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Mexico/Guatemala via Texas May-Jun 2013 Mexico/Guatemala via Texas May-Jun 2013
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Central America and Mexico Topics specific to Central America and Mexico only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 15 Mar 2013
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Spanish
Well, after thinking about it, you're right Mike. I can at least ask for" el bano", order a" Cervesa", order a "Taco" and complement the "Bonita Chica's". That's about all i need to know right?
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  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2013
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I live in Fairhope, AL and plan to leave for Latin America before May 1st '13. This will be my third such trip on Adv. Moto in two years. Spent last summer in Alaska....did Prudhoe Bay and Inuvik....the trip was just under 16,000 miles total. Now my goal is Ushaua in Terra Del Fuego through as many countries as I can manage.

Like you I speak no useful Spanish and plan to do probably two immersion courses....one in Mex. and one in Guatemala.....at least that is my plan at the moment. I plan to take four months in Mex. and Guatemala to learn the ropes...so to speak.
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  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2013
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Hey John...We are virtually neighbors. I live in the Destin, Fl area about 2 hours from you. If you have any interest, i'd be glad to ride over your way in the next couple of weeks. I'd love to pick your brain since you have done this for awhile. Let me know and give you my personal info via an instant message. Thanks, Gale
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  #4  
Old 27 Mar 2013
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guatemala
looking forward to see you guys in Antigua

Cheers

Taz
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  #5  
Old 28 Mar 2013
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returning... Centeral America to Alabama
Just after the holidays I will be returning home ( Birmingham, Al) after 7 months and 10,000 miles. I have been in Mexico and Central America. I had no spanish, no internet skills, no gps, had never done wifi before. etc etc. It was wonderful. Do slow down for the wonders of Mexico. These people brought me to the brink of tears repeatedly with their kindness. I would sometimes point and oink to indicate pork taco. But it is hard to do it wrong. I mean it was a great trip for me and I could have done a lot of things different. No regrets. The next trip I will have a gps, already lots more comfortable at the keyboard and know some spanish, will pack lighter etc etc. But for the first trip, it was a good as travel gets. I was surprised at how different the culture is in each country and north vs southern Mexico For a full report see 'ratbikemike in Mexico" on ride tales
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  #6  
Old 29 Mar 2013
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Guatemala
Hey Motomundo...Thanks for your response. It's nice to know i'll have some friends i Guatemala.
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  #7  
Old 29 Mar 2013
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Thanks for your comments ratbikemike. It's nice to know others have done this by the seat of their pants. I get a little intimidated when I read on here and ADV about those skilled enough to tear down and rebulid their bike while on the road in a foreign country. About all i know how to do well is fill the gas tank. However, this site is a great resource for building knowledge for the journey.
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  #8  
Old 22 May 2013
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south into belize and then Guatemala
Hey guys! I will be leaving Playa Del Carmen on May 29th and start heading south into Belize....From there I plan on crossing into Guatemala 4 days later. I want to spend at least 2 weeks in Guatemala hopefully seeing the beautiful countryside and hiking, camping some nice mountains. Then el Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and finally costa rica......I have never done any trip on a bike before and am super pumped.....if anyone wants to meet up. Let me know! Also I am rocking a little 125 enduro so even if I were planning on going quickly I couldnt!! haha
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  #9  
Old 12 Jun 2013
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cheers mate
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  #10  
Old 23 May 2013
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Spanglish
As an Australian I had fek all exposure to Spanglish before my trip. I had no itinerary and no set plan. Only an arrival and vague return date.

I tried an online course in Spanish and learnt very little. I carried electronic translators, and 2 Spanish language books. Both were a waste of space. Like others have written you'll pickup the essential words very quickly.

Do spend some time in Mexico. It's a wonderful, and surprising, country.

I used the La Mesilla border, as you've proposed, into Guatemala. No problems whatsoever.

Antigua is a must. Go to the Ocelot bar, adjacent to the centre of town. Alot of bikers there, good food and good conversation.

If you have time, consider going north to Belize, via Tikal. I did Antigua to Tikal in a day. Belize moves to a completely different rhythm.

Have a great trip mate.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Astockjoc View Post
Well, after thinking about it, you're right Mike. I can at least ask for" el bano", order a" Cervesa", order a "Taco" and complement the "Bonita Chica's". That's about all i need to know right?
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  #11  
Old 23 May 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kalaharigeorge View Post

Do spend some time in Mexico. It's a wonderful, and surprising, country.


:c lap:
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  #12  
Old 23 May 2013
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Thanks guaterider,

I appreciate your advise. I will likely spend some time in each area. Hopefully, i will meet you this summer if you're around.
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  #13  
Old 23 May 2013
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If you want a place to stay in Mex City just tell me.

Garry
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  #14  
Old 23 May 2013
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Thanks Garry,

I will get in touch with you when I'm ready to leave the US and see if you are going to be around. Looks like i will be in your area by early July.
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  #15  
Old 24 May 2013
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Hey!!!! Sweet ill definitely stop by Antigua and send you a message .... Eta approx 2-3 weeks hablamos pronto!
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