Another journey has just begun. Matt and I have happily boarded the plane to Tegucigalpa, Honudras after an all-nighter at the airport. Few naps got us to the warmth, making me realize that I no longer have to wear long pants everyday. What a blessing!
Excited about the wardrobe change, it took me an hour of lost hope to find out that our backpacks did not arrive with us. It felt slightly disappointing, but how can I care about few shirts and books when I can think of all the beaches and mountains I am about to explore? Besides, the airline crew politely informed us that the luggage might arrive the next day, in one piece. As excited for the shopping as I could be, I`d rather just get what I`ve packed so cautiously and move on.
First night took us to the center of Tegus, where I anticipated my first share of rice and beans. But it turns out the city has different taste, for Latin America. Around the main plaza, we passed Wendy`s, Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, and Dunkin Donuts. I mean there really was not a single comedor with traditional dishes as far as our sight and legs could reach. So we ate some Western food and wandered under tens of piñatas in a supermarket to get fruit for the morning. I`m not a big fun of burgers, after all.
Today we were smarter. I`ve read all the eating-related recommendations in my wonderful guidebook and I set off, all hungry, to finally get my plàtanos. We reached the address and… there was nothing. You mus be kidding me, you Banana Republic, I thought. We asked some shop-owner how to find Don Pepe`s and he cheerfuly announced that the place does not exist. No worries, though. Since it seems like we are the only two tall, white people around here, a nice lady decided to take us by hand and show us where the new restaurant was. Muchas gracias. The place was full of locals and served some delicious refried beans. It was all that I wanted.
Now, my main thing on a TO-DO list is to get rid of our shared theft-paranoia, leaving everything behind, and strategizing as to what can make us least visible, or least approachable as a target. I mean a dose of common sense and precaution is strongly advised, but I can`t wait to get comfortable around here and cherish the surrounding culture. For now, I`m doing it step-by-step – I try to focus on all fake christmas trees that shine beautifully reminding me of my ever-favourite holidays, and dance on the street to busting Spanish music coming from every single tool-shop on the way.
Fiona
Tegucigalpa, 22 Dec. 2011
backpackerina 