Day #7 11/01/20
I cannot believe that I’ve been here for seven days already. It feels like just yesterday I was getting on the plane in Minneapolis. I’m starting to become more comfortable here, not that I was ever so homesick that I was miserable or anything, but the fact that it is 82º F and sunny here while back home it’s like 2º is starting to make me look at this place with new eyes.
This morning I slept in (6:40am) and had my quiet time, eventually, I meandered down to Mitch’s for coffee. We hit the road in search of some breakfast at D&D Brewery, not to be confused with Dungeons and Dragons. What I was expecting was a typical Honduran resturant joint: cute, tiny, and mostly clean, with some handmade decorations around. What I found was something different entirely. Los Naranjos is about 30 miles from Sigua and there are only two signs and no street names. It was a good thing Mitch knew where we were because I sure didn’t. When we finally arrived after driving through the mountain highway CA-5 (Central America 5), the outside appearance which consisted of a grass “parking lot” at the end of a long 4×4 type road was pretty unassuming. However, as we stepped into the entrance we were met by a jungle staircase surrounded by beautiful canopy. Down these stairs was a hidden jungle oasis. Where I was expecting a few plastic tables and chairs, and possibly some hispanic music, I was met with smooth lobby jazz and beautifully crafted wooden cabanas. There were hammocks everywhere and lounge chairs for long siestas in the sun breaking through the tall trees. If this sounds too good to be true, you’re just going to have to check it out for yourself. There really is nothing like it, so there’s no good way to explain what it’s like. I can tell you that the food is excellent, and that the The Blue Willow is lucky that D&D is so far away because their french toast and coffee blow Blue Willow out of the water. Plus, their prices can’t really be beat. I’m gonna attach pics after this because it’s easier to let the beauty of this place speak for itself. Just know, that the pictures do NOT do it justice. I kept saying while I was there that I was sure it was heaven.
I really never wanted to leave, but we had big plans to see un BIG cascada (waterfall)! It was only a short drive from D&D to la cascada Puhlapanzak. This big attraction had one small sign at the turn off of the main drag, typical of most things in Honduras. This tactic is a bit different than South Dakota that has ads for Wall Drug a clear 400 miles away. We reached the park and were met by many locals having fun for their weekend. There was a river with mini-falls within it where people were swimming and hanging out. We were pretty much the only gringos there, so we got to play the staring game which is always fun… I decided it would be fun to start looking at people with just as shocked a look on my face to mirror their amazement. I haven’t done it yet, but I’ll let you know what happens when I do. It was only a short walk from the entrance to the falls, when we got to the clearing to see it we were the only people there except for two others in the distance. It was amazing. I know, that sounds dumb. You’re probably thinking, this girl goes to a waterfall, builds it all up like this in the story and can’t think of a darn thing any better than, “It was amazing.” Well, before you get all upset, understand that this fall is something that takes your breath away. It’s akin to the night sky. Something that God put there to remind you of your place in this world–just a blade of grass, here today and gone tomorrow, so small. As I stood there, most of my time was spent with my eyes closed letting the mist from the crashing current wash over my face. It was so refreshing, I couldn’t help but to continue to thank God for the amazing creation He made for us to enjoy. It wasn’t an obligation, not that I felt the need to thank Him for such a beautiful place, but I couldn’t help it.
ENOUGH. 