http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27246 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27246 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27245 I had the good luck to have the director give me two hours of his time, explaining the Lenca civilisation and the relationship with other Maya sites, but even without him it would have been a wonderful visit.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27245 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27244 A wonderful town centre, slowly being restored, with a church containing a clock once housed in the alhambra and given to the town by the king of Spain.
Forget Antigua in Guatemala. Come here for Holy Week events, coloured sawdust carpets in the streets and a real 'people's' event, no something for tourists.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27244 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21561 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21561 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21559 It is well sited for exploration of northern Nicaragua by bus and, being in town, means you are not hostage to some over priced so called eco lodge or hotel miles from anywhere and can take full advantage of local restaurants and food stands.

Great little town with superb Sandinista memorial.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/21559 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17420
To see the real Costa Rica, not the meretricious zip lines and canopy tours offered by exploitative ex-hippies, stay with Don Freddy and Dona Barbara. He has reasonable English and French, comprehensive knowledge of local wildlife and can show you how real local people live their lives. There is even a frequent bus service if you don't want to drive, as far as the capital for just over one pound each way.

Don't overlook San Jose either. Chaotic it is, but has some interesting backwaters like Barrio Amon; see the areas south of the Central Avenue before they get developed. Great little sodas (cafes) abound and, if you want upmarket, then try the Argentinian restaurant near La Solidad church; a timbale of green apple and prune accompanying a pork fillet in brown beer and honey sauce is worth taking the trip!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17420 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10680
Thouars has a vibrant history, from the Hundred Years War to the age of the steam train, but has now sunk into quiet contemplation of its past. The old town hangs out over the River Thouet, Chateau, chapel and medieval houses all huggermugger in narrow lanes, a bit depressed in parts, but well worth a visit - the view from the ring road heading south will stay with you for ever. From there, visit the valley of the River Argenton, medieval bridges, rock climbing, canoeing and even moto cross lessons for the fearless!

This is real rural France, not the tourist office version.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/10680