Third Times a Charm!

When I made my first trip to Copan Ruinas in 2011, I didn't think that this would become a yearly event. Yet here I am getting ready for my third trip in as many years. Many people still don't really know where Honduras is so take a look at the maps below. The first one will give you an idea where Honduras is placed in Central America and the second one, a better idea where Copan actually is. I fly in to San Pedro Sula and take a bus the next day to Copan. Copan is located about 12 km's from the Guatemalan border;


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Those that have not read my previous blogs may be wondering why I keep returning to Copan. Well, I have been learning Spanish for close to 7 years. Three years ago I decided I was ready for an immersion course to help get me to the next level with my Spanish. After much internet searching, I stumbled across Copan Ruinas, Honduras. It seemed to offer everything I was looking for as a place for Spanish immersion....a traditional town yet with some tourist infrastructure as well as two language schools. I chose the Guacamaya Spanish School and through it, my teacher Dunia. And as "they" say, the rest is history. This year I shall stay with Dunia and her family again. I stayed with her and her family last year for the first time so I guess I must be an okay house guest. It makes my stay in Copan so much more personal. They include me in everything they do and truly make me feel like part of their family. I am so looking forward to seeing them again.

I shall also spend time with Ellen Finn of Project School Supplies. Ellen continues to work tirelessly in the impoverished rural communities. Her small organization works wonders. They supply rural schools with supplies, uniforms, nutrition programs and high school grants for the children, They also provide emergency medical care, repair and build schools and most recently built a medical clinic in San Jose, Guatemala (just over the border from Honduras).

I get asked quite a bit about the dangers of travelling to Honduras and safety while there. Honduras is not without its problems. Statistics show that Honduras has the highest murder rate per capita in the world but I prefer to focus on the fact that it is a beautiful country with incredibly warm and hospitable people. In fact it's the people that keep me returning each year. When I am there, I take usual tourist precautions (no flashy jewellery/cameras, pre-book accommodations etc) and so far, I have never felt unsafe or threatened.

I fly out from Toronto on November 8th, arriving in San Pedro Sula, Honduras (via Miami) by early afternoon. I have booked a night at Casa el Meson bed and breakfast as I don't want to risk missing the last bus of the day to Copan and then having nowhere booked to stay. I have stayed there before and the owners make their guests feel very much at home. I will then catch the Hedman Alas bus (tourist bus) the following morning to Copan. It's about a three hour trip but given that it's the rainy season, I'm hoping we won't run in to any difficulties.

So, for now...adios.....hasta luego!