After spending one whole month in Honduras, I would conclude my stay with the following observations and first-hand accounts from the locals.
1) Age 21 is not exclusive to United States
United States is probably the only country on earth that legally prohibits the consumption of alcohol under the age of 21. The minor can drive, live alone, and travel around the globe, but savor a driblet of fermented ethanol. In Honduras, from 18 years old, one is allowed to take up conventional adult responsibilities except for traveling. Before turning 21, don't even think about leaving the country without your parents' signatures on official documents.
2) Breastfeeding is Culture-bound
There is not a definite answer as to how many months should moms be breastfeeding their children, however, different culture might have greater tendency towards certain duration. Honduran women tend to breast feed their newborns for up to at least 6 months.
3) No Smoking While Driving
Without questions, "No phone while driving" and "No driving under influence" are universal laws. However, tucking a cigarette in between fingers are risky enough to get pulled over and fined. I accentuate I am not promoting corruption, yet in Honduras ( as well as most Latin American countries), police is known to be "the thieves". Your fate wouldn't be as painful if you simply pay off the fine directly to the cops.
4) Some Hondurans cannot drink green tea
A pot of steamy green tea after meal is known to be a secret formula for weight loss and better digestion. As far as I noticed, some Honduran women would end up with a terrible diarrhea or slight upset stomach after the consumption of green tea. However, as we learned in school,correlation does not imply causation, so we could likely suggest that certain Honduran women lack digestive agent for green tea.
5) Monthly Minimum wage of $540USD
Different countries, or even different states have their own law regarding the minimum wage to protect workers' rights. Take California as an example, the current minimum wage is $10/hour. Given the normal working routine of a normal full-time laborer- 8hours/day, 5 days/ week, the monthly minimum wage would come out to be $1600. In contrast, the minimum wage in Honduras in roughly about $540USD. It is understandable why the underprivileged would rather risk their lives for a chance in the United States of the land of freedom.
6) Invasion of American Chains
Before I left the U.S., the last meal I had wished to have so badly was Johnny Rockets. I was quite disappointed I didn't get the chance to, but then I found out there is Johnny Rockets here in Honduras. More of its American fellows came along to Honduras too! McDonalds, Burger king, Friday's, Denny's, Dunkin Donuts, KFC, Popeyes, payless, little Ceasers,Basket Robin, forever 21... Honestly, what is in United States that is worth to be remembered for?
7)chicken wings +beer
Food is always the single most significant foundation that connects people. The combination of teriyaki/fried/honey chicken with an ice-cold beer is the newly-submerged trend for social gathering!
8) Treatment of Criminals/Suspects
In Honduras, Police troops usually cruise around town in trucks. The front seats can mostly fit 3-4 people. And criminals/suspects and the rest of the crew would be hanging out in the bed of the truck shamelessly parading around the city.
i) Insect repellent
ii) Cream for insect bites
iii) Hand sanitizer (some places don't have hand soap in the bathroom)
iv) bandage
v) a small pack of tissue paper
vi) moisturizer (some places get really dry!)
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