Interesting travel day! Indeed!
I appreciate the variety and simple challenges of traveling. Like when I cook or bake, I don’t follow recipe’s. When I travel, I read, talk to lots of people, do my research on the internet, ask lots of questions, look at different angles and make reservations for my first night or two of any journey. And then, things flow. I listen, think much less, follow the feeling and go with the feeling of ease and flow!
Today is a perfect example! It was difficult to figure out travel between Tikal and Rio Dulce planning this trip. It requires a stop in Flores. Normally, people travel to Flores, spend the night and start the next morning. I wanted to start from Tikal and have one more evening in the jungle.
I learned that finding transportation early in the morning wouldn’t be difficult. Or, that it would be impossible! Or…..pick any answer you choose? Take your pick! I wrote emails to hostels and hotels. And started averaging answers. Nothing became very clear!
For example, there is a morning colectivo. It supposedly leaves around 6:30 for Flores. And it would get me to the bus station in time for an early bus….or not. It might take an hour or an hour and forty five minutes. Maybe?
Finally, the Jungle Lodge wrote me that they had a shuttle at 5:00 am which was only $20. Normally, tourist pay $50 to $100 for such service! This is a great offer!
Local guides in the park told me it was impossible and that I would have to hire a taxi. I bought a ticket for $20 at the front desk and was prepared to leave at 4:45. Yes, there is a shuttle! And as of now, it is $20! It is possible!
The generator runs only between 5:00 pm and 12:00 pm. I packed everything last night so I would not forget anything by being sleepy at 4:30 am and be packing in the dark. After taking a very early cold shower (it feels very good in the heat and is better than coffee for waking up), I loaded my pack, turned on my flashlight and walked up to the front reception area.
A man sitting there asked me if I was there for the “7”, “siete?” I told him no, I was there for the 5:00. He kept asking about “7” and finally I realized he was checking my room number, not my departure time! Sleepy brain! Needed caffeine and cold shower!
The driver was ready. It was 4:50. I was his only passenger. Wanting to be sure he knew where I was going, I showed him my bus ticket. He looked very confused! There was no name for the bus line and he didn’t recognize it? Uh oh!?
Finally we agreed to go to the colectivo/bus station. Arriving, he pointed to the colectivo office. I got out and showed them my ticket. No one there recognized it either?! They told me to go to Flores. I persisted because I was told to come to the bus station and would get on there.
Travel questions! Sort of reverse detective work. Leave trails by asking lots of people questions or telling them where you plan to go. Word spreads, someone shows up, and things worked out. I’ve learned to talk to a LOT of people. It paid off again. Word spreads and something good happens! And this time, it was Oscar.
He knows the company and is friends with them. He took me to a coffee shop to wait. I had a coffee and since I had two hours before departure, I walked to the local market to a comedor for breakfast. Full breakfast…eggs, beans, cheese, tortilla’s and coffee…$15 quetzals (roughly $2.00 US). Delicious!
I walked back and sat down my pack to have another coffee. Still had over an hour. Another man came in and Oscar motioned him over. His name was Jamie and he told me to follow. I followed and found him on a where motorcycle outside! I asked how long it took to get to Rio Dulce!? He laughed. Never lose your sense of humor!!!
He drove me to Flores, asked me why I had gone to Santa Elena and left me at a parking lot near the lake! “Wait here!” It was 7:20. About 30 minutes later, another man walked up and said, “follow me!” We walked through an alley to another street and sure enough, there was a tourist bus there. He asked, “why did you go to Flores?” I was told to! Yes, sure, the colectivo that may or may not exist in Tikal, that might or might not get me there on time…..I was told clearly (!!!!!) drops me at the same place as the buses. Be patient and flexible!!
Patience, patience and more patience!!!
Travel angels!
We drove around town picking up passengers. One older couple got on with a suitcase and large backpack, both double the size of my little pack and difficult for them to lift. As they settled into their seats and the bus prepared to leave, a woman from the hotel ran out to the bus saying something about a bag? They had left their small pack with important documents and money sitting beside their chair! Travel Angels helping once again!
Finally, we headed out! It was a fast trip! The driver was taking us all the way through to Rio Dulce and stopping at the South edge of town. Meaning: I’d have to carry my pack about a mile in the heat (90° when we arrived). He said he couldn’t stop for me to get off early. So of course, there was a traffic jam and we had to stop about one block from where I wanted off. I got off. Magic!
This once small sleepy village is now a traffic jam. Buses, trucks, pedestrians, shop keepers, bicyclist, tuk tuk…all compete for limited space!
One thing I wanted to do was find a grocery store for snacks. I walked about 1/2 block and there was a large grocery store for snacks. I was checking out when a tall blond lady walked up behind me. I asked her if she could tell me where Sundog Cafe was?
Turns out she is one of the owners of Dream Catcher Hostel and knows the owner at Casa Perico. She gave directions to cafe which would call for the boat to Casa Perico.
As I turned left where she told me, a local man asked me if I was doing OK and if he could help me with anything? His name is Roger and he lives just up river from El Hotelito Perdido where I am staying this weekend. He has worked at the hot springs for years. He also teaches school children English so I may go teach on Sunday! Travel flow!
On the way to Sundog Cafe, I noticed a small restaurant just before it! Something grabbed me so I walked in. Very friendly people greeted me! I’ve been craving pancakes! I looked at their menu. They had pancakes!!! I ordered and sat to cool off and enjoy lunch before calling a boat.
As I sat there, three people came in and sat behind me. On was a man from the US living locally and doing business here. I overheard him say to his guests that the chef/owner, Eric, was a cruise ship chef for years and now has this excellent little restaurant. He also said the Sundog Cafe is good but double the cost! Another great inspired moment!
Eric and I talked about food, creativity and always being open to learning more! And loving what you do!
Tomorrow he is making fish and chips so I’m taking the boac back in to have lunch with him. He called and requested a boat for me. I asked where the local boats leave from? Tomorrow, he will send someone with me to make sure I find it! Cool connection!
And then I headed across the lake to Casa Perico.
Ooohweee, fabulous flexibility yields pancakes. Good lesson.
Hey Larry. I hope you get this greeting at some point. Thinking about you on the day after your birthday. I trust it has been a perfect and peaceful trip (I know it has been, as I have been following you on “A Walk…etc.” and a lovely birthday day. Hugs and celebrations to you. Wendy P.