Only in Central America

Only in Central America would a bus be stopped by hooded men on your way to renew your visas on the way to San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico. All motorists had to pay a bribe, or they would not be allowed to pass (a board with nails in it blocked the way). However, if you are an American you were lucky---they don't want the bad publicity, and they'll let you go.

Only in Guatemala could 20 policemen be held captive by one armed gunman. It sure is reassuring to realize that you're protectors are that defenseless.

Only in Central America are prisoners transported in the back of pick-up trucks. Just handcuff them and go!

Life is interesting in Central America.

Things the Guidebooks Won't Tell You

There are certain things that the guidebook doesn´t tell you about Central America. Like how to get rid of fleas caught teaching in a public school, or what to do when you hear gunshots in the street. Do you duck and cover, or become so accustomed to the noise that you can calculate its distance? You´ll never hear how to get rid of an enamored student who wants to be married in Mexico.

Don´t get me wrong, these tidbits have their uses: "In Tegucigalpa, armed gang members outnumber armed police officers," and "Women should never travel alone in Honduras under any circumstances." But a little info on how to identify venomous spiders in the rainforest would be nice, too.