​One odd thing about Cuba which we're just starting to get to grips with is the dual currency.

​We leave Mexico tomorrow for Cuba which, by most accounts, may be an internet oblivion. Who knows how the memorial and funeral gatherings may disrupt an already tricky to travel country, so best to post now whilst we can.

Aahhhhhnd relax! We've reached Mexico!

After a pretty intense few weeks in Guatemala ending in my rather more than tense medical emergency, it felt great to cross the border out of there. And after whizzing straight through Belize (we stopped for 10 minutes in the capital and even this was too long) this euphoria was further enhanced by the sight of a beautiful rainbow positioned perfectly above the already resplendent Mexico sign at border control. ​

Before I begin, I feel obliged to warn you this won't be the most positive blog post you're likely to read on our site. So if you're looking for tales of wonder and dreams maybe give this one a miss. However, in keeping with the macabre season, if you are still craving horror stories read on...

​Guatemala has so far felt quite different from the rest of Central America. Firstly, the indigenous population here is much more visible, in fact about half the people we see walking around are dressed in what I would say is the traditional dress.

​Brief but beyond expectations, El Salvador is a fantastic country well worth a stop.  We only visited San Salvador and Santa Ana but in both cities we found immensely warm hearted people full of fun and smiles.

​This time last year, dropping off to sleep in our London flat, I was conjuring up an image of a dream life: a little house on a beach somewhere exotic, Jess & Otto playing with local kids and us feeling a little bit like we were a part of the place, like we belonged. It's taken a while but we've finally found that place.

​OK, so it was a rough ride here but thankfully it was worth it. We are entrenched, entranced with the big island, where we were only meant to stay one night.

​Nicaragua was one of the first countries on our wish list when we began planning this crazy adventure,​ so it was with much excitement that we approached the border. Costa Rica and ‘pura vida’ was great but the cost of the Costa we were happy to leave behind.  

​My sister (Jen) and my nephew (Oscar) have made it to Costa Rica, which was perhaps no mean feat. They arrived in the biggest storm yet so far in this ‘green’ season. It's not wet, just green... according to the tourist board classification of this time of year.

​Costa Rica is pricey. We weren't expecting it to be Asian cheapness, but even we were surprised a little by the expense

Travelling with or without kids is not always all it's cracked up to be.  We hit San Francisco - previously my favourite US city - in a freezing fog, and with a bad hangover. We'd booked a cheap hotel in the centre which was like a cross between a bad student halls and a refuge for down and out oldtimers, I'm not sure which we were closest to. ​

I know, it's been a long time since my last post. Sorry! My excuse is we were just having too much fun. We had an eventful flight into Toronto (resurgence of Otto's worst nappy moments but this time stuck on a 6 hour flight! We decommissioned one toilet which was sealed up like a nuclear disaster and had the flight steward s offering to call a doctor for us!) But one freezing night of recovery in an airport hotel and we were good to go.

We drove up to the beautiful Lake Nosbonsing to stay with friends, Pete & Anne. Their place is stunningly serene, so peaceful, right on the lake with amazing views. The hospitality we received was also amazing, from the mini camping chairs, to the slip and slide, Pete & Anne couldn't have been lovelier hosts.

We spent an awesome few days relaxing, SUPing (that's stand up paddling on a flat canoe/surfboard), not to be confused with supping as in copious beers and wine (ouch!). Wildlife sightings included: bear, deer and a porcupine! ​

We left Asia with an au revoir rather than a goodbye and vowed to return again soon. After all, what is not to love about it...amazing beaches, beautiful hospitality and it's cheap. Get yourself there.

We left the beautiful Manulalu hotel, Bajwa, feeling truly relaxed. A scooter ride the day before had provided a bit of excitement when we stopped for fuel and the whole village came out to say hello. People came running just to stroke Jess' blonde hair, pinch Otto's pink cheeks and say hello to us all. Luckily, both kids are by now (7months on the road in Asia) fairly used to the attention and coped well with what must be quite daunting when you are two and three years old - namely a crowd of people wanting to touch you.

​Flores continues to astound us in both scenery and warmth of the local people.​​Flores continues to astound us in both scenery and warmth of the local people.