Listen to this! >>>Found on my ipod that I got from Tyler. Wonderful music to listen to driving thru the mexican country side! Son de Madera. Thanks Tyler. luvs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75QPFSAPMOY&feature=related

Wow, it's been a long time since I've updated. It's been harder and harder to find internet on the road and I'm sure I wont find it for a couple weeks now too. Hopefully this all makes sense cause Sarah and I tag teamed in writing this. Enjoy!
So we spent two days in Mazatlan parked just off the beach. We had fun playing in the ocean and got pummeled by a few crazy waves. I saw a huge fish jump when I was watching from the beach! Around here was my first time seeing coconuts growing wild on the tree. There are huge pelicans everywhere, we even saw a big dead one washed up on the beach. I've never seen so many hawks in my life as I have on this trip. They are everywhere on the highway just sailing around. We tried to go check out the first day of the Mazatlan carnivale but ended up getting there when it ended. So we took our first taxi of the trip back to the van which was open sides, kinda like a super golf cart. It was a good thing we caught it because there was a big downpour of rain but some of us still got wet because of the open sides. We got ripped off for the price I'm sure and definetely got our first taste of the tourist price. There are wonderful little restaurants right on the beach with palm tree roofs and sandy floors. We saw some beautiful beach sunsets! <3

Written by Sarah----->

 Mazatlan to Guadalajara was a crazy drive up a mountain range through some heavy rain. Eric is a Mexican driver, he's gots da skills. Here instead of signs to reduce speeds through school zones and small towns their are these massive speed bumps (topes). Topes seem to also be stray dogs around here. We've been feeding them some granola bars we don't seem to be eating but the further south we go it seems that some people need them also. From Guadalajara we travelled to Toluca and met up with a couchersurfer named Cindy who helped us with some spanish, fed us breakfast at her home, and told me about her faith in the universe. Toluca was beautiful, an old Mexican town outside of Mexico City with tons of old cathedrals, houses built into the hillsides, and a giant mountain with snowy peaks. The houses were numbered something like 157, 30, 378 on one side of the street and 78, 173, 2 on the other side, lacking street names, one-way signs, and such. Eric and Sean are masters of going with the flow and we found Cindy's house in no time. Cindy, Jenni, and I headed to our first Mexican market in the morning where we bought local bananas, huge avocadas, some cactus, and other things for our eating adventures. (Jenni and I have been rocking meal times. I am really enjoying the creative outlet.) At the market we were oogled by the locals who seemed very curious and a little weary of us. Cindy informed us that not too many foreigners stay in Toluca. We bought about five bags of groceries for about $15. 

From Toluca we headed towards Mexico City. The teacher we stayed with in Culiacan told us that Mexico City was built when an eagle was spotted eating a snake, which is very important in Mexican culture. From there the epicenter of Mexico formed and Mexico City is just called Mexico by the people. We were lost in the masses of streets, vehicles, pedestrians/haukers/performers, and tall buildings trying to use the sun through the clouds at high noon to orient ourselves. Sean was on it. He found a compass and we quickly headed out of the madness. We were headed to Vera Cruz but it was a steep climb, many cars did not make it through the intense heat, evidence was scattered along the shoulders of the highway. Marley was tired and we drove through the thickest fog I have ever seen as dusk came and went. The semi trucks in the right lanes didn't even have lights, for the most part. So we decided to stay in Cordoba where we just took it easy and headed to Ciudad del Carmen in the morning.

There are so many beautiful flowers showing up on the trees as we drive. Bright yellow, then little purples ones, beautiful pink and then just so many colors as it started to get really lush. I am enjoying all the foliage. There are people all along the highway selling whatever they can at the toll stations and in little towns. We're stayed away from it all so as not to get sick from the local food. We had to stop for one of the first times on the road to fix Marley (the van) his hubcap needed to be partly taken off cause it had been clapping around a lot but it was great that we stopped because we realised the exhaust pipe had fallen down. The boys rigged it up with some mexican barbed wire from the fence we were by and some duct tape. lol! Whatever works! We've also seen some guys chopping at the plants along the highway with machetes! eeee! Reaching the end of Mexico we saw a bunch of marshland getting closer to the sea. So interesting to see the change from desert to marsh.

Cuidad del Carmen was a TRIP all in its own. The toll highways we had travelled on for our whole journey through Mexico thus far ceased to exist. The scenery was becoming greener, more lush and we were headed from 3000ft in elevation down to sea level. We were tailed by a federali and then pulled over for our liscense plate not being visible (it is slightly covered by a hose on the back). There was a language barrier and we were set free. 

About an hour later, we came upon a military check point right before the bridge we had to take to the island of Carmen City. At this point we were becoming accustomed to military men and federalis looking bad ass with their straight faces and machine guns in hand but experienced no issues other than brief questioning . Marley had a speedy entrance into the the dark and we were immediately pulled over and asked to exnay the vehicle. Again, a language barrier was present yet we seemed to get by. They searched our vehicle while Jenni and I were fawned over for our hair and tattoos. Mexican men seem to love women and are very charming and witty. I guess we had our own charm because Jenni ended up dancing and singing with the men and their machine guns, we took pictures, and again were set free.
They thouroughly searched our van; we were all really freaked out even though we have nothing illegal. It was really tense until they started touching Jennis dreads and then they saw her ID and asked her Jennifer? Jennifer Lopez? and she sung a bit of one of her songs. Then one of the guys played a song on his phone and she started dancing. She ended up dancing it up with a bunch of scary guys with machine guns! Talk about making a tense situation so relaxed! We posed for a pic with them.

The bridge over the city lit up just as we began to cross. It was stunning. Immediately, we were pulled over by some policia on the other other side of the bridge. Marley had a headlight out. Eric again worked some magic and we were directed to an Auto Zone we could visit in the morning. We decided to park our van at the first hotel on the right so that we could unwind, indulge in some tequila and a night swim. We discovered a nice beach by Restaraunte Marino where we met some liquored up locals who loved to talk and practice their english. We were told to watch our tequila if the policers decided to bother us and offered us some rum. 
We heard some rustling behind us, hid the bottle, and were greeted by two polisos. Long story short, Jenni and I posed for some pictures and we got by for the fourth time unscathed and no less broke though we think they were asking for a bribe at some point during the interaction. We decided to spend the following day on the island. The daylight revealed loads of garbage, murkey waters, and oil wells of the shores. We spent the morning by the sea and did some travelling chores during the afternoon such as getting oil, tracking down water, airing out the van, and finding a cleanish bathroom to take a showerish in.

We checked out Marley's air conditioning. Marley was not impressed and overheated on us. Luckily we were able to push the van back into a safe parking place, one turn away from a busy road during rush hour. The street in front of us was filled with bustling floats and decked out sound system trucks preparing for the Carnaval (a Mexican street festival lasting 15 days). It was perfect timing as seems to be the way with us. We were as much an attraction ourselves as they were for us because Ciudad del Carmen is not a tourista town. We parked on the beach after the Carnaval and spent the night. 
In the middle of the night, we were awoken by more policias. Luckily, they were the polisos from the previous night. They recognized Sean, showed him some pictures from the previous night, chuckled and warned us about the gangs, and again let us be. 

The next day we took off over the bridge and off the island looking forward to Belize. Along the road Eric spotted some ruins that weren’t too far from the road. The Balamku ruins were about two thousand years old and quite a site. It was nice to get out of Marley and stretch our legs hiking up the tall stone stairs. We were allowed into one of the temples where some carved stone deities had been preserved. Below them were rooms for sacrificial animal slayings.

The next day we took off over the bridge and off the island looking forward to Belize. We loaded up on mas cervezas, more delicious 100% agave tikillya, some cigarellos, and agua for about thirty dollares. We made it to the Mexico/Belize border after spending diez dias en Mexico. We were greeted by a friendly Mexican man who informed us that the bank was closed for the day and we would have to come back manyana to collect the $300 vehicle deposit. We then exited Mexico and were informed that we could not bring beer or any fruits or veggies into the country. The nice Belizian lady at the border told us that we had no time limit and therefor could eat our vegetables and drink our beer before crossing the border. We had a fiesta in the free zone. Eric drove the van through and Jenni, Sean, and I walked quietly past the sleepy border 'guards'.

We spent the night in Corozal parked on a grassy beach under a giant umbrella tree beside the choppy sea. I woke up early, read my book on the ledge, and watched the sun rise. The sea in Belize is green. We met some Belizian locals by the water. Belizians are bilingual for the most part, speaking in both english and espanol. Beautiful rastas are plentiful in Belize. 

Early afternoon lolled by and we headed back to the border to retrieve the vehicle deposit. Sean, Jenni, and I chilled in the Belizian border parking lot near some rastas washing cars, in the shade. Eric went back solo, as you have to pay a tax to leave the country. We were 'officially' welcomed to Belize by a rasta's poetic words, "Where the people are free, by the Carreeb Sea". Eric and Marley came back to Belize, we shared some beers with new friends and headed to Belize City.  LOVE, Sarah.

By Jenni---->

Drove on to Belize City and went to the fish market on the river where we watched them scale, gut and chop up the fish. Scales were flying everywhere! I would normally be gagging at stuff like this since I've developed a weak stomach but I watch on in awe! We got two nice fresh fish still with the head and tails. Went to the veggie market... yummy! I ended up accidentally putting rubbing alcohol on my dinner because I thought it was vinegar and had to force myself to puke up my food. Unfortunate because it was a great meal and it freaked us all out because its a poison!! ugghh. We parked the van at the Raddison Hotel where they had a sweet outside bar and crazy loud awesome reggae and dancehall. We've had ppl husstling us all the time in Belize, ppl must think we're rich cause we're white. We've been getting this a bit but I think it will be a lot from now on. So many RASTAS here! YEY! They are nice and all are so laid back. Some talk so much tho! It's been really hard getting away from some of them. I am ok with saying goodbye but everyone else seems to be easily roped into intense conversations. :P

We are now in Belmopan, Belize which is much more chill place. We wanted to spend more time here but unfortunately we are finding that we have not much time to relax. We are either on the road driving during the day or doing chores whenever we have some extra time which leads to just driving and chores! We have had some time to enjoy, but mostly at night. It's hard to drive through these beautiful places and not stop to hike or explore, but we have to deal with these delays that we've had along the road. We are off to drive thru Guatemala tomorrow, then El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua in the next couple days. It will be great when we get to Costa Rica where we can finally park our butts and bust out the camping gear.

Wow, that was long. Not too many pics cause our cameras are dying and the internet sucks to upload! Whoever made it this far thru this entry should get a gold star. Wont update for another while as we are off to Envision festival in Costa as soon as we get there. Lisa and Joey are meeting up with us for the fest and some days of surfing, YAY! Will update after. Love you all!

HOLA! ¿Como estas?
Watch this---->
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuDoyBqYpas

So you can click on the green play button on the picture slideshows where it will open up into a new page and you can flip through bigger versions of the pics or you can click anywhere but the green play button and it will let you click back and forth through the pics. Up to you.

Our days in Pheonix were relaxing as we hung out at David's house and soaked up our first real days of sun.
We took full advantage of the spacious kitchen and cooked some amazing meals. Sarah and I are a force to be reckoned with in the kitchen! One night when our host was away at Sedona I was in the backyard when I heard some guys walking up the street talking with each other. I thought nothing of it until when they were right on the other side of the fence from me I heard sudden shuffling and then running. One guy yelling for the others to back off and such. I stood there frozen trying to comprehend what was going on, then ran inside. Turns out a guy got jumped right behind me! The cops eventually came around and pulled their guns on who turned out to be the victim, he was just freaking out that they stole his bag. I'm just glad I wasn't stuck in the van while that happened, I would've had a front row seat for all the action. You know when you're in the ghetto when.....!!!

One of our weekday nights we snuck into our friend Allysa's hot tub at her old condo. Was much needed after many days and nights travelling and sleeping in the van. My hips are sore from the beds... they are comphy enough but not so great to sleep on your side. Another night we went to Allysa's wicked salon she owns and runs that is many shades of turqouise and packed full of awesome antiques. A rare pair of Ferrari record players and a massager that attatches to your hand among other rad things. Sarah and I were priviledged to sit in the salon chairs and get hair cuts from her. Going by a suggestion I made one day Sarah got an epic baddass half mohawk/mullet somethingorother.I took a quick turn in the chair (which was my first time in a salon chair getting my hair cut in almost 10 years!) and got her to re-shave the sides of my hair and give me some really short bangs. I trimmed away most of my loose hair and little dreads on the sides to lighten the load. David took up the reins and did a nice trim for Allysa as well.

Another night we were blessed with the opportunity to attend a special ceremony which I will talk about at a later date.

Sarah's passport finally showed up fourteensday, a week after we arrived in Pheonix. Thank you David, fellow room mates and friends for the incredible company, special experiences and all around awesomeness. Our trip would not have been the same without you! Thanks especially to the peeps of the house for letting us bum around for so long. love!

We took off from town the night we got the passport and drove a few hours to Tucson, AZ where the next day we enjoyed exploring through the largest gem show in the world! We arrived as it was kind of shutting down but still found some tents to enjoy. Saw some stones, fossils and gems I've never seen before and got some incredible prices on some that I've wanted. There were shows going on all over the city, in conference centers, on the streets and in little motel rooms! I was like a kid in a candy store, always meaning to leave but then seeing more I wanted to look at and never really able to tear myself away.
 That night we were fortunate to be around as the city was celebrating first Saturday like the first Friday in Pheonix. We enjoyed some great live music. Some blues legend that none of us can remember right now....

We drove off from Tucson early with the intention of crossing the mexican border. We got to Nogales with some errands to do (change canadian money, mexico insurance for the van, etc.) But no one would take Canadian money so we had to wait till the next day to exchange the money at a bank. We were able to park in a motel parking lot where we got an internet connection so we just chilled in the van watching videos and I downloaded a spanish language app. Got up early and got our errands done and went over the border. I was pretty agitated and anxious but as we drove further into the country I started to ease into everything and calm myself. We got tourist cards and insurance for the van a bit down the road. Driving into Mexico was a trip for the head because the difference between the two sides of the city of Nogales is very apparent. The mexican side immediately looked a lot more run down with little makeshift shacks for homes made of scrap
board and such. Poor people all sitting or walking along the highway looking for a bit of cash hoping to make their way into the US. There is garbage all along the highways everywhere here and in the cities as well. So many deterioated buildings and rubble everywhere.

We drove into Hermosillo this day where we tried out our skills at finding our way in a foreign country with no GPS which we were fortunate to use all through the US (thanks a bunch Ronit!!) We did a lot of U-turns and backtracking but eventually found our way to our couchsurfing host. Ibor took us to an awesome local university bar where every space on the walls were covered in fun art! He then took us to a nice restaurant where they specialise in tacos. He said this is where the best meat in Mexico is! It definetely was not dissapointing. SO YUMMY! I love all the different salsas and hot sauces.
We noticed that the walk signs here for pedestrians are particularly amusing!

We went back to Ibor's where he showed us some good spanish music
that he likes. Then he blew our minds by busting out his classical guitar!! WOW.

We drove a long day to make it to Culican and stayed with a lovely couchsurfer Quirino who teaches at a high school and university and his niece. Was so lovely to have a shower after 5 days! Thank you! We are now in Mazatlan where we spent the afternoon on the beach yesterday and I swam in the ocean for the first time I can remember!!!We made it le playa!!! (beach)

Excuse me in advance for the picture slideshows. I'm just trying to figure them out. But they will do for now.

 Sedona, AZ. Took a nice hike around Bell Rock and climbed quite a bit up the rock to an area where they say there is an energy vortex. The juniper trees in the vortex areas are extremely twisted and the air feels a little abuzz. Sarah and I sat quietly on a rock in contemplation as the boys climbed as high as they could. It was treacherous climbing on the sandstone as parts of the rock break off pretty easily and pieces laying around are easy to slip on. It was so nice to get out of the van, get some quiet time and exercise.

On the way out we got a picture with a sign for Route 66! We were on a part where it merges with HWY 40 so not the real historic highway since there are only parts across the US of it.

We drove on that day to Pheonix, AZ and rolled up to our couchsurfer hosts' house to a friendly and lively group of people gathered around some sweet old school pinball machines used as tables. The house is full of random beautiful art with brick and plaster walls that are chipped away to show brick underneath or painted. An old jukebox in the corner that has no list of songs so you just punch in random numbers and you get old wailing country songs or 80's retro (the Ghostbusters theme song was a recurring one)

We walked a few blocks to an area they were holding an event "Art Walk" where the gallerys were open late and there was a street filled with vendors. There is a street of houses where most have been turned into coffee shops, gallerys, art/clothing retail, cafes, bars. I think it's a great idea to transform a house into a commercial business! Talk about a homey atmosphere! We've been just chilling out at the house here for a couple days, enjoying the beautiful weather.

We visited a place called Cosanti where this artist makes these beautiful wind chimes and bells. www.cosanti.com.

Sarah and I went on a walk today for a coffee and checked out all the street art and chanced upon an incredible labyrinth at a Trinity Church! Walking along it was calming and meditative.






<Found it interesting that we saw this on the ground. RELEASE THE FEAR!

More Photos!

This is Devin our friendly couch surfer friend and one of his three puppies we stayed with in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Our view from breakfast in Page, AZ.

Some good ol' fashioned pinball in Pheonix, AZ.

Chillin in the orb yard in the back of our friends house in Pheonix.  SAWEEET!!!!

Fivesday to ninesday!

ARIZONA! Finally we are somewhere warm! I busted out my sandals today for the first time.

On fivesday we passed away the day until Sarah arrived on the Greyhound back from Calgary and dealing with her passport issues. She had to apply for a new one and it was hectic but it seems like everything should work out. We got through the US border (although that was pretty nerve racking) and that was monumental for us! We drove through the night until about 7am. Slept a couple hours and drove all day till we arrived at Salt Lake City at 9pm on sixday. We stayed with a couchsurfer host (thanks Devin and puppies!) we were thankful to sleep inside as it was pretty chilly that night. He helped us get up early and we drove all day to get to Arizona.

 So grateful we got up early because we drove through Zion National Park just as the sun was setting. So beautiful! I wanted to go another route that was shorter but missed the turn off but I'm so glad because that meant we drove through this park! First time seeing a red road.

Drove on into a little town Page, Arizona. Slept in a Wal Mart parking lot again and woke up to this view>
Mini Grand Canyon!

This day we drove to Flagstaff, Arizona where Wal Mart employees helped us out to run an extension cord out their door so we could plug in for the night and use a heater!!! That saved our butt since it was super cold and snowy. I never thought we'd see snow in Arizona! Flagstaff is just super high elevation. We drove down from here to Sedona, Arizona. Took a nice hike around Bell Rock to an area with a calming energy vortex. More pics to come from that. We are now in Pheonix staying with some cool cats in an artsy funky communal house. Woke up to plus 22 degrees, we have now officially broken out our shorts!!
Life is hard.