Utila- The Magical Wonderland

If only Alice in Wonderland was real, I would be tempted to drop all errands in hand and pursue a worry-free life there. I caution you though, it is dangerous. A spell is put on the island to trap all the trepassers. Only the strong minds can resist the temptation and drag their feet away from it. Why do I know? Because I have witnessed it. In Utila, an island about an hour away from La Ceiba in Honduras, the Surreal is real. The spirit of 'live in the moment' pervades the whole island. No one worries, no one frets. Every smiling face becomes your amigos in a day.  There are parties all day and night by the transparent ocean. With abundant sea plants, the water is constantly remained clean and clear.Sipping a glass of strawberry Daiquiri on a hammock admiring the creation of such grand nature is paradisaical.  

I met these locals who have lived all their life in Utila. Living the whole life in Utila means doing drugs the whole life. It is a culture of the island. People shamelessly sniff cocaine on the street, in the bar, in every single corner. 20 puffs of cracks is just like a sprinkle of salt on a pack of french fries. No big deal. The question is are they happy. One precious soul I stumbled across exclaimed "I can't get enough of this life." He ignites a bonfire with wood and rocks to cook everyday. There is only one microwave that looks more like 21st century. The living room/ kitchen is in the center of all apartment condos with a ripped sofa and hammock. This old man, who has never been to high school, has lived and worked in 13 countries. He fixes broken toilets and sells them to the poor. He spent the money on drugs and alcohol, but he loves his life just as much as all the Islanders. I am not promoting drug innuendos (I personally don't do drugs) but after all, who are we to judge how people decide to live their lives. He chose this simple lifestyle. I chose mine. Despite all the pressure and persuasion, I chose to only do what I want to do, and I refused drugs.

I wasn't joking about the warning. Most backpackers from all over the world I encountered had extended their stay. Some even decided to stay for another 5 or 6 months. And some... went back home to sell all their properties and settled here for the rest of their lives. I was informed that the ferry is 'broken' every Saturday, so that tourists are forced to stay on the island for longer (to be fair, it is what the tourists secretly want too).

The patio of the bar

  

A view from the pier.

 The simple Utila kitchen/ living room. Can you spot the microwave?

 The tantalizing smell of street food!

 The specialized pizza my newly made Island friend made for us.

 My buddy and I clumsily lost our scooter key in the sea. I could actually peek through the water to look for it.  

A small villa made out of mosaic and artsy wood pieces and recyclable materials. Lewis Carroll must have been inspired by this. 

It was my dream to drive a scooter! But honestly the 12 year-old did a much better job than I did!

Bathroom hut. So cute!

Tegucigalpa- ultimate Bumper-Car Death Wish

90% of the roads in Honduras were occupied by ginormous cars or trucks which might induce you into thinking that Hondurans adore big family road trips. Sorry to reveal the truth that small cars do not serve you well on the 'Royal Holloway'. Vast holes and cracks were hammered to the roads. The ruggedness of the roads are doubtlessly faulty, yet the obsession of human desire for dictatorship over the roads was insane. Majority of people would not bother to look out for oncoming cars, not even when merging into big roads or advancing a cross roads. Motorcycles are compelled close to the sidewalk which leaves them the distance of a palm in between themselves and big cars. It is simply a seizing game. Pedestrians are down to participate as well. No pedestrians would wait, no drivers would stop. Jaywalking is illegal? It is an utmost survival skills. Surprisingly, nobody frets. Well, they might cuss once in a while, but they mostly drive/walk recklessly with tranquil minds. Was it just me that was terrified with human beings strolling on the roads in front of cars that were dashing 50 miles per hour?  

Seriously, no one cares. Honking is a warning of courtesy. If you don't get out of the way, it is apparently your loss!   

so far, I have not seen an intact car on the road. At my shrewd guess, it is rather abnormal to see a car without imperfection. These are Taxis 

I would like to try one day!

This is slightly better than normal

Squeezing through

Perhaps police needs to consult the insurance company?

 Overloaded public buses

I had no courage to cross the road with speeding cars that did not give a damn about lives. I was lucky to have a local friend to hold my hand and help me through this scariest street-crossing I have ever encountered, or I would have stood there until I urgently needed a bathroom.  


If you can survive on this traffic road, there's no where on earth you can't!

Tela- the Carribbean Sea

The view from the suite 

 Caribbean Sensation. Coconut & hammock

on the way to Tela, many child workers were seen on the street. Some worked at the construction field. some sold fruits, and some solicited money from come-and-go customers of the shops. I witnessed a bunch of little orphans soliciting for few cents.Simply a worn-out note was enough to elicit innocent joyous smiles from the bottom the angels' hearts. They bounced around merrily as if they had conquered the world of chocolate. The younger children dashed toward an older caregiver in hope for compliments. The heart wrenching scene poignantly imprinted in my mind.   

 Telamar suite!! Three bedrooms, a kitchen, living room area with TV and Patio with sea view! About $100 USD per person including the entry to the pool and access to other facilities 

                          





Just Me enjoying the ice-cold beer and beaming sun

Sun set! At night this hut would turn into a disco house until 2am! What can be more Caribbean than dancing alongside the ocean! 

Poolside Bar. Unlimted drink! 

¡Bienvendido a San Pedro Sula!

I was starting to get a little nervous before boarding only because the workers at LAX airport with whom I talked were shocked to the fact that I am going to Honduras alone. "It is very very dangerous!"said everyone. Besides, I was probably one of the only 10 non-hispanic people on the entire floor at the airport. Luckily, I made a new friend on the plane, a Honduran American. He hasn't been back for 7 years. The unnecessary worry eluded through the conversation with him as to certain extent, I believed we shared the same excitement and uncertainty over this country.

I was surprised that my $30 prepaid T-mobile number still worked in Honduras, so I was able to text my friend as soon as I reached. Frankly, the ramshackle airport at San Pedro Sula was quite eye-opening. Some yellow duct tape of the previously existed poster remained on the wall. The distance from the airplane runways to the exit is simply a 3-minute walk. There were only 3 simple check-out desks and 2 security guards. My old-time friend, Brandon and his father came pick me up at midnight. We had supper at Denny's (Can't believe they have Denny's here as well!) From the moment I stepped out of the airport, I was immersed in a Spanish-only environment. Well, I cheated a bit. With the presence of Brandon, we speak Italian since we met in Italy when we were both high-school exchange students 3 years ago.  Every family member in this household is very friendly. I had a long chat with the mother the first afternoon we met. She told me that once upon a time during the heyday of Honduras, people could joyfully stroll around the city, but it was the politics that destroy such peace and security. The locals are afraid to walk on the street even for a few-minute walk. 

Honduras, though can be dangerous, is an amazing terrain for nature. There are 3 valuable Caribbean islands in Honduras: Roatán, Utila, Guanaja. Roatán is the second largest beef barrier on earth after Australian Great Barrier Reef. I have to visit Roatán at all cost! Trees and plants in Honduras are abundant in every corner. I have seen colorful birds freely searing around.

In Los Angeles, we have the famous hollywood sign up on the hill; in San Pedro Sula, we have the "coca cola" sign! 

 

San Pedro Sula airport 

Food in this household, or in fact, Latin cuisine is very healthy and nutritional. scramble egg and beef tacos and baked banana.

Normal adult banana finally found their long-lost babies!

I personally adore languages, so they are never the factors that hold me back from traveling to any places. I love to feel like a fresh newborn baby and enjoy the rocket-speed progression in a understanding a new language. I love to be forced out of the comfort zones and learn through daily application instead of sitting still in classrooms. My heart began to pound slightly faster when I entered the bank alone today to change currency. I kept repeating "Queria cambiar el dinero. (I would like to change money)" in my mind. I was afraid the bank teller and I would not be able to understand each other and I end up being ripped off. But I had no choice, so I did it! And it was satisfying. Indeed, I have never actually learned Spanish before. I only picked it up through hearing people talk here and there and self taught a little. But my fluency in Italian contributes to my ability to conduct basic conversation in Spanish. In Honduras, it is definitely recommended to have some basic Spanish skill. 

* Tip: For security reason, remember to call your bank and notify them you will be traveling before departure. 

19 hours in Florida

                                                   



I thought it was a real man

Defying Heraclitus's saying "no man ever steps in the same river twice", I changed my mind of resting in the airport before my next flight at 12am. I landed Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 5am. Originally, I intended to simply finish "The Great Gatsby" and touch up my Spanish before I took for Honduras, yet at 10 am, a surge of impulsion randomly hit me, and I decided to revisit the city.

I was in Fort Lauderdale exactly a year ago for Spring Break. It was quite an interesting story as I made an agreement with my Honduran friend, Brandon, who will be hosting me for my stay in Honduras to meet up in our mid-point, Miami. Tickets were bought, backpack was packed...on his departure day, however, he was held up in San Pedro Sula airport for some passport issue. Since my ticket was non-refundable, I just hopped on the plane without concerning about where to stay, what to do... I just merrily let destiny lead me.

I was boarding when I saw this good-looking boy (I was single at that time). But I restrained myself from looking at him because the possibility of sitting next to him was low since he was talking to some friends. As soon as I caught sight of my assigned seat and clumsily squeezed through the aisle, someone offered to lift my bag. And guess what! It was him! He sat next to me for the next 4 hours on the plane from LA to Fort Lauderdale. We talked until we reached. He invited me to crush nights at his house instead of roaming around the city aimlessly, especially because we landed at 5am. I believed in my people-reading skill, so I followed. For the next few days, we went to the beach, the mall, buffet, and watched a movie. The day he had work, I took the bus to city center and explored the city alone. That instant connection I made with this random person I'd just met on the plane was magical. I felt like I was in a romance movie. I also met up with a guy I met through CoachSurfing.com. We had fried chicken wings and beer (I was underage, but most places in Florida don't give a damn) at an open bar by the beach. Then he showed me the yacht he lived on. It was not a big yacht, yet it was comprehensive with stoves, bathroom, and bed all compacted in limited space. Looking back, this spontaneous 3-day trip was totally full of surprises and was one of the best!

This time, a kind stationed flight attendant gave me direction to spend my day. She wrote down information on my notebook and even gave me her personal phone number in case I get lost. I took the airport shuttle to terminal 1 and then I bought an all-day bus pass to get to central terminal. Surprisingly, I remembered the roads vividly as if I had been there several times! I walked to some local coffee shop in that area and did some paper work. In the midst of writing, my one and only pen ran out of ink. I scribbled so hard. I blew air to the ball of the pen. Nothing worked.The moment I declared its death certification and was about to move on to reading, a woman in line handed me a pen and said "hope it works". I was so touched that a random stranger cared. How much is a pen worth? Probably 99cent, but in that helpless instant of mine, that pen was worth my happiness as it made my day and I could continue my work smoothly. Trivial good deed matters! Later on, I walked along Las Olas Blvd. I particularly liked the European style self-help bike rental station in the middle of the street full of restaurant bars. How often can it be found in the States! Then I took bus 40 to Fort Lauderdale beach and took a nap by the ocean. By 6pm, my groaning stomach was demanding for some tacos as it was Taco Tuesday. I ate 3 amazing beef and chicken tacos at a Bar called Treasure Love for $3.

Same city center, same beach, same airport, but different feeling and experience. This place is definitely filled with caring and helpful people.

*Breakfast, lunch, dinner and bus pass for $20    

Departure- Goodbye Los Angeles

I can’t believe this day has finally come. With my bouncy nature and all the past traveling experiences, I would have been all excited and anticipated at the departure gate at Los Angeles Airport, yet I burst in unstoppable tears. This time is different. A person stumbled upon my life months ago. For the first time, I was enlightened as to what love is, and for the very first time, I did not feel the urge for more personal space. Every single day of the past two weeks, aside from the time when he went for classes, we were barely apart from each other. We woke up, ate, hung out with friends, studied together, and hugged each other to sleep.  But as soon as this romance sprouted, I put it to test.  I gotta to what I gotta to. Nothing and no one can hold me back. It is not because I don’t love anyone enough to tie my feet down, but rather because I know more than anyone that in order for people to love me, I need to love myself, and In order for people to trust me, I have to fulfill my own promises. Completing this journey is one of my bucket-list projects, and here comes this perfect timing.

He was afraid because so much unexpected can occur in 5 months. Then I offered a condition. If we decide to not let go of this relationship, we will need to abide to rules. #1, unfriend each other on Facebook and all other social media, #2, we can only email each other once every Friday, #3, Skype once a month only. I told myself firmly if this guy declined the offer, I would break up with him now because I know the destruction of technology. I’d rather have my heart broken now than later. 99% of the long distance relationship fail because there is no rule and regulation on communication. We just have to accept the fact that we can’t treat the relationship the same way as if we were physically close. It is impossible to know every trivial detail of his everyday happening. Especially when I am going for a new adventure every day, I can’t have him worry about my safety every minute and lose focus at school. The world around us is so beautiful that we also shouldn’t be spending most of our time staring at the screen and waiting for some unanimated sentences to pop up. Excessive skyping would soon and inevitably turn into a chore in the midst of school work or in my case, venturing out. He agreed understandingly. I have faith that absence makes our heart fonder not wander.

We kissed each other goodbye at the airport and I set off for this world’s deadliest country, Honduras.  In terms of homicide rate, Honduras is doubtlessly second to none given that it ranked top of the list consecutively in the UN report in 2011 and 2014. Most research is in favor for the perilous and gang-oriented side of Honduras. It seems to be a territory where law and justice are not implanted as part of the culture. Police bend over backwards for gang leaders; people don’t need a reason to hurt you, and don’t worry about being sneakily pickpocketed, they prefer pointing a gun at your head and have you offer them as tribute. However, these hearsays don’t affect my determination. Danger lurks everywhere whether in Honduras or back in the States. True that the social politics account for higher possibility of a 20-year-old female foreigner being raped or robbed, but if I allowed the statistics to frighten me, I would be deprived from exploring the other side of the world. There are so much beautiful things about Honduras that I believe are neglected. This trip, I would like to immerse in culture, pursue and share them.

The flight from Los Angeles to San Pedro Sula is 7.5 hours. But with this cheap ticket for $311, I have a 19-hour layover in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I don’t complain, it is cheap and I have time to adjust my emotions, do more research on the country and write. It 5am here in Florida, I might as well go out for some fresh air until my connecting flight at 11pm.*Tip: Ticket for the capital, Tegucigalpa costs about $200 extra compared to that for San Pedro Sula. The domestic transportation from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa cost way way way less than that!

¡Honduras Hasta pronto!