When going through customs at the airport in Tegucigalpa, there is a sign on the customs agent's desk proclaiming, "Honduras, a five star country." Always makes me smile.
April 28th, 2011
I made it to Honduras around 11 am and was greeted warmly by Gloria and Nenemias. After a brief stop at the Heifer offices to say hi to Tim, we set off again to buy some last minute supplies. We went to a local market where Gloria said we could get some shelves that were inexpensive. When I hopped out of the truck the first thing that hit me was the smell. Not so fresh. As I took in the market, the next thing I noticed was how fresh the fruit and vegetables looked - they would put whole foods to shame (especially once you compare prices :). The market is like many things in Honduras: not as pristine as the American version, but if you buy what the locals buy you get more for your money. This was definitely true for the furniture we bought - a set of shelves and a cabinet with glass doors and a lock. Altogether they cost 950 Lempira, or about $50.
We then headed back to Gloria and Tim's house. As we pulled into the drive it started to rain. Then came my first experience of the rainy season. By the time we had unloaded the furniture, a full-blown storm was raging. Branches whipping, rain coming in torrents, and lighting accompanied by the loudest thunder I have ever heard. Gloria tells them that tropical thunder is always louder, but I think the fact that Tegu is in a valley might have contributed. I started working on my end of semester papersand realized that my computer battery was dying. And then I realized the power was out. Of all of the places I would have expected to not have power on this trip, Tim and Gloria's was not one of them. Ah the joys of travel. Always a surprise.
April 29th, 2011
We left the next morning at 6am to drive out to the community. After about a 5 hour drive, we arrived in Las Mercedes, unpacked my belongings, and left again for La Esperanza. La Esperanza is the closest reasonably sized city, and a place where I can get more reliable internet access. The map above highlights the district of Intibucá where Las Mercedes and La Esperanza are located.
April 30th, 2011
Now I've set up camp at Hotel Mina and am successfully procrastinating on finishing my last two papers of the semester. Guess I better get to work.
