We had such a productive week and our time in Honduras was coming to an end. As soon as the main electrical transmission lines can be installed and activated, the village of Jayacayan will have electricity in their homes. This would not happen if it were not for the efforts of Past-District Governor Jim Johnston, the Lawrenceburg Rotary Club, along with other Rotary Clubs throughout our District 6760 and their members. We also appreciate the support of our current District Governor, Jim Springer with this project.
Special thanks to the Rock Harbor Yacht Club for their generous donation also. These funds were used by Keith Clodfelter to purchase basic staples, food, and other necessities for the families of Jayacayan.
The real credit for our successful trips go to Carolina Tercero and Ronnie Strickland. In 2007, Ronnie received the distinguished “Service Above Self” award from Rotary International. Read about his dedication here: http://www.williamsonherald.com/home?id=42745
Carolina has a heart of gold and is always searching for those most in need. Without her involvement, we would never know some of these areas existed. Their continued efforts make our week pale in comparison. Thank you both!
Ronnie Strickland has identified another remote village for a future project, Las Delicias, in the mountains of Honduras near SanFrancisco. Construction of basic housing appears to the the primary need there, which is something any group can assist with – no matter how big or small. Ronnie was able to take Tom (Boone) and Zane to visit LasDelicias to witness the need first hand.
In most of the villages, the children are happy. This sweet child in LasDelicias is scared. We are going to work on changing that! Ronnie is already working to build a new solid home for this family and construction has begun. Check out Boone’s pictures: http://www.bgapix.com/Travel/Honduras-for-Paper/15838091_xJ7Gv#1186344808_HXFJG and you will see many from LasDelicias.
Boone also made the extra effort to put our memories of the week to music.
If you would like to become involved personally or financially (or both) in future projects in Honduras, please let me, or any of us, know. We can not change the world, but we can change lives – one at a time.
Saturday morning we said our good-byes to the gracious staff of the Barcelona Hotel in San Marcos de Colon. We will stay there again!
On previous trips, we would always take off from working early one evening and go to the southern coast on Honduras to relax, see the water, and eat fresh seafood at Cedeno, on the Gulf of Fonseca – which leads to the Pacific Ocean. Every time we were there, I was intrigued by a huge island in the distance, Amapala – and its history.
This year, we worked longer hours to finish our work in order to spend a day on Amapala Island, or Isle de Tigre (Tiger Island) as it is also called. We arrived at the mainland village of Coyolito, approximately 2.5 hours after leaving Hotel Barcelona, to catch a water taxi to the island. 
None of us had ever been there. We knew nothing about what we wanted to see there, but the boat drivers kept insisting to know where we wanted them to take us on the island. While pointing to the island, I finally said “Frio Cervasa, Pollo Frita, Pescado, Camerones” (cold beer, fried chicken, fish, and shrimp). They laughed and motioned for us to get in the boat. Life jackets were “optional” by the way.
The boat ride from Coyolito over to Amapala was just what we needed. The weather was perfect!
Amapala has a rich history. It was the Pacific Port of Honduras from the early 1800’s before moving to San Lorenzo and was once the capital city of Honduras. It is surrounded by El Salvador and Nicaraugua with amazing views of the gulf. I’ve never been to Maui, but many compare similarities with both being once-volcanic areas. I guess that explains the dark brown sand and black rocks!
Slowly but surely, Amapala is gaining in tourist popularity. Evidence of 18th century affluency is still present. There are several resorts popping up around the island. We too found a great place! I cannot remember the name, but the food was great – except they did not have fried chicken!
No one needs to be told that is the fish plate. Just don’t ask what kind of fish it was. No one knew! Check out the shrimp that was simply incredible – all of it fresh!
A crowd gathered down at the beach and I just had to go see what the commotion was all about:
Did you know that stingray meat is used for scallops in many restaurants? I didn’t. This thing was HUGE!
Here are just some of the scenes from our day at Amapala Island:
Sunday morning we left early for the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Remember, this is the two lane road that many have mistaken for four lanes! We did arrive safely, but only after Pastor Ann and Huntly negotiated the purchase of some hammocks at a roadside store.
We turned in the rental trucks to Frederico at Friendship Car Rental, checked in for our flight, and ate a ceremonial Big Mac in the airport. The flight from Tegucigalpa to Houston left on time and was very smooth. When arriving in Houston, we had to claim our bags, go through US Customs, and then procede to our connecting flights.
If you ever want to get a laugh from a US Customs Official, hand him one of these instead of your passport:
Thanks for reading about this year’s adventure! I hope you found it somewhat enjoyable and will want to participate with us in the future!
Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019 direct 615.593.6340. Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee
nashvillehomesblog.com 