8 Interesting "Facts"About Honduras

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!)

Gracias, Lempiras, Honduras - Town of Peace

Most tourists would follow the Lonely Planet route and make a brief stop at Gracias, a town around 2.5 hours away from Copán Ruinas. I reached Gracias on a Sunday afternoon. The first action I took was to replenish myself with a cup of Honduran cafe con leche at this two-level domed coffee house in the heart of the central park. That sort of westernized coffee house called Plaza café attracts many other tourists to take a panoramic view and mull the to-do list over. What I like Gracias the most is that you can easily access to different public Wifi within a short distance. The second thing I like the most about Gracias is that most hotels allow you to pay after. I walked around the entire town center looking for the cheapest hotel room. In the end, I accommodated myself at Hotel Colonial (about $9.5 USD/ 200 Lempiras per night for a private room and bath.) I pulled out my wallet and realized I barely had 270 Lempiras! So I thought I would still have 70 Lempiras for dinner after paying for hotel, but to my surprise they had no problem with me paying whenever I decide to check out. Instead of utilizing computer record, the business functions through Trust system. 

I would totally recommend customizing your own Pizza at Kafe Kandil. Melting cheese is strewn all over the surface! Yummmm...Mine was mushroom, spinach and tomato! ( about $12USD)

The old Churches are worth to be admired. 

This is the Coffee towel I was telling you about! 

I had this Pescado fritto for Lunch. Fried fish is quite typical in Honduras, especially in small towns.

Take a motor taxi to Fuerte san Cristóbal and have a bird's view of Gracias. 

La montaña Celaque is the highest mountain in Honduras where it is said to be a legend that on the very top of the mountain, one can feel the definition of Gracias (gratefulness) from inside and out. Unfortunately,  I did not have the right equipment to climb up the summit since it is more of a 2-day camping trip. But I caught a glimpse of its magnificence! 

These household jars of preserved food look like a exhibition of Art.

You are recommended to go to the local hot spring ( agua termales) too! It is only 30 Lempiras ( about $2 USD) for a luxurious warm-water immersion! Have Fun! See you in Dominican Republic next! 

Los Naranjos - The Great Land of Green (No photoshop done!)

I opened my eyes from the fantasyland feeling determined to explore the real-world fairyland for my last couple days in Honduras. So I finished up my breakfast in fiber-optic speed, and spontaneously left for the central bus station (La estación central) in San Pedro Sula. I took the El mochito bus (50 Lempiras) for about 2.5 hours to a lodge called D&D Brewery in Los Naranjos. I briefly read through info of this lodge on the internet and I ended up staying here for 3 nights. I shared a room with 3 other international travelers who soon became my dear friends. The beauty of backpacking is sharing a brief part of your life journey with like-minded people that hold similar values, cherish independence and individual uniqueness, and aim for inner peace and happiness as opposed to bank notes and infinite materials. In today's world, society squeezes the juice out of each brand-new production, mashed it up with others to form a mass equally-flavored product. Growing up, I have had strong desire to rebel. I wish I could be like others that are willing to submit and ingratiating themselves with others, but that idea disgusted me. In this hub, I felt immensely connected with these minority of 'divergent population'. Everyone is passionate about loving others and having full control of his/her own life. And in the end of the day, we all have to split ways and head to wherever we need to go. 

With my new buddies, we explored Los Naranjos, a region which is gracefully impregnated with rain forest mountains, Yojoa lake. precious species of birds, plantation, national parks and waterfalls. It is doubtlessly a land of super Green! 

Panacam - Parque national Cerra-Azul
From Peña Blanca, we took a bus (5 Lempiras) to Santa Elena and then a motor taxi up to Panacam. The entrance fee for the national park is about $7USD. The entire hike is 7km. The mountain is like the miniature of Amazon rain forest. The surrounding space is covered by fresh green leaves. The panoramic views from the 4 vista point of different sea level are magnificent. The whole world of nature is under your feet and we can trust mother nature to keep us safe and peaceful. 

 fairytale woods!

The waterfall is such an incredible natural massage to improve blood circulation.
  

Of course, We couldn't miss out on the deep blue Yojoa Lake, the largest lake in Honduras. The best way to feel the water is to be in the heart of it. We rowed a boat out to the lake for 50 Lempiras. I was feeling the dreamy romantic boat rowing scene in the Notebook and The painted Veil! 

 Not only is the lake stunning, but the little passage along by the lake is full of green vitality as well.

$6.8 a dorm with 4 beds. The secured area composed of a swimming pool, a bar restaurant, dinning area, cabins and tents, and my favorite bonfire place. The Blueberry pancakes are fresh and delicious and the staff are very amiable.

Tip!!!! DONT FOREGET TO SPREAD insect repellent! It is a tropical area after all!

Copán Ruinas - The Mayans and Mountains

Copán Ruinas is a small touristic town about 2 hours of distance from San Pedro Sula. It gives a completely different sensation diffused with strong tradition, culture and safety in oppose to that of San Pedro Sula. Almost every single villager know one another. Their happiness comes from making an impact on someone else´s day and connecting with come-and-go people. Everyone is very friendly and is eager to be your friend. I couldn´t help but believe this place was the resurrection of the old-time medieval peace. It is blessed with magnificent mountains and valuable bird species as well!



At Parque de Avez. Entrance fee $10USD
Honduras prides itself on its tropical birds.
Toucan (los ranfástidos)






The rainbow-colored Honduras national bird- Scarlet Macaw (Guacamayas). One of them literally said 'hello' to me!



It was my first time seeing an owl twisting its head 360 degree.






Freshly made Paletas (like our Popsicles). You could taste the fresh fruits flavor and chew on the strawberry seeds <3





Parque Arqueológico de Copán. Basic entrance fee for foreigners- $15 USD. Among all the countries of Mayan evidence (Mexico, Guatemala, Beliz, Honduras...), Honduras has the least amount of architectures or Mayan legacy, yet the drawings were the most definite and detailed.











The Mayans had foresight of today´s hamburger!




Luna Jaguar Spa & Resort (Aguas Termales). Entrance fee $10-15USD depending where you get the tickets.Aguas Termales de Copán Ruinas is right up the mountain with clean and fresh stream of mountain water. The journey uphill is very pleasing. I was embraced by mother nature. Every passing 'mountainer' greeted us with the utmost sincerity and brightest smile.

 You can totally stay here for the entire day! After such natural treatment, I felt more attractive from inside out! 

 Mud!

To fight against 28Degree of heat, what is a better method than dipping yourself in cool water in the river?  

Happy quality family time!  

i learned the word Tadpole in kindergarten, but had never actually seen one!

The wooden bridge that seems ready to split itself  just anytime the lucky one pass through!

 Cars need to cool down too!

Night life is quite vigorous here! When weekends come, who cares about the end of the world? Just go dancing in the local bars! I wish I had pictures of the bars and people dancing, but I was too busy being part of the scene, I didn't get to take pictures.

Street food in the central park is the best! 

I was lucky enough to catch this festive moment n Copán Ruinas. Throughout all parts of Honduras, Easter is celebrated in a similar manner. Over night, people volunteered to help design and pave the roads with color powder to form las alfrombras (the carpet)

The following evening, procesión occurred where religious figures are demonstrated around the town.  

Honduras should not be found guilty. We should!

I am forced to write this article. I am forced by the chanting echoes of wind that is swiveling up to a tornado. The tornado of secret will one day sweep across countries and continents. The revelation will wake the nation up. The force is incredibly powerful and I decided to summit and let it direct my hand to tell this folklore.

A spontaneous trip to this Small town called Copan Ruinas in Honduras is the highlight of this travel project. with a small population, everyone in this simple-structured village knows one another. The day starts with greeting every pedestrian, local or tourist,a good morning, and ends with kissing each other good night. The other day, my friend and I were driven up to the mountain for hot spring. On the way back, to wrap the afternoon up with an extraordinary experience, we decided to do "jalon" ( hitchhiking) which we raised our thumbs for passing cars to give us a ride. To my surprise, every single vehicle stopped, only that some were heading else where. Without much being said other than "where are you heading?" and "nos vamos! (lets go)", We hitchhiked three times. First truck, we stood on the bed of a pickup with 3 men that were infected by my unstoppable laughter when the natural breeze and fresh air soothingly stroked my skin during the rapid and bumpy ride. The Free roller coaster ride generated much more adrenaline and happiness than what six flags could offer. Second truck, we sat in front with an older man who passionately introduced the magnificent mountain with an adorable grin hanging on his face. Third truck, we sat at the back with a bunch of young kids who were lovingly hugging one another. Two of them fearlessly sat at the edge of the bed right above the back wheels as if they were sitting on regular chairs. These kids were brave. In fact, I even witnessed kids of 9 years old speeding through muddy roads with motorcycles too.


In this mountain of freedom, people live the simplest and freest way. They are not rich nor poor, but they are the happiest and friendliest souls I have ever encountered. Every passing vehicle honked to say hello. I am just a random traveler in the town, yet i was valued as a friend. The owner of the hotel was an old-time family acquaintance of my newly made friend. Being a 20year old young kid, she still saw to me like a guardian and accommodated me for free even though my friend was gone. That was an act of unspoken love. These people obtain happiness through being graceful for their resourceful mountains, through immersing themselves in fresh mountain river, and through loving and trusting the neighbors.

We, coming from modernized developed countries, are fortunate enough to live gaudily with education systems (despite your criticism to it), advanced medical and computer technology, and GPS, air conditioning system, intact cars ,iphone 6, Uber, latest designer brands etc., you name it. Sure it is "quality of life" of life that we pursue, that is why the customer service call center always takes forever to reach. But what do any of these things mean to us if they can be discharged/forgotten without a second thought. We have it all, yet we have none because we easily let the sense of appreciation slip off. Such Obstinate illness of incessant desire for new toy and to complain is disgusting. The haunting loneliness endlessly resides in our hearts and demands for refill.Then isn't human relationship simply another refill? perhaps the difference is that there are endless imperfections in people to be complained or gossiped about.

With all the possessions, we developed a morbid of distrust and prejudice on top of obsession. Let me reveal the internal struggles of a typical US ( as her) in the below situations:

1. A local guy invites her to dance at bar, she freaks out " oh my god! what does he want! he is hitting on me!" In reality, dancing, for most latinos is their passion. They dance with you to share the joy they feel and period. It is amiable, and at times family-oriented as well( kids shuffle at bar with mommy and daddy too!)

2. Strolling down the road, everybody is greeting her with a blooming smile. " oh jesus! these people must be on something! i'd better grab hold of my handbag tightly. Shoot, what am i gonna do if they rob me?" thinks her worriedly.

3. Her puzzled gaze tells you her disorientation, so he walks up to her and tries to guide her the way in broken English. She thinks " oh my god! why is he following me! he must be a pimp or something!"

4. Worse of all, " these poor dudes are just stupid and lazy."

Seriously who do we think we are? I do believe in luck to a certain extend, but i hold reservation. Where we are born is not an option, so it surely is a matter of luck. Some get more opportunities while some don't. Honduras is a resourceful place with one of the best coffee beans productions, full mountains of valuable trees and rivers. Yet the revenue generated fall prey to the inefficient and corrupted government systems and half of the citizens were victimized by the unjust social chasm. Despite the unchangeable, we always have a choice to be happy. We are all different in the first place, but we are all here to strike for a common goal- happiness. We, the privileged, can't even be happy and we make fun of people! What is more staggering is the way fear has been consuming us in all ways.

We sanctimoniously judge others and disguise ourselves because we want to demonstrate ourselves as some better beings. We fear to be looked down so we look down on people. We fear to be harmed, so we build a defensive barrier, so we prejudge, so we hesitate to help. We fear to be surpassed, so we criticize others and bring down competitors. Because he works at Mcdonalds, he has no talent? because he goes to Havard, he is a better person? because he is homeless, he is likely to commit crimes? Blind spot exists, a lot of times is not because we cant see, but because we don't bother to peek out from the windows instead of squinting at the tiny mirror on the side. No one but ourselves programmed our brains to look solely at the picture in front of our eyes. It is an indiscretionary habit that we are brain-washed to practice. Ego causes prejudice; prejudice accounts for fear and skepticism; fear and distrust halt connections. As a result, true happiness can never be fetched. Tell me what is more beautiful than being able to enjoy life without reservation!

Lastly, I do wish to plead innocent on behalf of Honduras who is accused of being "super dangerous", "uneducated", and "uncivilized" under the law of prejudice and ignorance. I would like to contest with my firsthand account. Central America is known for its crazy all-day-all-night fiestas! who doesn't like parties! They party a lot not because they are lazy, but because they cherish contacts with people. In every occasion: birthday, christmas, Easter, etc,., family, neighbors, and even neighbors' friends are invited. In contrast to the purpose of getting wasted and getting laid at the American fret house parties, latin parties are for sharing festive moments with others. Living 15 years in a compacted apartment building of 23 floors in Hong Kong, I didn't even know anybody's name. Suddenly, I felt like I wasted years living in a sealed box, and i felt so deprived from being loved by people outside the box.

Official statistic shows that infamous Honduras has the highest homicide rate worldwide. Even locals would not recommend anyone to roam around certain places. But entire Honduras is dangerous! There are always zones that are less safe in every single country. Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are the distinctive examples. However, assassinations are mostly involved with gang activity and drug dealing. They are not likely to harm tourists/ innocent people. A lot of places in Honduras are indeed almost like utopia. People are not just helpful, they actually are genuinely interested and care about your story. Like usual, I never researched about a place before visiting ( other than currency info), for I did not want to create a "preexisted image" and deplete the purpose of exploring. So far, I have been guided by one new friend after another to different places.Few days ago, i was alone on a public bus heading to another city. I had no clue where to get off nor what transit to take. Then there came a middle-aged lady squeezing through the narrow space besides me. After a while, we started to talk for a little. A some point, she suddenly stood up and alerted me that was the stop, so i hurriedly reached for my belongings that were scattered everywhere and hopped off. I bent down to collect the trivial stuff that slipped off my hands, and when I raised my chin up, the entire family of that lady was all waiting for me. "Vamos!" They directed to me with big sweet smiles, so I followed them to the transit. The lady's right hand was holding her grand daughter's, and her left hand grabbed on to mine when we were jaywalking the highway. For an instant, my heart was melted with the warmth this lady i barely met transmitted. In this world, many people treat others nicely expecting benefits or future alliances. These people I encountered in Honduras, however, simply wish you enjoy the moment of life just as much as they do.

Comments on civilization.The prevailing belief on Hondurans are all uneducated is an understatement. I met many medical, dental, computer science students in this trip. They are all very bright, ambitious and hardworking. True enough though, there are many people that cant afford the luxury to go to school. Yet, it does not make them uncivilized. A boy as young as 13 years old would walk me to a safe location and stay with me until my friend comes pick me up to ensure my safety ( Geez ! Aren't there university graduates who don't even have basic gentleman manner?) without much euphemistic disguise, words are explicitly expressed. In a way, miscommunication is less common here. I hope our next generation will not inherit our blindness and will look through the story underneath the prejudged stereotype. And I hope one day, we will all be able to trust one another and experience the best part of life!

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!