The final departure from Belize was on a small speed boat over to Guatemala. People rushed off the boat walking over to the customs office. There was literally one second to get off the boat. In order to get to Honduras, I had to first stop at Honduras by land.
It seemed like the boat dropped off and everyone dispersed quickly. I asked a man selling .20 cent cups of watermelons where I could find the office.
He walked me up 2 blocks and then pointed at a small white building next to a bodega and and gave me a lovely smile. It's so nice when people take the time to acknowledge me and serve me- it's beautiful.
Well, again another entertaining moment at the customs office. I walked in and they stamped me through with no problem with no entry fee for transit. The boss was sitting in his chair staring at me. People who stare usually want to initiate conversation or talk. I sat down looking pregnant with my small front backpack on my chest. I needed a break after all this nonsense and this was the place. I told the boss I saw a guy with a suspicious bag. It could have been weapons or it could have been ten pounds of bananas, I guess we'll never know. That started the ball rolling as they were then sharing with me about the drug cartels and how people smuggle them in and the common borders. I won't share their details, but it's some real crazy stuff.
The taxi driver came in and he was trying to convince me to take a taxi. I had the whole customs department focused on my conversation. Then they were all saying its better to take a taxi. With all that pressure, I definitely didn't take one and I said "Bye" to my buddies.
With my kindness and "taking the time to acknowledge" the person, the taxi driver offered me a ride to the market. He did not pressure me to take a taxi rather he was just giving me a ride because he knew I was tired of carrying everything. He lived in New York upstate and did the whole get married, start a family, and live the American dream. At the end of day, he wanted to come back in live in his home country. The taxi was more comforting for him in a home setting. He chose his home, his culture, his wife, and his daughter.
We arrived at the market, which was busy and looked like Guadaljara, but it was Guatemala. I tried to give him money and he would not accept. After three times, I just put it in my purse and told him "Thank you" and exchanged a hug. He was so happy and admirable of all my solo traveling. He had eyes that said, "Good luck and please be safe." Sweet, sweet, kind, amazing Guatemalans.
He left me in the middle of the busy market in a small white van with 2 women inside the same age as me.
Of course, there is a little doubt or suspicion as I stare at the white van and the girls. I meet the assistant driver Mr. Gordito and he is totally cool so I guess I'm sold- that was easy huh? I told him I'm going to run and get a water quick and right as I say that an overweight, odd looking man yells to get in the van. He is sloppily eating a piece of corn. I sigh and do as I am told. I jump in the van and he pulls out beeping the horn over and over to get through.
When you travel enough on land, taking real buses and vans, not private taxis or VIP coach buses everywhere, you learn about the varying personalities of drivers. If you take some time getting to know them and acknowledge them, you will see they are just real people making a living and...if you give them the opportunity, they can make you laugh. Mr.Koko was quite the humorous guy trying to imitate the American accent and calling me Priscilla Queen of the Desert.
It is pleasantly surprising what people know as we spend more time underestimating their potential than taking time to learn what they do know. PRIS
His companion, Mr. Gordito, was on the bus and he was a teddy bear who also liked to make jokes. One day he would like to become a musician. He loves playing the drums and he loves We stopped for 10 cent slices of pineapple and picked up a large group of school children heading to school. Again, the dynamic just grew stronger as Mr.Koko was making the kids laugh and I was able to chime along and joke with him. I asked them about their studies in school and who had the best grades. The all pointed to the 2 boys in the middle and I gave them some snacks, which they all shared together. They all hopped off the bus with all of them waiving at me as I watched them become smaller and smaller and distance.
They dropped me off at the official border, which means they check my passport and make sure I got stamped in by the office-security, security.
My bus driver friends dropped me off close by the office and we did our cool, manly handshakes and parted ways.
Adorable Students
Mr. Koko eating his pineapple
Bus Assistant- Mr. Gordito
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