Here in Honduras

Well, I'm back. I got in just before noon and the overly concerned medical staff had a driver waiting. Alice practically broke down the barrier to hug me. It was all very nice. I greatly appreciate all of the support offered during my time in the states, but i am back where I belong for the time.

A reserved celebration

I am sitting on the couch I've resided on for nearly a month, waiting for Alice to call, and I thought I should mention to the world my fate seems secure. I should be back in Honduras within a couple weeks. No one has made any promises, but my speedy recovery means I could be back as early as a week from Saturday. As with any medical situation there are conditions and concerns, but the good news is I will be back in Honduras in no time. 

On another note, Thanks to Stephanie for being my first follower. I follow 13 different blogs, and hers was previously left off the list and she was the only one who took the time to "follow my blog". All you lazy folk should do the same. The more people who follow the blog, the less likely I am to ignore it for long periods of time assuming that no one is reading it.

Well, my sister in law is in the shower, and my nephew's butt just made a terrible noise, so I think Uncle Drew has some nasty work to do.  I hope your day is filled with less stink than mine.

E. Hippie

Alice update while Drew is away.....

As you guys know, Drew is in the states recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery. Unfortunately, Peace Corps doesn't pay for spouses to be with their husband or wife unless it is an emergency situation. However I am very greatful for the great medical service they are giving Drew throughout this process. So, what have I been up to these first two weeks he has been gone? I was lucky enough to have my dad come visit!

He came to keep me company for a few days so I didn't have to be alone the whole time Drew is gone. We started off the trip by going to the Harley Davidson shop in the capital, Tegucigalpa. We bought 24 shirts for his harley riders group, from sizes medium to 2xL. Sorry Dad, they don't have 3x or 4x here, people just aren't that big in Honduras! It was fun to pick out all the shirts, and the owner gave us two free as well. Dad presented him with a HOG flag from his Tulsa group and he promised to put it on display.

After that, I introduced him to my eccentric group of Honduran friends and we had a couple of Honduran brews and a typical bean and cheese snack. The next day, the people I work with took us out to eat pupusas, kinda like cheese filled cornmeal pancakes. In the morning I took him to the small poor puebo where I teach my young ladies an alternative ed version of primary, and he got to see some of the work I do.

That evening we ate "plato tipico" and relaxed. Next, I took him to the beautiful Lago Yojoa where we enjoyed the beautiful lake scenery and saw numerous types of birds. We sat on the large patio overlooking the lake and enjoyed food and drinks. Our second day there, we headed off on an adventure. We took the local old school bus to the closest town, where we switched to a nicer, more modern bus to the exit for a nearby waterfall. We took about a 15 minute walk to the village where the waterfall is located. The waterfall itself is quite impressive and we were able to see it from above and below. They have a zipline over the waterfall ,but at about 50 meters down, there was no convincing Dad or I to do it. Plus, you can walk under the waterfall, literally thru the water ,but after seeing how big and strong it was we opted not on that as well. In the states, they'd never let you do either, so at least Honduras offers a bit more adventure for the strong hearted. We headed back via walking and bus to the local town and caught a "tuk tuk" or what we call mototaxis, small 4stroke engine carts that will take you around locally, and headed to another village where they have a brewery owned by an Oregonean ex-pat. The food and brew was fresh and delicious, dad tried the porter and I went with mango. We were able to get a ride afterwards all the way to the hotel with a few other ex-pats that were dining there as well. The next day we headed back to my site in the mountains and relaxed from our trip. The final day we got up early, made coffee and eggs, and took one last walk around my town before heading off to the airport.

It was such a wonderful gift to have him here, have the company, but also show my Dad how I live and work. He was impressed with my pila, aka washing machine, and how in a lot of ways, Honduras isn't too much different than when he was in Central America 20 years ago. But some things have changed too for the better, and the people were just as friendly and welcoming as he remembered them being in the past. He was a great sport, took all types of wonderful Honduran transportation, dealt with the lack of water in the house most of the time, and the slight smell of mold in my house from the continuiosly damp environment. (see below pic, I had scrubbed it off only a month or so ago and it quickly grows back). And, most importantly we had a great time. He found my shower endlessly entertaining, and showed the following picture to the ladies in his office to remind them "they have it good", their response was of course "eewwww". But honestly, my shower is still better than scout camp! :) Especially when we have water and that little device on top makes it nice and steamy. Hey, bathing is a gift I don´t take lightly!

Now, it's back to work and try to keep busy and sane until Drew comes home. Will keep you all updated on how life goes!