Guatemala

[Lancelot]

That said, I do know of problems down there... I basically steer clear of S.Am

There are positives and negatives in most countries. Its a big world out there and I want to see more of it.

But for sure there are no problems in Thailand

[blue]

Nice updates .
How much Spanish would a person need to learn, to properly enjoy the countries ?

[VocalNeal]

That said, I do know of problems down there... I basically steer clear of S.Am

Sorry bit late here. May I ask your nationality?

Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama are in Central America. South America like say Brazil, Argentina, Uraguay etc. are OK.

[Exit Strategy]

That said, I do know of problems down there... I basically steer clear of S.Am

There are positives and negatives in most countries. Its a big world out there and I want to see more of it.

But for sure there are no problems in Thailand

Absolutely agree. And even more I wish you luck and great experiences.

And we don't speak about problems in Thailand here...

[Exit Strategy]

But I got food poisoning in Mexico. Though I got food poisoning in Cambodia. Though I got food poisoning in Portugal. And the world turns (I btw have steel stomach so this is not what happens everyday I eat street food)

[Exit Strategy]

That said, I do know of problems down there... I basically steer clear of S.Am

Sorry bit late here. May I ask your nationality?

Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama are in Central America. South America like say Brazil, Argentina, Uraguay etc. are OK.

You may ask. I may ask what concern is it to you, and furthermore I may ask how much in social benefits do you receive pm to live off like a king in poor countries.

If you wanted to teach me about geography, wrong school mate.

[VocalNeal]

No social benefits mate.

As for nationality no real concern just that some have a reputation for poor geography, that's all.

And if you knew your geography you wouldn't have given South America a bad rap in a thread about Central America. That is all.

[Exit Strategy]

OK Vocal, no worries. It just seems same from the space man

[Lancelot]

Nice updates .
How much Spanish would a person need to learn, to properly enjoy the countries ?

Even rudemantry Spanish would help a lot.

I speak just enough Spanish- to be dangerous But I'd like to think that I am improving a bit.

Its not that hard, I'm in Peru now and not many English speakers around, but that helps me to improve. Yesterday I bought a bus ticket, all in Spanish and it worked out OK. I have a English - Spanish dictionary on my smart phone, and that is a big help with vocabulary that I need to complete a transaction or express myself.

I'm starting to make the shift, from Thai to Spanish. When I first arrived in Guatemala, (Dec 2014) I often blurted out numbers and questions in Thai. Now I find myself wanting to substitute Spanish words for Thai, if I talk to friends back in Thailand.

Compliments to the folks that speak several languages fluently...

Looking forward to the bus trip today, 160 degree recline, wifi and meal. Looks like business class in some airlines. I have even seen a couple of bus lines that advertise 180 lie flat 'Cama" seats

[Lancelot]

That said, I do know of problems down there... I basically steer clear of S.Am

Sorry bit late here. May I ask your nationality?

Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama are in Central America. South America like say Brazil, Argentina, Uraguay etc. are OK.

No problem, I'm from the US. I have to refer to myself as 'Norte Americano' or that I'm from 'Estados Unidos because the locals also consider themselves Americans

[Lancelot]

^Posted by mistake- can't delete it

[stroller]

... I have to refer to myself as 'Norte Americano' or that I'm from 'Estados Unidos because the locals also consider themselves Americans

And they are, of course.

[Lancelot]

Claro! Dating back to the 1500's

I've seen a few statues and memorials to Simon Bolivar, La Libertador (Sp?)

He conducted some impressive military campaigns.

[ltnt]

Where are you going in Peru? Why the bus and not the local air service? Did you visit the underground caves in Lima filled with the bodies of exterminated Indians?

[Lancelot]

Where are you going in Peru? Why the bus and not the local air service? Did you visit the underground caves in Lima filled with the bodies of exterminated Indians?

Crossed by land from Loja Ecuador to Piura, Peru. I received 90 days, so I have time to explore. I never keep rigid schedules- I run with the wind. If I like a place, I stay longer -like nine weeks in Guatemala. If I find nothing of interest, I move on.

I'm not in a hurry, so why fly? Today I saw the Northern Peru Desert while ridding in a very comfortable bus. You miss a lot of scenery flying...

[rickschoppers]

Lance, great pics and thread. Now that you have been to a few countries, are there any that you would consider spending more time in? Latin America has been my plan B for many years and my needs would be geared more toward cost of living, scenery and attitude of the natives.

Enjoy the rest of your trip an take plenty of pics.

[ltnt]

Today I saw the Northern Peru Desert while ridding in a very comfortable bus.

Yes that's true. I've driven the Pan American Highway from Lima to the border with Chile and over to Bolivia in a private car. I prefer to be the one doing the driving in most countries in the world.

If you get a chance get up the Amazon area around Iquitos...you'll definitely be entertained by it all.

[rickschoppers]

Itnt, where did you get the private car since I too like to drive rather than be a passenger?

[ltnt]

My friend has many places in Peru as well multiple automobiles and offered his for my use...I used to stay in Lima a lot and considered seriously Peru, Cuzco specifically as my choice for retirement. I'm sure you can rent them.

If you don't speak passable Spanish I would not suggest you travel alone. Numerous stops along the highway for tolls and military searches...same as Mexico. I was last there during the El Nino period of the late 90's, so I'm sure its changed a lot. During the Fujimori period when a terrorist gang taking over a social event in Lima and held hostages for weeks it seemed.

Cuzco was my choice as its climate seemed seasonal, high altitude, cost of living was well within reason, social society seemed well balanced, most folks working and little political concern other than the occasional drug runners. Property was very inexpensive as well. Nice apartment in Miraflores in Lima was only $20,000 then. Best area in Lima near the Pacific ocean, Humbolt current.

[Latindancer]

If you get a chance get up the Amazon area around Iquitos...you'll definitely be entertained by it all.

Sounds interesting.

Due to its location in the Peruvian Amazon, Iquitos has a green landscape with a vast variety of life. The flora is varied with great presence of 850 species, including 22 species of palms and orchids, who provide the attractive forest within the urban landscape of the city. The lilies also present. The extensive forests seated within metropolitan influence host fauna with 130 species of mammals, 330 of birds, 150 of reptiles and amphibians, and 250 fish. Within the city, inhabiting the rock dove (Columba livia), especially in the Square 28 de Julio. Also recorded the transient presence of bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) who come from the Atlantic Ocean, traveling 3,360 miles to Iquitos.
Iquitos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[rickschoppers]

My Spanish is OK thanks to spending lots of time in Mexico fishing, surfing and drinking. It all started at the age of 18 and wound down about 10 years ago when I decided Thailand would be my retirement country.

Do you ever think about what it would have been like retiring in Peru Itnt?

[ltnt]

Do you ever think about what it would have been like retiring in Peru Itnt?

Yes, but then my decision to retire in Thailand was based on a different set of personal requirements. Such as great inexpensive golf, loads of great beaches and waters, pretty user friendly on coming and going, reasonably good medical care if needed, some educated people, and pretty easy cost wise, pretty much summer weather all year long. Lots have changed since the original decision.

If I have to make a decision on my next stop, perhaps Spain, Portugal or even France.

Iquitos was pretty remote when I last visited but it was mostly an oil boom town and drug distribution local. You can find many amazon river camps to stay in from the agents in Iquitos. Loads of boat trips and if you're really adventuresome you can catch the local ferries that transport locals along the river for short distances, perhaps finding one that will take you all the way to the Atlantic ocean mouth of the Amazon? Really cheap and sleeping in a hammock all the way....

Peru was not so user friendly...pretty much is and always will be a police state, loads of poverty, not easy to get around, medical is really chancy, and golf was limited as well the Pacific Ocean in that part of the world is cold like in Crescent City Cal.

[rickschoppers]

Thailand seems to offer more than the Latin American countries for sure. My plan B would still be a country in that part of the world, but it would need to have good fishing and beaches. Panama, Belize or even Costa Rica come to mind.

[ltnt]

I think I'd prefer one that doesn't have a coup every other year and shooting in the streets to go along with it Rick..that why Europe. Banana Republics just ain't safe! I want to die on my own terms not some idiots with a 9 mm.

[rickschoppers]

Good point.

If I had to choose in Europe, it would be Spain for a number of reasons.