Soy extranjera

(translation: "I am a foreigner.")

Recently, I had the chance to meet up with a 26-year old international student from Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She is studying English at the Kaplan school here in Santa Barbara, and we had a connection through one of my Westmont professors. (Talk about God's plan right there!) It was so exciting to hear from her what living in Honduras is like and already experience the warmth and generosity that Hondurans possess. We barely knew each other, and she was already inviting me to come stay with her family in Tegucigalpa!

She drew a map of places I had to visit:
-Copan Ruinas (beautiful Mayan ruins)
-Roatan (Caribbean beach famous for coral reefs/surfing/scuba diving)
-San Pedro Sula (city)
-La Ceiba (city)
-Amapala

Gave me a conversion chart: $1 = 20 Lempiras.
I'll have to get used to converting money daily.
And told me I needed to go to El Patio (a traditional restaurant) and try Baleadas (like a burrito, but at the same time, not at all like one).

Also she gave me some phrases that will come in handy when I'm down there:
-Donde puedo tomar el taxi? (Where can I take the taxi?)
-Disculpe (Excuse me...followed by a question)
-Necesito su ayuda (I need your help.)
-and my favorite: "Habla ingles?" (Do you speak English?)

We talked through safety tips (like don't wear any jewelry, watches, or have your cell-phone out) and she said the country's more stable now that they have a new president. It was a great conversation, and she reassured me many times: "Don't worry."

I'm not, but I am mentally preparing for the things told about in IST teachers' blogs:
-cockroaches and other large unkillable insects
-boiling water (being patient)
-frequent power outages
-awkward conversations as I acquire the Spanish language
Knowing what to expect really helps in terms of keeping an optimistic/grateful attitude, as well as knowing how to plan ahead.

More adventures/surprises to come!