Things you should know about Central America

1. The people are so nice!

2. Once you get into Guatemala, El Salvador, the comida tipico (local food) becomes corn-based. Pupusas, tamales and the like. (A bit bland for my liking).

3. Travel anywhere is SLOW. Tourist shuttles are marginally faster but the coolest way to travel is by chicken bus, basically old American school buses souped up with bright paint and flashing lights. So much cheaper, mingle with the locals and enjoy some reggae blaring out (Belize) or a bit of Prince Royce (everywhere else).

4. You can't flush toilet paper anywhere. It has to go in the little bin next to the toilet.

5. As in Spain, it's polite to say "buenas dias" in the morning, "buenas tardes" after lunch and "buenas noches" as soon as the sun goes down, when greeting anyone. Or to really fit in with the locals, you can just say a simple "buenas". But always say something!

6. It doesn't matter where you're from. If you're not Latino or Garifuna, you're a gringo.

7. La comida tipica in Nicaragua and Panama is rice and beans and meat.

8. The only country you can drink the tap water in is Costa Rica.

9. It's safe! Don't be scaremongered, take the usual precautions and you will be fine, contrary to all those nasty rumours you might hear.

10. In Central America a bus is never full.