Tikal!

Kaori and I made our way on a really shady overnight bus from Guatemala City to Santa Elena, where we defied tourist hustlers and got a ticket to Tikal for $3.10 as opposed to $10. We arrived, checked into the campsite and took a nap to catch up on all the sleep we had missed on the bus. Besides, if you enter the park after 3pm, your next day is free!!

We found our way into the park and climbed up what temples we could (Tikal is one of the few major sites that still allows you to do this). The door on Temple V above was about a foot, or so, taller than me, just to give you an idea of proportions.

From Temple IV, we watched the shadow of the tallest temple in the complex stretch across the jungle as the sun set.

The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn to the roar of howler monkies. Listen to the sheer volume as I approach one group near some of the ruins. The quiet as soon as they catch sight of me.

The Jaguar Temple above.

The tree below is full of air plants that make it look all fuzy and nice.