready for my day regardless in hopes it would let up. As luck would have it the rain did slow down and I rolled to the border with anticipation of good riding, good people and good food.
Oct
10
Tikal National Park, GU (134 kms)
I’m told it’s rainy season in Central America and each day it pours on me. The rain is refreshing but brings stifling humidity inside the riding jacket moments later. So at the end of each day it seems odd that I want to seek out more water and it’s shocking what I’ll put up with to get it.
Oct
4
Rabinal, GU (437 kms)
A good friend Russ whom I once used as a reference spoke to me about a call he received years ago. The prospective employer asked Russ if I drank alcohol. I was told later by that employer that Russ replied, “Lenny likes a cold beer on a hot day.” Well Russ, it was hot today.
Oct
21
Antigua Guatemala, GU (127 kms)
Maps are funny things. Essential for my travel and relatively easy to follow they lack a good depiction of the path ahead that can only be gained by asking questions …in Spanish of course. I choose the thinner curvy lines rather then the thick straight routes to pick the next days ride. What lay ahead today is most certainly not the toughest riding I will encounter but it was a helluva surprise.
Oct
2
Antigua Guatemala, GU (- kms)
Prior to this trip I wouldn’t have considered myself a rider by any stretch. I bought the bike as a means to facilitate the trip and viewed it as a tool. Now I find myself talking to the ‘Ol Girl on long straights and thanking her for bailing me out of those corners I went in too hot. Even as I take the week off from riding I go visit her every afternoon and ask how she is doing.
Oct
18
Antigua Guatemala, GU (- kms)
Day one at La Union Spanish School was pleasant and productive. My teacher Sarah started off asking me how much Spanish I knew, what I expected to get from the class and set off to the task at hand. She went about her work with a smile and patience that had me calling her The Saint. On day two it was tough to know who was more frustrated and if The Saint was gonna lose it.
Oct
9
Antigua Guatemala, GU (- kms)
I believe it was sometime in May when I sat down with Paul, his wife Cindy and a bottle of rum at his cottage in Tracadie, Nova Scotia. The goal was to come up with a name for the blog. There was 70′s music playing and the title Earth, Wind and Tires was born shortly thereafter. Little did I know at that time how much tires would play into my journey.