Home: Safe and Sound

Sorry this update is coming a little late. I took a couple days of "vacation" from the real world once I got home. But now I am fully rested and ready to go.

Due to the political situation in Honduras, we decided it would be best for me to leave on Wednesday, rather than Friday. The highways to both San Pedro and Teguz had been blocked, so any traffic trying to get to the airport would be unable to pass. Even the first-class bus service Hedman Alas had discontinued service from Copan Ruinas to other Honduran and Guatemalan cities. Ex-presdent Zelaya had announced he was planning to return that Friday (though he later delayed his arrival), which could have meant further problems traveling. Commercial traffic had already been blocked at the Guatemalan border, and Moncho feared private travel could be blocked as well once Zelaya returned. Luckily, Dr. Rudy Larios (another archaeologist working in Copan) and his wife were planning to drive to their house in Guatemala City for the weekend on Wednesday morning. They very generously offered to take me along. As we were unsure whether I would be able to get out later in the week or not, we all felt this was my best option.

I must say, while I was glad to be going home, I was incredibly sad to be leaving all of the amazing people in Honduras, especially so abruptly. They had become like family, and they had taken such good care of me while I was there. Moncho even accompanied me and Dr. Rudy to the border to make sure everything went smoothly. My passport was stamped, my money exchanged, and after a tearful good-bye I was on my way.

The drive from Copan to Guatemala City is about 5 hours, most of it through forested mountains and valleys. It was absolutely beautiful. I was very fortunate to be riding with someone who knew Guatemala (and all of the clean places to make pit stops) so well. We stopped in Chiquimula for lunch. At McDonald's, no less. If anyone is wondering, and Quarter Pounder with Cheese has the same name in Spanish (Cuarto de Libra con Queso).

Once arriving in Guatemala City at around 4pm, Dr. Rudy dropped me off at a hotel Bill had recommended. The Princess Hotel was GORGEOUS. Bill was worried it was a little pricey, but after reserving hotel rooms for my graduation, $100 a night seemed like nothing. They had a delicious restaurant, a TV in the room, and the most amazing-smelling soap. The continental breakfast included scrambled eggs, pancakes, tortillas, beans, fruit, all different assortments of meats... it was a real treat. The hotel even provided shuttle service to the airport. Overall, a very good experience.

My flight left from Guatemala City around noon on Thursday, and I got into Atlanta around 6pm or so. Getting through customs took at least an hour and a half, including getting my passport checked, retrieving my checked luggage, re-checking my luggage, and going through security (again). While I waited for my final flight to Denver, I enjoyed a caprese sandwich at ABP (it was so nice having fresh mozzarella cheese!). My flight finally left aroud 10:40pm, and I got into Denver shortly after midnight. My entire family (sans kitties) was waiting for me at the airport, and we had a very joyous reunion.

What an adventure! Thanks for following me along the way.

Alyce