March 27, 2013

The rain poured all night… it had stopped when we woke up around 5:30am so we took off early from our hotel in La Ceiba, Honduras, hoping to avoid getting soaked again.  It was a nice thought…. but within a few minutes the rain began.  It rained on and off as we traveled toward Copan.  The river beds are completely full of muddy brown water.

The opposing traffic seems to think we are invisible today – so many cars are passing on our side, right in front of us!  It is so dark because of the rain that the daylight sensor on Scott’s flashing headlight is not activating.  We realize that the flashing headlight really makes people aware of us!

The GPS directed us off on a dirt road.  Several cars and taxis were on the road, so we decided to take the shortcut.  Hmmm…. not such a good decision.  Yes, it was a shortcut… but soon we were the only people on the road that was thick with mud.  Scott almost dumped it twice before I got off and walked for awhile (my weight on the back makes this kind of riding difficult!).  We were so happy to reach the pavement!  Now we are wet with the added amenity of mud.

We passed through four or five police stops today – each time they saw our tourist sticker, they waved us through.  Once, the policeman stopped us and asked where our raincoats were – with a smile.  It seems like Honduras is trying hard to make a good impression on tourists… they are doing an admirable job!

Made it to Copan Ruinas (the name of the town near the Mayan Ruins) by lunch time.  Found a nice little hotel and have all our belongings drying out.

We had tacos for lunch across from the hotel.  The owner’s son who served us is in high school and speaks English well.  He has a pet squirrel named “Coco.” Coco climbed up on his shoulder and then up my arm to my shoulder, then quickly down the length of me and outside and up a tree.    Really cute… He has sharp little claws – no wonder he can climb trees so easily!

This young man also found someone to fix the box on the bike.  By the time we were done eating, the man had come and picked it up.  A few hours later, it was back and fixed for $15.  Not like new – but opens and closes perfectly.

March 28, 2013

Visited the Maya ruins at Copan this morning.  We got there early, before the crowds.  It was so peaceful and beautiful.  The wild macaw birds were fun to watch.  They are so colorful!

We are here in Copan Ruinas during Semana Santa (holy week).  Today, there is much activity in the town square – music, food, booths, as they prepare the streets for Good Friday.

The townspeople are spreading a layer of sawdust on top of the cobblestones, then they stay up most of the night creating beautiful pictures of Jesus’ crucifixion using colored sawdusst, flour, salt and rice.  There is a procession over the beautiful carpets they have created.

March 29, 2013

March 30, 2013

This has been the perfect place to spend a busy holiday.  We will travel into Guatemala tomorrow, planning to end up at Tikal National Park – more ruins!

We pray that you all have a wonderful, blessed Easter celebration – HE IS RISEN!

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.   1 Peter 3:18