While I was travelling I met a few people who were fascinated by the fact that I am a hypnotist and wanted immediately to know if I could help them overcome a problem they had.  Sometimes its quicker to demonstrate than to try and explain what I do.

Bryonny was in her twenties and told me she had a problem with cringing.  She would remember things that had happened to her and feel ashamed and embarrassed.  Sometimes she would lie awake at night remembering the same events over and over and making herself feel terrible.

Sunday, Neil and Rachel were having a party for their son, my nephew, Hal. I was in charge of clearing the back garden and lighting a bonfire so marshmallows could be toasted. It rained until 1pm and then miraculously the sky cleared and the sun made up for the chill in the wind. I had been saving some well seasoned sprigs of wood for just this purpose and they snapped cleanly with a satisfying crack, promising a quick efficient burn.

They say you can see 7 shades of blue in the carribean sea off the Yucutan coast.  From the veranda of our beach cabana we practise counting them.  The sky is clear, the sun merciless.  The sea so warm its like taking a bath.  The sand, soft, white coral.  Our hammocks swing in the slight breeze, just enough to cool the sweat from our glowing bodies.

We arrive in Palenque at 8am and immediately notice a difference.  More travellers in a confined space than we have seen since we got to Mexico.  We are on the well travelled tourist route now.

After standing around looking dazed for 10 minutes we make out way to the Collectivo- the minibus that runs back and forth from Palenque to the ruins, stopping on the way at El Panchan.  There is a mix of camping and cabanas there and it seems to be the place to go.