The long time between blogs was one of computer and connection problems, work, and a celebration of life. Computer problems aside, life has been very wonderful.
In October, I turned 40 years young and became a member of an exclusive club. A love for me was shown to me globally as I had many of my friends from the U.S. call, email, and FaceBook me earthday wishes along with my students and my new friends here. Since my school celebrated international day that very same day, word got out to many of the people and I received more earthday wishes from the international community represented here. The day was filled with excitement and the night only got better as I had friends who celebrated and toasted with me into the week-end.
As I continue to look thru these 40 year old lenses of mine, I have been so grateful for the opportunities that life has presented to me. Being loved by a wealth of friends and family, traveling to many parts of the world raising my awareness of people and cultures, and increasing my level of Spirit because of that awareness and love, has allowed me to grow exponentially.
I continue to grow and the blessings are in abundance. I thank everyone for the love and support that you have shown me as I continue to manifest here in Tegucigalpa. Peace!!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
the eventful week!!
How many people can go thru a week like mine and stay positive? I do not have an answer to that question, but I know that I do not wish to put anyone into a case study or experiment in order to see if they can.
My week started as a very good week. I was on the 3rd day of a five day vacation when I awoke, not feeling generally happy, or excited. I remember asking myself "whats the problem?" b/c, as Bob Marley would say, woke up this morning, the weather is sweeet... makes me want to move.. ya dancing feet!! Yes, the SUN was shining mightily, and I knew that I was gonna get on my bike and take a long ride thru the city and countryside; so, why wasn't I in a particularly good mood? Well, I took that long ride thru the city, seeing all kinds of lovely folks and taking in the majestic views from the hillside. After a couple of hours, I began feeling achy, and soar. When I decided that I needed to eat something, I wasn't particularly up for anything and decided that I needed to shower and just rest. After my shower, I began to feel feverish and hot. I began to wonder aloud(ala Vince Lombardi)....What the HELL is going on here? My body was getting hotter by the second and I began to get a headache. After an hour of shaking and sweating, my stomach began to bubble. At this point and after all the symptoms, I realized the Red Beans I ate the nite before had manifested into food poisoning. How could this be? The beans had only sat in the fridge for days before I decided to eat more and I warmed them thoroughly. Whatever was the case and after a nite of suffering thru a miserable headache, and seeing those yucky beans come mostly thru the ass-end, I got better. Thank U cascara segrada!! U eliminated the beans nicely!!!
Part 2 began Friday morning on my way to work. After exiting my apartment and taking a back street, the Honduran Police decided they wanted to stop a brother for a routine trafffic stop. The policia(I soon learned) were only stopping motos at this point b/c of a large amount of motos being stolen in the area. Well, I decided that this would be no problem since I have just bought the bike and the paperwork on it was supreme(in order). Little did I know that the wrong paperwork was given to me and that the plates and registration did not match-up. After talking to then the best way a brother could, I was able to get my secondary principal on the line and she told them that I was the new owner of the bike and that their was some particular good reason for the mix-up. There was!! The paperwork of my moto was mixed-up with the paperwork for another model that the guy, from whom I bought it from, still had!! Damn, Damn, Damn (ala Florida Evans) Damn, Damn, DAmnnnn James(ala Andre 3000) was the songs I was siinging as I awaited my secondary principal and the owner of the bikes with the paperwork. All in all, I had to wait, sitting on the side of the road, with 2 officers and 10 soldiers(with semi automatic rifles) for an hour until it was settled that I indeed had a legitimate moto, but with mixed-up paperwork. I will say that it seemed as though I was having a good ole time as they asked me question after question and they laughed it up as I gave them the best answers that I could with my limited espanol. But still recovering from the food poisoning, and after standing so long with a heavy backpack filled with books, I was very tired. Luckily, Friday's for me are easy days, and boy, was I ever greatful that it was Friday....TGIF, TGIF.
Nonetheless, I am forever thankful that Spirit was on my side and that I did not have two assholes for officers and that I had this male and female that were of high morals and character. Whether it was this or that, or they just felt sorry for the gringo(yes they called me a gringo), I am happy that all turned out okay.
That was the adventure for the week and I am glad that this is a new and improved week.
The real adventure was the tours of the multiple museums(the National Museum and another one[the name escapes me] another tour of Tegucigalpa, and a little of its sister city Comayagua.
Tegucigalpa, and Honduras as a whole, has a very rich history that is steep in a deep tradition. By looking at photos, I was able to see alot of it and may be able to experience some of the traditions b/c they are still practiced today. Discovered in the 1500's, it is a country that is still growing and coming into its own. Our guide and Warren say that people are uncovering ruins and fossils daily. Some people have them their homes and do not even know it!!!
Comayagua has its own magnificent mile. At least a mile, all U see is stands of fruit, vegetables, clothes, shoes, appliances, electrical supplies, plumbing supplies, underwear, raw meat, knick knacks, etc............ I mean like ....wow!! Unbelieveable all the shit that I saw as we drove thru it. Yes, I will make my way thru it(on foot) soon to absorb it all from the street.
An interesting fact of Comayagua is how it use to be the capitol of Honduras until it was settled that Tegucigalpa be the capitol in the 1800's. The reason why Comayagua is not the capitol anymore is b/c the people of Comayagua publicly disliked the wife of the then President of Honduras. In an act of revenge, he moved the capitol to Tegucigalpa....talk about acts of revenge...lol!!!
All in all, I had a fabulous week-end after a dismal week. Thanks to Warren, the museum guide, and a great group of friends, new friends, and teachers, the week-end was a blast!!! I am excited to know more about the city and the country, and look to have more week-ends better than this one!!!!
My week started as a very good week. I was on the 3rd day of a five day vacation when I awoke, not feeling generally happy, or excited. I remember asking myself "whats the problem?" b/c, as Bob Marley would say, woke up this morning, the weather is sweeet... makes me want to move.. ya dancing feet!! Yes, the SUN was shining mightily, and I knew that I was gonna get on my bike and take a long ride thru the city and countryside; so, why wasn't I in a particularly good mood? Well, I took that long ride thru the city, seeing all kinds of lovely folks and taking in the majestic views from the hillside. After a couple of hours, I began feeling achy, and soar. When I decided that I needed to eat something, I wasn't particularly up for anything and decided that I needed to shower and just rest. After my shower, I began to feel feverish and hot. I began to wonder aloud(ala Vince Lombardi)....What the HELL is going on here? My body was getting hotter by the second and I began to get a headache. After an hour of shaking and sweating, my stomach began to bubble. At this point and after all the symptoms, I realized the Red Beans I ate the nite before had manifested into food poisoning. How could this be? The beans had only sat in the fridge for days before I decided to eat more and I warmed them thoroughly. Whatever was the case and after a nite of suffering thru a miserable headache, and seeing those yucky beans come mostly thru the ass-end, I got better. Thank U cascara segrada!! U eliminated the beans nicely!!!
Part 2 began Friday morning on my way to work. After exiting my apartment and taking a back street, the Honduran Police decided they wanted to stop a brother for a routine trafffic stop. The policia(I soon learned) were only stopping motos at this point b/c of a large amount of motos being stolen in the area. Well, I decided that this would be no problem since I have just bought the bike and the paperwork on it was supreme(in order). Little did I know that the wrong paperwork was given to me and that the plates and registration did not match-up. After talking to then the best way a brother could, I was able to get my secondary principal on the line and she told them that I was the new owner of the bike and that their was some particular good reason for the mix-up. There was!! The paperwork of my moto was mixed-up with the paperwork for another model that the guy, from whom I bought it from, still had!! Damn, Damn, Damn (ala Florida Evans) Damn, Damn, DAmnnnn James(ala Andre 3000) was the songs I was siinging as I awaited my secondary principal and the owner of the bikes with the paperwork. All in all, I had to wait, sitting on the side of the road, with 2 officers and 10 soldiers(with semi automatic rifles) for an hour until it was settled that I indeed had a legitimate moto, but with mixed-up paperwork. I will say that it seemed as though I was having a good ole time as they asked me question after question and they laughed it up as I gave them the best answers that I could with my limited espanol. But still recovering from the food poisoning, and after standing so long with a heavy backpack filled with books, I was very tired. Luckily, Friday's for me are easy days, and boy, was I ever greatful that it was Friday....TGIF, TGIF.
Nonetheless, I am forever thankful that Spirit was on my side and that I did not have two assholes for officers and that I had this male and female that were of high morals and character. Whether it was this or that, or they just felt sorry for the gringo(yes they called me a gringo), I am happy that all turned out okay.
That was the adventure for the week and I am glad that this is a new and improved week.
The real adventure was the tours of the multiple museums(the National Museum and another one[the name escapes me] another tour of Tegucigalpa, and a little of its sister city Comayagua.
Tegucigalpa, and Honduras as a whole, has a very rich history that is steep in a deep tradition. By looking at photos, I was able to see alot of it and may be able to experience some of the traditions b/c they are still practiced today. Discovered in the 1500's, it is a country that is still growing and coming into its own. Our guide and Warren say that people are uncovering ruins and fossils daily. Some people have them their homes and do not even know it!!!
Comayagua has its own magnificent mile. At least a mile, all U see is stands of fruit, vegetables, clothes, shoes, appliances, electrical supplies, plumbing supplies, underwear, raw meat, knick knacks, etc............ I mean like ....wow!! Unbelieveable all the shit that I saw as we drove thru it. Yes, I will make my way thru it(on foot) soon to absorb it all from the street.
An interesting fact of Comayagua is how it use to be the capitol of Honduras until it was settled that Tegucigalpa be the capitol in the 1800's. The reason why Comayagua is not the capitol anymore is b/c the people of Comayagua publicly disliked the wife of the then President of Honduras. In an act of revenge, he moved the capitol to Tegucigalpa....talk about acts of revenge...lol!!!
All in all, I had a fabulous week-end after a dismal week. Thanks to Warren, the museum guide, and a great group of friends, new friends, and teachers, the week-end was a blast!!! I am excited to know more about the city and the country, and look to have more week-ends better than this one!!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A month later!!!
A month later finds me in a better mood than the previous weeks. Most of U, my friends, are reading this blog and are asking yourselves, "what is it that has this brotha in a mood, and he is actually writing about it?" Well, it all began with a journey up the mountains to Valle de Angeles to have a fabulous week-end of rest, relaxation, and yes, a little bit of partying. My Canadian & Polish friends had taken off to goto this small, but eccentric artsy town to getaway for a week-end. They gave me a call and said come-on up and enjoy b/c their was a siesta advertised and it should be an experience. It was!!
We started the evening with food(a blend of Honduran & Asian food), and a few drinks of rum and Canadian Mist at a local eatery(I don't remember the name of it). While sitting, sipping, and enjoying each others company, we began to here the bass of Reggaeton and figured that the party was about to begin. We walked to the party and saw that it was surrounded by hard legs by the door. At this point, we decided that more drinks were needed until the party revved up. After throwing down about 4-5 brewskis, we went back to a much livelier set. They played a variety of Honduran joints, Reggae, Reggaeton, and a little bit of HiP-HoP!!! I was agast with amazement of the joints that the selector was playing!!
Nonetheless, we partied on to tha break of dawn, and staggered our way back to our hotel. After waking, and conversing with my friends, I crunk up the moto(yes I have a motorcycle) and made my way back to Tegus. After a few stops to take pics(on FaceBook) I made it into town and was excited that I WAS gonna make it before it rained(again, Tegus and Honduras in general is in the rainy season[hurricane season is the rainy season]). Unfortunately, that is not the case. In my last blog, I said I was gonna talk about the driving of the people of Honduras.
The taxis, which seem to be the majority of the cars on the road at most times, can be seen breaking every traffic law known to man and friends living in the United States. These cats, along with others, can be seen passing traffic on the wrong side of the road, if they are turning from a side street, they will block the lane of oncoming traffic in order to make there turn. Futhermore, taxis will stop in the middle of the street to pick-up a fare, or let the passenger out. All cars will run red lights, and blow thru most stop signs, and they blow their horns, no matter what at anyone, as if they were back in NYC back in the day. Motos, the most behaved of all the drivers, can do as they please b/c of the size of it. We can weave thru all traffic, and again, run most lights.
Now, back to me on the bike as the rain was about to come down. As I was approaching my apt, which was less than a mile and a half miles away, a taxi decides that he wants to stop in the middle of the road to pick-up the invisible man, or woman. This particular street narrows b/c its beginning to do a round-about, and send U in a series of different directions b/c of the design of the neighborhood. Because of the rain, and my inability to go around the cab b/c of the wall that begins the round-about, I jammed on the breaks, the front wheel turned sharply, and for the second time in my life, witnessed myself flying thru the air to the concrete. Fucking stupid ass taxi, I growled while I briefly laid on the street!! As he drove away, I could see his ass adjusting his mirror looking at me as I scraped myself off the wet concrete. Hondurans began yelling at the taxi as some hurried over to ask me was I alright. U say how do U know if they were asking U if U were alright. As my belief in the Creator has shown how great its essence is, the woman who came over with her elderly mother just so happens to speak English and tells everyone, including the police(who were quick on the scene, and helped me pull my bike off the street) that I was alright. After I exchanged as many pleasantries as I could muster, the women walked off and I jump back on my leaking gas moto and headed home. Yes, I was able to make it home, but at this point feeling like I just got run over by Adrian Peterson and smelling like gas. What a fucking day, I remembered after such a fantastic evening.
Unbelieveable, right? This is the reason for the mood, including a huge swollen knee, a giant strawberry on my shoulder, and multiple scrapes on my arm, and knees. Thru it all, I sucked it up and did not miss a day of school. Big shout out to Mr. and Mrs. Fink for taking me to school while my knee did some serious healing. I couldn't have done it with-out your support.
As of today and right now, my knee is still a little swollen, but my shoulder is completely healed and I have resumed working-out. No capoeira or running at this time, but hopefully soon.
School is getting easier by the day, and we are about to celebrate Honduran Independence Day with a 5 day week-end. Yes, a 5 day week-end!!! I am looking to goto the coast of Honduras and lay myself on the beaches of the island of Roatan; wish me luck.
I was able to go out this past Thursday and see one of the great voices of Honduras: Mr. Guillermo Anderson. Even though I didn't understand alot of his words, I did recognize the love, the joy, and the happiness of his heart. Also, I was finally able to scope the musical scene of Tegus and meet some of its movers and shakers. Talking to one of my new friends, I quickly discovered that Tegus has a great capoeira grupo that I am excited to see and meet.
Even though I was befell my a minor tragedy, I quickly blamed myself for all that happened, learned the lesson of it, and put myself back into my happy place. Being mad, upset, and stressed about my injuries wasn't gonna allow them to heal, and keeping myself in a state of blame was not gonna allow me to receive any blessings that were to come thereafter. As I continue on my journey in Honduras, I look to find much more joy within it, thus allowing myself to reap more of the blessings. Isn't that what life is all about?? Live the life U love; I am!!! Peace!!!!
We started the evening with food(a blend of Honduran & Asian food), and a few drinks of rum and Canadian Mist at a local eatery(I don't remember the name of it). While sitting, sipping, and enjoying each others company, we began to here the bass of Reggaeton and figured that the party was about to begin. We walked to the party and saw that it was surrounded by hard legs by the door. At this point, we decided that more drinks were needed until the party revved up. After throwing down about 4-5 brewskis, we went back to a much livelier set. They played a variety of Honduran joints, Reggae, Reggaeton, and a little bit of HiP-HoP!!! I was agast with amazement of the joints that the selector was playing!!
Nonetheless, we partied on to tha break of dawn, and staggered our way back to our hotel. After waking, and conversing with my friends, I crunk up the moto(yes I have a motorcycle) and made my way back to Tegus. After a few stops to take pics(on FaceBook) I made it into town and was excited that I WAS gonna make it before it rained(again, Tegus and Honduras in general is in the rainy season[hurricane season is the rainy season]). Unfortunately, that is not the case. In my last blog, I said I was gonna talk about the driving of the people of Honduras.
The taxis, which seem to be the majority of the cars on the road at most times, can be seen breaking every traffic law known to man and friends living in the United States. These cats, along with others, can be seen passing traffic on the wrong side of the road, if they are turning from a side street, they will block the lane of oncoming traffic in order to make there turn. Futhermore, taxis will stop in the middle of the street to pick-up a fare, or let the passenger out. All cars will run red lights, and blow thru most stop signs, and they blow their horns, no matter what at anyone, as if they were back in NYC back in the day. Motos, the most behaved of all the drivers, can do as they please b/c of the size of it. We can weave thru all traffic, and again, run most lights.
Now, back to me on the bike as the rain was about to come down. As I was approaching my apt, which was less than a mile and a half miles away, a taxi decides that he wants to stop in the middle of the road to pick-up the invisible man, or woman. This particular street narrows b/c its beginning to do a round-about, and send U in a series of different directions b/c of the design of the neighborhood. Because of the rain, and my inability to go around the cab b/c of the wall that begins the round-about, I jammed on the breaks, the front wheel turned sharply, and for the second time in my life, witnessed myself flying thru the air to the concrete. Fucking stupid ass taxi, I growled while I briefly laid on the street!! As he drove away, I could see his ass adjusting his mirror looking at me as I scraped myself off the wet concrete. Hondurans began yelling at the taxi as some hurried over to ask me was I alright. U say how do U know if they were asking U if U were alright. As my belief in the Creator has shown how great its essence is, the woman who came over with her elderly mother just so happens to speak English and tells everyone, including the police(who were quick on the scene, and helped me pull my bike off the street) that I was alright. After I exchanged as many pleasantries as I could muster, the women walked off and I jump back on my leaking gas moto and headed home. Yes, I was able to make it home, but at this point feeling like I just got run over by Adrian Peterson and smelling like gas. What a fucking day, I remembered after such a fantastic evening.
Unbelieveable, right? This is the reason for the mood, including a huge swollen knee, a giant strawberry on my shoulder, and multiple scrapes on my arm, and knees. Thru it all, I sucked it up and did not miss a day of school. Big shout out to Mr. and Mrs. Fink for taking me to school while my knee did some serious healing. I couldn't have done it with-out your support.
As of today and right now, my knee is still a little swollen, but my shoulder is completely healed and I have resumed working-out. No capoeira or running at this time, but hopefully soon.
School is getting easier by the day, and we are about to celebrate Honduran Independence Day with a 5 day week-end. Yes, a 5 day week-end!!! I am looking to goto the coast of Honduras and lay myself on the beaches of the island of Roatan; wish me luck.
I was able to go out this past Thursday and see one of the great voices of Honduras: Mr. Guillermo Anderson. Even though I didn't understand alot of his words, I did recognize the love, the joy, and the happiness of his heart. Also, I was finally able to scope the musical scene of Tegus and meet some of its movers and shakers. Talking to one of my new friends, I quickly discovered that Tegus has a great capoeira grupo that I am excited to see and meet.
Even though I was befell my a minor tragedy, I quickly blamed myself for all that happened, learned the lesson of it, and put myself back into my happy place. Being mad, upset, and stressed about my injuries wasn't gonna allow them to heal, and keeping myself in a state of blame was not gonna allow me to receive any blessings that were to come thereafter. As I continue on my journey in Honduras, I look to find much more joy within it, thus allowing myself to reap more of the blessings. Isn't that what life is all about?? Live the life U love; I am!!! Peace!!!!
Monday, August 9, 2010
My 1st week!!!
My first week in Honduras was one of optimism, excitement, and joy!!! As my plane soared thru the sky, I wondered what my first day in Tegucigalpa would be like!?! Would it be excitement, would I be nervous, or a combination of both!?! I was not scared or fearful b/c I fear none but God, and it's essence solidiffied in my heart that all would be well!!! As we soared thru the clouds, I began to see mountains covered with lush green grass, shrubbery, and trees!! My peeps in Marshall, TX would appreciate that the majority of the trees that I have seen on the country side was pine trees!! Ahhh, the piney woods!!!
Nonetheless, the landing was a good one, but one that was very short!!! As soon as we hit the ground, we breaked very suddenly!!! I have read, and one of my teacher friends has backed this fact, that Tegucigalpa has one of the shortest runways in the world and is second only to some airport in Pakistan!!! Did I just here their was a plane crash in Pakistan? Well, our pilot had skills and guided us into the terminal w/out any problems!!! Tegus began to open itself to me by allowing to see its people, businesses, and homes a stone throw from the plane!!! Yes, if someone wanted to, they could climb the fence and run onto the runway and hitch a ride on the plane!!! After gathering my things, it was up, to, and thru customs!! After a great convo with the customs agent, I recieved my first stamp into my passport, yeahhhhhh! The first of many was my first thought!!! After meeting my driver, the secondary principal, and her daughter, I was off to my apartment!!! There, I was greeted by my new landlord(who hooked me up w/dishes, a microwave[which I've yet to use;I don't like microwaving my food], silverware, new sheets, etc. He's tha man!! Next, I was taken to the mall(yes, the mall is very modern and looks like any mall in the US), but I wasn't taken to the mall to sight see or buy clothes, I was taken there to buy groceries!!! Yes, the mall has a full scale grocery store and has alot of American products!!! After leaving the mall and going back to my new apartment, I decided I needed to take a nap!! After I awoke, my new neighbors began to bang on the door!!! I was greeted by the mother of the family that lives under me and who aparently owns the building. FYI, my apartment has several businesses within it and only one family(the owners) who live there!!! It is about 3 stories high and I(along w/the family, have access to the roof which I have the ability to see the city from every angle!!! I will shoot pics later b/c I now have a new BB and I can update pics w/ease!! Anyway, half awake, I decifered that the family wants me to accopmany them to Valle de Angeles, a popular tourist destination where tourists, as well as locals, goto shop, eat, and buy local art!!! It was very nice, old, and enchanting!!! Along the way, we visited a roadside cafe(think a shed with just a roof built into the mountain) where I ate rosted corn, broiled corn, and corn patties!!! The corn patties were awesome!! The corn patties were made from stripped corn on the cob mashed into a bowl. From the bowl, it is litley fried golden brown and then served w/ brown sugar on top; YUMMY!!! I've been consecutive week-ends now and my friends are soo jealous that I have been twice already!! Nonetheless, I was treated to the local fare of pupusas(a flour tortilla w/beans, cheese, and or pork w/ cabbage, and sweet onions). Of course, I had the bean pupusas and it was YUMMY!!! After hanging with them for most of the afternoon, I went back home and slept!!! I have learned to goto bed early b/c I have not been hanging out unitl i get to tknow the city!!! My new neighbors telll me that the city is dangerous at nite and I should not be wondering around until I get to know it better. I heed their warning and am touched by their concern!!!
The next day was my first day of going to my new place of employment: Discovery School!!! Here, I was reaquainted with my Director(the person who hired me) and the new teachers. My new teachers are from Des Moines, IA(yes, Iowa), Canada, and Poland, respectively!! Very nice people who I already have alot of love for!!!
Discovery is a private school with a American based curriculuum nestled in the hills of Tegus!!!! It is very modern and the view is breathtaking!!! Again, pics to come soon!!
All students speak English and learn in English, so their is no big push for me to be Spanish fluent at this moment!!! Yes, I am learning and expect to be having major conversations in Spanish sooner than later!!! I have visited many restaurants, and have tasted many dishes!!! Most of mine have been of the bean and rice variety, but we did goto a nice gourmet sandwhich shop where I had a sauteed eggplant sandwhich, again, YUMMY!!! All in all, I am enjoying my experience here in Tegucigalpa!! The people are very warm and friendly!! They are more than willing to help me and my friends in any way possible, especially with the language!!! I almost forgot, I have already been to my first futbol(soccer) match and it was very fun!!! THink of all the images that U see on TV and then some!!! I also have been to a giant farmers market!!! If U live in Dallas, think the Farmers Market, but with 200 more farmers with mad fruits and vegetables!! U can buy all kinds of fruits and vegetables at cheap negotiable prices along with raw meat, fish, milk, eggs, spices, furniture, clothes, juice, cooked foods, and much, much more!!! Okay, I'll finish for now, but so far, soooo gooood in Tegus!!! Peace and love!!!
Nonetheless, the landing was a good one, but one that was very short!!! As soon as we hit the ground, we breaked very suddenly!!! I have read, and one of my teacher friends has backed this fact, that Tegucigalpa has one of the shortest runways in the world and is second only to some airport in Pakistan!!! Did I just here their was a plane crash in Pakistan? Well, our pilot had skills and guided us into the terminal w/out any problems!!! Tegus began to open itself to me by allowing to see its people, businesses, and homes a stone throw from the plane!!! Yes, if someone wanted to, they could climb the fence and run onto the runway and hitch a ride on the plane!!! After gathering my things, it was up, to, and thru customs!! After a great convo with the customs agent, I recieved my first stamp into my passport, yeahhhhhh! The first of many was my first thought!!! After meeting my driver, the secondary principal, and her daughter, I was off to my apartment!!! There, I was greeted by my new landlord(who hooked me up w/dishes, a microwave[which I've yet to use;I don't like microwaving my food], silverware, new sheets, etc. He's tha man!! Next, I was taken to the mall(yes, the mall is very modern and looks like any mall in the US), but I wasn't taken to the mall to sight see or buy clothes, I was taken there to buy groceries!!! Yes, the mall has a full scale grocery store and has alot of American products!!! After leaving the mall and going back to my new apartment, I decided I needed to take a nap!! After I awoke, my new neighbors began to bang on the door!!! I was greeted by the mother of the family that lives under me and who aparently owns the building. FYI, my apartment has several businesses within it and only one family(the owners) who live there!!! It is about 3 stories high and I(along w/the family, have access to the roof which I have the ability to see the city from every angle!!! I will shoot pics later b/c I now have a new BB and I can update pics w/ease!! Anyway, half awake, I decifered that the family wants me to accopmany them to Valle de Angeles, a popular tourist destination where tourists, as well as locals, goto shop, eat, and buy local art!!! It was very nice, old, and enchanting!!! Along the way, we visited a roadside cafe(think a shed with just a roof built into the mountain) where I ate rosted corn, broiled corn, and corn patties!!! The corn patties were awesome!! The corn patties were made from stripped corn on the cob mashed into a bowl. From the bowl, it is litley fried golden brown and then served w/ brown sugar on top; YUMMY!!! I've been consecutive week-ends now and my friends are soo jealous that I have been twice already!! Nonetheless, I was treated to the local fare of pupusas(a flour tortilla w/beans, cheese, and or pork w/ cabbage, and sweet onions). Of course, I had the bean pupusas and it was YUMMY!!! After hanging with them for most of the afternoon, I went back home and slept!!! I have learned to goto bed early b/c I have not been hanging out unitl i get to tknow the city!!! My new neighbors telll me that the city is dangerous at nite and I should not be wondering around until I get to know it better. I heed their warning and am touched by their concern!!!
The next day was my first day of going to my new place of employment: Discovery School!!! Here, I was reaquainted with my Director(the person who hired me) and the new teachers. My new teachers are from Des Moines, IA(yes, Iowa), Canada, and Poland, respectively!! Very nice people who I already have alot of love for!!!
Discovery is a private school with a American based curriculuum nestled in the hills of Tegus!!!! It is very modern and the view is breathtaking!!! Again, pics to come soon!!
All students speak English and learn in English, so their is no big push for me to be Spanish fluent at this moment!!! Yes, I am learning and expect to be having major conversations in Spanish sooner than later!!! I have visited many restaurants, and have tasted many dishes!!! Most of mine have been of the bean and rice variety, but we did goto a nice gourmet sandwhich shop where I had a sauteed eggplant sandwhich, again, YUMMY!!! All in all, I am enjoying my experience here in Tegucigalpa!! The people are very warm and friendly!! They are more than willing to help me and my friends in any way possible, especially with the language!!! I almost forgot, I have already been to my first futbol(soccer) match and it was very fun!!! THink of all the images that U see on TV and then some!!! I also have been to a giant farmers market!!! If U live in Dallas, think the Farmers Market, but with 200 more farmers with mad fruits and vegetables!! U can buy all kinds of fruits and vegetables at cheap negotiable prices along with raw meat, fish, milk, eggs, spices, furniture, clothes, juice, cooked foods, and much, much more!!! Okay, I'll finish for now, but so far, soooo gooood in Tegus!!! Peace and love!!!
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