On their final stop of this North American excursion the pair landed in the frozen-in-time country of Cuba to explore it’s capital for a few days. Havana was a city unlike any other they had seen so far on their travels. The large concrete memorial to José Marti at Revolution Plaza was the communist architecture Peter and Penny had been hoping to see. They walked along the Malecón, as a cruise liner was sailing into port, and headed for Old Havana to try the local Cuban fayre. A visit to the Capitolio was next on the list before a dander down the Paseo towards the 2 Castillo that flank Havana’s historical port. The pair then took in a walking tour of the old city, and learnt how the revolution had shaped the architecture and the people of this island. As Peter & Penny headed off to the airport in a taxi from the 1950s, they reflected on the great time and fantastic food they had enjoyed on this trip of the Americas and especially #21 Cuba. Now it is time for the pair to start packing up their belongings in the USA and move their lives back to Europe again.

Just when they had settled into island life, it was time for Peter and Penny to leave Caye Caulker and set sail for country #20, Mexico. Two bumpy ferry rides and one very queasy tummy later, they disembarked at Chetumal. They’d heard that bus was the way to travel in Mexico, so on they hopped for a much smoother connection to Tulum. First stop was authentic Mexican food and on Tulum’s main thoroughfare they were spoiled for choice. To end a long day, an enchilada and taco stuffed Peter and Penny browsed the colourful wares of the local boutiques. Bright and early the next day, they set out to explore some of the Yucatán Peninsula’s famous Mayan ruins. They were delighted and surprised that they could wander amid the ancient ruins of Coba and even climb the 137-foot Nohoch Mul pyramid. Not wanting to miss such an opportunity and view, Penny had to summon all her courage, and try not to look down, as they navigated the 120 steep, often slippery steps. With time for one more stop, they headed back to see the stunning cliff-top ruins at Tulum. After a short stay in Mexico, the pair agreed that Tulum was among the friendliest and awe-inspiring places they had visited.

After too long being cooped up at home the travelling twosome headed for Central America. First on their list was the jungle covered nation of Belize, though on this trip the pair stuck to the coast. Having made it to the capital, Belize City, a water taxi took Peter & Penny to the island of Caye Caulker, to spend a few days on a land devoid of all cars. However, there were still enough golf carts to necessitate looking both ways before crossing the sand laden streets. The couple enjoyed the picturesque sunset at ‘The Split’ before heading to rest up for a unique excursion the following day. A big priority of this visit was to get a glimpse of the Meso-American barrier reef and Peter & Penny would not be disappointed. They arose bright and early for an all day snorkelling trip to the reef, accompanied by some local guides. After trying on their flippers (not that Peter really needed them) and finding a mask to fit around Penny’s ears it was time to set off on the open sea. Over multiple dives they saw fish of every colour, stingrays and even a few sharks who thankfully didn’t have a taste for pork or penguin. The coral itself was just as varied as the fish, coming in all kinds of shapes and colours. With the world’s coral reefs shrinking each year, the couple knew they had to take in every moment they could exploring this hidden ecosystem below the waves. It truly was one of the most fascinating things the pair had seen on their travels thus far and an excellent reason to visit #19 Belize. 

30-Nov-17

Even though it’s one of the ten smallest destinations on their bucket list, Peter and Penny were easily dissuaded from taking in the mountainous island country #18 Saint Kitts and Nevis on foot. Taking a taxi tour from its capital Basseterre they were able to circumnavigate the larger island of Saint Kitts in a matter of hours, with plenty of stops and incredible photo ops. They wandered through a rainforest, explored the ruins of the sugar plantation at Central Forest Reserve National Park, browsed local markets and even met a monkey or two. Finally, before leaving the Caribbean for now, they relished one last, breath-taking view from Timothy Hill Overlook.

29-Nov-17

After witnessing some of the natural beauty the Caribbean has to offer Peter and Penny wanted to explore the historical significance of this small chain of islands, stretching from North to South America. It was Antigua and Barbuda that really shed some light on the history of the region. While wandering the streets of the capital city of St. Johns, the pair learnt of the first indigenous people on the island, traveling in small handmade canoes from South America, and rowing from island to island up through the West Indies. Peter and Penny visited the local markets, and met the local fishermen of St. Johns, who catch so many fish the pair had never even heard of (Peter was in his element). They also learnt about the famous Antiguan black pineapples that the locals have been cultivating for over 1000 years. Known as the sweetest pineapple in the world, it has grown to be a symbol of the Antiguan people, who historically attributed the fruit with healing properties, but nowadays is mostly just used for food. Peter and Penny had enjoyed learning about the rich history of the Caribbean, and on setting off for their next destination, waved goodbye to the friendly people of #17 Antigua and Barbuda.

28-Nov-17

After wandering the beaches of Barbados, the travelling twosome wanted to see something unlike anything else in the world, so they headed off for the famous Pitons of #16 St. Lucia. On driving across the island, the pair saw plenty of banana farms and stunning Caribbean rainforests. Then they embarked on a hike up the side of a mountain neighbouring the Pitons. They made it up to a point where they could take in the beauty and diversity of the entire island, and of course appreciate the enormity and uniqueness of 1 of only 206 Natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the majestic Pitons. On descending from the mountainside, Peter and Penny lay on the beach at Soufrière, at the foot of the Pitons, and swam in their shadow as the daylight began to fade. To them, it was another glorious day travelling through the Caribbean paradise.

27-Nov-17

As winter approached in North Carolina, Peter and Penny decided to set out in search of sunshine. They hadn’t ticked off a single country in almost six months and what better way to explore some of the smaller nations than island hopping in the Caribbean. After a relaxing day at sea they reached their first Caribbean destination, country #15 Barbados. They set off on foot from the harbour to Bridgetown where they browsed the duty free and took temporary shade from the sweltering heat. Then they strolled toward Bay Street where they stopped to admire St Patrick’s Cathedral before heading for a paddle on pebbles beach. They were so mesmerised by the seemingly endless stretch of white sand trimming clear turquoise sea that they wandered on until they found themselves miles from their port and somewhat thirsty. One final stop at George Washington House for some refreshing lemonade before making their way back sluggishly, with smiles on their faces and sand between their toes.

20-Mar-16

A superstitious Peter and Penny were eager to tick off another country as soon as possible. Knowing they would need some time to explore their next destination, they had planned to uproot in the new year and set up base rather far from home. Across the Atlantic, with an awe inspiring view of Greenland, the pair set foot in the Carolinas, the place they will learn to call home in the USA. No sooner had they settled in than they set out exploring. To celebrate MLK day they took to the highway and explored as far north as the nation’s capital. Over the next several weeks Peter & Penny explored the North Carolina triangle area, and the irony of having just moved from the Northern Irish triangle wasn’t lost on them. Surprisingly though, it is infinitely sided shapes that will  keep them pining for the Carolina Moon forever.
During one of their excursions Peter & Penny happened upon the beautiful engagement of a young couple on the verge of a exciting life together. During the raucous applause and cheers from nearby onlookers the pair stole a moment to admire the ring the boy had just presented to his lifelong love. In that moment, Peter & Penny knew this was the memory they would savour for their visit to country #11 USA.