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Published: August 24th 2009
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Sponsored Child
Alma and I at the centre This weekend I went to visit Walter in Comayagua. After he came to visit me two weekends in a row, I figured it was my turn.
The taxi ride from my apartment to the bus station was about 20 minutes long and I have to admit that I felt a little nervous. It's been a big adjustment trying to get used to life in Tegucigalpa, as ýou always have to be more aware of what is happening around you and of any potential danger as well.
The bus ride to Comayagua was surreal. It was a route I had done many times before but usually this particular route was when I was heading "home" from a weekend visit to Tegus. This was different, but it felt SO good to be back in Comayagua. I feel so much safer here. Maybe I'm just not used to Tegus yet.
Walt met me at the gas station where they dropped me off and we got a taxi to his house, where all his neices and nephews were so happy to see me. I spoke for a short time with his mother and then we met up with Bryan (friend of Walt's
"Peepsa Hut"
Some of my old students and I at Pizza Hut who became my friend as well) and went to a new place called "Super Baleada" that sells amazing HUGE baleadas. Baleadas are native to Honduras and are tortillas with refried beans, cream, cheese, eggs, and sometimes chicken and avocado. Mmmm.
We then went to play some pool (Walt is addicted now that we've been playing with Jimmy and Sarah) then went to visit Ricardo (the owner of a small restaurant in Central Park with whom I made friends with years ago) for a beer. Ricardo totally remembered me and introduced me to a friend of his as "the girl with the voice".
Our last stop of the evening was to Morgan's bar (called Sangrias) to say hello. He has done AMAZING things with that place. I was there when it was plastic coca-cola tables and now he's listed in the new travel guide I bought before coming. SO proud of him. The place is great.
Saturday we woke up and went to visit the centre where Walter teaches and where I used to volunteer. He showed me the new addition which was a giant pool of fish. They bought them as tiny fish and are now raising
Dancing with my Server
This is how they celebrate birthdays and special events at Pizza Hut them until they are large enough to teach the children to fish and then they can give them to the children to keep and take home to feed their families. What an amazing place. I got to see Alma too (my sponsored child) and she was really excited to see me too. She just kept hugging me and clinging to my side.
One sad part about being at the centre was the absense of a friend of mine and Walter's named David. He was from Puerto Rico but had married a Honduran and recently had 2 twin girls. Just over a month ago, David went home to Puerto Rico to visit. I guess he got back into some bad habits or something, was missing for a couple days, and was later found of a drug overdose. We had no idea he was having so many problems or that he was not happy with his life. Walt had called me at camp to tell me of the news. He was upset and I was in shock. I don't think it fully hit me until I saw his car at the centre and expected to hear his voice and see him
Oh dear
All my students thought it was funny running out to greet me. He had been the first person I met at the centre, and he toured me around showing me everything as Walt was teaching classes. Very sad. It's also been strange as Pedro (another friend of ours) who worked for years as administration at the centre, is no longer here as well, as he traveled illegally to the United States. his presense is missing too.
Later Saturday, I met up with a bunch of my old students at Pizza Hut for dinner. There were about 10 of them there at one point or another. It was amazing to see them. As much grief as they gave me in the beginning, I love these kids. So many of the girls had growth spurts and looked like little women. I only saw 2 of the boys but both were taller and had their voices changed. Amazing how much changes in a year. We enjoyed pizza, chatter, and laughter. They told the server it was a special occasion so the staff all came over and I had to dance merengue with the server. Apparently this is what they do for birthdays. Walt also surprised me with a craft
OOOH!
A little dirty dancing thrown in there? All my students were sure Walter was jealous. He thought it was funny and took these photos! hanging made by one of the students at the centre, as well as a dozen red roses. My students were all asking when the wedding was so that they could all be flower girls.
Later that night we went out to Sangria's and Villa Real. Enjoyed some drinks with all of Walt's friends. I'm feeling slightly more comfortable with my Spanish. I just gotta keep at it. Walt was excited to get out dancing as we hadn't danced together since I've been back.
This morning (Sunday) we met up with Mike and Mavis (the Canadian married couple teaching at the American School with me) as they were in town with the church group of the grandma of the family that they are living with in Tegus. We had lunch together at a cute little place called "La Casita" as I recommended the great food very typical of Honduras. We then walked around the market where Mike found a cheap Honduras jersey, and a belt, followed by some amazing licuados (fresh juice smoothies) at Ricardo's restaurant. We walked Mike and Mavis to the mall where they were catching their bus and Walt and I went back to his place
Sundae :)
enjoying dessert to get my things and catch a bus back to Tegus.
It was SO nice to be back in Comayagua and feel comfortable because I know the city, the streets, and many people. Let's hope with time this will be the same with Tegus. At least my apartment felt more like home when I got back. Looking forward to more weekends to come 😊
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Kari12
Caroline Redmond
Morgan's
Morgan's bar is really in a travel guide! That rocks. Which one? Where are the pics from there? Did you see anyone else? Art, Karen Esly?