HONDURAS December 22, 2010: Americans in Honduras– Dia 3

Hola – Dia Tres

Well, I lied last night when I said we had a big drive ahead of us for today — We never checked our basic itinerary until we were headed for bed last night. We were planning to stay two nights in Comayagua! So we extended and set out today to “really” explore this town!

We started at the Museo de Arcologica which is in a wonderful building with great courtyards, and the collection of Lenca artifacts is supposedly one of the best.. But it’s a rather tiny collection with some pretty amateurish recreations (compared to the incredible archaeological museums in Mexico and other parts of the world). We were the only ones there.

Then we decided to stroll well beyond the center to see what typical neighborhoods and life is all about.. And boy did we do that. A few blocks past the Parque Nacional, we literally ran into one of those unbelievably bustling — body to body commercial districts, where the decibel level was like dozens of jackhammers going nonstop at the same time.. of course this was mostly vendors barking and music blaring from every stall. It was great fun. Unfortunately the goods are very low quality and nothing handmade. This area covered about 8 square blocks. In the midst of all the people walking in the streets and the stalls which covered (blocked) the sidewalks pushing shoppers and pedestrians into the streets, cars, taxis, and even buses where trying to make their way. The area wasn’t unlike many others we’ve seen in developing countries, but I think the volume of it all was greater, as was the unexpectedness of it all.

After lunch, we decided to venture further out to see what the outlying areas were like, so we drove about 1/2 mile or maybe a mile beyond the center of Comayagua into barrios and colonias that circle the town. Pretty much all self help, with varying degrees of completion; no real infrastructure; rugged self-made roads; lots of stray dogs; etc.

If we had a four-wheel drive car we would have continued on, but with a little Hyundai we were limited.

Just finished dinner at the place that was closed last night. Located in a house that was the general’s palace beginning in 1790 when Comayagua was the capitol of Honduras.. and then was passed on to other leaders and eventually in 1999 became a restaurant (and unknown to us also a disco and karaoke bar). Walked back to our hotel — cool breezes and clear skies.

For the foodies reading these notes, don’t come to Honduras for the food.. The “tipico” is pretty overcooked beef or chicken (which is much better), plantains, rice, beans, a small slice of a local cheese, and salad (which we can’t eat for fear of real stomach issues) — and tortillas. Many restaurants don’t have liquor licenses and coke is the mainstay here.. sparkling water doesn’t exist.. so agua purificado is our drink of choice, if beer is not available. Not much in the dessert arena, but there are ice cream places — many flavors, but overly sweet. I’ve had chicken twice a day, most days; but alas, we can come back to the Bay Area for great food.

Tomorrow we really leave Comayagua and head north to Tela on the northern coast and then on to Ceiba. I think there is a small ex-pat community there (not certain), so it could be very different than what we’ve experienced thus far.

Take care — Assuming I’ll find a connection, you’ll hear from me tomorrow night. By the way, if you don’t really want to read this stuff, feel free to toss. Not insulted.

Fern