Jocotán Guatemala, visiting the meat market
Honduras-Visiting the meat market of Jocotán, Guatemala
Going through the meat market is always interesting. Lots of good photo opps exist. It is always interesting to me to see how the rest of the world prepares their food. In my experience in the markets of Latin America, the people are always very proud to show me how they prepare and display their goods for sale. Take a look at these photos:
Chicken parts in the meet market of Jocotan, Guatemalahanging meat in the meat market of Jocotan Guatemala
a little sausage mixed some beef-doesn't look too appetizing
making a selection of fresh meat
a few fresh hoofs for the next meal-purchased fresh in the meat market of Jocotan, Guatemala
After we tired of the market, we spent a little while just walking around the town. Not much else to see, but in the next post I will post a few photos to give you an idea of how the town looks.
Next-a quick stroll through Jocotán, Guatemala
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
To read about my other travels click here
Jocotaán Guatemala, the public markets
Honduras-Visiting the market of Jocotan, Guatemala (part 14)
The attraction of Jocotan is their street market . The bus dropped us within a block of the market.
The bus station in Jocotan, Guatemala-
We did not see any other tourists in the market. We spent 3-4 hours looking at everything. It was very interesting. Lots of different stuff.
the market street of Jocotan, Guatemala
inside the market of Jocotan, Guatemala
Kathy bought a few hand made items. We had some snacks, and walked around a lot. It was very hot there.
Fabrics in the market of Jocotan, Guatemala
Found the people in the market to be very friendly. Here is a lady with a couple of pigs that she wanted to show us.
A lady with her 2 pigs in the Jocotan, Guatemala market
Lady with turkey in the market of Jocotan, Guatemala
We even visited the meat market which was interesting. You need a strong stomach to visit the meat market in Jocotan,Guatemala. I will save that for the next post.
Next-the meat market of Jocotan, Guatemala
Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net
To read about my other travels click here
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.
The border crossing into Guatemala from Honduras
Photo shot from the Guatemala side after crossing over from Honduras
The bus at the Guatemala/Honduras border to take us to Jocotan
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.
Honduras-on the bus to Jocotan, Guatemala. My fellow passenger carries a pet sparrow in her purse
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
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!
Hedman Alas bus station in San Pedro Sula, Honduras
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
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 outside of the Power Chicken restaurant
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.
Fried yucca fingers (yum), chicken fingers, rice and a Diet Pepsi at Power Chicken in San Pedro Sula
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
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.
The produce market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras-steve barrymore
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.
fresh vegetables in the produce market of san pedro sula, Honduras-steve barrymore
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.
Peppers in the produce market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras-steve barrymore
Ok, check out these photos. Pretty good looking stuff, huh?
Yucca Plants in the produce market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras-steve barrymore
Radishes in the produce market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras-steve barrymore
Onions in the produce market of San Pedro Sula
I think these may be Garbanzo beans in the San Pedro Sula produce market
Avocados in the produce market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
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
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.
Try to navigate traffic in the produce markets of San Pedro Sula
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:
Pineapples in the San Pedro Sula fruit market
Fresh citrus in the San Pedro Sula market
Fresh Mangos-ready to eat in San Pedro Sula
Bananas and mangos for sale in San Pedro Sula
Papayas in the San Pedro Sula market
a truckload of fruit for sale in San Pedro Sula fruit market
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
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.
Hanging beef in the meat market of San Pedro Sula Honduras
Hanging beef and sausage in the meat market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Hanging beef in the meat market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Beef and sausage in the meat market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
I think these may be something like Pork rinds in San Pedro Sula, Honduras meat market
hanging meat in the market of San Pedro Sula Honduras
Fish in the market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
One of the meat stands in the meat market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Shopping for meat in the market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
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
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!!
Breakfast on the concierge floor of the Hilton Princess in San Pedro Sula, Honduras
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.
The Tortilla ladies of the tortilla market in San Pedro Sula
Fresh tortillas cooking in the tortilla stands of the market in San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Rows and rows of tortilla stands in the market of San Pedro Sula, Honduras
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
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.
Steak dinner at Ni Fu Ni Fa restaurant in San Pedro Sula, Honduras
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
