Guatemala-Touring Eastern Coast

It is a small central American Country-squeezed between the Pacific ocean to the west and the Gulf of Mexico on the east. To me, it is one of the best Caribbean destinations to visit-especially the river, Rio Dulce. Along the river it is like finding a lost civilization-a place where time has stood still.

Looking for nightlife-glitz-upscale shopping-forget it, in Santo Tomas de Castilla! Stay in Cancun. In Santo Tomas, you won't hear much of, "Senior, come in- I show you my shop".

Guatemala, especially along the Rio Dulce River is the unspoiled "Jewel of the Caribbean". Tourism and cruise ships are new to the area-starting in the year 2004. The people are very friendly-non pushy-having not yet succumbed to the crass commercialism seen in most ports. When your ship departs, all people involved in tourism-cab and bus drivers,tour guides, police and many others stand on the dock and wave, dance and warmly wish you bon voyage and thanks for visiting their country. (I know what some of you are thinking-they were cheering as they were glad to see me leave).