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Mexico, days 1-5
Hello all, we have arrived safe and well.
After getting off the plane we had to phone the hostel so they could come and collect us. Having been on the plane for what seemed like the longest day ever having gained 7 hours, we struggled. We couldnt work out how to use the phone and had to get some random mexican business man to help us. Danni's spanish escaped her and couldnt describe what we were wearing to the taxi driver so he just had to look out for 2 desheveled gringos at gate 6. He found us ok - i think we stood out. Once at the hostel all we wanted was some food and some sleep. We found the nearest diner and as soon as we sat down realised we should have bought the dictionary. We ordered enchiladas and when they arrived the waitress just smiled. They were hotter than the sun. And in the hot hot humid mexican evening at, what to us was 5 in the morning we struggled. After mucho sweating and refusing to leave any we finally got to sleep.
Day 2 - After an early start (6am - still on english time), we walked around a very hectic local market and did some sight seeing. In the afternoon we made it to the acient ruins of teotihuacan. Being Brits abroad we obviously didnt take enough water so had to buy 100 bottles at inflated prices and we also didnt have our hats (a bit silly) in 28 degree heat. The ruins were pretty incredible and well worth all the discomfort. When we gor back we passed out for hoursdue to climbing 1000s of steps at 2400m in scorchio heat giving us completely stiff limbs, sun stroke and heat exhaustion. When we woke it was midnight and it was time for bed again. The mosi net has been working so far but for those hours we werent under it danni got eaten alive whereas I dont seem to taste so nice.
Danni's observations: Funnily enough Mexicans actually look like Mexicans! They all have little tashes and wear sombreros just like in the movies. Mexico City is wicked, but HECTIC. The driving is completely insane more than anywhere Ive been before, but quite fun once you have got over the fear of death. They all drive massive homemade monster pick up trucks or VW beetles (Beth you'd love it). Its comedy , I love it. It also felt safer than I expected but I wouldnt have wanted to spend much more time there because its all just a bit mental.
 Day 3 - We hit all the posh touristy places walking through gorgeous gardens and lakes and visited the anthropology museum to learn about the history of the region and to explain why we climbed all those 1000s of steps. Then it was an overnight bus to Palenque via Villahermosa.
Aidan's testing of the local cuisine: Every food stall we pass aidan insists on stopping and trying the tasty treats on display probably breaking all healthy travel advice. So far we've tried tacos, tacos and more tacos with different fillings. All actually very nice. Unfortunately my stomach isnt as strong as Aidan's and have been suffering for the last few days!
Day 4 - After arriving in Palenque we got a little combi (Mexican minibus taxis) to a legendary travellers hangout in the middle of the jungle - El Panchan. It was amazing. Our little cabaña (wooden hut) had ensuite, a fan and token pet gheko living in the roof. Danni named him Julio. That afternoon we visited the ancient ruins of which lots were still largely overgrown. Again the weather was ridiculously hot but at the end there was a waterfall where we could splash about to cool down - That was Danni's favourite day of the trip so far.
Day 5 - We visited 3 waterfalls in the local area. The first Misol-Ha was a high 60m fall which is the one in the film Predator that Arnie jumps off. Awesome. The second was this beautiful part of a river where the water was bright turquoise, Agua Clara. Danni loved the Indiana Jones bridge. The 3rd, Agua-Azul was amazing. The water cascaded over rapids over about 1km and again the water was beautiful. We swam here for the majority of the afternoon and Danni had a water fight with some local children who thought it was hilarious to shout Gringo and then splash her! This is now Danni's favourite day of the trip.
Aidan's fashion tips: Without realising we went out for a few drinks in El Panchan dressed in matching green linin trousers - not a good look.
 Day 6-7 - Campeche is a cute little colourful town on the coast where we have chilled out for a couple of days. We've eaten great seafood and watched a traditional dance show performed by the local school children in the main square.
 Hope everyone is well wherever they are and love to you all
Aidan and Danni
P.s. Dont worry the next blog probably wont be as long.
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