Thursday, May 7, 2009

Comayagua


On good Friday we went to Comayagua (the colonial capital of Honduras) to see the "Alfombras." On Good Friday they create Easter-themed murals made of sand right on the street. The details are pretty amazing. Most of the murals are done by families that live there in the town. They start planning weeks in advance and make cardboard and wooden stencils. Then around 9-10 pm the night before they start creating. People start arriving around 8:00 am and by 2:00pm the alfombra is ruined by a religous processional that goes right through the street. Seems like a lot of work for just a few hours, but it was nice to see.

















This one above was made from cofee and other natural items. The white part is coffee neams before they are treated/roasted (they are white/cream colored when they are first hervested.) The dark brown background is fine ground coffee.








After the alfombras, we went to Pizza Hut (fine Honduran cuisine) and met up with Keyla's half brother and sister(on her dad's side.)


Keyla, Carlos, and Sabina



The next day we went to see the cathedral in Comayagua. It is the oldest in the country (built in the 1570's). The bell tower to the side still works with all original parts.







This is Carlos, Keyla's half brother. He is so far the only Honduran I have foiund, taller than me. (I'm huge in Honduras!!!).

Go Tar Heels!!!!


Ok this is a little late, but if you are surprised, then you obviously don't know me. Anyways the Tar Heels won the National Championship this year and needless to say I was more that a little excited. I REALLY wanted to be on Franklin Street jumping over bonfires. I'll have to say that it is one of the most home-sick moments for me in Honduras. Beyond that, there wasn't anyone I could share my excitement with. I tried to explain it to my friends here in Honduras, but it kind of loses its excitement after a 5 min explanation. So young Isaac was drafted into Tar Heel nation. Just to be clear, I had planned on his forced conscription since he was born, I was just going to wait until he was potty-trained. So as the clock was winding down Issac got out of bed (was taken out of bed-just a question of symantics), and watched the last few minutes of his first Tar Heel championship. I can't tell you how excited he was. In the absence of the words I have submitted the pictures of said championship celebration. Just for the record, I wanted to see if he could jump over our "bonfire"(see picture below) but his mom stepped in and played the good parent role.






I know that it looks like he is yawning, but he is actually cheering, (I promise)