Belize

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We left El Remate with our sights set on the border with Belize which was about 65km away. We knew we would need nourishment along the way and were keen to use up our Quetzals (especially as it would be 20km or so over the border before we would find a bank to get some Belize Dollars).

We pulled into a small roadside restaurant and had this outstanding carb and protein fest (there were tortillas with it as well). We explained to the woman running the place that the plates were the flag of our country and she found it very amusing.

I feel bad for not saying more about the riding but we have got a little blasé about riding along nice quiet rolling roads with stunning views and lush vegetation all around. We have to keep remembering not to take it all for granted.

The border crossing was smooth. A stamp out of Guatemala and a lovely chat about our trip with the tour guides who were waiting there. A short walk followed by a stamp into Belize. The only point of interest is that we have a hand written entry in our passport saying we have imported a bike into Belize which we must get stamped on exit to prove we have also left with it. I think the woman on the customs desk felt that she couldn't ignore our 'vehicle' but there are clearly no official forms for bikes in the same way there are for cars.

Our brains have been melted by the fact that it took us 4 months to cross Mexico yet we crossed Guatemala in 5 days. Bonkers. The good news is that we will get to see more of Guatemala after Belize.

The border at that point follows the river. It was clear and clean looking. As soon as we saw other folk swimming we just had to stop and have a dip ourselves. It was bliss - apart from the tiny fish that actually nibbled us. It took us a while to work out what was causing the sharp little nips we were feeling.

We arrived into San Ignacio mid afternoon. It is the second largest town in Belize and not very big at all. Interestingly the capital, Belmopan, is the third largest (the largest is Belize City).

English is the official language and it something of a shock to be speaking in English after so long speaking Spanish.

We got talking to Eve while walking through the town centre. She wanted to know all about it trip as she had a friend who has done something similar. She took us under her wing and gave us a tour of the market and persuaded one of the food stalls that was closing up to do us a breakfast burrito (yet more eggs, beans and tortillas - I can't see myself getting bored with them anytime soon)

Just round the corner is a great little campsite where we have had several hours chilling out without a care in the world.

Google photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/p8J9ERd7iN2bGiZy9

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