One New Mode of Transportation

Okay, not so much as a new way to travel but more a new experience of traveling (whick is of course why we are all here).

1. The Fix-it-as-you-go Bus. From Rio Dulce it is only an hour to Finca Paraiso and the hot waterfalls but the road is pretty terrible and consequently so are the busses. I´m guessing our bus had been a city transit some time in the early 80´s. She hadn´t aged gracefully. None of her gauges worked. Speedometer, tach, temp, fuel gauge all out. About 60% of her window were cracked and one was outright missing. The door was hinged by some strong canvas riveted to the door and the latch was definetly not factory orginal. When I looked into the overhead luggage racks I saw the supply of about 20 wire coathangers for reattching various hanging parts and when the bus bust a fuel line we got to see where the tools and spart parts were kept. All said it only took about 5 minutes to diagnose and fix the problem. The diagnosis was easy, the ayudante opened the engine hatch and we could all see the gas misting out. Replacing the line was like second nature to these guys. The driver took of his nice shirt, got dirty for a few minutes, hopped back in the seat and we were off like a shot. I´d definetly back the claim that the worlds best mechanics come from Central America and Mexico. Some elbow grease, wire, a piece of gum and 50 quetzals and you´re back on the road.
-Dirk