The day started early.   Alarm set at 2:45 AM, out the door at 3.  Flores is deserted, shops closed and houses boarded up.  Walking through the darkened streets, I find the empty shuttle and climb aboard.  In a few minutes it will be packed full, people sitting on the floor and squeezed against the door.  We ride through the jungle but everyone is sleeping.  Then, we are in Tikal, walking quickly to beat the sunrise, climbing and climbing hills, with light beginning to ease out from under the mist, the trees full of screeching birds and buzzing insects.  Up hundreds of stairs, and we are almost there, almost to the top of the highest temple where we can watch the sun rise over the ruins. (more…)