Loved this honest travel series! Thanks for scratching my travel itch and inspiring an after-Covid adventure. Also, it’s been super cool being a Patron! Highly recommend viewers joining Patreon - I saw this before all of you 😜🙌🏽
just binged watched this whole series and thoroughly enjoyed it! i’m obsessed with the maya and it was so cool to get such a personal perspective of the sites as opposed to the very cinematic and lifeless shots you see that don’t give you a sense of what it’s like to be there
There are many drivers and tour guides that speak English who can be hired more cheaply than renting a car. There are guides that specialize in historic sites. They can also arrange lodging and all sorts of trips. Many Yucatan guides are based in tourist areas like Cancun and Merida, but they go everywhere, including Belize.
I have the strongest memories from adventures that went awry while abroad. But the best are still memories of pleasant surprises. On one hand we had great moments of the kindness of strangers in Bali at a difficult juncture, and the chance invite to a a fantastic quincenera in Yucatan. on the other.
Hi both. Loved this travel series to Mexico. Being from the UK the Roman series was also an excellent watch. After watching the rookie mistakes I think I have an answer for your video backup problems, the Ravpower FileHub Travel Router. It’s a cheap affordable way to back up with a few more advantages. You don't need hotel WIFI to use this but transfer files from your device usng your devices WIFI. I use one of these to back up all my photos and videos to an external HD whilst travelling. I use the smaller N300 router and it's works fine but there are other available. I’m looking forward to your future travels. Regards
Another approach is to pick up an "Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter" for $40. Plug a lightning cable into one port (for power), and you can offload your iPhone photos / videos to a (fast, cheap, roomy) flash drive. Transfers much faster than WiFi, too. Of course, once Apple sells iPhones with USB-C ports (2024?), you won't even need this.
It's good to prepare as best you can, but once you're on the ground, you learn as you go. Sometimes things change from the last guide book entry--sometimes a business will have changed hands, and prices with it. The folks down there are mostly good, but you find out quickly that anything of value left unattended finds a new home. Great tip about rental cars and border crossing. Get used to cold showers. Be aware that these folks may be inclined to tell you what you want to hear at the time money is being exchanged and to make hard to understand excuses when you attempt to protest--they are pros at it. My travels in Mesoamerica are some of my favorite memories. Admittedly it's not like back home, but that's one of the reasons to travel. Some things are tiresome, like driving slow for huge pot holes where it seems to take forever to get anywhere. Losing your way due to lack of signs or incorrect gps directions, ( I almost drove into a huge, unmarked hole in one lane of the highway that would have resulted in me not being able to do this comment, at least). Some things are funky/scary like, what my wife and I refer to as, " suicide showers "; electric on demand hot water switch that you never want to actually touch for fear of completing a circuit. With all the little difficulties and uncertainties, it's always an adventure, and sometimes it's the " topes " that make for a better story. In Costa Rica I was introduced to a local saying that was used as a retort to any story relating to traveling or living in their country, be it comedy or tragedy, life or death, feast or famine--someone will say--" yes, you'll have that ".
Love your tandem discussion! Drive your own car if you can. We had no problems with bugs in the spring, though I got attacked by jejenes in Baja earlier. We had few problems with English (lacking good Spanish) in Yucatan-Quintana Roo. Odd that you did. Mexico seems to have ever changing and unreasonable visa and travel requirements. Find a good travel agency for pointers. We went with Baja West at the time (years ago). Stomach problems: Drink Pepto-Bismo every day while in Mexico. Get a Pemex map to aid GPS (OK this may be dated, but get a national highway map). And PREPARE for travel in Mexico one way or another. It will pay off.
Sorry for all the trouble my beautiful land gave you! If you ever come back I'll be happy to drive you around to avoid some of the issues! I've lived in Merida my whole life but I've never been to Calakmul and would PAY to bring a historian with me if I ever visit :P
Having a point and shoot digital camera in addition to the iphone is a simple strategy to get around the technical problems with the internet etc. I have a cheap sony waterproof/shock resistant camera & always pack along spare data card and battery; I think it set me back less than $200. Internet problems are to be expected everywhere in Latin America
I think the point of the iPhone only was its relatively good quality (it looks like Dave might have skimped on storage though) and any kind of a non-phone camera would require an additional recording equipment fee (that is quite high) to enter each park.
Its cute that you think “roughing it” is that you didnt have enough hot water after being in the pool and drinks at the bar. Ive stopped in far worse places in paris.
I had a Latina friend on xbox live when I was a kid and I was lucky if he ever go on but a few weeks out kf the yr because of the internet completely being out in he's local region
The shower-issue I have found also in other South American countries and also in many rural places around Spain. The fire ants can be absolutely brutal. I was in Brazil shooting a sporting event and mistakenly kneeled down in what was a hidden underground lair of the demonic fire ants. So in seconds I had hundreds of them all over my legs biting me. Luckily there was a medical team there for the event, so I had help immediately.
Hi David, it is really cool that you are letting folk know what to look out for if they go there. After watching your vid about the Maya sites i have been researching why they disappeared. There seems to be dozens of answers to that question. Can you point me to credible citation please. You are an academic teacher so i have to take the opportunity to ask you. Massive thanks, peace to ya.
Overall, no huge issues (especially no life-threatening safety and security ones) and that cold shower after a hot day sounds nice :) What an awesome series it was, thank you!
The US also charges Mexicans for a permit if you are travelling 100 miles away from the border. If I visit Tucson I dont to pay but if visiting Phoenix I do.
@@WorldofAntiquity I just checked it is called I-94, and apperantly is for 25 miles :S I don't know why they dont ask it for Tucson. Maybe I just got I trouble by admiting going to Tucson without a permit hahaha
Well when else are you supposed to get in the pool? When you're cold? lol. And if its that hot then you're already sweaty just walking out your front door. In any case, that's what the chlorine is for. If it can deal with people urinating in there then a little sweat is fine.
Hmmmmm....!! Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance and failing to plan is planning to fail. Travelling South America with no understanding of Spanish or Portuguese sounds like a schoolboy error to be fair. Apart from the car hire tips, the rest was to be expected when adventuring. Sorry, but you’re sounding like whinging tourists 🤣 Apart from that, I love your travel and exploration vids. Keep healthy and keep happy.
Yep, I made some rookie mistakes for sure. Our intention was to help others avoid making some of the same mistakes, but it looks like that intent is being missed by some viewers.
I know you are trying to help, but you come across as SO entitled. They speak another language in another country, surprise! They have a problem with hot water in the 3rd world country, surprise! There are bugs in the tropics, surprise! Maybe you are reaching to get more problems, but really it gives a poor impression.
Yes, we have the expression "first world problems," which we say to someone who brings up a difficulty they had, if it isn't on the same level as being robbed or having no food or losing one's home. Thank you for arousing awareness of this issue. We made an effort to be clear that having people speak English in a foreign country is not how it OUGHT to be. There is a huge difference between saying something shouldn't be a certain way and simply informing people of how it is. Never did we say those countries shouldn't have bugs or should speak our language or should have hot water. We were just letting people know what to expect. Keep in mind that we are speaking to an audience who may not be aware of these things. But maybe we were not clear enough.
Lots of places speak other languanges but you can get by with English. They're just informing people that you can't do that there. How the hell is that "entitled"? They didn't complain about it or say "ugh, they couldn't even speak English" or anything like that. You're actually an idiot. Regarding the hot water, they said the early ones were bordering on "not a problem". So they were obviously reaching to fill in the list of 10. If anything, thats a compliment as most countries could fill a list of 10 bad things much easier than Mexico or Belize. Also, if they booked a night in a tent in the middle of the jungle and were like "oh there's no hot water. ugh" then yeah. But they didn't did they. They paid for a room in a nice hotel that advertised first world ammenities (and no doubt charged for that privilege) and didnt get it. If you don't have it, dont advertise it. But even so, like they said, its not a big deal hence why it it was like 10 on the list. It was just to let people know. So again, you're an idiot. And I've been to tropical countries that didn't have bugs like that. Its not a given. I mean, everyone goes on about how everything in Australia wants to kill you etc etc, but as an Aussie I can tell you its completely overblown. Likewise, I sometimes hear about insects in the tropics. So how do I know if thats real or overblown like the Australia thing? So insects are a problem in that part of Mexico? Good to know. That's why they were telling people!!!!! So yet again, you're an idiot. In conclusion, piss off moron.
Loved this honest travel series! Thanks for scratching my travel itch and inspiring an after-Covid adventure.
Also, it’s been super cool being a Patron! Highly recommend viewers joining Patreon - I saw this before all of you 😜🙌🏽
Thank you so much, Alex!
just binged watched this whole series and thoroughly enjoyed it! i’m obsessed with the maya and it was so cool to get such a personal perspective of the sites as opposed to the very cinematic and lifeless shots you see that don’t give you a sense of what it’s like to be there
Thank you for watching!
I watched this before I went to North/West Yucatan last year. Now I'm going to the South n watching this again. Studying!!!
You have to experience your inner Stephens/Catherwood and suffer a little, but the rewards are worth it.
Awesome as always!
Thanks again!
There are many drivers and tour guides that speak English who can be hired more cheaply than renting a car. There are guides that specialize in historic sites. They can also arrange lodging and all sorts of trips. Many Yucatan guides are based in tourist areas like Cancun and Merida, but they go everywhere, including Belize.
If everything went smoothly, it wouldn’t have been an adventure! Thanks for sharing the adventurous bits, too.
I have the strongest memories from adventures that went awry while abroad. But the best are still memories of pleasant surprises. On one hand we had great moments of the kindness of strangers in Bali at a difficult juncture, and the chance invite to a a fantastic quincenera in Yucatan. on the other.
It was a wonderful series and I enjoyed watching your adventures.
Hi both. Loved this travel series to Mexico. Being from the UK the Roman series was also an excellent watch. After watching the rookie mistakes I think I have an answer for your video backup problems, the Ravpower FileHub Travel Router. It’s a cheap affordable way to back up with a few more advantages. You don't need hotel WIFI to use this but transfer files from your device usng your devices WIFI. I use one of these to back up all my photos and videos to an external HD whilst travelling. I use the smaller N300 router and it's works fine but there are other available. I’m looking forward to your future travels. Regards
Thank you for the tip! I will check out the Ravpower FileHub Travel Router. It sounds perfect for the job.
Another approach is to pick up an "Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter" for $40. Plug a lightning cable into one port (for power), and you can offload your iPhone photos / videos to a (fast, cheap, roomy) flash drive. Transfers much faster than WiFi, too. Of course, once Apple sells iPhones with USB-C ports (2024?), you won't even need this.
It's good to prepare as best you can, but once you're on the ground, you learn as you go. Sometimes things change from the last guide book entry--sometimes a business will have changed hands, and prices with it. The folks down there are mostly good, but you find out quickly that anything of value left unattended finds a new home. Great tip about rental cars and border crossing. Get used to cold showers. Be aware that these folks may be inclined to tell you what you want to hear at the time money is being exchanged and to make hard to understand excuses when you attempt to protest--they are pros at it.
My travels in Mesoamerica are some of my favorite memories. Admittedly it's not like back home, but that's one of the reasons to travel. Some things are tiresome, like driving slow for huge pot holes where it seems to take forever to get anywhere. Losing your way due to lack of signs or incorrect gps directions, ( I almost drove into a huge, unmarked hole in one lane of the highway that would have resulted in me not being able to do this comment, at least). Some things are funky/scary like, what my wife and I refer to as, " suicide showers "; electric on demand hot water switch that you never want to actually touch for fear of completing a circuit.
With all the little difficulties and uncertainties, it's always an adventure, and sometimes it's the " topes " that make for a better story. In Costa Rica I was introduced to a local saying that was used as a retort to any story relating to traveling or living in their country, be it comedy or tragedy, life or death, feast or famine--someone will say--" yes, you'll have that ".
Good points. Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Love your tandem discussion! Drive your own car if you can. We had no problems with bugs in the spring, though I got attacked by jejenes in Baja earlier. We had few problems with English (lacking good Spanish) in Yucatan-Quintana Roo. Odd that you did. Mexico seems to have ever changing and unreasonable visa and travel requirements. Find a good travel agency for pointers. We went with Baja West at the time (years ago). Stomach problems: Drink Pepto-Bismo every day while in Mexico. Get a Pemex map to aid GPS (OK this may be dated, but get a national highway map). And PREPARE for travel in Mexico one way or another. It will pay off.
Sorry for all the trouble my beautiful land gave you! If you ever come back I'll be happy to drive you around to avoid some of the issues! I've lived in Merida my whole life but I've never been to Calakmul and would PAY to bring a historian with me if I ever visit :P
The exit fees are common, but airlines work them into the tickets.
Having a point and shoot digital camera in addition to the iphone is a simple strategy to get around the technical problems with the internet etc. I have a cheap sony waterproof/shock resistant camera & always pack along spare data card and battery; I think it set me back less than $200. Internet problems are to be expected everywhere in Latin America
I think the point of the iPhone only was its relatively good quality (it looks like Dave might have skimped on storage though) and any kind of a non-phone camera would require an additional recording equipment fee (that is quite high) to enter each park.
We need an apple office in belize
Its cute that you think “roughing it” is that you didnt have enough hot water after being in the pool and drinks at the bar. Ive stopped in far worse places in paris.
As a latina I respectfully laughed when you guys said that you were expecting the wifi to work hahaha
I had a Latina friend on xbox live when I was a kid and I was lucky if he ever go on but a few weeks out kf the yr because of the internet completely being out in he's local region
Have to say, digging in Belize in July means that a cold shower is a great thing!!
The shower-issue I have found also in other South American countries and also in many rural places around Spain. The fire ants can be absolutely brutal. I was in Brazil shooting a sporting event and mistakenly kneeled down in what was a hidden underground lair of the demonic fire ants. So in seconds I had hundreds of them all over my legs biting me. Luckily there was a medical team there for the event, so I had help immediately.
When you will come to Mexico City? You will love Teotihuacan and many other arquelogist places. :)
All of the places I stayed in Peru and Colombia didn’t have hot water whether I was in the city or country. It seemed to be the norm.
Hi David, it is really cool that you are letting folk know what to look out for if they go there. After watching your vid about the Maya sites i have been researching why they disappeared. There seems to be dozens of answers to that question. Can you point me to credible citation please. You are an academic teacher so i have to take the opportunity to ask you. Massive thanks, peace to ya.
There is a decent video on the subject here: ruclips.net/video/z9YwfTerAdA/видео.html
@@WorldofAntiquity Thank you for your reply 👍
Belize has a huge American and British ex-patriate community, hence the better availability of English-speakers
Belize also used to be a British colony ("British Honduras"), so it's one of their official languages.
What went wrong in Mexico...sounds like the beginning of a Kerouac Novel.
For the rest of us non Americans Flu = Gastroenteritis
Ah, interesting. I didn't know that.
Overall, no huge issues (especially no life-threatening safety and security ones) and that cold shower after a hot day sounds nice :)
What an awesome series it was, thank you!
Thank you for watching!
The US also charges Mexicans for a permit if you are travelling 100 miles away from the border. If I visit Tucson I dont to pay but if visiting Phoenix I do.
Interesting! I did not know that.
@@WorldofAntiquity I just checked it is called I-94, and apperantly is for 25 miles :S I don't know why they dont ask it for Tucson. Maybe I just got I trouble by admiting going to Tucson without a permit hahaha
You got in the communal hotel pool all hot and sweaty after a day spent travelling without having a shower first?
Haha, well, by the time we got in the pool, we had already had cold showers.
Well when else are you supposed to get in the pool? When you're cold? lol. And if its that hot then you're already sweaty just walking out your front door. In any case, that's what the chlorine is for. If it can deal with people urinating in there then a little sweat is fine.
Hmmmmm....!! Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance and failing to plan is planning to fail.
Travelling South America with no understanding of Spanish or Portuguese sounds like a schoolboy error to be fair. Apart from the car hire tips, the rest was to be expected when adventuring.
Sorry, but you’re sounding like whinging tourists 🤣
Apart from that, I love your travel and exploration vids. Keep healthy and keep happy.
Yep, I made some rookie mistakes for sure. Our intention was to help others avoid making some of the same mistakes, but it looks like that intent is being missed by some viewers.
You guys make a really cute couple and I hope you're still together
sounded like a bunch of iPhone problems
Haha that was certainly a running theme.
Insert Indiana Jones joke here!
That's a stupid comment but the algorithm won't care.
I know you are trying to help, but you come across as SO entitled. They speak another language in another country, surprise! They have a problem with hot water in the 3rd world country, surprise! There are bugs in the tropics, surprise! Maybe you are reaching to get more problems, but really it gives a poor impression.
Yes, we have the expression "first world problems," which we say to someone who brings up a difficulty they had, if it isn't on the same level as being robbed or having no food or losing one's home. Thank you for arousing awareness of this issue. We made an effort to be clear that having people speak English in a foreign country is not how it OUGHT to be. There is a huge difference between saying something shouldn't be a certain way and simply informing people of how it is. Never did we say those countries shouldn't have bugs or should speak our language or should have hot water. We were just letting people know what to expect. Keep in mind that we are speaking to an audience who may not be aware of these things. But maybe we were not clear enough.
No tommy14 you've misinterpreted it, he's clearly just giving viewers a heads up about what to expect, I found it useful cheers.
I didn’t enjoy this video for same reason.
Lots of places speak other languanges but you can get by with English. They're just informing people that you can't do that there. How the hell is that "entitled"? They didn't complain about it or say "ugh, they couldn't even speak English" or anything like that. You're actually an idiot.
Regarding the hot water, they said the early ones were bordering on "not a problem". So they were obviously reaching to fill in the list of 10. If anything, thats a compliment as most countries could fill a list of 10 bad things much easier than Mexico or Belize. Also, if they booked a night in a tent in the middle of the jungle and were like "oh there's no hot water. ugh" then yeah. But they didn't did they. They paid for a room in a nice hotel that advertised first world ammenities (and no doubt charged for that privilege) and didnt get it. If you don't have it, dont advertise it. But even so, like they said, its not a big deal hence why it it was like 10 on the list. It was just to let people know. So again, you're an idiot.
And I've been to tropical countries that didn't have bugs like that. Its not a given. I mean, everyone goes on about how everything in Australia wants to kill you etc etc, but as an Aussie I can tell you its completely overblown. Likewise, I sometimes hear about insects in the tropics. So how do I know if thats real or overblown like the Australia thing? So insects are a problem in that part of Mexico? Good to know. That's why they were telling people!!!!! So yet again, you're an idiot.
In conclusion, piss off moron.
When I went to Bolivia there was a $130 entrance fee for Americans. For the rest of the world, free.
Interesting!
absolutely based bolivians, maaad respect
Cómo m!erda
This video is just complaining, not so much advice. If you knew what "roughing it" was, you would not be complaining so much.