Welcome to David

I thought it was kind of the Panamanians to put up a welcome sign for me.

Panama

This bridge is the border crossing between Costa Rica and Panama. Its a railway bridge with a few planks of wood and some chicken wire to stop you falling over the edge into the river. Decide which line of planks to use and hope there aren't any gaps large enough for a bike to fall through.





Soon after entering Panama the rain started. Riding through the hills it got heavier and heavier. Heavy enough to cause landslides, covering the road in mud and rocks, flash floods and in places washing the road away. I thought perhaps this was just par for the course in Panama but it was bad enough to be the lead story on the evening news. I later learned that soon after I passed through the road was closed totally.

The Curse of Peurto Viejo

I was beginning to wonder if I was ever going to leave Costa Rica. I got as far as getting everything packed on Saturday and was just about to load the bike when I discovered a flat rear tyre. Rather than rush the repair I decided to stay an extra day. On Sunday I actually got as far as loading the bike and starting it. Unfortunately it then died and wouldn't restart. A bit of mechanical attention and I finally managed to leave on Monday.

The carribean

I've managed to tear myself away from the hammock for long enough to take a four day diving course.

Puerto Viejo

I'm on a beach by the Carribean. There's only one thing to do - absolutely nothing.
Actually that's not quite true, I am managing to find the time to lounge in a hammock and drink mojitos.
Its okay, I'm not expecting your sympathy.

40,000km

40,000km since leaving home and I've made it as far as Liverpool. Later I was stopped at a police checkpoint. Having asked to see my passport the policeman then seemed a little confused as to what he should do with it. Rather than make a note of my passport number he wrote down the details of my Mongolian visa.

Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica

A volcano hike in the afternoon. An evening spent at thermal hot springs with an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Now remember folks, the life of an around-the-world-motorcyclist is one of hardship and sacrifice.

I hired another fixer at the Costa Rican border. I was quite glad of his assistance as part of the customs process involved handing all of my documents through a bus window.

Granada

Nicaragua's oldest colonial city. Founded by the Spanish in 1524, raided by Captain Henry Morgan in 1665, burned to the ground by American William Walker in 1856.

Most people come here to admire the colonial architecture. I came to Granada because I've owned two of them.




It appears the Nicaraguans don't think much of my Guatemalan haircut - everytime I walk past a barbers shop they try to usher me inside.

Cloud forest zip line tour

Nicaragua

At the border this morning I was approached by a fixer (for the first time). Now, after 27 countries I like to think I've got the hang of border crossings (immigration and customs for the country you're leaving followed by immigration, customs and sometimes insurance for the country you're entering) but for the sake of three quid I thought I'd make use of his services.

For another 60 pence I got a security guard for the bike as well: