Monkey business

Just when we thought the Belize border jinx had hit again (with no one to meet us), Henry rode up to the rescue. Not only that, he provided in-car snacks of fresh fruit, nachos and dips, cookies and bananas for our 90 minute journey to the shores of Lago Peten Itza and La Lancha a small, boutique hotel (10 rooms) owned by Francis Ford Coppola. 

On our arrival we were greeted by our new neighbours, a tree full of howler monkeys right outside our thatched cottage.

 

Before lunch, HJ suggested we pop down to the lakeside as we'd been told of a beach and bar.  We followed a passing member of staff down an initial flight of paved steps but as he seemed to be continuing further and further down a very steep, now wooden and dirt stairway, we called him to check that we were travelling in the right direction.  He turned, smiled and said follow me.  Eventually we came upon a well equipped bar on the shores of the lake with a jetty leading to a lovely sun-deck. Who could resist a Gallo cervaza?

HJ on the hike back up from the bar

The afternoon was spent around the pool, just the two of us, with books from the library as the only other two guests were out.

When we went up the twenty or so steps to the restaurant for dinner, we found each of them lit by candles at both ends.  And on returning to our room after a bottle of Mr Coppala's exceedingly good SB, we found our deck also lit by candles.  All very romantic.