Guatemala and Costa Rica

Continuing down the West Coast of North America (now Latin America) our next stop was Guatemala. A small country of 4.5M people dominated by numerous volcanoes some of which are still active.

Our trip into the hinterland was through an area devastated by an eruption last year. This was due to mud flows (as opposed to ash, lava or liquefaction which can be just as devastating). There are many abandoned homes. You cannot now get insurance in these areas so they will be forever ghost towns

However, the road is a supply route and the quickly erected Bailey bridges are being replaced by more substantial bridges.

We had decided on a macadamia farm visit as this is a nut we thought was Australian. It is and was imported many years ago via Hawaii. The farm was focused on being environmentally friendly and had some locally developed equipment. This, which took of the nut’s softer outer shell, was called Mac Giver.

There were a number of products including chocolate covered nuts and oils for facial massages. Life is a struggle……

Back at the harbour the site of QE was enticing given the very hot and humid conditions at sea level. Our cabin is on the corner just above the last life boat – a good sized balcony!

Our next stop was Costa Rica. This small country (about the size of Scotland) with a similar population to Guatemala has had a relatively stable government over the last 50 or more years. With a focus on education and health and no expenditure on defence it has boomed. Tourism has been helped by most having two and many having three languages.

Our shore trip comprised two parts. A river tour 

where we saw quite a bit of wildlife including these small long nosed bats.

Ground level is no place for termites so they build their nests in trees.

There were many small colourful birds that were so fast there was little chance of a good shot but this young heron was very obliging.

On the way back we stopped for the inevitable shopping and a coffee. This young lady was helping her Mum with coffee liqueurs and with a bit of help could describe each flavour in English. The coffee cream was excellent.

The second part of the trip was a ride on a train with two beautiful wooden carriages.

The guardsman come waiter had a certain swagger and clearly enjoyed his job.

The rail track was all over the place so high speed rail this was not. In fact those on bicycles readily overtook us. Never mind speed when you have such colour. 

Our train ride ended at a small centre where we were entertained with three local dances. Very colourful.

And of course some could not be stopped in taking part.