Honduras, A visit to a plantation near Progresso-Part 2

Part 2-cont’d

Honduras-visiting an orange plantation in Progresso–

I have a couple of friends that are from Honduras.  Their parents still live in the town of Progresso which is located very near San Pedro Sula.  When I told them I was planning a return trip to Honduras, they insisted their family pick me up at the airport.  I didn’t want to impose, but when they said they thought it would be safer than me just grabbing a taxi at the airport, I took them up on it.  So, their dads, Mario and Ernesto were there  when my flight arrived.  They spoke very little English, so everything was in Spanish.  It was extremely hot when I arrived in San Pedro Sula.

Mario and Ernesto and their families live in Progresso.  They took me to visit their homes for some refreshments.  I was no longer a typical tourist.   I was quickly absorbed into the real Honduras lifestyle. 

After resting up and being shown around town, Mario wanted to take me up into the hills to see his citrus plantation where he had 1500 orange trees.  Of course, I welcomed that opportunity.  We drove up into the hills until we ran out of pavement.  We then proceeded down some pretty iffy dirt roads.  Mario told me I was the only person from the U.S. to ever step foot on his plantation.  That made me feel very special. 

We were in a very remote area.  When we got out of the truck, Mario pulled out a heavy duty pistol, tucked into his pants and said, “you never know who/what you will run into in the hills, so we need protection”.  Okay by me!!  My only question was……how many bullets do we have?

We walked through the plantation for a while.  Mario pointed out various things of interest.

The area was very rugged as you can see by the following photos:

Mario talked with me about his orange trees.  His caretaker showed up and we chatted with him for awhile. 

Soon, it was time to leave.  Mario was taking me to my hotel in San Pedro Sula.  Quite honestly, I was looking forward to the air conditioned room.  To be continued…..

Next-an overview of the San Pedro Sula Hilton Princess

Read about all of my travels click here

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

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