Bienvenidos a Copan Ruinas, Honduras!

People say things in life are never easy… and boy are they right!  After a flight delay, being forced to check my carry on, a missed connecting flight, an unexpected overnight in Houston, Texas without my luggage, I FINALLY MADE IT TO COPAN RUINAS!!!!!! It is a miracle ya’ll! 

As I passed through customs in San Pedro Sula, I immediately regretted my over packing habits as I majorly struggled with dragging my 2 suitcases and a carry on through the airport.  Luckily a man working for the airport security spotted me in the midst of my struggle as I tried to exit through the doors of the baggage claim, and of course, got my two suitcases stuck between the doors.  He tried to hide his laughter as he offered to help me to the bus ticket counter. 

The airport in San Pedro Sula was quite the experience.  I learned quickly of how little Spanish I knew when I tried to buy my bus ticket to Copan Ruinas.  I am not sure if it was because I was overwhelmed with how every man in the airport had a handgun on his belt loop, or the many security guards walking around with shot guns, but my broken Spanglish skills were put to the test.  There were many animated hand gestures, “No Entiendo’s” (I don’t understand), and “Lo Siento’s” (I’m Sorry) involved as I attempted to buy my bus ticket and navigate my way through the airport and bus station.  Number 1 on my list of things to do: take a Spanish class. 

I finally arrived in Copan Ruinas around 6:30pm, and it was already completely dark out. I was picked up and taken to my new apartment. The first thing I realized about Copan Ruinas was the crazy amount of hills, the cobble stone streets, and of course the amazingly beautiful scenery. 

I live just off the street of one the main roads within Copan Ruinas.  The area I live in is nicknamed “The Nunnery” as there are 7 woman Mayatan teachers that live here.  I live in a house with three other girls.  Two of them (Jenna and Myriam) live on the upstairs level, and Lauren and I live on the lower level.  Lauren graduated from UW-Madison this past year as well, such a small world! We did not know each other before coming here, but instantly bonded over Madison and the Wisconsin Badgers!  The apartment is way better than I expected, and the amazing view off our balcony is something that will never get old.  

This is our beautiful house! 

The view from outside our front door.

Our living/dinning room :)

Our kitchen: includes a gas stove and microwave

Neighbor kids visited and drew us a perfect refigerator decoration.

The only mirror in our place

I bought my first hammock and added it to our upstairs balcony! 

The view from our balcony looking up to the main street.

The view from our balcony towards the mountains. 

Things to know about living in Copan Ruinas:

1) There are three shower settings (Hot, Warm, and Cold), but they do not matter as the shower does as it feels, which is usually cold and if you’re lucky, slightly warm.  

2) We have “Water Days” every 3 days, which is when our water is refilled.  Water is stored in a large bucket above each house .  If you run out of water before the 3 days are up…. You, my friend, are S.O.L.  

These are typically above every house. 

3) There are frequent power outages… I was without power from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening! 

4) It doesn’t matter the time of day, roosters will roost when they please, and they will make damn sure you hear them! 

5) Ok, so it’s not just the roosters, but you can actually hear just about everything- the neighbor’s radio at 4am, dogs howling, children crying, everyyyyyyy single conversation the neighbors are having in their house.  Earplugs at night are a necessity! 

6) Something super awesome: I have a banana and lime tree right outside my doorstep. 

More to come… Exploring the Market/Shopping, Honduran Food, Cultural Experiences, and of course Escuala Mayatan… I almost forgot I came here to teach ;)