Saying Goodbye to Montrose ...

I didn't take too many pictures, but I had to take a few photos of my now empty apartment. I loved this place so much. I think that I lived here the longest I have ever lived somewhere (except for my parents house, of course!). I will miss the hideous peach with mauve trim exterior combo and the awesome carpet going up the stairs. :) I will miss my home very much.

Guatemala & Belize

Julie & I had a GREAT time in Guatemala together - it was so much fun to see where she had lived for 3 years of her life and get a small glimpse into her life there. I traveled on to Tikal National Park and then Belize on my own while she headed back to the States for work. I loved exploring these places, but traveling on your own is certainly not as much fun as with your best friend!

Here are a few photos from the streets of Antigua:

Tikal!

Tikal (pronounced tee-call) is one of the coolest places I have ever been ... ranking right up there with Peru's Machu Picchu.

This is a map of all the ruins that make up Tikal ... very extensive. I am always in complete awe of things built SO long ago and yet are so much more impressive than anything we build today!

Archeologists have only been able to partially uncover the ruins here due to environmental concerns ... while it is sort of sad not to be able to see it how it would have looked originally, it makes your mouth drop right open when you round a corner in the jungle to see an enormous temple looming ahead of you.

The temples reach above the jungle canopy, making the climb up them, well worth it for the incredible views!

After a fun, but exerting day of climbing the temples and pyramids (and sweating more than I knew I was able to), I was very happy to spend the evening at this beautiful hotel in the town of Flores, Guatemala. These red tuk-tuk's were ALL over the city! They are so cute!

Belize ...

These are my first views of the Carribbean ocean from the terrace at my hotel. And of course, my first fruity, umbrella drink :)

After a day of beach relaxing, snorkeling (including swimming with some nurse sharks & sting rays), I joined a trip to explore some of the ruins of Belize.

The day started with a boat ride...

I fell in love with the beautiful lily pads.

After the boat ride, was a bus ride in this, then another short boat ride...

The ruins were incredible!!!