Beware of the Dog

Or beware of the angry dog.

Nacimientos in Arada pt 2

Here is a montage I made of Arada during the Christmas season. It features several nativity scenes that were all in contention for the local contest. The first gentlemen (with silver hair) shown creates a large park-like nacimiento with various scenes each year. He also has a music system and has converted most of the battery-operated toys in the nativity to electricity. In the second half, you'll see a man wearing a hoodie, who is the creator of all the city-style houses. He builds them every year and then sells them to local people after the Christmas season. Both gentlemen present a unique and creative nativity, taking into consideration many modern influences.

Nacimientos in Arada pt 1

Last Christmas I was fortunate to visit the small town of Arada, Santa Barbara. The skill of local artisans was impressive. There are many people there who sell their crafts, such as weaving and the churro purse. In addition to their year round crafting, the residents of Arada use their creativity during the holiday season to make elaborate nacimientos or nativity scenes that they enter into the local competition for best nacimiento.

The above picture is one of the first nacimientos I saw. The ornaments hanging from the ceiling are a typical feature of many Honduran nativity scenes. They represent the sky and stars. Another traditional feature is the floor of the nacimiento covered in toys that the owner has collected over the years. Underneath the toys is a covering of sawdust. It is very common for the nativity scenes to be open for public visitation, so the owner may close off the area like shown in the first picture. More from Arada to come...

Climb on over

There are no gyms in my adopted hometown, but I don't think I really need a stairmaster anymore. I just have to walk up the street to my house to stay in shape. This exercise is not always done gracefully, as noted in the number of times I have fallen up or down the street. I am in awe of the people who can carry heavy things on their heads while walking up it as well.

The street condition and shape is subject to the effects of rain. No need for street cleanup. Everything will roll off eventually. At times, my husband will chisel stairs into it, which inevitably are erased a few weeks later. The passing of bestias on the street also continually alter it.

Here is another photo of the angle of the street, from when we were connecting our house to the town water supply.

Raise the Roof

A house across from the bus station in Santa Barbara.

Family Memento

How to commemorate a family member or special time in your life? In Honduras (and beyond) you need look no further than your neighborhood portrait artist. Perhaps this is a lost art but many of these paintings are still displayed often beside a diploma with a little picture attached.
This picture is of the mister's grandmother and uncle. Reportedly, they never owned these clothes or accessories, but were dressed up by the painter. Antiquated airbrushing maybe...
Hopefully this tradition will stay alive with future generations.

Fresh Fish at Lago Yojoa

Here was the selection of freshly caught fish that I had to choose from at Lake Yojoa.
Here is the finished product served with fried green plantains.
The great view of Lake Yojoa from the back of the restaurant.
This particular restaurant had something for the kids and adults.