I got up at 4 to pack the last of my things and caught an Uber to the airport. It was a quick process to check-in and get through security except for one problem. I forgot to take my Leatherman out of my hand luggage! Using my broken Spanish I understood that due to having time I could get my checked in bag back and recheck it. I returned to the bag drop where I tried to explain to the guy what was going on only for him to start talking perfect English to me. He explained that it would take an hour or more to get my bag and I may miss my flight. He did give me the option of checking in another bag so I took all the valuable items out of my hand luggage and put them in a dry bag I had and checked my hand luggage in. Fortunately I didn't have to pay for an extra bag like you do with so many airlines.
Once through security I still had plenty of time so I had a bite to eat before heading to my gate. The flight was ok and I managed to get some sleep and both my bags were at baggage claim so no problem. I then tried to find my way to the centre of Chetumal to get a colectivo to Bacalar. The taxi wanted to charge me a fortune for a quick 10 min drive so I decided to walk. On my walk I met some other taxis who offered to take ma all the way to Bacalar for less than what I was told to get to the centre. So I jumped in and we got going.
In Bacalar I checked in and had a look around the hostel which was very different to what I am used to. There were tents dotted on the grass and a bus and mobile home which were used as the dormitories. Looks interesting and I'm sure I will be happy here.
I took a walk around the town and found an old fort which was used to protect the town from pirates. I walked around some more but didn't find much of interest except the beautiful blue waters. I grabbed a few beers and sat on the pier at the hostel and met a few of the guests.
Laura arrived and we went to grab some food and more beer before returning to the hostel and meeting Mika and Tash (2 South African girls). It's always good meeting people from Cape Town and we all sat chatting with some other guests on the deck until well after sunset.
Laura and I then went to get some more food. We found a good pizza place before retaining to the hostel for another beer before calling it a night.