> Politely put, Richard is an alarmist. While he is entitled to his
> opinion, I believe the truth lies elsewhere.
Me too.
> 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.
Primarily. There have been a rash of kidnappings by the gangs but definitly
directed at people who have money to pay ... though paying doesn't always
save the life of the peron kidnapped. I fear that eventually this will turn
toward tourists, but at the moment I belive its the Honduran middle/upper
class that has to worry.
> The secret to being safe is to listen to the advice of the locals and
> show some common sense.
> Since I assume you are doing an immersion program (living with a family,
> learning directly from them), you will be very safe.
Bond with the people you are staying with. The locals will keep you safe.
When I'm in Honduras I leave my reserved demeanor packed in my backpack. I
talk to everybody. Taxi & bus drivers, hotel clerks, waiters, people in
stores. Everyone is very helpful.
> 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."
La Ceiba is a big city. Probably enough said. I was there a couple of
weeks ago and though I had no problems I felt the least safe there than
anywhere else I went. My advice would be to avoid touristy places and
places known to be frequented by Americans. Coming out of Pizza Hut and
then walking a few blocks to my hotel is something I probably shouldn't have
done.
Early one morning in La Ceiba I grabbed a cab. A couple of blocks later the
driver picked up what I'd probably say was a gang member or drug dealer
friend of his ... that spoke some English. A few blocks later they turned
down a side street and stopped at a house. It was uncomfortable, but I
struck up a conversation and proceded to BOND. If I hadn't had my 14 year
old daughter with me I might have bailed out of the cab when we stopped at a
stop light ... but I couldn't. Nothing happened, but it certainly felt
unsafe.
> The people of Honduras are wonderful.
> So go, have fun, learn and show some common sense. You'll more than likely
be fine.
Ron's right on. Just don't go thinking that its like your neighborhood back
home ... it ain't.
Have fun.
Steve
|
|
|
|