Travels off the beaten path

Honduras, crossing into Guatemala(part 13)

Part 13-Crossing the border into Guatemala

The next a.m. I met up with the two other students, Sharon and Kathy, in the central park in Copan for what seemed would be a pretty simple trip to Jocotan, Guatemala. I had done a little research and found out there were some mini buses in town that carried passengers every hour to the border 8 miles away. The cost was about $1.

When we arrived at the corner from where the mini-buses departed, I realized I had left my original passport in the house where I was staying, but I had a copy of it with me. The van driver told me not to worry because as long as I had a copy, I would be ok. MISTAKE #1.   At this point, I should have listened to my “inner travel voice” and returned to get the original.

 The driver was yelling “frontera, frontera” (translation, “the border”). He crammed 18 of us into a 10 passenger van. We took off for Guatemala, driving fast, and dodging cows in the highway.

 When we arrived at the border, it was a very relaxed setting. We simply walked across. There was a small immigration office, but no one seemed to be checking much.

As seen in the photo above, on the Guatemala side of the border there was another bus waiting to take the new arrivals the last 40 minutes to Jocotan. The bus driver encouraged us to get on and not to worry about anything. MISTAKE #2.

 It was an interesting ride to Jocotan. The people on the bus were very friendly to us. We were the only tourists on the bus.

The lady sitting in front of me carried a pet sparrow in her purse. She took it out to show to me.

The plan was to spend the day in the markets of Jocotan before returning to Honduras.

Next- The markets of Jocotan, Guatemala

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read more about my travels click here

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Honduras, the bus to Copan Ruinas, Part 12

Honduras-Part 12-taking the bus to Copan Ruinas

After lunch, it was time to catch the bus for the 3 hour ride to Copan Ruinas in the northwest part of Honduras. 

I had asked Santos to come back to the hotel to take me to the bus station.  He couldn’t do it, but he sent his friend, Alejandro.  When Alejandro dropped me off at the bus station, he told me it was $8 USD.  I told him I thought that was too high, so we agreed on $7 USD (still too high, but what the heck).

There is a very nice, new bus station in San Pedro Sula.  It was only about 15 minutes from the Hilton Princess hotel. I checked in at the bus line—Hedman Alas.  I had taken them before.  They are a first class, quality bus line.  Their waiting area resembles movie theater seating.  Take a look at this photo below.  I look like I am eating popcorn waiting for the movie to start.  Actually, I am eating plantain chips waiting for a bus! 

I know, the first rule of blogging is not to load your blog with a bunch of photos of yourself, but this is the only one I had around the bus station.  You will just have to endure it.

At the bus station, I met two teachers, Kathy and Sharon, going to Copan also to study Spanish at the same school where I was attending, Ixbalanque Spanish School.  They asked me if they could hang around with me in Copan.  I said “sure”.  I mentioned I might go to Guatemala the next day and they latched onto me quickly.  We agreed to meet at the central parque in Copan the following morning. 

The (3) three-hour ride through the countryside is very interesting. You pass through a number of small villages.   I think Honduras is a beautiful country. 

The bus arrived in Copan at 6:30 p.m.  One of the co-owners of  the school, Kathy, was there to meet us and take us to the respective families we would be staying with.  My house would be a repeat stay from 2 years ago.

When I arrived at my homestay, the cook/housekeeper, Trini, remembered me, gave me a big hug and ran to get the mother of the house, Ruth, who was also very glad to see me return from two years ago.  They fed me dinner and I was feeling “at home” in less than one hour.

Tomorrow:  We cross the border into Guatemala

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

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Honduras, Power Chicken lunch in San Pedro Sula-Part 11

Honduras-Part 11-lunch at Power Chicken in San Pedro Sula

When I travel I am always interested in what the local people like to eat.  At the Hilton Princess  hotel, they told me THE place to be seen in San Pedro Sula was right down the street at Power Chicken.  So, it was off to Power Chicken for lunch.     PChick. is Honduras’ answer to McDonalds.

  The place was packed!!  It was assembly line cooking and service at its finest.  Very efficient.  I ordered chicken fingers, fried yucca (yum), white rice and a Diet Pepsi for $6.  I thought the price was a little high, but they gave me a lot of food.

Needless to say, I was the only gringo in the restauarnt.  It is always fun to go into the local places.  Reminded me a little bit of Pollo Campero in Guatemala.

After lunch I had to hoof it back to the hotel to get ready to leave San Pedro Sula by bus.

Next-Taking the Hedman Alas bus to Copan Ruinas

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

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Honduras, vegetable markets of San Pedro Sula, Part 10

Honduras-Part 10-The vegetable markets of San Pedro Sula

The fruit and vegetable markets are co-mingled, but for purposes of illustration, I thought I would separate the photographs and just show the vegetables in this post.  It probably makes it more interesting. 

Santos walked through the markets with me for the entire time.  Having a Honduran with me seemed to give me more credibility with the vendors.  Santos acted more like a bodyguard than a taxi driver.  He was always staying close by, looking around, watching the people, etc.  I finally asked him about it.  He said he used to be a security guard and it was just second nature to him to be watching the crowd to make sure no one tried to pick my pocket, or grab my camera.  OK with me.  Later, he told me I should never go into those markets alone.  Said lots of pickpockets were there.

While we were strolling through the markets, I could occasionally hear comments in the background about the American guy taking photos, but could not discern exactly what they were saying.  A number of the vendors just flat-out asked me if I wanted to take photos of their produce.  I think I was just an oddity there.  I was probably a break from their normal Saturday market routine.  Every time I spoke with one person, (3) three others would come up to listen just because they were curious.  Fine with me.  The more the merrier. 

Ok, check out these photos.  Pretty good looking stuff, huh?

After a few hours in the markets of San Pedro Sula, it was time to return to the hotel to get ready to leave for my 3 hour bus ride to the west to visit the little town of Copan Ruinas.  But first, lunch!!

Next: A trip to Power Chicken for lunch!

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

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Honduras, fruit markets of San Pedro Sula, Part 9

Honduras-Part 9 -The fruit markets of San Pedro Sula

After we got our fill of the meat markets, I was ready to move to the produce markets.  The fruit market first, then on to the vegetables.   The thing about produce in Latin America is that it always looks fresh and ready to eat.  I don’t know how they keep it looking like that in all the heat. 

By 9 a.m. it was incredibly hot.  I had sweat dripping off me.  I didn’t wear a hat because I didn’t want to look like a tourist…….like I really looked Honduran.  Right!!

The traffic in the streets around the market was horrendous.  I have no idea how Santos got through those tiny holes in the traffic, but somehow he did.

The vendors seemed to welcome me taking photos.  Many of them wanted to talk with me and show me their produce and how they peel or cut it.

Lets take a look at the types of fruit you can expect to buy in the markets:

Santos acted nervous the entire time.  He was always guarding my back and looking around.  He seemed a little uncomfortable in the tight quarters of the markets.  In any event he said it was time to go to the vegetable market.  OK, Santos….you are the boss.  I am in your territory now!  Let’s go.

Next-the vegetable markets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read about my other travels click here

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Honduras, public meat market of San Pedro Sula, Part 8

Part 8-Honduras- the public meat market of San Pedro Sula

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in the meat market of San Pedro Sula.  I was prepared for anything.  I actually found it to be reasonably clean.  It was one booth after another.  All selling varying kinds of meat.

Again, like in the tortilla markets, the people were friendly and somewhat amused that I was taking photos.  I was the only “gringo” in the market.

Next-on to the produce market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To read more of my travels click here

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Part 7-Honduras, the street markets of San Pedro Sula-the Tortilla market

Part 7-Honduras, the street markets of San Pedro Sula-the tortilla market

Since I was scheduled to meet Santos at 8 a.m. to hit the markets, I first needed to gobble down an energizing breakfast on the concierge floor of the Hilton Princess.  They serve a buffet breakfast with plenty of choices.  The flavor of the fresh squeezed orange juice was incredible!!

 I needed to catch a 1:30 p.m. bus to Copan Ruinas in western Honduras, so after breakfast, I  packed my bags to be ready to go when I returned from the markets.

Santos was waiting outside the Hilton Princess to take me to the street markets at the appointed  time.  Off we went.

Our first stop was the tortilla market.  I found it to be very interesting.  The ladies that worked in the booths all smiled or laughed as I was taking photos of them making their tortillas.  Here are some pics.

It was in the tortilla market where one of the women asked me if I wanted a girlfriend.  I told her I was married, and like the lady in the fruit market the day before, she said it wasn’t important.  She wanted   to be my Honduran girlfriend anyway.  I politely declined, but gave her a friendly smile.

On our way out, we passed the same tortilla stand. I gave the lady a wink,  and all the rest of them had a good laugh!

As we left the tortilla markets, Santos said he wanted to take me to the beef and pork markets.  Let’s go Santos!!

Next-the meat markets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

If you would like to read about my other travels click here

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Honduras, Ni Fu Ni Fa restaurant, San Pedro Sula-a great choice

A great dinner at Ni Fu, Ni Fa in San Pedro Sula, Honduras

I asked the hotel to recommend a place where I could get a very good dinner.  They suggested a steakhouse named Ni Fu, Ni Fa.  They told me to take a hotel taxi and make sure to have the same  one pick me up when I was finished.  In other words, don’t take a “rogue” taxi.  Santos happened to still be outside the Hilton with his taxi, so I commissioned him to take me.

When I walked into the restaurant, I was the only customer in the place.  I thought, “uh-oh….this may not have been a good idea”.  However, the servers seemed to be very attentive to me.  The waiter  suggested I try the steak, which I did.  I have to say, it was probably one of the best steaks I have ever eaten in my life.  So tender, I could cut it with a fork. 

I was enjoying a nice leisurely dinner by myself.  Soon, a rather large party of about 12 came in.  At the head of their table sat a gentleman that looked like the “godfather.” He seemed to command a lot of attention in the restaurant.  His group seemed to be all high class, well educated people.  I observed them with a great deal of curiosity.    Soon, the “godfather” came over to my table and asked if he could sit down with me.  He introduced himself as Jorge Marinkakis, the owner of the restaurant and he wanted to know what I thought about it.  For the next 45 minutes he told me his life story.  He was half-Greek, half-Honduran.  He owned this restaurant plus 3 others in San Pedro Sula, and also a fishing boat. His children were almost all U.S. educated, mostly at the Ivies. 

The restaurant soon began to fill and people kept coming up to our table to exchange greetings with Jorge.  Obviously, he was a big hitter and well known.  Pretty soon, two (2) other gentleman sat down at my table to speak with Jorge.  One was another restaurant owner in San Pedro Sula, and the other appeared to be a senior level executive with one of the banks in San Pedro Sula.  They spoke very good English and seemed to have all night to talk.  However, I did not.  I had a big day planned in the markets of city.  I excused myself after about 30 minutes with them.  However, I also mentally made notes to myself: 1.  Bring my wife to San Pedro Sula.  2.  Take her to dinner at Ni Fu, Ni Fa .

I asked the restaurant to call Santos to come back and pick me up.  I was back at the San Pedro Sula Hilton Princess by 10 p.m.—exhausted from the big day. 

Next-the street markets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about all of my travels click here

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Honduras-part 5– My first attempts at the streets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras (Cont’d)

Honduras-part 5– My first attempts at the streets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras (Cont’d)

At our agreed upon time, Santos picked me up in Parque Central. He seemed a little stunned that I had disobeyed him by going into the market area that he had told me to stay out of.   

I told him I wanted to go to more markets the next day and asked if he would  take me.  He pondered it for a moment and said (in Spanish), “ok, I will be your driver tomorrow even though I am scheduled to be off”.  He asked me if I liked produce markets.  I told him, I did.  He said “ok, then before I take you back to the hotel now, we’ll cruise a produce market to see if you like it enough to see more of them tomorrow”.   I believe he thought I might be bluffing. 

The produce street market was starting to close down, but he parked his taxi on the street and we walked a few feet. 

There was pick-up truck loaded with some fruit. 

There was a man in the market who introduced himself as Francisco.  Francisco was sitting on the tail gate of his pick-up, surrounded by 5 or 6 friends.  He was friendly and asked me the standard questions…..Where are you from?  Why are you here in the produce market (and Honduras)?  Where did you learn Spanish?  etc, etc, etc.  Francisco seemed a little amused to see a gringo in a Honduran street market in San Pedro Sula.  His friends just stared at me.  I stared back.

Within a couple of minutes a sultry looking woman suddenly appeared at the truck, looked at me, and said something to Francisco.  Francisco laughs and tells her that I wouldn’t understand.  In Spanish, I asked her what she said, and she replied “soltera”, meaning single woman.  Then she flashed a big toothy smile at me.   They all started laughing.  Santos looked embarrassed.  I told them I understood completely and then they laughed even more.  I showed them my wedding ring and they laughed harder.  Santos was getting nervous and said it was time to go.  When we left, they were still laughing.   Ha, Ha, ha. 

By this time, Santos was convinced I was truly up for the street markets.  I told him that in the morning I wanted to hit every major street market in San Pedro Sula.  He said it would take 3 hours and to be ready to go at 8 a.m.  I headed back to the hotel for dinner.

Next-a great dinner at Ni Fu, Ni Fa

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about all of my travels click here

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Honduras, the streets of San Pedro Sula-Part 4

Honduras-My first attempt at the streets of San Pedro Sula Honduras. Part 4

It was late in the afternoon when I had decided it was time to tackle the street markets that I had heard so much about in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.  The front desk of the Hilton Princess San Pedro Sula told me to be careful out there alone.  I asked if they could supply a driver to take me.  They suggested a hotel taxi.  Santos was my driver and agreed to drop me off in the street markets.  He spoke no English. 

When we got to the markets, there was plenty of activity. However, Santos asked me to stay on the fringes of the street markets and not venture alone into the center of the markets. He did not think it would be safe.   He agreed to pick me up at Parque Central in two hours.

 I spent about 15 minutes walking the fringe markets, very boring, plenty of booths, but not a lot of activity.  You can see for yourself…..but just wait!

 Finally, I made the decision that if I was going to have any true experiences, I would have to disregard the advice of Santos and go into the center of the markets to see what was really going on.

I made sure I had everything safely tucked away i.e. camera, money, etc.  I crossed Avenida Tercera which seems to separate the tranquil markets from the active markets.  Soon, I  was in the thick of the action. 

It was one crazzzzy market.  I was very careful.  No doubt about it……I was the ONLY tourist there!

I was first waved over by a man who introduced himself as “Wilson”.  Wilson had his arms around 2 girls and wanted to practice his virtually non-existent English on me.  He had a few body piercings and was a friendly sort.  He wanted to know what I was doing in Honduras and why I was in the markets.  We talked for a few minutes while his girlfriends stared at me.  After 5 minutes, I shook hands, said goodbye, and went on my way. 

Next, I was stopped by two (2) currency street traders named Angel and Carlos.  They were (2) two really hyperactive guys whose eyes were always darting around.  Angel had once lived in the U.S.  I asked them to tell me about a day in life of a currency trader on the streets of San Pedro Sula.  They said they made a few cents on every trade, trading both sides of the currency i.e. dollars to lempiras and lempiras to dollars.  I asked them if anyone had ever given them counterfeit money.  They emphatically said “no”.  I had a feeling if anyone ever had, it was probably the one and only time they ever did.  

I didn’t really like the feeling of standing on the streets of San Pedro Sula, Honduras with people who had large stacks of money in their hands, so I made an excuse to leave. They asked me to come back the next day and talk with them some more. 

Next stop was a store that sold new and used clothing.  The manager, Jose , was standing out front.  He was missing most of his front teeth, and spoke about 10 words in English.  I asked him where the used clothing came from.  He said the U.S., but couldn’t remember any other details.  He said he had been in jail in Texas and that was his only experience living in the U.S.  About that time, a fight broke out in the booth next to his store.  It started out about 20 feet from me and quickly headed my way.  Jose said a guy was trying to steal some stuff from the booth.  The booth owner grabbed the suspected thief by the shirt and gave him one good drop kick.  Fight over.  I quickly left the area.

Next-Stay tuned.  It gets more interesting

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

To see more of my travels click here

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