Mayan Ruins and Other Touristing

Two days ago, we took a detour from our straight-shot route to check out Palenque.  The place we camped had live music.  There was a pan flute, so you can imagine exactly how awesome it was.

World's Best Flowchart

And then, the following morning, we walked over to the ruins at Palenque.

Snacktime

Creepy.  And not just the accidental date stamp.

The buildings at the top are amazing (as were the shouty monkeys, which were so loud we thought at first the racket was a recording of a lion or something).  And then a jungle-y little trail led steeply downhill alongside a wide, clear stream to more ruins.  That section was a lil' bit spooky and totally gorgeous. Photos wouldn't have done it justice.

Tree Hugger

We camped the night before last at another strange place: a self-declared "nature preserve" in the woods along highway 186.

"This place is a nature reserve."  Because I say so.

There were deer -- Lena chased three of them -- and little weird rodenty things (hopped like bunnies, looked like mice, were the size of guinea pigs) and at least the rumor of wild boar.

Amenities

Education

There were also horses and a donkey that we only knew existed by its braying.

Nature?

Perhaps strangest of all, the "nature preserve" had a double life as a paintball field.  

Bathroom/Paintball Headquarters

Yesterday, we continued eastward toward Chetumal, our last stop in Mexico (for now).

Typical

Caution: Bats Ahead

Mofles?  Does a more ridiculous and hilarious word exist?

We also stopped at Balamku, where we were totally alone with the ruins.

And then, there were coconuts and such things.  

Next up: Border Crossing #2 (or, possibly, How We Attempted to Bribe Belizean Officials to Let Our Border Collie Into the Country and Were Thrown in Prison Instead)*

*Just kidding, parents.