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So...here it goes.
I missed the ferry over to Utila. Decided it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to head back into town, spend the night, and leave early the next morning. Little did I know that it was the local Carnaval. The biggest party in Central America. And I happened to be there for the last weekend of this huge festival. That meant that there were absolutely no open hotel rooms. I went around to about 7 of them, was near tears, frustrated, and couldn't believe my bad timing. I finally found this crappy hotel that would sell me a double room for close to 40 dollars (they usually cost about 4 dollars). I held back tears, and figured I had to do it. They needed cash straight up...so I had to go to the ATM to get more. I was a little more relaxed, because at least I wouldn't have to sleep on the street or the beach. Walking along the street I see the first touristy guy (white) I'd seen all day. He looks a little lost, and i think 'hmm, perhaps he's in the same situation as me?' So I approach him and
ask him straight up...
"Do you have a room tonight? Cuz if not, I do..but if you do..can I sleep on your floor?"
He looked at me incredulously...laughed..and told me basically that yes, he and his girlfriend had a room, and that not only was there floor space, but there was an entire extra double bed. And it was an air conditioned room. And that of course I could stay with them!!
Talk about the best thing ever. Stumbled upon the biggest party in Central America. Had my own double bed, in an airconditioned room. Did I mention the room was on the beach!! And the couple (Meagan and Justin) were just the greatest people. Tons of fun. They sure saved my ass! We ended up staying in La Ceiba until the end of the Carnaval (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights). And wow...here's a few highlights for this cross between Carnaval in South America, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and the gay pride parade in Vancouver. Seriously.
-- homemade sangria in our hotel room (gotta love those mango ladies who sell more than just mangos, rum, and wine!)
-- main street with about 15 stages set
up at each intersection for concerts and dancing at night
--Mardi gras style beads being flung from balconies (no flashing though, thank god)
-- Salvavida beer stands (Salvavida is 'lifeguard' in spanish...) everywhere.. with really cheap, yummy, cold beer
-- Saturday parade: banners, confetti, signs, bright colours, music galore, garifuna bands (local black music...very 'shake that ass' music...instruments include conch shell, turtle shell, drums, etc), school bands, pirates, floats, buses...
-- Parade shenanigans:
*member of garifuna band sees me and meagan dancing away (we stood out a little...two blonde girls in a crowd of dark hair) and comes up to us and starts dancing with us. Grabs my hand, pulls me into the parade...we proceed to have a "dance-slash-shake" off. In the middle of the street. Proceeded by tons of cheers.
*me and meagan get interviewed by a TV and radio station. In Spanish. I had to translate everything for meagan. It was hilarious.
*evening dancing started out in the street...then we got moved up onto a roof top overlooking the street stage...then the crowd stopped watching the show on the stage, and was turned watching us dance on the rooftop...and then we were moved down ONTO the stage. I
Precarious wires...
this rooftop is similar to the one we were dancing on... didn't think our dance moves were that great...but apparently the blonde hair helps...alot.
The whole Carnaval experience was incredible. And it all worked out soooo well. And it was completely unplanned and spur of the moment!!
Reading what i've just written. I'm not sure it does the experience justice. I'll retell the stories when i get home. Might even reinact the dance off with the garifuna dancer.
We eventually did make it to Utila. 4 days later than planned. Got into a place called Alton's. A great dive shop and hostel. Right on the water. I started diving the day after we got there. It was beautiful, and very much the same as Panama - but also totally different. Saw eagle rays, turtles, moray eels, a million really cool little fish and about 4 seconds of a shark (we got into the water, were about 2 feet down, and waay down at the bottom was a shark...and then he swam away. phew!)
The whole time on Utila (a week) was awesome. Hung out with Justin and Meagan and a bunch of new friends. Justin turned out to be quite the cook, and we had a
great dinner crew / making home made meals and saving money every night! Justin even cooked up the fish he caught during the days! I met up with a couple from Manitoba (Josh and Kailee) and ended up leaving Utila with them and their friend Sander (Dutch)...
This blog is long enough...
Love you!
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Callie
non-member comment
Bah
I sit here in my cubby, no windows and no fresh air and I'm on the verge of tears. I wish I could be there with you!!!!!! Sounds like you're having the most amazingest of all times - can't wait to hear the unprintable stories. Summer in Vancouver is alive and well - I guess I'll be seeing you some time at the beginning of July? Enjoy the last few weeks!!!!