Copan Ruinas, Honduras-a dangerous fall while leaving Honduras
After a week of successful studies at Ixbalanque Spanish School, and recovering from a respiratory illness for stupidly wading through dirty, muddy, flood waters in the streets, I thought the rest would be easy. Wrong!!
Central American countries don’t have any OSHA oversight, so you have to use a little intelligence on your own.
In the town of Copan Ruinas, You need to watch where you walk. There are some holes in the street grates, sidewalks, and some very poorly designed steps. Some of the streets have inclines as illustrated by this photo:
tough sidewalks to navigate in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
My last day in Copan, I was hurrying back to the school to pick up something I had left behind. I was trying to be really careful, but just before I got to the school, I slipped down some slick steps and twisted my ankle really bad. I had not had anything hurt like that in a long time.
On the way home, I saw a store owner who recognized me and asked what had happened. He said there was a clinic in town, but he would not recommend it. I hobbled home and just fell into bed in pain. I was supposed to leave on a bus the next morning at 4:45 a.m.
There was a small store across the street from my house and after I awoke I limped over to buy some Ibuprofen–the pharmacies were all closed. The owner was very concerned about me when I told him I had to walk 4 blocks to the bus station with my suitcase early the next morning. He cautioned me that it would dark and in my shape, I could easily fall. He said he would get up at 4 a.m. and carry my bag for me and made sure I got there safe. Needless to say I accepted.
When I got up the next a.m. I could barely walk. Thank goodness, the store owner was sitting outside the door of my house waiting for me as promised. He helped me to the station and made sure I got on the bus.
From Copan, I traveled 3 hours by bus back to the station in San Pedro Sula. On the bus, I met another student who offered to help me get back to the airport. I was glad for the assistance.
When I arrived in Oklahoma City, bruised, battered, and limping, my wife met me at the airport and just looked at me and said “when are you going to learn?”
In spite of everything, on the way home, I just smiled to myself and thought about the challenges of the trip and how I managed to survive everything and have such great memories.
P.S.-BTW-it was a bad ankle sprain and it took several months to heal. It still gives me a little trouble from time to time.
Ok, I have some other trips to write about. I will start those next week.
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
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Copan Ruinas Honduras-My family life
When you live with a local family, which I have done many times in Latin America, the experiences are always varied–that’s what makes it so fun. The school I was attending, Ixbalanque Spanish School set up the family stay.
Trini, the maid that worked at the house where I was staying, was a very nice person. She had a very cute little girl about 2 years old that stayed with her while she worked. The little girl always seemed to be curious about the stranger(me) that always came to the meals.
Here is a photo of Trini and her daughter:
Trini and her daughter in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Trini had told me that she only had 4 photos of her little girl, so with Trini’s permission, I spent some time taking photos of her daughter and took them to a little photo store to get developed. Yes, even in the small town of Copan Ruinas, Honduras there is a way to get photos printed.
Here are some cute photos of her daughter.
Trini's daughter in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Trini's daughter always like to look out the door to see what was going on
Ms. personality always had a cute smile for everyone
I gave Trini 12 different photos, so in the end she had a total of 16 photos of her daughter when I left Honduras.
Copan Ruinas, Honduras-A night at Jim’s Pizza
Normally, I am dedicated to eating only the local food wherever I might be. However, Ron, one of the other students from the school had suggested we break from routine and head to the only pizza joint in the town of Copan Ruinas, Honduras, Jim’s Pizza. Really glad we did. We were the only customers there. Jim is a heavy set ex-pat who drinks beer and watches tv from the restaurant. Here is a photo of he and I. He is the one on the right.
Copan Ruinas Honduras-Jim's and I at Jim's Pizza
Jim is one of those guys that is your immediate friend. He entertained us for two hours and told us everything we wanted to know about Honduras, and then some. He had been here for around 5 years. Turns out his family used to be from Tulsa, so we really hit it off. I got the complete inside scoop about everything going on in town. All the good dirt.
The pizza wasn’t bad, but the conversation was priceless. You could not buy that type of chatter anyplace in the world. It was a great two hours and I was asleep by 9 p.m.
Copan Ruinas-The Mayan Ruins. Honduras Part 3
Not only is it fun and educational to walk around the open ruins with a guide, but also located on the grounds is a museum that has a lot of replicas of different artifacts that have been discovered at the ruins over the years. Don’t make the mistake of just visiting the ruins and leaving. There is also a nice little café and a good souvenir shop on the grounds.
Ok, one more thing: remember what I said about the bi-lingual guides? Even though I was enrolled in Spanish school, I asked for the tour to be in English. I did that because the Mayan history is a little complicated and I didn’t want to miss anything. Just don’t tell my teacher!!Here is a photo of the outside of the museum on the grounds.
Here is the museum building
Now, here are some photos of the inside:
Inside the museum of Copan Ruinas
Another view of inside the museum
some copies of famous works uncovered at the Copan Ruinas
some of my ancestors from Copan Ruinas
lots of displays inside the museum of Copan Ruinas
All in all, the museum is a great place to escape the intense sun and heat. Everything on display is well documented with explanations. Don’t worry if it is a replica or not. The idea is to educate you about the Maya.
When it comes time to go back to town, don’t cop out by grabbing one of the tuk-tuk taxis. Copan Ruinas is not the place for whiners!! Take the time to stroll the mile or so back to town along the tree lined path. You will meet a few vendors along the way that are selling dolls, etc. If you see something interesting that you like, you should buy it.
You might want to take an umbrella if there is any chance of rain. The day I walked back, I did not have an umbrella and got absolutely soaked in a big time downpour. By the time I got back to town, the streets were flooded with calf deep water. It was just like you see on the international news!! I had to dry out while sitting in front of a coffee shop. Good thing I was wearing “quick-dry” travel clothing. I paid a price though and I will mention it in a subsequent post where I will have more comments about Honduras.
Copan Ruinas, Honduras-The Mayan Ruins, Part 2
There were very few tourists the day we visited the Mayan ruins of Copan Ruinas, Honduras. I went with Kathy and Sharon, 2 other students from the Ixbalanque language school. It is very easy to spend several hours at the ruins.
We hired a guide for $25 for 2 hours. We seemed to be the only ones with a guide. It surprises me that people travel such a long distance to see something so incredible and try to do it without someone qualified to explain what you are seeing.
The entrance into Copan Ruinas
Copan Ruinas Honduras-The Mayan Ruins
Copan Ruinas-Mayan Ruins
Copan Ruinas-Mayan Ruins
Copan Ruinas-Mayan Ruins
Copan Ruinas-Mayan RuinsCopan Ruinas-Mayan Ruins
Copan Ruinas-Mayan Ruins
Copan Ruinas-Mayan Ruins
Having visited Copan Ruinas (2) two different times, I like the fact that it never seems to be crowded. Occasionally a bus of tourists will roll through Copan Ruinas, Honduras, but it never seems to put much pressure on the ruins. I consider it a very peaceful and tranquil site.
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
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Copan Ruinas, Honduras-The Mayan ruins (Part 1)
The big attraction to the town of Copan Ruinas, Honduras is the Mayan Ruins located only one (1) mile outside of town. It is an easy stroll. Part of it being a tree lined walk. Suggest you go in the morning, because of what can be sometimes be intense heat. Make sure you wear a hat! If your walking partner starts to complain about the heat or the distance, just remind them of all the work the Mayans did while on a corn diet!
The tree lined walk to the Mayan ruins of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
I have visited the ruins on two (2) different trips to Copan Ruinas. The second time was like being there for the first time, because there is so much to study. I have visited a number of sites in Central America and Mexico. Each time I learn a lot more about the Mayan civilization.
You will need to pay an admission charge to enter the park. Plus, I strongly suggest you get a guide. They can add so many details to the tour that you would never get on your own. There is a little office on your left as you enter the park where the guides hang out. You can make arrangements there. If you are going to spend all the time and money to get to Copan Ruinas, Honduras then let go of a few bucks to do the ruins in the best possible way. The cost of a guide for 2 hours was around $25.
The entrance to the Mayan ruins of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
There is an open air museum that is very interesting where you will actually buy your tickets to the park. In addition to the open air visitor’s center, there is an enclosed museum building with some very interesting examples of the Mayan work.
The musuem center of the Mayan Ruins of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Don’t try to take the easy way out by only visiting the museum. You HAVE TO visit the actual ruins to get the full effect of the Mayan life. Don’t let the Mayans think they did all that work for nothing!
Next-we will go visit the actual ruins!
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
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Copan Ruinas, Honduras-the Street Markets (Part 2)
In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables and meats in the street markets of Copan Ruinas, Honduras; you will also find a variety of products that the people use in their daily lives. Seeing this stuff in the markets gives you an insight into how the people live.
My last trip to Copan Ruinas, Honduras was where I found the colored lassos. It was the first time I had seen them in a market. It certainly makes for some interesting photography.
Need a plastic container or a lasso? Take your pick
Hammocks, lassos, or mangos
You can buy any type of hat in the street markets of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
As you can see, there is no end to what you can buy in the steet markets of Copan Ruinas, Honduras. It is an interesting way to spend the day.
In addition to the markets where the local people shop, there are also plenty of street vendors selling a collection of crafts, jewelry, etc. to the tourists. Some of the vendors seem to be backpackers that are just trying to get enough money to continue traveling on.
Next-we will take a look at the Mayan ruins of Copan Ruinas, Honduras-
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
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The town of Copan Ruinas, Honduras (Part 1)
The town of Copan Ruinas, Honduras (Part 1)
One of the advantages of studying Spanish at the Ixbalanque language school is getting to live in Copan Ruinas while you are going to school. I really enjoy this little town that is nestled in the hills of the Copan Valley in northern Honduras. It is one of my favorite places in the world.
As I mentioned in one of my previous blogs, the taxi system here is the “Tuk-Tuk” which is a motorized golf cart. They are all over the town.
The Tuk-Tuk Taxi's of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Most of the Tuk-Tuk taxis of Copan Ruinas, Honduras are red, but occasionally you will see a differnt color
Many of the town’s activities are centered around the town square which was just a two block walk from the family with whom I was staying. There is also a very interesting museum on the square. I will have some photos of that in a subsequent blog.
typical street in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Lots of activity around the square in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Early Morning in the town square in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
The town square of Copan Ruinas, Honduras. Always a great place to sit quietly during certain parts of the day
one of the entrances to the town square in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Around the outside of the square are a couple of shops, a market, a few banks, and a coffee shop where I liked to hang in the a.m. and sip Honduran coffee. Sorry, I don’t have any photos of the retail surrounding the square, you will just have to visualize it—just don’t visualize Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This town is for the people who want a totally different experience!
In my next blog, I will post some photos of the streets of Copan Ruinas, Honduras. You really don’t want to miss those, so don’t wander off and start reading some other traveler’s blogs!
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
Read about the rest of my travels in Honduras
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McCaw Mountain Bird Park and Nature Preserve-Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Visiting the McCaw Mountain Bird Park in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
By now you have read some of my other posts about different leisure activities I have participated in while visiting Honduras. If you haven’t, you can catch up on all of them by clicking here.
I don’t know anybody that is not interested in seeing the beauty of tropical birds. Well, Copan Ruinas in western Honduras has a great place to see them. It is the McCaw Mountain bird sanctuary.
You will see plenty of colorful birds at the McCaw Bird Sanctuary
One of the beautiful birds
One of the guides available to take you through the park
One of the students from the Ixbalanque Spanish School enjoying one of the birds
My new best friends
One of the teachers from the Ixbalanque Spanish School enjoying the birds
Some of the "inmates"
In Copan, the means of transportation for tourists are the small golf cart taxis. That is what you will ride in up into the mountain where the sanctuary is located.
Taxis in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
On the day I visited, the trip was arranged as a side excusion as part of my studies with the Ixbalanque Spanish school in Copan, but you can find any golf cart taxi to take you.
There is an admission charge to enter the park. Plan on spending 2-3 hours. I wanted to share with you some of the photos I took while visiting the park.
The park is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is $10USD per person. If you are interested in checking out their web site, you can click here.
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
To read about my other travels click here.
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Horseback riding in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
During both of my one week study programs at the Ixbalanque Spanish School in Copan Ruinas, Honduras, I have taken advantage of their after school excursions. One of my favorite activities is the horseback riding into the countryside.
Both years, I have had the same guide for my horseback ride. I don’t remember his name, but he is one of the nicest, most accommodating people I have ever met. Here is a photo of him:
My guide for the second time on the horseback ride in Copan Ruinas, Honduras
My first trip, I was the only person on the ride with him. When he brought the horses to the school, the other students all came outside of the building to watch me climb on the horse. What they didn’t know was that I was from Oklahoma and have had my share of horseback rides. Foot in the stirrup, swing up on the horse, and away we rode. I think they all expected me to fall off the horse!
My guide brought the horses to the school
When we got to the outskirts of town we rode into the Copan River. We stopped in the middle of it to allow the horses to drink. The water was up to the belly of the horse. I had to raise up my feet to keep them from getting wet. It was 8 a.m. There was a light fog hanging in the Copan Valley. It was a beautiful morning. It was about as good as it gets.
Crossing the Copan River by horseback
My guide spoke no English. I could understand about half of what he said in Spanish. We rode down the middle of the river for several hundred yards, finally climbing the bank to get up on a dirt road for better footing and more rapid travel.
Riding down the middle of the Copan River
We rode past several small farms. As we rode side by side, my guide told me about his life in Copan, his family, and how much pride he took in his horses and making them available for tourists.
horseback riding down a rural road outside of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Part of the countryside outside of Copan Ruinas, Honduras
Part of the landscape outside of Copan Ruinas
The countryside as seen from on top of a horse
We continued to climb higher and higher into the hills until we reached the top with an incredible view of the Copan Valley. As I surveyed the valley below, I remember thinking, “only a few days ago, I was sitting in a white shirt and tie in my office and now, here I am high on a hill in the tranquil Copan Valley, sitting on top of a horse”!
A view of the Copan River
A view of the Copan Valley and Copan Ruinas Honduras
So, if you visit Copan Ruinas, Honduras, I highly recommend that you take a morning and invest in a nice leisurely horseback ride through the countryside.
Next-I will give you an overview of the bird farm
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
To read about my other travels click here. If you want to read my entire Honduras blog click here.
