I recently asked some people I work with “when was the last time you had a tetanus vaccination”?  I got a lot of blank stares because no one could remember.  Not a single person kept a list of their vaccinations on a “International certificate of vaccination card”.  Those people who had kept the same doctor over all the years said they would just ask their doctor.  But, if you are out of the country you can’t always ask your doctor.  It is always a good idea to carry a copy of the list of your vaccinations in case you have a medical problem.

Because of my travels, I have had a series of different types of immunizations.  My doctor doesn’t do all of them.  I went to three different places to get all the proper ones.  This exercise involved a number of phone calls on my part calling either the local health dept, or the local university health center to see what vaccinations they offered.  And this was after I had to do all the research on the countries I was visiting to find out the vaccinations I needed! Wouldn’t it be easier to have someone manage this for you?  I believe so!!

I recently met Seth Haymore here in Oklahoma City who manages a company named “Passport Health” with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.  Seth is a seasoned traveler and understands the many challenges that travelers face.  His company, Passport Services, can handle many types of medical travel services for you.  Below is a partial list of some of the things they offer.

They will:

• assess your health history and needs based on your Itinerary
• Provide info on health risks and required and recommended immunizations
• Security Tips
• Precautionary measures for dietary activities
• Provide the International Certificate of Vaccinations that I mentioned above
• Recommend travel and evacuation insurance options
• Offer additional on-site services.

They offer other medical travel services in addition to the above.  If you are planning a large or small trip out of the country, it may be worth your while to call Seth in Oklahoma City at 405 563-8961 and in Tulsa at 918-770-4290.   Or check out his website at www.passporthealthok.com.  Your health and security are the two most important things to plan for when traveling.

I am always on the lookout for cool travel accessories.  Some of them are listed in my travel tips column.  I am huge believer in practicing security when I travel.  I have heard too many horror stories from other travelers who have had backpacks, purses or bags stolen right in front of their eyes.  So, I was particularly intrigued with this easy to use locking device called the “grab guard”

The Grab Guard in black

It is an easy to use two (2) number combination cable lock that is extremely lightweight and serves the purpose of temporarily delaying any thief that is trying to make a “quick getaway” with your stuff.  Usually all it takes is a slight deterrent to make a thief choose a different target.

I often travel with a 22 inch roll aboard suitcase and carry a small backpack.  The problem is when I am sitting in an airport waiting area and trying to keep both the suitcase and the backpack secure.  With the Grab-Guard, I simply put the cable lock through both pieces to keep them secured together. 

 I recently used it on a trip to New York and it eased a lot of my concerns with keeping my bags secured together.  I really liked using it.   My next trip was to Chicago, where I forgot and left the Grab-Guard at home.  On that trip,  I had much more anxiety about my bags when I wasn’t using the Grab Guard.

The grab guard in brown

 I wanted to get some other people’s opinions about Grab Guard.   I started out with my daughter who travels a lot.  Her comments were “Yeah! I can totally see this in the airport.  I am always afraid I am going to fall asleep and someone will walk off with my purse”  “Now, I can attach my purse to either me or the armrest while waiting for my flight.  This would be perfect for travel”!!

When I showed it to my wife, she said, “Wow that is a neat little gadget!  It’s cool! It’s small! I wish I would have had that this morning to have secured my purse in the restaurant when we were having breakfast”!

My friend Kim said, “I think it is perfect for securing my purse in the cart at the grocery store.”  “I see women all the time that are getting ready to have their purses stolen because they just set them in the grocery cart.”  ” I am going to have my husband get me one”!

I then interviewed some random 20-something(ages) young women at Starbucks.  Their comments were, “I would use it at the airport or in the grocery store”.  “It would be perfect”!  “I really like it.”   The most shocking comment I got from the younger girls was a shrug when asked if they would use in a restaurant.  Several of the younger ones said “I probably wouldn’t use it to secure my purse in a restaurant, because no one in this city would ever steal your purse off a chair” (???)  Famous last words of the uninitiated!

Grab guard secures purse to chair

Grab Guard used to secure backpack to chair

Do yourself a favor and check out their website for ordering info.   Plus you can see the video on the various uses of the product. www.grabguard.com

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about my travel tips here

Read about the rest of  my other world travels here

Comments?  Please post below or email me at ssb11@prodigy.net

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

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

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

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.   

San Pedro Sula, Honduras-Parque Central, I am pointing the number on the side of Santos' taxi.

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. 

San Pedro Sula Honduras street market-it was close to closing time.

There was pick-up truck loaded with some fruit. 

A truck load of fruit in San Pedro Sula street market

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

I have always liked the Hilton Princess San Pedro Sula hotel since I first saw hit.  Seems like an oasis in the middle of a lot of the hustle-bustle of San Pedro Sula.  Here’s a pic:

A view of the Hilton Princess, San Pedro Sula Honduras

As I mentioned in my first blog, I had met the General Manager,          Mr. Javier Ortega, on a previous trip to Honduras.  I had eaten breakfast at the hotel and he was gracias enough to give me a tour of the city.  I felt the least I could do was stay at his hotel the next time I came to San Pedro Sula.  I always try to pay back the hospitality when I can. 

I was going to be traveling by bus the next day,  going 3 hours to the west to Copan Ruinas, and needed a good night’s rest. I booked a room on the concierge floor, which included complimentary beverages, snacks, a delicious breakfast, computer usage, etc.  The people that work on the concierge floor are very friendly and accommodating.  Here is a look at the special dining room on the floor:

HIlton Princess, San Pedro Sula Honduras. The dining area on the concierge floor

The hotel front desk was very willing to help me with money exchange, directions, lining up a driver the first afternoon, and in general, just making sure I felt secure. 

I think the best way I can show the hotel is through a series of photos.  So, here goes.

A view from the window of the San Pedro Sula Hilton Princess hotel in Honduras-

a view of San Pedro Sula from the window of the Hilton Princess Hotel

the fountain area around the pool at the Hilton San Pedro Princess hotel

Pool area of the Hilton Princess

Pool area of the San Pedro Sula Hilton Princess Hotel

HIlton Princess San Pedro Sula Honduras-pool area

All in all, I was very pleased with the Hilton Princess.  All very polite and nice people that work there.  I highly recommend it if you are going to be in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Ok, enough of the hotel pics.  Time to start seeing the city of San Pedro Sula.  I had been warned before about walking the streets alone.  Stay tuned…………….

Next-the streets of San Pedro Sula

Steve Barrymore ssb11@prodigy.net

Read about all of my travels click here

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. 

Honduras-a view of Progresso from the hills

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.

A walk through Mario's plantation in Honduras

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

Honduras-the rugged hills with the orange groves

Honduras-An orange tree growing on the side of the hill

Honduras-the rugged hillside with the orange trees

Honduras-another photo of the rugged countryside we were in.

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

I thought I had planned well, but I had not checked the weather. 

There was a typhoon that had decided that it was going to strike a glancing blow at Taiwan.  The Pilot came on and said he would have to change the route, adding an hour to an already long 14 hour flight.  Total flight time-now 15 hours. 

For that long of a flight, I had to continue go to the back of the plane and do deep knee bends just to remain limber.  I was going to need all my strength and flexibility when I landed in Taipei. 

I arrived in Taipei on Saturday, 7 p.m. local time.    It was raining due to the tail end of the typhoon.

 Taipei Airport Immigration and Customs

Taipei Airport-inside the lobby

I had already researched the bus system and was ready to go when I hit the ground.  Within 15 minutes I was on the bus into Taipei.  After a one hour bus ride the bus driver let me out a couple of blocks from the Taipei Hilton where I would be staying.  I walked the last 3 blocks in the rain. 

I quickly checked in and showed my plans to the concierge.  He helped me out by writing instructions on a card in Chinese for each destination where I wanted to go. I could quickly hand them to any taxi driver and maximize use of my time.  Taxi drivers in Taipei generally don’t speak English. 

By this time it was 9 p.m. and the clock was ticking.  I was losing precious time. I better hurry.  I had to leave tomorrow!!

Steve Barrymore

Next-The race is on!

post your comments here or e-mail me at ssb11@prodigy.net

See all my other travel blogs on NewsOk.com:

Travel tips:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/travel-tips/

Colombia:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/colombia/

Mexico:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/mexico/

Caribbean island of Barbuda:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/barbuda/

San Juan  with a 5 hour layover:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/san-juan-puerto-rico/

Fly around the U.S. for the day:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/day-trip/

 When I boarded the American Airlines 777 in San Jose, my seatmate was a Taiwanese woman who asked me how long I was planning to vacation in Taipei.  I told her “only one night”.  She didn’t believe me, so I called Carol on my cell phone and asked her to talk with the lady and tell her my plan.  Carol agreed(reluctantly) to speak with her on the phone.

 Here is my new  best friend from Taiwan-my seatmate

My new friend listened intently to what Carol was telling her.  She finally said “I think your husband must be crazy, but our mayor should give him the key to the city for doing this”.  Whereas Carol replied, “I think he must be crazy too, but just humor him on the 14 hour flight!”. 

After thinking about it for awhile, my new friend volunteered for her family to give me a ride from the airport into the city to my hotel.  I politely declined telling her I needed to master the airport bus system while I was there. 

I then buckled up for the flight.  It was only supposed to take 14 hours, but a typhoon was making its appearance!!  Add 1 hour.

Steve Barrymore

 Next-The flight over the water-

Post your comments here or e-mail me at ssb11@prodigy.net

See all my other travel blogs on NewsOk.com:

Travel tips:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/travel-tips/

Colombia:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/colombia/

Mexico:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/mexico/

Caribbean island of Barbuda:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/barbuda/

San Juan  with a 5 hour layover:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/san-juan-puerto-rico/

Fly around the U.S. for the day:

http://blog.newsok.com/thewanderer/category/day-trip/