In article <3F31C1D2.2BA4F22E@att.net>,
Richard Ferguson wrote:
> Honduras is not a safe country.
> >
> > Hi, i amplanning on going to Honduras this year and taking a emersion
> > course in Spanish,first has any one done this...area is La Ceiba, also
> > is this area safe, and any infro. on Honduras would be helpful...thankx,
> > Stan
Hi Stan,
Politely put, Richard is an alarmist. While he is entitled to his
opinion, I believe the truth lies elsewhere.
Honduras is a democracy, has been since the early 80's. The military is
no longer the ruling power. Currently I view Honduras as far more stable
than eith Nicaruagua or Guatamala.
Yes Honduras does have a crime problem, primarily related to gangs. The
mueder rate is high but once again it is primarily gang members killing
other gang members.
The secret to being safe is to listen to the advice of the locals and
show some common sense. If they say to stay away from a area - then stay
away. Don't slash cash or jewelry. Look like you know where you are and
where you are going - be purposeful. These same rules would apply in any
large city like NYC, LA or DC.
Sites like those listed in Richard's post are usually far removed from
reality. They tend to condemn any non-European country (except valued
trading partner Japan), expecially those which speak a language other
than English. Toss in some poverty and obviously you have a country ripe
for a revolution. It's advice to keep folks at Dizzy World in Orlando
rather than going someplace real. (note: for some folks that is very
prudent)
Since I assume you are doing an immersion program (living with a family,
learning directly from them), you will be very safe.
Ceiba is a very pretty area and considered the party town of Honduras.
The is a saying amongst Hondurans - "We think in Tegucigalpa, Work in
San Pedro Sula and Party in La Ceiba."
I have gone to Honduras several times a year since 1987 and never felt
threatened. I've stayed in the barrios of Tegucigalpa, traveled the
countryside, walked city streets after night and never once had a
problem. I'm hardly imposing at 5'7", 190 lbs and only have one-arm.]
While you're in Ceiba, try to get to the Rio Platano and raft it. Take
the Galaxy to Roatan and spend a couple days. If time allows go to Copan
for a few days (take the Hedman Alas
(http://www.copanhonduras.org/hedman/index.htm) bus direct, about
$36/rt, stay at Iguana Azul ($5 night,
http://www.todomundo.com/iguanaazul/index.html).. look at
http://www.copanhonduras.org/ for full info. If you want to feel really
special offer to take the family your staying with. I took 12 family
members for three days - total cost of everything was under $600. It was
a trip they never could have done on their own.
The people of Honduras are wonderful.
So go, have fun, learn and show some common sense. You'll more than
likely be fine.
Ron T |
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