Today started at a beautiful 7 am as Bowen and I walked to the Plaza to meet Mallori. We didn't know the adventures that would meet us, but we were excited none the less. Bowen had planned a trip to El Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Meambar-- we knew we needed to get a bus to La Guama, then a bus to Santa Elena, and then a Taxi to the parque... hmm yeah we should have known it would be difficult.
We did our normal long hike to the Texaco to await a random bus to stop and pick us up (which we learned almost 12 hrs later that this method is ridiculous seeing that the chicken busses actually have a bus station in town). It took a while to find a bus going all the way to San Pedro Sula-- but finally one arrived... standing room only obviously. We climb aboard to go down the road about 2 minutes and to stop for another 20 minutes so the passengers that had been riding for an hour could get food and use the bathroom. We climb back on the overly crowded bus.... and stand... and stand... until 45 minutes later we reach La Guama. This is where life got interesting.
So-- off the bus we go. To stand and look around awkwardly not knowing what to do. We grunted some Spanish at a random bus driver who told us that someone would be by at some point to pick up people to go to Santa Elena. But, we didn't have to wait long for three nice police officers to offer us a ride up the hill (interesting event #1 please see pictures). They drive us about 3 of the 7 km up the hill and then tell us to walk the rest of the way. But, we were thankful none the less because they didn't charge us so we started our long walk up a huge hill toward the place where we were planning to hike. IT TOOK FOREVER. It was hard. Very hard. We stopped at one point to have our peanut butter sandwhiches and then on we went. During the long hike not one vehicle passed us... it was strange. Finally we arrived at Panacam. The hiking was wonderful. And the views where beautiful. But, none of this compared to what was about to happen. We hiked to the highest point 1200 km or something like that... saw a beautiful view of the lake. Hiked back down expecting to meet Erick the manager who said he would take us back to La Guama. Erick was there when we got down the hill and pointed out a trail that with just a short easy 15 minute walk we would be able to see a beautiful waterfall. And well he didn't lie about that. The walk was pretty easy and the waterfall was beautiful (see picture), however he did lie about taking us down the hill. We got back to the lodge area... rested our tired legs only to notice the Panacam truck was gone. When we grunted our Spanish to the workers they told us yes, he was gone (interesting event # 2). However, they were quite sure that the random Honduran couple with the nice silver truck would take us to La Guama. Runnig through my head was pases like "seriously" "they have got to be kidding" "how do we even ask for that?" While contemplating this the couple get up... walk to their truck... and go to leave. NOOOOO... so we pitter patter after them like puppy dogs saying "permiso, permiso, lo siento." They were really nice though offered for us to ride inside the truck, but after hiking for 5 hours we figured the back of the truck would be better. So, off we go in the back of a really nice truck to the town of La Guama (interesting event # 3 see picture).
We had hopes of eating dinner by the lake-- but we couldn't get a taxi to take us 5 minutes down the road. So, we settled for a chicken bus. On this overcrowded chicken bus we were overcharged AND given the wrong change back. A very nice young man tried to argue for us, but the man would have nothing to do with it. But, once again the situation was saved! Once some people got off I was offered a seat at the front of the bus. I awkwardly sat down, but a few stops later I met a new best friend! His name is Rigo. Rigo-- is an older man, married, 2 kids... well I could tell you his whole story actually. But, I won't. His English was great from living in Austraila for 5 years. So-- I met him and we talked the rest of the way and I hope to see his piano concert in town on Friday!
And yes... the day keeps going. We get back into Sigua and we are hungry. So, we walk to the pizza place. I never want to visit this pizza place again. For the first time while being in Honduras I felt ugh-- about service... and it was because we were gringas. So, not only were they really short and impatient with us-- they also lied! They told us they didn't have Lucaidos (smoothies)... so Bowen and Mallori walked to get one from somewhere else... and then the next group of Hondurans that came in ordered some! Ya-- so we had to listen to their loud mixer thing crush up their ice and deliciousness... when we were told they didn't have any. Geesh! But, our dinner was tastey and--- Bowen and I got to see and feed Carlos Immanual and Jerson which was exciting. I looked up from the table to see Carlos (a beggar we met one sunday after church) and we had leftover peanut butter and bread from our hiking-- so we made them sandwhiches and talked with them. It pretty much made my day! And then walking home I saw my "Good morning guy." As we wait for the bus in the mornings there is one Honduran who is walking to work or something... with his backpack on and he always really cheerfully says "good morning" in a funny little accent... so this evening he also became my "good evening guy." And that was just really cool because I also saw him at like 7 that mornign as he was on a bus. Ohh yeah and!! Our laundry guy was totally working at a little store next to the pizza place. We went in to get some milk for our friends and I was like woah-- there is our laundry guy! In a big city of people we can't understand I'm finally recognizing people... and somewhat forming weird little relationships! Yay!
Wow-- okay thats all!
