Travel Journal:

9 Weeks In Honduras - Landed in Utila


Landed in Utila 2006-10-02
 
October 2, 7 pm

If i was the type of person who didn't like to fly, i would not have made it to utila by plane.  The plane was the type of two engine prop that makes everything that touches is rattle.  1 hour butt massage from the seat.  I met a merchant marine in San Pedro who had happened to notice me all the way from seattle.  He spent the time to get to know me and i got to have my first in depth conversation with someone from around here.

The airport in utila is little more than an airstrip.  A little thatched roof waiting area was there, probably for people who arrive before the taxi does in the rainy season.  A an old toyota van (aka taxi) was waiting for us when we landed.  6 passengers and bags piled in behind the driver.  The 15 minutes trip back (read: short drive, dirt roads) cost me about $1.30.

The taxi took me to The mango inn, where i get 10 free nights accomodation as part of my dive courses.  The mango is a nice enough place.  The pool is inviting and the room, albeit sparse, is clean.  I'm going to be sharing it, at least for the first few days with Jason, an OZy who's taking diving classes from my dive center.

After dropping off my stuff, a quick shower, and cleaning a burst shaving cream bottle off of my toiletries, i made my way down to the dive center.  The walk takes about 10 - 15 minutes (i wasn't rushing) and i must have been going right around sundown (6 oclock).  The streets were alive in what i assume must have been one of the busier times of the day.  Most locals taking bikes, but many people passing buy on scooters or motorcycles.  I saw a couple of old woman pass me by on a golf cart (honestly one of the best looking forms of automated transportation i've seen here).  There was a lot of activity on the streets and i think i can look forward to a bustling street life here.  

The dive center folk were incredivly friendly, and had me sign a series of risk and responcibilities forms.  Tomorrow i start my first dive (a fun dive, no classes for a few days) at 7:15... starting early!

Since its been dark, lightning has lit the sky up every few minutes.  I'm sitting in nothing but shorts, the air is warm, but nice, and there is no thunder or rain, but lightening keeps lighting up the place.  I imagine the storm is far away still.

Anyway, i'm going to chew my foot off if i don't go grab a bite soon.  Jason and I are gonna meet up with most of the instructors from the center for dinner.  

More to come soon.

m xoxo

some pictures of the trip and the first 1.5 days (not much) are on Twango
 
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