Date: 02/02/2013 à 04/02/2013

Path: We left for Choluteca CA-3 bordering on Guasaule. E de lá seguimos pela mesma estrada até Leon.

In 1912, President (U.S.) William H. Taft afirmava: “The day is not far when three stars and bars flags will mark three points equidistant extension of our territory: u at the North Pole, another in the Panama Canal and the third at the Polo Sst. Throughout the hemisphere, Fate of, will be our, as is ours morally because of our racial superiority. " […] companies (Americans) would take possession of the land, Customs, treasures and governments; the "marines'Landed on all sides (Central America) to protect the lives and interests of American citizens. […] The Epic of Augusto César Sandino moved the world. A luta longa […] derived from land claims and kept alive the anger peasant […] With music by Adelita, guerrillas sang: In Nicaragua, you, is the mouse that the cat picks. (GALEANO, Eduardo - The Open Veins of Latin America. p. 156 the 160. The&PM, 2011 - Translation of 'Open Veins of Latin America ', of 1978. )

Tanajura awaiting release of the documents in the Frontier Guasaule between Honduras and Nicaragua

As in almost all trips that someone does for many countries, on our return to Brazil, were customarily dealt with the question: "What place (or country) what you liked best?”. Difficult, nor?! Imagine then reach consensus one place when the experiment was experienced during 13 months and 5 people! Some insist: “Ah, but what if they make a Top 3?! Top 5?!” Ok! If we dig a little more range and ponder several variables, natural beauty from unusual for us Brazilians, passing the cost of the country, receptivity of the population, to the genuine learning its history and culture, managed to assemble a short list of 5 the 10 places. And although this list go to number 1 (almost unanimously) Alaska, the place that impresses most people to be at the top of this list is Nicaragua! Why?! Well, to tell a little of what we feel there, we first need to outline a historical context of the country…

Let's go back then, the late nineteenth century, around the year 1848…

Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America close and the second largest in Latin America, second only to the famous' Titicaca’ (in Bolivia). In 1848, 10 years after the complete independence of Nicaragua - which occurred in 1838 (notice that it was only 16 years after our) - The United Kingdom and, mainly, the U.S. turned their eyes to the country. It, the latter, never took. The interest of the superpowers were to build a transoceanic canal in Central America. At that time, the great Nicaraguan lake, which combined with its rivers attachments, virtually connected the Pacific to the Atlantic, seemed the perfect place for the construction of such a canal!

The center, with a red marking, the great Lake Nicaragua!

No entanto, this period two important Nicaraguan cities (currently two of the main sights of the country) lived in constant conflict: on one side Leon, capital Liberal; and the other, Granada, two Conservative headquarters. In an attempt to pacify their differences, cities come to an agreement and, in 1852, transform Managua (equidistant from two) in the capital. 'Happy ending for both right?'Not so! What Granada and Leon did not know is that not one, or other, were his main rivals for control of Nicaragua. The main opponent was named USA. And the great eagle put its talons resolves once the country, from 1893.

The Nicaraguan flag stands among the many advertisements on input Managua – Nicaragua

After 30 years of conservative dominance of (supported by U.S. and UK who controlled different regions and institutions in the country) and political instability (with including a curious episode of the American mercenary adventurer, Willian Walker, who took advantage of a battle between Leon and Granada to proclaim himself president of the country) Liberals take power, in 1893, by means of General José Santos Zelaya. In steady, Zelaya approves a new constitution - modern and nationalist - dictatorial measures and establishes close relations with Germany and Japan, no objetivo de estabelecer uma parceria para a construção de um canal no país.

Tsc tsc tsc… the U.S. would not leave so cheap… Bothered with financial losses in the country the U.S. decide to build your desired channel in Panama. It, to ensure that they did not have any competition to that channel, Uncle Sam decides to intervene in Nicaragua and thwart Zelaya. Os 'gringos', are known as U.S. citizens in Central America, began to support the return of the Conservatives to power by sending 'marines'In the region. Consequence: in 1907 Zelaya is overthrown! Then, the next two decades the U.S. are constantly sending 'marines’ to place and remove presidents; take control of customs, of railways and the central bank. (CURIOSITY: the influence of the 'gringos' was so great in Nicaragua - and Central America - that Baseball is sport number 1 no country!).

But liberals Nicaraguans do not accept such intervention in the country! And that's what the great leader SURGE – that would become one of the biggest icons, not only in Nicaragua, but the global uprisings against oppression of the superpowers: César Augusto Sandino! As? Liberal Party leaders decide to launch into guerrilla, Once de por 1926. Among them stands out the figure of Augustus Sandino. After numerous agreements, presidential elections and the withdrawal of American troops from the country (when they secured the proper training of the National Guard for nearly 10 years old), Sandino put down their arms and accept an invitation to dinner then president, e former general Guarda Nacional, Anastasio Somoza proposing a plan for disarmament. Sandino falls ambushed and Somoza is assassinated in 1934 on the way to dinner, paving the way for the worst years of dictatorship and embezzlement in the country. Nicaragua falls into a deep dictatorship over 45 years for control of the Somoza family. Supported by the U.S., Somoza – e a Nicarágua – tornaram-se um reduto político dos EUA para a derrubada de líderes na Guatemala e em Cuba.

Only in 1979 (34 years ago) Liberals return to power in a country devastated financially. "Buds" international aid over an economically devastated Nicaragua. But also there is the period of the Cold War and under the guise of communism (aham!) President Ronald Reagan establishes an embargo on Nicaragua and supports an absurd counterrevolutionary military assault known as the Contras in an attempt to re-master the power in the country (in addition to establishing an embargo on 1985) Well, not even need to mention that this led to a series of new conflicts and guerrilla actions in the country. The Cons, US-funded, only surrendered their weapons in 1990!!! período em que os EUA também decidiram retirar o embargo ao país.

It, today, bit by bit, Nicaragua tries to recover economically. In the early years of Sandinista government party - when the country was trying to recover from the terrible period of the Somoza government - there was redistribution of agricultural lands to local cooperatives, reduction of illiteracy 50% to 13%, elimination of polio and reduction of child mortality in 1 terço.

Yes! Nicaragua is a country so small geographically, but with a story so intense! And the pride of "victory" achieved by reducing the massive U.S. intervention in control of the country is still very recent in the heart of the Nicaraguan people suffered and goes against the reality of the rest of Central American countries. So much to em 2011 President Daniel Ortega said he would open a new case against the U.S. at the International Court in The Hague (Holland) with respect to a process of compensation of the decade 80, where the U.S. were ordered to pay the sum of U.S. $ 17 billion - and that still refuse to pay!!!

Many of you reading this post might think if all this is not some abstract, or far from the reality of a traveler. After all, every country has its history, feelings of pride and appreciation of national. No entanto, Leon, Nicaragua, a city is really different. Despite strong international tourism, the bastion of liberal Nicaraguan still has his "fervor" revolutionary. And it was clear when we got on our first tour of the city - even without much knowledge of the history of the country. Within the first hour we came across some boys playing basketball and skateboarding in a block near the city center. A huge and beautiful mural on one of the side walls of the court said: "For freedom we fought and today vowed to defend" (We fight for freedom and today vowed to defend it). And that wall was not there alone! Other murals, imagens e menções – e até um museu – àqueles que lutaram pela soberania do país eram vistos ao longo de León.

The beautiful mural in announcing that we went into a city that still boasts the freedom won in a distant past nothing. (Leon, Nicaragua)

Menino observed in pert or mural of Leon, Nicaragua

A court in the central square has murals and phrases impact everywhere. The court is always busy for city youth – Leon em, Nicarágua.

In the western part of the city, one very old building that used to be the Palace of Communications at the time of the dictator Somoza, out in the recent past the last "stronghold" of the Sandinista resistance. Today it houses the simple, but passionate, ‘Historical Museum of the Revolution ' maintained by Associção Fighters 'Historical'Heroes de Veracruz ". Bullet holes in the walls (internal and external); artifacts similar to those used by guerrilla fighters; photos and murals recounting the brave history of Sandino and his allies; and conduct of the visit to the museum by a former guerrilla own!! gave the 'air' pluperfect to feel inside the living history of Nicaragua! The nice Mr William liked it so much that we made sure to take us to a favorite place of revolutionaries within the building: Roof. Despite the old roof and half loose, senhor in the William ensured it was safe. From there we saw in the distance some of the Nicaraguan volcanoes is a leading natural beauty of the country (that will tell in detail in later posts) e presenciamos o lindo por do sol no quente final de tarde ouvindo histórias vividas por Willian.

Walk for Leon is very nice! The sleepy town is very clean, wide streets and is very well conserved. Main Praça em Sua is assentada reform and nela is a grandiose baroque Basilica of the Assumption Cathedral of Leon. The highlight of the visit is to be able to walk through the ceiling of the basilica! (it is, we can say that we know well the high León! hehehe). Not far away is the very entertaining Museo de Leyendas y Tradiciones (Museum of Legends and Traditions) que conta ícones e lendas nicaraguenses que são transmitidas ao longo de gerações.

In Belíssima Basilica of Leon – Nicaragua

The charming square with restricted access passes for reform – Leon em, Nicaragua

Bruno walks in a typical street of the city of León, Nicaragua

Late afternoon quiet and more murals in the background of one of the squares of Leon, Nicaragua

And most interesting of all is that the cultural values ​​that revolutionary sentiment, questioner, of freedom and the desire for change without the influence of the superpowers (num sense "entreguista", like many other Latin countries) is still very present in the Nicaraguan people - that does not necessarily mean that they deny the capital of foreign investment, mas que simplesmente querem preservar suas tradições e soberania.

On the walk we took in the beautiful island of Ometepe (next posts) know two people who have touched us very. With only 20 years old, the young Omar guided us in the ascent of the volcano Concepción. Architecture student by distance learning, Omar performs tracks as a way to supplement the family income. On the way, told us proud recent history of his country, the victories to expel the 'gringos' and on recent government investment in education and entrepreneurship, como forma de aumentar a competitividade do país. Funny thing is that, even before we climb the volcano with Omar, Mr. Ramón – retired fighter army liberal - prophesied within Tanajura teary-eyed: "Many speak evil, but I believe in the youth of today. Young people today have greater freedom and opportunities to transform the country ". He said to believe that "the inner energy of a young, sua alegria e seu espírito transformador seriam capazes de transformar a atual situação social e econômica do país.” Coisa que parecia impossível em seu tempo.

About sr. Ramon showed us his vision of the youth and the future of Nicaragua

O jovem guia Omar que durante a trilha nos contava com paixão a história da Nicarágua e nos dava sua opinião sobre a atual realidade do país.

As for nós, we sat enthralled hair charisma of Nicaraguans. And we can even take a chance with an air of 'supporter' who, if all young Nicaraguans have the same spirit of seriousness of Omar, power of the words of Mr.. Ramón or determination of other Nicaraguans we met while we were there, we make sure that the country is on track!

We left Leon with toward our next destination: Masaya and its active volcano with lava! And the way we were already heightened by other volcanoes we saw along the road. Mas antes resolvemos dar uma passada em Manágua para termos uma ideia da cidade.

Volcano is seen from within the horizon of Tanajura on the way to the Masaya – Nicaragua

The Nicaraguan capital account with approximately 2 million inhabitants and is the largest city in the country. We had researched a little about the city but no attractive particularly caught our attention so we spent a little over 30 minutes giving a spin around the lake of Managua and left… The anxiety to see an active volcano with lava was great, waited from Guatemala! But we knew we had barely a small impediment to the long-awaited meeting …

One of the company structures of the famous Nicaraguan rum Flor de Caña, at the entrance of Managua – Nicaragua

The post Where 'Marines’ Do not Have Time appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 30/01/2013 à 01/02/2013

Path: We left the spa in the region of Gracias, passed rapidly through La Esperanza and slept in Siguatepeque. We continue south along the Carretera del Norte and spent a few hours in Comayagua. Follow toward Tegucigalpa and stopped to sleep in Choluteca - our final destination in Honduras. The Honduran roads are not well marked nor good conditions. Muita serra e buracos dificultam a velocidade média.

“After the surprising and touching passage by Gracias rumaríamos toward Nicaragua. The path to be followed there would continue aligning with our main purposes in Honduras, and most of the countries of Central America: better understand the history and cultural background of those countries and give a last, or for few hours they were, em suas capitais.”

We agreed on pracinha Gracias and night we had been quiet: without risks and, in the morning, were still welcomed by vendors and onlookers who watched those "strange creatures" coming out of two tents in the middle of the main square of his small town. Breakfast consumed in trade around the square, so we went to the recommended Hot Springs President, is approximately 4 quilômetros do centro.

Hot Springs ao redor As President of Thanks – Honduras

Surrounded by trees and a very well preserved the Hot Springs President are natural springs! The area is public and there is an entrance fee for maintenance of the structure that has clean bathrooms. We combine business with pleasure, because besides the warm, soothing waters, enjoyed the spot to take our "cc" accumulated a few days hahahaha

Hora do banho President nas Hot Springs – Thanks, Honduras

Follow road to the south Ruta Lenca (see more infos on the Lenca people in our other post here). The nearby colonial city of Route is the city of La Esperanza. No entanto, Thanksgiving differently, the city is wanting as to maintain their colonial aspects. To have a closer contact with the Lenca culture (as we had in Gracias) we might have to go within more around the city. It was late afternoon and some Hondurans thronged in some bars to watch one of the passions of the Central American: Match of Barcelona (or Real Madrid – given the lack of major football clubs in the region, the two big Spanish clubs are the passion in almost all Central America: everywhere you see shirts, flags and stickers on cars and motorcycles these teams!) Who knew then the classic Barcelona X Real Madrid for the King's Cup semifinal! Huh, faz parte da cultura, we also gathered!!! We sat in a bar that convey the game while we appreciated one Salva Vida! No, not. There was no beach or pool nearby…hehehe…this is the name of one of the most typical Honduran beers!!

We spent the night in Siguatepeque known stopping point of the Ruta Lenca for its pleasant climate! And it puts nice. Turns out that night took off a "time" of our tents in the vast parking lot of a good hotel in the area that had to pool! And we went around 21h at night take a dip to cool off! After, was just going to take the chuveirão chlorine and jump purchases tents to sleep 'sleep of the just'! That was a nice balcony that yet discovered in Mexico. These hotels with great structure within small towns were always likely to provide a corner to Tanajura. He was just negotiating a precinho of "camping" (sometimes less than $ 5 per person) and could use any external infrastructure!

Morning, we reach toward our last, and very important, historic city of Honduras. For nearly 3 centuries, to approximately 1880, Comayagua was an important historical and religious center of the country. Filled squares, little churches and its cathedral, everywhere noticeable aspect of the colonial city – strong Hispanic influence. Its streets are busy: Ladies with large fruit baskets, senhores de chapéu jogando papo furado nos bancos das praças e pessoas de várias idades entrando e saindo dos comércios locais.

The quiet life in Comayagua – Honduras

See Honduran women balancing baskets of fruit on her head is common in Comayagua – Honduras

One of the squares in Comayagua – Honduras

The highlight of the visit was to observe the Comayagua what the Honduran claim to be the oldest clock in the Americas! Located in the Cathedral of Comayagua – located in the main square - the clock is actually one of the oldest in the world! This is a clock built around Arabic 1100 the 1350 and placed by the Moors in the Alhambra Palace, in Granada - Spain. Por time de 1600 (not known by whom: by King Felipe III or the Duke of Consentaina) the WATCH is easy to Fray Jerónimo de Corella, when appointed Bishop of Comayagua. Interesting to notice the style is still archaic Roman numeral '4 'we know today as' IV', and the clock is marked as 'IIII' - a representation very common to ancient antique clocks, whose use may have several causes: from mystical-religious aesthetic tied!

The Comayagua cathedral where is the oldest clock in the world – for those who are wondering where the clock is: the left- tower next to the cathedral, o relógio é circular de cores branco e preto.

The altar of Comayagua Cathedral gold-plated – Honduras

And leaving him Comayagua Honduras. Following the beautiful green hills of the country! But before, we decided to take our traditional last for Tegucigalpa, a agitada capital Hondurenha. Transit messy, a lot of garbage in the streets, and the fact of Hondurans we know is not much to call attention to some attractive tourist / cultural special, decided to run only a few hours by city, stop to replace oil Tana and follow road. (surely we should have devoted more time to the city for better judgment – but it is noteworthy that in some other cities were very recommended to visit for its socioeconomic importance and tourist characteristics make the country, but unfortunately will be for the next, as: Trujillo, San Pedro Sula e La Ceiba.

That's how we say goodbye to Honduras and a new chapter on the legacy and pride of Central American culture would open days ahead: Nicaragua!

The post The Mysterious '4 'Clock Oldest in the Americas appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 28/01/2013 à 30/01/2013

Path: We left San Salvador taking the CA 4N/Carretera Main del Norte. Entramos em Honduras passando por Nueva Ocotepeque e tomamos as placas sentido Santa Rosa de Copan até sairmos pela CA 11A em direção a Gracias.

Tourism in Honduras is among traditionally oriented 3 pillars: the first and best known is related to their Caribbean islands (as Utila and Roatan) which holds one of the largest reef systems in the world; the second is focused on its dense tropical forests rich in rivers and birds of various species. The third, and last, is related to the history and cultural background of the country, who witnessed the height of the Mayan empire - through the Ruins of Copan (northwest of the country) – e mantém viva uma forte herança da cultura indígena Lenca que ainda se mantém viva ao redor de importantes cidades coloniais do país.

The beautiful scenery of the mountains Honduran

Limited time, budget and even scarcer, needed to make tough decisions (and imagine that it is never easy to make decisions as complex as these to please 5 people!) We talked a lot, consider earlier experiences during Expedition and opportunities that we would still have to go in next countries…and, after hours, decided that we could not fail to know more deeply the historical and cultural side of Honduras. No entanto, as we entered the country from the west, vindo of El Salvador (passing the city of Nueva Ocotepeque), go to the magnificent ruins of Copan in force a huge comeback northbound through gorgeous, But poor, Honduran roads. (way more practical and traditional to go to Copan is from Guatemala). The decision was then taken: would go straight to 'Route’ dos povos Lenca e nossa base seria a cidade de Gracias.

Honduran Aduana at the border with El Salvador

Through the Honduran Institute of Tourism, no ano de 2002, 6 municipalities joined together to create a political entity in order to foster sustainable and equitable development of its population. These cities were built in the former territory of the indigenous Lenca and termed as, led by Cacique Lempira (señor se la sierra - which today gives its name to one of the states and the Honduran currency) were, between 1524 and 1550, center of resistance to Spanish domination in Central America. The Spanish domination have transformed much of the cultural traditions of the Lenca people, but the current work of these communities still seek to keep alive many of their inheritances, proudly, are found in restaurants, Crafts, Ateliers and sites around the city. (A small but very interesting museum called Casa Galeano, located in Gracias, reports about traces of primitive animals millions of years found there, the importance of local relief for the Spanish decision to occupy the region and provides an overview about the culture of the peoples who inhabited the region. Since the culture, legends and traditions of Lencas, until the invasion of the Spaniards and their achievements.)

A statue in honor of the cacique Lempira, Thank na main praça. The Indian brave who fought against the Spanish invasion, now bears his name in one of the states and the Honduran national currency!

The interesting museum Casa Galeano in Gracias, Honduras

Images of the indigenous cultures of the region Lenca, the museum Casa Galeano – Thanks, Honduras

Thanks is the main city within the 6 present in the Ruta Lenca and therefore deserves special attention. The city now has more than 25.000 inhabitants was founded em 1539 by troop domineering Spaniard Pedro de Alvarado. It takes its name, legend has it that, Logas after hiking through the hills of the region, Captain Juan de Chavez, crew of Pedro Alvarado, sighted the city and exclaimed “thank god we have flat land Allado.” (Thank God we found flat land). And due to its privileged geographical location was by Gracias (few) years the capital of the whole spanish colony in Central America (until the emergence of Antigua in Guatemala that overthrew). And mainly because it is the median of the two seas (Atlantic and Pacific), there was also built a major fort (Fort San Cristobal) to resist the various invasions that the country would suffer after independence(1838) between 1847 and 1852. The then president Juan Lindo Medina ordered to arm and fortify Gracias, so as to serve as a base in the country (only that in fact the fort was only built in 1864). Lindo Juan Medina is today buried there. He is considered one of the country's presidents (had also been president of El Salvador) by having Honduras declared a secular education, free and compulsory. Unfortunately, the strong U.S. interest in transforming the country - literally - in a banana republic never allowed progress as desired by Juan Lindo and the Hondurans.(since the U.S. intervention in Honduras, in the late 19, participation of bananas within the total country's exports jumped 11%, in 1892, to 66%, in 1913, and shaped the entire policy of the country in subsequent years, in favor of the investment interests of U.S. companies in the country.)

A bela Merced Church facade gives em Thanks, Honduras

A Fort San Cristobal input do em Thanks, Honduras.

The country suffers, today, the consequences of their (induced) underdevelopment with traditional clues that we could realize, as: economy weakened by lack of investment and higher education (delaying the development of industries and jobs); even the presence of machismo and alcoholism in some families and clutter space in cities, com estradas ruins e zonas com grandes quantidades de lixo espalhado.

O belo e muito organizado centro histórico de Gracias é um exemplo para o resto do país.

What ever imagined, however, is that this small town of Gracias (that was a few years the capital of all Central America!!!) we would offer, in so few days, with moments so fun and enjoyable and contact 3 histórias de vida marcantes.

And it all started with a key…

Lizeth Perdomo owns a restaurant called Rustic Rinconcito Graciano, not historical center located Thanks. His restaurant is strongly recommended in traditional tour guides and well known among the inhabitants of Gracias for keeping alive the most typical cooking Lenca. Lizeth tem 45 years and had a daughter with 42 - The small Maria Victoria, hair and pale brown eyes and clear - is the daughter of a case Lizeth with a German who did not take paternity leave and the creation of Victoria in the hands of Lizeth. Dona Martita a lady of almost 70 years old, is the mother of Lizeth and also lives with her. You Martita was abandoned by her husband and sexist alcoholic who lived 10 years with another woman before dying of cirrhosis. All these stories we were told by Dona Martita, em uma das mesas do restaurante ainda fechado.

Lizeth and the little Maria Victoria

We had arrived in Gracias a Monday around 20h and went directly to the restaurant Lizeth. Strangely it was closed. We knocked on the door and a lady came out shorty, very old, to meet us. Martita was a woman. Ali outside she told us that Lizeth had not yet returned from a meeting of the social activities of the church of Gracias, when suddenly the door of the restaurant (which is also inhabited by Martita, Lizeth and the small Victoria) se fechou. Dona Martita was stuck outside! We asked what we could do to help her and Martita (by considering badly dressed to go just scuff the house of God) asked us to go to church looking Lizeth and ask him his key to open the door to his mother. Off we went to find someone who had never seen in life! As soon as we find Lizeth, she handed us the key and asked us to wait there with his mother for a horinhas and, as soon as they finish their activities, would receive us at his restaurant. And so we spent over 1 hora e meia arranhando nosso espanhol com a simpática senhora que nos contava muitas histórias.

The expedition with Lizeth and Dona Martita restaurant in the center Rinconcito Graciano, em Thanks – Honduras

Owner of restaurant, Lizeth Perdomo studied marketing and worked many years in La Ceiba (one of the main cities of Honduras). Worked with city projects (Thanksgiving and região) development and culture on the table in a project involving projects related to health, education and art. Interested in developing their community, Lizeth studied the background, for many years, Lenca culture and also acts as a local guide, being the only woman, among 14 that exist in the city. Participates as a volunteer in social welfare activities and cooperate in activities of the Catholic Church City. His latest dream (which already has architectural design ready and awaits only the output of external financial resources) é transformar sua casa e restaurante em uma hospedagem sustentável.

Dining in Lizeth with cutlery and crockery produced by the Lenca community. Thanks Em, Honduras.

With a speech always in favor of local business development, Lizeth is an example of community citizen. As his work in the parish had finished late, decided to leave our meal with her for breakfast (after all she is very thorough and prepares everything to order using including pots, cutlery, bowls and utensils made by the communities themselves Lenca). Leaving there hungry we went to a local pizzeria that, despite being closed, primes and William Carlos, as soon discovered that we were Brazilians, made sure to reopen it and prepare some pizza. Very friendly and jokers, sat at the table with us and after much ask us about Brazil, put videos with songs and dances of Honduras, the Tip - Has 'descent' Garifuna - And the conversation rolled loose until late! Carlos was returning from the U.S. after a failed attempt to improve life. Happy with the new business, he was still shocked to have left behind his daughter and wife, although Salvadoreña, U.S. had crecido. Chat chat will come, we did not realize that already passed the 23h! We ran back to Finca Bavaria (a small property that had once been a small coffee plantation) and more than lordy 70 years old, tomava account that the Finca, was asleep and left us locked outside!!! We entered into despair because there was Tanajura!!! The solution?! City, Our only alternative was to jump over the wall! Off we went again remember the college days! There were 5 grown men doing "little foot" jump over the wall to the other…hahahaha

The Expedition to the friendly cousins ​​William and Charles!

A entrada da Finca Bavaria.

Fernandes recalling childhood and over the wall of the Finca! :)

The next morning, as combined, returned for breakfast prepared by Lizeth. Also agreed to spend the day with her to know more about the locals and the Lenca culture. And we went… first stop: the site of sr. Maximino Rivera!

The friendly, humble and very intelligent sr. Maximino Rivera.

About the Sun. Maximino is senhorezinhos those you love to meet one day in life and be able to spend the day with him in the field, walking on their property and listening to their stories… And that's exactly what we did. Very humble and unable to read or write, sr. Maximino always cultivated their own lands and created its over 5 filhos.

Very humble, Mr. Maximino not know exactly where is Brazil. Or even if we have become a republic independent. You have no idea of ​​the dimensions of our country neither knew that Brazil was the country where they were located the colossal "river that hardly see the other side"… "In the great forest" (Amazon), he once saw a documentary and that both impressed. But he knew that Brazil is, once – he said – heard on the radio that is one of the most important countries in the production of coffee and world reference! In which, a few years ago – he continued – a crisis has raised coffee prices in the region there. But it, 'Your’ Maximino, not always cultivated coffee. The product was recently inserted into your shifting cultivation which also includes peanuts, cane, corn and, incredibly, a tilápia! That is kept in tanks supplied by a system of 5 km of pipes qem comes from a higher point of the river of the region to his small property and fruitful, at the foot of the highest mountains in Honduras! He proudly showed us their land and at the end we toasted with a syrup taken from reeds planted there by himself! But what impressed us most was his knowledge of production of methane gas through the organic remains of his plantation. With the knowledge acquired by a technical training offered to local producers (many years ago), Sr. Maximino do your own cooking gas in a sort of greenhouse, and the excess organic matter is compost for its own planting (composting). Incredible!!!

Sr. Maximino nos mostra orgulhoso até onde vai suas terras que ficam situadas ao pé das mais altas montanhas Hondurenhas.

The tank 'your Maximino’ and I found the Honduran Montanhas

A part of the plantation 'your’ Maximino.

Sr. Maximino preparing us a delicious sugar cane juice (ou garapa) diretamente colhida em suas terras.

Sr. Maximino proud displays the stove being “powered” by the gas created in your own greenhouse, by the decomposition of organic material!

We talked and he asked us quite… talked about the lands of Brazil, its climate and topography. About the current economy and how many children a family has an average Brazilian today (given the difficulties of raising and educating a child currently). And he delighted in knowing how extensive was the continent (in amount of contiguous land) to be possible to drive many miles without crossing no bed! (And it's true! If you think about, really impresses the possibility the Americas allows us to virtually go from one pole to another, without, theoretically, the need for large navigations!) And as all Central American, he loved to see a note of Real and soon realized the conversion 1 Real to 10 Lempiras.

Walking through the ownership of 'their’ Maximino

At the end of our visit, sr. Maximino was thrilled and thanked us for that afternoon that, he said, filled him with joy and learning. But who really was we learned that we had a lesson in agriculture and concepts of recovery and development of natural resources: ali, on-site, from the humility of a simple man who created and employed a large family and now has grandchildren studying engineering at university in Honduras, and are very proud grandfather!

Sr. Maximino and his grandson who is studying engineering at a University Honduran

Photo farewell to Sr. Maximino e Lizeth.

Later that day we went to visit the offices of Atelier home called 'With him art las manos', by Dona Desideria. Ali witnessed a typical workshop descendants of Lenca culture and careful and precise work of their children and grandchildren producing clay products. It's amazing how long they take to make each piece (many custom - going up to the USA and a class in college) and the low price charged for them! The son of Dona Desideria, Leonel, paid his high school studies and 2 early years of college by selling the work of the workshop. Toda família trabalha e sabe mexer com o artesanato.

The beautiful and very well made Lenca culture dishes typically are sold at price “banana” Ateliê not 'With art on hands’ Dona Desideria and their children. (I La Campa, Thanksgiving arredores, Honduras)

We returned from the ride and we were dining at the restaurant's new Lizeth. We left early back to the Finca, but anyway lordy breached the deal and left locked outside! Again!!! But this, at least, time we were with Tanajura. And as our girl was a bit overweight to jump the fence with us, decided to go to sleep in the main square. We talked to the watchmen of the public buildings around the square who assured us that they would protect us! (that the city does not present any risk ) E ali armamos “acampamento”.

Tent set up in the middle of the main square of Gracias, Honduras.

The Expedition with the friendly personal safety of public buildings Gracias, in the main square, as Tanajura “mounted” at the bottom!

And so our intense passage by Gracias. The friendliness and welcoming citizens have allowed us to know the background stories of their lives and enrich a little more of our own. Realmente tocou nossos corações.

The post Life Stories…Honduran appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 24/01/2013 à 27/01/2013

Path: We follow the Panamericana to the border, where to turn off sense Conception attack. Then follow the Carretera 8 até San Salvador.

El Salvador Homeland

Little heard of El Salvador before the trip. All comments regarding the country revolved around its beaches perfect for surfing or mainly of urban violence, remnant of a civil war that ended just over 10 years ago. For very little we will not include the country in our path, but fortunately, change of opinion. What we found in El Salvador was a very receptive people and a different culture. Left side of the beaches and the historic fall Ruta de las Flores, antes de chegar à efervescente capital San Salvador.

We arrived to El Salvador

After much discussion, reached a consensus: we will go through El Salvador before heading to Honduras. Alright so the passage would be short, least one week, mas pelo menos teríamos uma ideia do que é esse país tão menosprezado na América.

Transportation on the road

El Salvador is a nation that treats different challenges. Invariably, hurricanes and earthquakes destroy their cities, while the country is still recovering from a civil war that lasted over recent 10 years and over em 1992. Although it is the smallest country in mainland Central America, El Salvador went through a process of economic liberalization, permeated by free trade agreements and is now the third largest economy in the region, just behind Costa Rica and Panama. The country's official currency is the U.S. dollar, introduced since 2001, when the country suffered from the impact of the variation in its trade balance. But despite the dollarization, El Salvador continua sendo um destino barato e acessível aos turistas.

Moon shines bright in the sky I attack

We chose to meet a part of the cultural country, at the expense of its beaches, up because none of us is a great surfer. So we decided to meet the Ruta de las Flores, a stretch of approximately 40 km that cuts the west of the country. The name comes from the abundant wildflowers that grow along the road, especially between November and February, when they are in full bloom. The flowers are really beautiful, as well as waterfalls and mountains that spread along the route, mas o charme mesmo são as cidadezinhas coloniais da região.

Setting surrounded by volcanoes

Friendly little church in downtown Juayua

We crossed the border of Guatemala and drove until I attack. This is a small town known for its many colorful houses. It was here that we prove for the first time a local delicacy: a pupusa. As a corn tortilla stuffed with thicker everything imaginable. The staff likes to eat with cheese, a kind of crackling (chicharron) and beans, but there were also options sausage, meat, chicken, local plants and so. Passamos o fim de tarde na cidade andando pelas ruas e curtindo o clima de cidade pequena.

The food stalls were all

Next day, passed rapidly Apaneca, relatively town like I attack, before heading to Juayúa. By the way, vários mirantes para observar as paisagens.

View from the terrace, the Path of Flowers

We had the great fortune to be a Saturday, day that happens in the city a fair fare, that brings people from all over the country, beyond the curious foreigners. The food choices were endless and everything looked pretty good. The meats ranged from frog and rabbit to common options of meat and chicken. Not to mention the desserts. Um prato bem caprichado não passava de R$10.

The Fair Juayua

Good food and cheap

Roast Frog's exotic dish of the day

Apart from food, the fair offers a good range of local crafts. Pouches, portfolios, garment, toys, souvenirs and everything a street fair can offer. Everything always colorful!

Many colors in handicrafts

The event attracts visitors from all over the country

Interesting tour through the fair

Experienced some of juuuguetes

We left the Ruta de las Flores straight to the capital: San Salvador. Like any big city, San Salvador has an army of cars and crowds on the streets of downtown. What somehow makes these cities alive, não as descaracteriza como caóticas.

San Salvador is another capital streets alive

A Mundaréu people in the streets

It was in the center we find the Plaza Barrios, where is located the National Palace. The visit is guided by him and free. In El Salvador, entire university is required to provide training to the government for a specified period so you can complete your course. In the case of the National Palace, os universitários prestam serviço de guia.

University work voluntarily for local tourism

A visit tells a little of the history of El Salvador through murals, documents and objects used in the old Palacio. This had to be almost completely built in the early twentieth century, depois que um incêndio devastador o reduziu a escombros.

The National Palace

Learned how history repeats itself in several Latin American countries. Military oligarchies in power, U.S. interference and popular resistance against dictatorships. In El Salvador, peels as represented guerrilhas Farabundo Marti National Liberation (FMLN) took power in 1992, depois de sangrenta guerra civil.

Preserved inside the Palace

We had the opportunity to accompany musical performances allocated inside the Palace. Schools and institutions from across the country had some of their customs through music. All accompanied by regional sweets, entre eles gostamos bastante da banana com chocolate.

Cultural presentations in full National Palace

Banana with chocolate in preparation

Still took a last Blvd in los Heroes, Zona Rosa and Multiplaza, where the nightlife takes place in San Salvador. For a moment we felt like we were in Sao Paulo. The trendy bars and restaurants resemble the glamor of the more affluent neighborhoods in the capital city. Chegou até a ser estranho fazer um programa desses durante a Expedição mulamba.

The passage was short for El Salvador, but the luggage was great. Unravels the mystery of the country was for us. We began to understand the reality of Central America, which knew little. We continue on the road. Next Stop: Honduras.

The post Desvendando the unknown appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 22/01/2013 à 23/01/2013

Path: We follow the Panamerican west of Guatemala City, e tomamos o desvio na altura da cidade de Patzicia para uma estrada local que leva direto à Panajachel.

Lake Atitlan – Guatemala

Imagine an intense day. Less than 24 hours, wake up from our accommodation in fire station, take a boat and visited four pueblos around the gigantic and beautiful Lake Atitlan. Besides the scenery of the lake and the surrounding volcanoes, a cultura local também chama atenção e completa a experiência nesta jóia da Guatemala.

O Lago de Atitlán

We went to Guatemala City in the middle of the afternoon, after lunch and after a few hours on the road we were already in the town of Panajachel, main gateway for visitors of Lake Atitlán. After a tour of the city to look for somewhere to spend the night, just dropping in a somewhat unusual place: the Fire Department. Dormíssemos parking allowed in without much problem, and still could use their bathroom, ótimo negócio.

Hard road to get to Panajachel

But beautiful views accompany the road

Next day, would do an island tour. Tour companies offer a ride by speedboat, stopping at some people located in the vicinity of the island. There are several small towns that are scattered around the 126 km ² of Atitlán and offer a bit of Mayan culture still remaining to tourists. A day, recommended to visit between 3 or 4 two people, para que se possa curtir um pouco do visual e também conhecer o que as cidades tem a oferecer.

The volcano Atitlán lies next to the pond

The first view of the lake is stunning. First, by size, second by its beauty. No wonder it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Three volcanoes give a special charm to the landscape: o Atitlán, Tolimán and the San Pedro. Latter, say they have ceased their volcanic activity thousands of years ago, while the other two remain active, ainda que a última erupção do Atitlán tenha acontecido em 1853.

The first view of the volcano

View of the city of Santa Cruz la Laguna

The first stop was the village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Small town, crescendo that seems to be fast in recent years. We had the impression that tourism is taking over the region and the village grows around it. We take a tuc tuc- (those same kind of India!) to climb to the center. After watching the local children playing in the playground, and pass the little church in the central square, climbed to the mirador for a panoramic view over the lake. Belo visual.

Ride-on tuc tuc

Children enjoying the playground in the square

Model photo embarrassed to

Many children still wear clothes typical day-to-day

Stop at the viewpoint of the city

The next was the village of San Marcos La Laguna, supposedly the best place for a swim in the lake. Not everyone who faced the icy water, since the temperature outside the water was not the most attractive. Who does not swam, went for a walk in the city. The place is WELL quiet and tourists aproveitam to relax in lodge à glass do Lago. We climbed the hill and on the way found a mixture of customs. Some ladies went with traditional clothes, while the younger has lavished brand clothes (of doubtful authenticity) e smartphones.

Rumo à San Marcos

Tradition and modernity

We followed the tour with our boatman, this time left us in San Juan, our stop longest and perhaps the most interesting. Again, a battalion of tuc-tucs esperam os viajantes que descem no píer. We decided to talk to one of them, we offered a tour throughout the city. E este foi muito interessante.

The TUC-tucs

We passed the coffee cooperative, where we learn a little about how this activity works in the region, famous for exporting this product to the rest of the world. We were able to show them a coffee and we conclude that, although good, are well over our Brazilian coffee!

Gabriel proving Guatemalan coffee

Another activity is strong in the city crafts. By streets, spread several murals of Juan Francisco Guzman, famous artist in the region. His paintings are true pieces of art, depicting the landscapes and local realities. In his gallery, vimos alguns gringos comprando vários para levar para casa.

Art in the streets is common in San Juan…

…and also galleries

We also had the opportunity to meet a cooperative crafts, where we chatted with a nice lady, that goes for years their experience to younger. The colors of the fabrics are drawn naturally, from leaves and fruit essences. O trabalho é bastante interessante.

Many colors in handicrafts

All colors from nature

How to color fabrics in a few steps

The last stop on the island was in San Pedro. Our time was very short, and we could not know more than the restaurant across the lake where we had lunch. The city seemed more tourist and Bell, being filled with restaurants and bars on Main Street. We had lunch and ran back to the boat, before the boatman decidisse in leaving for the same (and he really was about to do!).

Streets of San Pedro

San Pedro's big city on the lake

We left the Lake Atitlán delighted with its beauty and all that absorb the people around. It was our last day in Guatemala. Seguimos viagem rumo à desconhecida El Salvador.

Time to return to Tanajura

The post O Lago de Atitlán appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 21/01/2013 à 23/01/2013

Following the road, Our next stop was Antigua point, Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1979, and recognized by visitors for its charming Spanish Renaissance architecture in the middle of a valley surrounded by volcanoes like volcano volcano of fire and water. Its historical value is enormous for the country, since the first half of the sixteenth century became the capital of the kingdom of Guatemala, embracing the whole current Central American continental, with the exception of Panama. Full-blown, the city was victim of an earthquake in the year 1773, which led to a break in their growth process. Due to the severe earthquakes that followed, destruiram and much of the city, it was decided that the capital would need to be rebuilt in a safer place. A 40km dali surgiu a cidade da Guatemala, it became the capital of the country, enquanto Antígua foi reconstruída mantendo seu charme colonial apesar de ter perdido sua importância política.

Arrived it was night, after catching Gustav in hospital around 18:30 and pass the Subway for a snack still in Guatemala City. The road was good, but due to the time, traffic out of the city was intense, and so it took a little longer to flow. It was a mountain with lots of curves and hills sloping down well and so, ramps had to be lost if the brake, something we had not seen before. At the entrance of the city there were several hostels, but as we were already engaged SAVER MODE, we went after other options and ended up finding the center of a huge space tourist police and insurance, where to our surprise, had other “campers”, including a couple who had stayed in the same campsite we, wool in Mexico (Guanajuato)! Soon after mounting tents, we talked for hours with 3 American couples, (one was from Alaska and working with oil company, knew and deeply admired Petrobras). It was a nice conversation where we talk about the differences between car travel and backpacking (they were all car), about the future roadmap and post-trip!

Tanajura no pátio da Polícia Turística.

The next day, we were walking around town and soon saw a McDonalds, a colonial style house, with a huge garden that eventually convincing us to eat there on one of the nights! We visited the ruins of the Convent Mercedarios, church Our Lady of Mercy, which was destroyed by earthquake in the sixteenth century and rebuilt 50 anos depois.

The Mc Donalds cozier, does not seem fast food!

Igreja Our Lady of Mercy

As ruins of the Convent of Mercy

Inside the ruins

Exploring the ruins

Source within the ruins

One of the many crafts Antigua

With a few minutes' walk up the hill, arrived at Cerro de la Cruz, where we had an amazing view of the city surrounded by mountains and volcanoes!

View from Cerro

Bruno enjoying the view

The cross on the mountain

Along the way we passed a very traditional restaurant, with musicians playing xylophone (instrument that the Guatemalan claim to be the inventors), and had a flawless garden. Despite the left side of the menu is tempting, the right side of the impossible, hahaha!

Photo on the restaurant terrace

Carriage amid the garden

Top view of the garden

We ended up eating num restaurant called La pitch, indicated by the guide. We walked to the back of the grocery, where there was a large table, we share with you a couple of tourists and a guy who seemed to be local. The food is chamava “Pepi chicken”, a stew with plenty of spice that the nice lady served us! As in many places throughout the Americas, could not miss the “avocado” (avocado) to accompany!!!

Street with the arch in the background

Walk the streets with colonial style buildings

Hunger sated, we left the restaurant, and walk the streets visited a gallery of super cool photos in which the models are local people! Some photos were taken almost 20 years old, and today some of the people who work in the stores are in photographs! Eventually can recognize the face of the vendors in photos, because some are old photos, result of a friendship between the photographer and some places that lasts for more than 2 generations! We sat in the main square, for nearly two hours, where we were observing the habits of tourists! The vast majority were couples, de todas as idades e diferentes lugares do globo.

Tourists walking through the main square of Antigua

Bruno and Gabriel talking about the architecture of the city

André seeking a restaurant for lunch

Gustavo having fun on the square

Beside the square is the palace of “Captains General”, former seat of government when Antigua was still the capital of all Central America, from Chiapas to Costa Rica! When we were out of the square, find Paul and Andrea, Brazilian couple mining super good people, that despite the elegance, resolveram face Central America by 22 day backpack! After almost 2 hours of talk time, with the sun having already fired, fomos ao encontro da Tanajura e retornamos para Guatemala city.

Picture with Paul and Andrea, no por do sol.

The post Antigua – Charming Colonial Surrounded by Volcanoes appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 17/01/2013 à 21/01/2013

A Fronteira Belize-Guatemala

We went to Belmopan, em Belize, Rumo à Tikal, To Guatemala, not give 17 January, Thursday. Unfortunately, arrived at the Park of Tikal in the day and we only had a few hours to visit the majestic Mayan ruins. The next day we had to leave early towards the Guatemalan capital, a journey that would last all day, because the NAND (Leonardo) had a scheduled flight out of Ciudad de Guatemala to visit her mother. Passing through the entrance of the park had to pay the entrance fee salt for foreigners, of , worth for two days spent in the park, even we can only spend part of a there. We parked the car and have fled to the forest, under a light drizzle, where the trails (well signposted, by sinal) levavam às várias ruínas.

Signaling in Tikal National Park

It was getting dark and we needed to run to see as much as possible. We walk through 20 minutes between jungle trails when, finally, we got to the first center ruins: feel, the evening already and no one there, foi de que nós tínhamos acabado de descobrir o centro arqueológico.

Temple I em Tikal

Ruins of Tikal

The pristine jungle around the buildings gives the impression that since his abandonment of the ruins are there, while resisting. We climbed the tallest buildings in order to get a better sense of the area and we could see, above the treetops, other tall buildings that arose amidst the greenery. Moreover, it was possible to see the steam rising from the vegetation due to high humidity in the region. Film. We were jumping from center to center until the time when the park closed and we had to return the car, já de noite.

Steam rising amid the greenery

The city of Tikal is one of the most important Mayan centers of their civilization, with its construction being started a few hundred years before Christ, and its peak being reached between the years 500 and 800 after Christ. At this time centered much of the economics and politics of the Mayan region and also found evidence of interaction with other important “metropolises” America of his time, as Teotihuacan, no centro do que hoje é o México.

We amid the ruins

We wanted to camp there in the parking lot of the park it, but the guards have left. So we went behind the parking lots of the few hotels that exist within the area of ​​the national park and one of them cleared the space for us to sleep! We dined in the restaurant of this hotel and went to sleep because the next day would wake early for another full day of travel. Despite the tropical region, overnight until it made a chill, reaching 13 degrees!

Another day trip

The next day, as scheduled, spend all the time traveling towards the capital and arrived in the early evening. Nandes would like to get the very early flight the next day, no sleep hostel The Spanish, very close to the airport, which offered transfer at the time of your flight. One good thing about Guatemala is that most hostels included in the accommodation price a hearty breakfast each morning, up beans! Well, the Nandes left early for the airport and we were taking breakfast tasty breakfast. Over coffee met two ladies that U.S. had known for a long time on a volunteer in Tibet and were now meeting again for a trip in Central America!

The two ladies who met in the hostel

Gustavo a while since he was not feeling well, always coughing and fever. Therewith, soon after breakfast we take you to the hospital to see what was happening. We went to the hospital , associated with the health insurance we have, was one of the best Ciudad de Guatemala and then stop already started some tests to check what happened. After some time the result came: he had pneumonia! All were surprised, he even, because I was not feeling so bad. The doctor's suggestion was for him to come home and rest, taking the medication. However, after 7 months down the road the closest thing to a home that we have is Tanajura! So the doctor decided to admit him in the hospital for 2 noites para ele ficar acomodado melhor e poder se recuperar mais rapidamente.

Gustavo hosting first class in the Guatemalan capital

Of course we do not want this to anyone, but it is no exaggeration to say that hospital facilities were one of the best housing for which some of us went on the trip: Cable TV, internet, rich and varied menu with meals, overlooking a well maintained Japanese garden, food and drinks between meals comfortable and air-conditioned room. With Gustavo already installed and recovering, What about us (Bruno, Andre e Gabriel) we seek a hostel closest to the center to stay. We ended up finding hostel The Coperacha, after searching the internet for references. The animated Luciano (Austrian who manages the hostel) welcomed us and we have already closed the next 3 we would spend nights in the Guatemalan capital there. The atmosphere was pleasant, limp and, again, possuía um café-da-manhã delicioso.

Hostel La Sala do Coperacha

The same hostel the couple was staying and Ricardo Renilza, who were also long-term travelers like us, but in their case the trip was the world! They have now returned to Brazil, but your blog (In the blog world) is still in the air with their experiences. We spent the rest of the night chatting with them, exchanging experiences and funny stories, até a hora de dormir.

Nós na central parça Guatemala City

On the following morning, returned to the hospital to check on Gustav, who was feeling well but should stay one more day in hospital to recover better. We left the hospital and went for a ride through the city center. All without rushing, because we would expect the Nandes back a few days later also in Ciudad de Guatemala. Therewith, just using the time to relax and get some rest too, unlike the usual run we have almost daily on Shipping. Luckily the structure of our hostel It helped enough, even had a room with musical instruments!

Equipe do Hostel La Coperacha

After 2 nights in hospital, Gustavo was released by the doctor and was feeling much better, just needed to continue taking prescribed medications. There was still one day to go back Nandes, so we went to the nearby town of Antigua, antiga capital da Guatemala, but that's a story for another post ;).

For more photos, click here!

The post The majestic Mayan city of Tikal and the Guatemalan capital appeared first on 4x1.

Ficha 4 × 1

With approximately 17 thousand Belmopan really has nothing to see or visit. Its center is surrounded by some unkempt administrative buildings, as the seat of the federal government and its ministries and a disorganized plaza with grocery stores and some street hawkers. For there are also some "items" of basic needs as either restaurants, medical centers, banks and etc.. Reminded us to a worsened version of University City - no better than the USP had: Shake of the students and the CEPEUSP (Center for sports practice)

The administrative buildings in downtown Belmopan – Belize

Walking through the administrative buildings in downtown Belmopan – Belize

André nostalgic, fez questão de tirar foto no Ministério de Energia de Belize.

Another angle of the administrative center of Belmopan – Belize

The same desire was to go, but still decided to take a walk. We skirted the main square and fell within a few more slums where we, ironically, a red Brasil (Brazil Street). Follow another direction and deparávamos in a neighborhood with more noble houses. It was a stark contrast amidst the great "middle of nowhere". There, we could see from afar a large green-yellow flag waving. It was the Brazilian Embassy! Interestingly we found that the most interesting had to do in Belmopan. We were scuff, shorts and shirt. Mesmo assim decidimos ir lá “visitar”.

The neighborhood 'noblest’ de Belmopan onde ficam as embaixadas e consulados.

Bruno 'felizão’ to find Brazil St. (Brazil Street) em Belmopan! hahahaha

We rang the doorbell and were greeted by the receptionist that Belizean, just tell our story, ran to call the lady Graça Vasconcelos. Vice-Consul of Brazil in Belize, Grace was so helpful with us, and was so delighted with our history, (today becoming one of our biggest followers) who insisted on calling the ambassador Tomas Guggenheim to know us. Hit a long chat, and when we were out, Ambassador cordially offered us to open the tent and sleep right there in the embassy! It's time!!! (It is worth a caveat on the commendable attitude of the Brazilian consular corps in Belize that fulfilled their role as representatives of the Brazilian people outside Brazil. Because, in addition to providing space for our enjoyment embassy, provided us with information about policies and out of the country. No entanto, equal support unfortunately was not seen when we need help in other embassies as Peru and Ecuador.) As soon the invitation, Ambassador retired to continue their commitments and, em moments, would receive the best invitations: Grace invited us for us to sleep in your own home! Needless to say that we accept the invitation, nor? hahahaha. Grace called the Carlos, her husband, counting the unusual novelty that 5 marmanjos estavam indo jantar e dormir na casa deles.

The beautiful Embassy of Brazil in Belmopan with the distinguished presence of Ambassador Tomas Guggenheim and Vice Consul Grace Vasconcelos! (em Belmopan – Belize)

Although in the beginning feel bad for being "invading" the house, and privacy, people who barely knew (even more in the case of a representative of the federal government), then we would find that our visit was, somewhat, a joy for them! First because, as mentioned above, Belmopan is one of the most boring cities in the continent! Moreover, the children of Grace and Carlos were university in USA (country where Grace had worked at the embassy, years before moving to Belize) and, without almost nothing to do in the city - such as courses, theaters, bons restaurants, parks or any tourist or leisure attractive - most of the time the two years in which there were, suas rotinas envolviam somente eles dois.

A toast in Brazilian home of Grace and Carlos!

We arrived at their house and the smell of delicious Brazilian food is home peels espalhava. And do you think our luck stopped there?! For know that he had one more: Carlos was the 'chef' restaurant at the time they lived in Boston!!! Expert cook, excited, Playful and mining of origin, o Carlos, é clear, was keen to serve us for breakfast delicious cheese bread that he made! (not those frozen). Ate muuuitos! And at dinner we kill the longing to eat a genuinely Brazilian beans (after all, had just come out of Mexico where beans are sweeter and usually served as a Pope). And still had natural juice, well seasoned rice and vegetables, pot roast…all flavored with truth!! And to finish dinner: a delicious passion fruit mousse that Andre almost left the pots to each and ate the entire platter alone! Hahahaha

A delicious dinner made by Carlos!

André devouring (his third pot of) passion fruit mousse .. hahahaha

There were hours and hours of conversation both at dinner and at breakfast. Grace told us the advantages and disadvantages of a consular life. Because, on one hand there are all the honor, prestige and to represent Brazil facilities before other nations, there is great difficulty in putting down roots where it passes. And pior, often have to represent the country, for years, in remote or without much structure in countries like Belize, where besides the tedious routine, is even difficult to specialize and grow professionally and personally. And there's the matter of the creation of the children who, each 3 or 5 years old, are living in different countries and having to begin life from scratch - new friends, colleges, courses, to provide new learning, but also allow, time, a feeling of not belonging. Not to mention Carlos, that each country has to find a new job. Ali then in Belmopan, it was almost impossible!

Hours and hours of conversation at dinner and at breakfast! Carlos and Grace had a lot to talk nice to share with us!

We speak of the Expedition and also talk of Brazilian politics, of how they met and the experiences of two lives - and we also have our. We talked about trivia and funny stories and also the cuisine in each country. When Brazilian joins issue is not lacking, nor?! Hahahah. And the conversation was extended further when Gabriel was discovered that Carlos Santos Purple! Then all converged to football and never stopped!

Breakfast Brazilian beeem!

We were there less than 24 hours, but it was enough for us to know much of the life of Grace and Carlos. A unique experience to get to know more deeply the reality of a Brazilian diplomatic representation and make great new friends that one day we hope to meet again in Brasilia, or some other country where Grace is sent!

Parting the home of Grace and Carlos! Thank you and until next :)

The post Life in the House of a Brazilian Consul appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 14/01/2013 à 16/01/2013

Path: Belize has only a few main roads. Seguimos as placas pela Western Highway.

"Leaving the bustling Belize City we walked away from the north coast and Belizean adentrávamos a little more inland. The road that led us to Dangriga cut saws and fertile fields where one could observe large monoculture fields of sugar cane and orange - two of the main export products of the country. Also we could see peasant communities of mixed origin who lived on agriculture, Maya and their descendants. Unlike Belize City, the villages there were more clean and well cared for and the road gave off a delicious scent of flowers that accompanied some parts of the main highway of the country. And to redownload the coast would have one of the richest cultural experiences we had in Belize, and maybe Central America: contact with Garifuna culture!”

O forte e agradável cheiro das laranjeiras ao longo das estradas Belizenhas denunciam a ainda forte dependência do país na monocultura.

Passing through Dangriga has begun in unusual ways. As soon as we got a corner to open our tents on the outside of a small inn, two university professors and their student group, All Americans, bombarded us with questions! The group of about 15 young, in the range of 19 years old, were perplexed to see a Brazilian car, with 5 grown men, that ran the Americas in their colorful tents, and stopped there! the inn where they were staying! (And they can not imagine how we were also curious to know what they were doing there also!) After you answer the many questions that we are used, as "as had the idea?”, "How long planned?”, "How to live in 5 people so intensely?”, "What is the biggest difficulty faced?”, etc., etc., found that young people were, mostly, first anistas college Holy Cross Catholic College, do estado norte-americano de Massachussets.

Tanajura catching a tan in front of the inn's owner Pinky, em Dangriga – Belize

The beach in front of the hostel owner Pinky, em Dangriga – Belize

For nearly a decade, o Father John (Father coordinating a group) leads, annually, a group of students from different courses from the humanities to Belize, an activity of exchange and cultural immersion. Groups, mostly composed of girls, are usually students interested in becoming teachers. From different disciplines as Pedagogy, Psychology, Social Sciences, etc., young people enjoying their vacation from college to reconcile the opportunity to live for a few weeks in an English speaking country, and underdeveloped, (a reality TOTALLY different from what they are accustomed) with the possibility of exercising techniques and concepts learned in their courses, permeating an exchange with the local teachers. Being very new, end up absorbing much of the experience of being alongside more experienced teachers! A very nice!

Dinner prepared and served by Mrs. Pinky (the owner of the inn), reap some tips with the group and depart the next morning to discover the amazing history and relevance of Dangriga to Belize: the culture of the Garífuna people!

Early in the morning we set off for the small and humble museum called 'Garifuna Museum Gulisi' and with the guidance of a Garifuna woman herself (appropriately dressed as a typical Garifuna) we traveled in time warp, for a story far removed from what we used to learn in Brazilian schools…

The Garifuna lady who received us very well and had great pleasure in telling us the history and cultural traditions and food of its people who live across the Caribbean coast of Central America. (No museu ‘Gulisi Garífuna Museum’, em Dandriga- Belize)

Everything goes back to the arrival of the Kalinago people (Indians from the region of the Orinoco River Delta - current Venezuela) the island of São Vicente (Current 'Saint Vincent and the Grenadines'), no Caribbean. Brave Warriors, the Kalinagos soon clashed with Arawks, primitive Caribbean, living in the region. With the death of most men, Kalinagos the women did their wives Arawks, miscigenando both races and forming what later the British would call 'Red Caribs’, or 'Red Caribs'.

No entanto, around the years of 1635 the 1675, men of African origin arrive on the island. As well?! For it is, the British had a hand in it there… é clear! Survivors of ship wrecks several British (carrying Africans to work as slaves in their provinces in the islands of the Antilles these men swam to the coast of St. Vincent in search of freedom and start a new life. But as soon as they found living there, the 'Red Caribs' have left cheaply. After numerous conflicts between them and miscegenation (attended to with a few Spaniards who were there too), a piece of black prevailed, adopting much of the local cultures and forming a new "ethnicity" on the island: the "Black Caribs’, or 'Black Caribbean'. This new population 'Black Caribs'Becomes known later as Garífunas!

The Caribbean Sea (in this photo, in front of Dangriga – Belize) witnessed – centuries – the struggle of African survivors of shipwrecks of the British ships that transported as slaves. Os negros nadaram até as ilhas caribenhas em busca da liberdade.

From 1750 the island of São Vicente was divided between 'Red Caribs’, os Garífunas (or 'Black Caribs’) and a group of French. French?! Yes, expelled by the British from other Caribbean islands and who had also played with the local Caribs for a piece of land for cultivation. No entanto, a chegada dos ingleses causaria um grande distúrbio na ilha.

The British wanted to dominate the entire island to expand its lucrative sugar and slave markets and, so, take full control of the islands of the Antilles. This sparked a war over 32 years between the English against the Garífunas, that earlier had the support of the French. After many battles and deaths, the British finally took full control of the island: expulsaram os franceses e conseguiram a rendição dos Garífunas.

No entanto, as the Garifunas were black skin, their freedom to come and go island bothered by the English plan to enslave blacks brought from Africa in Garífunas who saw a chance to also become free. Thus begins a chase that Garífunas to start to seek residence in the West Indies and other islands until they reach the coast of Central American countries. During this period the total number of Garífunas barely passes the house 200 people!!! Ultimately, after the independence of the Central American countries against Spain, as Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, most Garífunas migrated to Belize where a large population of Garífunas already living in the town of Dangriga: who for many years was the second largest in the country!

Around 1920, Thomas Vincent Ramos sought help public health community and creating institutions to support the Garifuna people in order to maintain their teadições. In 1941 was created a holiday (19 November – date of their arrival in Belize) em celebração à herança cultural Garífuna.

The mural displays some traits of the Garifuna culture which is currently spread over almost the entire Caribbean coast of Central American countries. Featured, the flag of Dangriga of the major cities of the Garifuna culture today. (em Dandriga, Belize)

The museum we visited Gulisi is named after one of the first women to reach Belize Garífunas with their 13 children, initiating the occupation of the territory and the first settlements. The story of Gulisi and his arrival in Belize via oral history was transcribed by his granddaughter. The Garifunas are now everywhere in the small town of Dangriga which has only 9 thousand inhabitants (Belize whole has only 356 thousand!). Your Language, that contrary to what many think, There is nothing African. It consists primarily of the tongue 'Red Caribs’ (Arawk and Kalinago - source of indigenous South Americans) and English influence, French and a little Spanish. Besides the language, sua cultura, music and folk dancing is considered by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity!

The lady shows us what we know as' Tipiti’ (instrument of braided straw used to extract the juice of ground cassava and make it dry) in front of the table illustrates the cassava. Below, uma chapa usada para torrar a mandioca seca que sai do Tipiti.

A turma 4×1 gathered in front of the museum 'Garifuna Museum Gulisi’ with our friendly guide Garifuna. (Dangriga – Belize)

In Dangriga we also have another amazing experience. With the permission of Father John and accompanied by 3 American students, Expedition 4×1 back to school! We left early for Holy Ghost School to know closely a real classroom Belizenha! In divided into 2 groups not to disrupt the very classrooms. We stayed at the college for two shifts 45 minutes each and we witness two classes from two different disciplines and age ranges: between 5 the 12 anos.

School Holy Ghost School in Dangriga, which opened its doors to new students of the Expedition 4×1!

The crowd stirred in the interval between classes…

A comic hanging in the room, helps students memorize the national symbols of Belize. And you know what are the official symbols of Brazil? Unlike Belize which also has elements of flora and fauna, our restricted to Brazil Flag, National Arms (Coat or National), o Hino Nacional e o Selo Nacional.

We must admit that this experience played strong in our hearts. Never again be imagined sitting in the portfolios of a smorgasbord of classes of primary. It was nice to be back at school… join the call, see the backpacks neat, follow the teacher with a book and see the kids raising their hands to answer a question. Further around children so dedicated and participatory!!! Sometimes giving up desire to raise his hand to answer a question of mathematics or geography. The excitement of the children to participate in the class is similar to adult happy to interact with us in the streets. Coolest is still see the teacher changing language between English and Garifuna to explain some things students!

Aluna vai ao quadro negro responder questão proposta pela professora.

Aluno concentrado na tarefa que a professora passou.

At the end of class, we had a great opportunity to talk with teachers belizenhas, they told us feel very proud of what they do. Not only that school, but from what we saw in the afternoon hiking we do while we were there in Dangriga, schools were always full of students at certain hours! All uniforms and uptight and elegant. Anxious waiting for the signal to leave the yard and play ball (in one of the late afternoon we were there, among more than 20 young blacks, average, 1,80m height! Needless to say how much flew on bumps, nor?! hahahaha) Returning to the subject of education, by the teachers told us, and to see the enthusiasm of the children in the classroom, just wait for the next few years we see a picture of change in the country for the better! After all it is necessary to reverse the current social and economic situation of a people that has been highly exploited by the British and now basically depends on the export of agricultural commodities such as sugar cane, citrus fruits and bananas. But it was sad to know that students have a rate of only 25 belizenhos dollars (Search R $ 25,00) annual pay for school and yet between 25 the 40% not afford to pay!

Students rush to enjoy the recreational! Now, imagine having a school with a privileged view of these?!

Alunas no intervalo de aula.

Crianças em outro colégio de Dangriga brincam de corda.

In one of the late afternoon we were also accompanied by a gentleman and scruffy wanderer who told us that, exchanged for a, offered us the "tour" the city. Earlier suspect, but after a short conversation, we run into the ride. Telling stories and greeting local, you took us to see the live work of master craftsman Dangriga: Mr. Austin Rodriguez. In his humble workshop by the beach, Mr. Rodriguez produz há anos os mais famosos tambores que são vendidos por toda Belize e ajuda a manter a tradição musical do povo Garífuna.

Privilege to watch the master craftsman Austin Rodriguez concocting one of his very well-crafted drums – em Dangriga, Belize.

His team removing the skin (a goat) that will be used for the manufacture of drums. Note that your workshop is simple and oceanfront!

The drums trunk wood in various sizes alinhandos, esperando o acabamento final e a colocação da pele de cabra.

During the Christmas holidays and New Year, the Garífunas performam a typical dance called Wanaragua. It, young male female wear masks and dress in women's clothing (from head to toe in some kind of disguise) and dance to the beat of the drums (such as those made by Mr. Rodriguez). This dance keeps alive an oral tradition Garifuna about a strategy developed by one of its top leaders: Satuye. The story goes that his men Satuye dressed as women to surpreenderem the English who came into their properties "innocently" without waiting male resistance. So, so clever, os ingleses foram surpreendidos pelas falsas-mulheres Garífunas que os desarmaram e os derrotaram.

The Garífunas Belize are currently around 15 thousand people and represent approximately 30% the total in the world (mostly in Central America). They are everywhere in the small city of Dandriga: be in classrooms, in craft shops, fishing or trade. Are a great example of resistance to European colonization and the struggle to preserve the richness and uniqueness of the wealth of a people. In their case, to exceptional Afro-caribenha!

A weekday common in Dangriga…

The post Africans to the Caribbean and dwelt About When We return to school appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 13/01/2013 à 14/01/2013

Path: We take a "water taxi" in Belize City, direto para a ilha.

Caye Caulker e o Blue Hole

After the chaos that is Belize City, arrive in Caye Caulker was somehow, by Alivio. Located at 32 miles from coast, the trip lasts about 45 minute speedboat. Among the various options islands off the coast belizenha, Caye Caulker is the main starting point for the very famous Blue Hole, um paraíso do mergulho.

Beaches with crystal clear water and palm trees are common on the island

Sea is inviting for a swim

Small and quiet, in a few minutes walk you can already tell that crossed the entire island. North-sul, Caye Caulker is about 8 km east-west and just over 1.5 km. Small inns spread throughout the island, juntamente com restaurantes e bares.

Simple infrastructure on the island

Nothing better than shade and fresh water

The place is good to spend time relaxing in front of the sea, mostly no Split, main point de Caye Caulker. The Split splits the island in two and there is a legend that was created naturally after Hurricane Hattie, which devastated Belize City and its environs in 1961. No entanto, this is just a myth. The Split was built by the islanders, after Hurricane opened enough space for it to be done. Today, the point receives numerous tourists, who spend the day sunbathing, mergulhando no mar de água verde e tomando uma cerveja no bar.

Good setting for relaxing

Tourists relaxam the sun Caye Caulker

The color of the water varies between blue and green

One of the best programs on the island is to eat well. Fish and seafood are the specialty! We could not leave a nice taste of a lobster. And maybe better than the actual taste, was price: only about $10 U.S. dollar. There is also the traditional spiced chicken with rice, bean and potato salad, recorrente em toda Belize.

Another yummy lunch in Belize

Besides the tranquil sea diving, the island has some spots to snorkel. But what draws attention even if there are tours to the coral reefs. The jewel of diving in the Americas is just nearby: o Blue Hole. André is the only certified diver among us, and lost no opportunity to check out this fantastic underwater world. He tells us:

Known worldwide for lovers of deep sea diving, The Blue Hole is characterized by its water darker than the water around, due to the circular formation of coral. Diving, which was made with the company Big Fish Dive Center, whose books have proved competent and reliable trasmitiram, starting from 5:30 the morning with a coffee. In all, were 30, Europeans mostly, numa boat 30 ft approx., that levou 2 hours to reach the Blue Hole, leaving Caye Caulker. The trip is not the best part, and for those who have problems with the balance of the sea is worth taking a Dramamine, or something of the sort. A lancha, despite large, going too fast and the rising and falling, especially when the sea is very choppy, easily gets dizzy. I did not take and just "feeding the fish" at a given time. But as we approach us and we started spotting that dark circle amid the infinite ocean, the adrenaline starts to take over and the heart beats faster. It's just amazing to note that dark circle on the high seas!

O Fantástico Blue Hole ( photo justthetravel.com)

For more photos of Caye Caulker and Blue Hole, click here!

The post Caye Caulker and or Great Blue Hole appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 12/01/2013 à 13/01/2013

Path: We crossed the border to Santa Elena, e tomamos a Northern Highway direto ao coração de Belize City.

Belize – A Fish Out of Water

We take our coffee in the morning in Laguna Bacalar, Tanajura to prepare and we put on the road. After almost two months since we crossed the border at Tijuana, were finally, dismissing us from Mexico, um country that will leave you longing. Mas tínhamos to follow! He was ahead, the unknown for the Americas Expedition 4×1, the region over which knew less. And we come ready with the country that is perhaps the most unique among his neighbors. A nation of different color, different rates, different language. Nada mais exótico que Belize para dar as boas-vindas à nossa viagem pela América Central.

From the moment that crossed the border of Mexico, things began to change. The appearance of the indigenous people in the streets gradually gave way to black. The plates were already scarce in Spanish, and the new indicated all in English. And where were the tacos and burritos? Era como se tivéssemos atravessado um portal na fronteira e saído em outra parte do mundo.

The Frontier

Belize is definitely a fish out of water in Central America. Continental countries, is the only one with English colonial influence. Not for less, the country's official language is English. But with an English accent different. To be where you are, Belize also speaks much Spanish and Creole, a language derived from English, com influência do espanhol.

Children going to school in Belize City

The Mayans dominated the region until the mid seventeenth century British explorers reached the coast, interested in the abundant wood. The Spaniards had not yet reached this region at the time. Known as British Honduras in colonial times, Belize gained its current name only in 1973, when he had greater political independence from Great- Brittany. But even the independence of truth only came in 1981, with U.S. mediation. Your neighbor, in Guatemala, ainda hoje não reconhece Belize como um estado independente e clama seu território para si.

House apart, Typical dinner Belize City

The country is a veritable jumble of customs and traditions of Indians, black and white. Belizenha The population is composed mostly by people of multiracial descent. About half of the population is mestizo origin (Mayan and European), fourth is of African descent and african-European (Creole), about 10% Maya and are about 6% are african-Amerindian (Garifuna). The remainder includes groups of European origin, indiana, Chinese, norte-americana e do médio oriente.

The white and black mingle in the city

But not only the cultural richness and uniqueness of living Belize. Nature has been very generous with the country. Besides the rich fauna and flora of the forest, belizenha the coast is something to impress. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (world's second largest) cuts off the coast of the country from north to south and provides a world apart under the sea. O Blue Hole, a huge hole in the middle of the sea, is a real nature reserve, and lives up to the reputation it has among the world divers. Near the coast, several islands (or cayes as local calls) oferecem cenários paradisíacos e são o ponto de partida para a exploração subaquática.

Fishing boats not “port” city

Barely into the country and take direction towards the coast. The destination was the Caribbean islands. To alcançá-what, needed was a stop in Belize City, largest city with just over 60 thousand inhabitants (Belize has in total about 330 thousand inhabitants, smaller than Santos City!) and mistakenly taken as its capital (the officer is Belmopan!). The place was in chaos! Old cars and fill the noisy city center, where crowds wander the slums. The houses were more like shacks, e no primeiro momento deram a impressão de que estávamos em uma verdadeira favela.

Old wooden houses spread across all corners

A Tanajura, as it could not be, drew the attention of local, that every time they approached the car to say anything. The Belizeans like to talk, within minutes in the city met a handful of nuts. But we can not deny his sympathy. One, hilarious name was Charles. Obtained our attention by almost 40 minutes to give us a history lesson of Belize. Ele was Professor Universitário, but the appearance was more that of a street beggar. Trial that soon falls apart in a few minutes of conversation. They made us "Ambassadors of Belize" (entitled to everything and pledge!), for us to speak well of the country worldwide. Contained!

Prince Charles belizenho

We had a history lesson on the street

Our first mission was to find in the city where we'd grab the boat to Caye Caulker, an island a few miles off the coast and a major tourist destination in the country. After Magdalena (nosso GPS) guide us in circles for a long time, few questions for locals to come and agencies that transport to check prices and schedules. As it was late afternoon and the last boat was to leave, decidimos passar a noite no caos mesmo e seguir para a ilha na manhã seguinte.

Traffic chaos on the streets of Belize City

The dollar Belizean worth almost the same as a real, then we lose the advantage we had in Exchange. The country ends up being relatively expensive to eat and stay, if one compares to Mexico. We ended up having dinner at our hostel, o Seaside Guest House, near the waterfront. The place is tidy and the owner / hostess / cook made a supper for us right there. To complete or curriculum, she was active player selection of professional football in Belize. When we asked what we could do for Saturday night, ela nos convidou para uma volta na cidade.

Our hosting

The owner Elize guided us through the city streets, that were strikingly empty. We found that local people were trapped at home in recent days, after a series of brutal murders bizarrely, result of reckoning between gangs and police, occurred in the city. Really say that Belize City is not the safest, and indeed, sentimos um pouco de medo ao caminhar pelas ruas.

That was when she showed us where was the buzz. Num Fomos stop boteco, those well fubeca, where locals were enjoying worth karaoke. Dining! We were not able to take a local beer (Belikin) in the company of a dog that followed us the whole way to the bar. Foi uma experiência no mínimo curiosa.

More wooden house

We seek to guides and conversations with the locals somewhere to meet in the city, but it was hard to find something. Belize City is not there a very touristy town, much less friendly. Court entered no, passed the Government Palace, and arrived by chance in a Cultural Center, which is home to several presentations in the city. Not so much as a museum, but we could see something, mainly national heritage that is the Punta Rock, um ritmo tradicional do povo Garifuna.

Gallery at the Cultural Center

Regional Court

If we had something we liked in Belize City, was the food. The spices, com pimenta and coco, reminiscent of Caribbean cuisine. Variety had not, but what he had was very good. Seasoned chicken, rice mixed with beans and banana fried or roasted. Simples e gostoso.

The food was a delight

Log in Belize was like a shock. Looking, already realized that this was the strangest place we've been during the entire trip so far. E esses eram apenas nossos primeiros dias na América Central.

Gustavo costumed flag of Belize

For more photos of Belize City, click here!

The post A Fish Out of Water appeared first on 4x1.

Date: 06/01/2013 à 08/01/2013

Path: Take the Carretera Mexico 180, passando por Valladolid.

The Northern Yucatan - Merida and Chichen Itza

Found in northern Yucatán, a people who proudly preserve their traditions. Guardam a rich heritage of the Mayan civilization and also customs brought by the Spaniards. Conhecer a região é como experimentar um pouco do passado e dessa mistura cultural.

In another of our wanderings on "vacation" on the Yucatan Peninsula, we start from our HQ in Cancun toward the capital and largest city of the state of Yucatán: Merida. Founded em 1542 on the ruins of the Mayan city of T'ho, Today the city has about 800 mil habitantes e é uma das mais culturais de todo México.

The bank Valentine, Merida

The journey of about 310 km was entitled to some interesting stops along the way. The first was in the city of Valladolid, where we made a lunch. The city is very inviting for a stroll, with an air of cozy streets in front colonial architecture. We resist the temptation and continued our journey, since we wanted to get to the next stop on time. This was Chichen Itza, uma das mais famosas e bem preservadas ruínas da civilização maia em toda península.

Pracinha quiet, common in the colonial cities of the Yucatán

As was to be expected, arrived late in the ruins, so we enter in your last hour of operation (from 16 hours) Entries without paying. We ended up having to appeal to a lightning visit, buscando os principais pontos de interesse dentro do sitio arqueológico.

A Pirâmide de Kulkucan, em Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá functioned as political and economic center of the Mayan civilization, offering several buildings in a city of architectural design that impresses with its complexity. Estrturas like pyramid Kukulkán, the Temple of Chac Mool, the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, and the Playing Field of the Prisoners are in great condition after all this time. It is estimated that Chichén Itzá was founded around the year 435 and 455 a.C.

Sumptuous and impressive

We lost some very important points that we would like to know how the Juego de Pelota and Cenote, mas o que pudemos ver ainda que rápido foi impressionante.

Well preserved ruins

We follow with Tanajura to our final destination, Merida. Again, got a lot of hotel to spend our nights in tents. Este esquema tem funcionado muito bem nesses últimos dias de México.

The style of colonial Merida

Do not need much time in the city to identify the triple jewel of his crown: architecture, food and music. All this in historical and cultural context extremely rich. Mérida was for a time the center of Spanish power in colonial times, que se sobrepôs à resistência maia depois de anos de conflito.

Monument in honor of the Mayan

A visit to the Palacio Municipal, na Plaza Grande, is an invitation to dive into the city's history and Mexico, through huge murals painted throughout the building. In the same square is located the Casa Montejo, antiga moradia da família ligada à fundação da cidade.

All very colorful in the city center

One of several churches colonial Merida

The historic center is full of beautiful buildings around its cobbled streets. A arquitetura colonial muito bem preservada é um convite a uma caminhada sem compromisso pela cidade.

Beside the Colonial Palace, Modern art is inspired by the indigenous traditions

Churches spread throughout the city

Within the Colonial Palace, murals represent landmarks of Mexican and hisória yucateca

Legends also part of the murals

On the way, several restaurants highlight the unique culinary culture yucateca. How could it be, the kitchen features a mix of European and Mayan flavors, Corn being a crucial ingredient. We tried a variety of dishes (chicken pibil, POC Chuco and other) La Chaya Maya restaurant not, a delight!

Experience the flavors of the cuisine Ločan

Variety of igredientes and Seasonings

To complete the cultural experience, music! Mérida is proud to present their customs and traditions to visitors. Throughout the year, typical dance performances are done free on Plaza Grande. We had the opportunity to enjoy one. Spanish Dances, indigenous people and their garments. Nada melhor para representar o espírito da cidade.

Presentation of typical dance in the square

Outdoor culture and grace

The return of Mérida was the end of our "vacation" of Expedition. Nossa Last visit was left at the airport in Cancun, and then 20 dias no Yucatán, Expedition made its way. Although we made a quick stop (again) the beautiful Laguna Bacalar south of the peninsula, before continuing on the road. The end of "holiday" was also the end of our passage through Mexico and amazing dear. The two months we spent in the country were not even close enough to do everything we wanted. A simpatia, a cultura, a nature, Mexican food ford stop longing. But the expedition has to continue. Hit the road! Destination: Central America!

For more pictures of the northern Yucatan, click here!

The post Maya, Spaniards and Culture yucateco appeared first on 4x1.