On Tuesday, we sent our Special Correspondent to Underwater and Bubbly Attractions (SCUBA) to explore the reefs of Playa del Carmen. The camera however was too shy to follow him this deep, so we're left with no proof that the following account is true. The boat traveled the bumpy waters to the first dive site, called Tortugas. True to its name, the underwater scene was buzzing with partying turtles. They went up, they went down, but they mostly stayed in place and completely ignored the divers. Upon returning to the boat, our dauntless captain got sick, lost his breakfast, and abandoned ship. But after 20 minutes on Terra Firma, he felt confident enough to swim back to the boat for the second dive. Probably not a smart idea, but the fish sure did enjoy it.

The second dive site was called Barracuda, and indeed had no barracudas. But it did have beautiful reefs and colorful fishes, and even a few smaller turtles. Content to have survived the experience, we hurried to the bus station so that we could wait. Only an hour late, our bus to Tulum took us about 60km (40m) south to the beautiful town of Tulum. Tulum has a few ruins, a few tourists, and the most beautiful beaches we've seen to date. Really—if you don't believe us, check this out:





Early morning Wednesday, we went to explore the ruins and beaches once more, where we found this iguana:



The shy camera was less apprehensive about going snorkeling, and this is what it brought back:



We've also made some progress with Guatemala. After numerous attempts to raise the officials on the phone, we finally called Guatemala's main flight club (http://www.aeroclubguatemala.com/). They informed us that the DGAC (Guatemala's "FAA") is not answering their phones. But they were generous enough to help us themselves, and obtain a copy of our flight authorization for us. Fortunately, it was exactly as we asked. Unfortunately, it was exactly as we asked: The dates were very specific, but we have been running a little late because of all our weather delays. So sadly, we will part with Tulum two days earlier than desired, and take the bus to Chetumal tonight. Tomorrow is another flight day, and another country. May the paperwork gods shine our way...