Tratar: To Try

When traveling there is a lot to be said for trying new things. Experiences, ways of being, food (although that verb en Español es probar). What would be like to go somewhere new and taste of the fruit, proverbially speaking, that the new country has to offer. My first week in Copan was full of the verb "tratar."

Las Ruinas ~

First (primero) there were the ever famous ruins for which Copan Ruinas is named. The ancient Mayan ruins were truly a marvel. A testament to human strength, sweat, blood. How significant the reality that I had a chance to glimpse a piece of the wonders the ancient Mayans had created. To see where they lived and worked and slep and were buried. To trod where kings have trod (and perhaps were no poor Mayan ever did, though it was but a moments climb up a hundred stairs). The history is too grand and Spanish to say much but here are a few savory treats I loved:

1- The Mayan god of fertility is the crocodile.

2- The game from "The Road to El Dorado" where they bounce the rubber balls through the hoops is real, and if you won you were awarded the honor of being sacrificed to the gods. But that only happened three times a year.

3- The wealthy Mayans had their places of work right across a small courtyard from their houses, and right under their beads were their tombs.

..........or right under their houses.

 

Zip Lining ~

For as long as there have been humans, there has been the dream of flight. We have always been fascinated with the idea of growing wings and leaving the shackles of the earth. The Wright Brothers were the first to taste anthropogenic flight on December 17, 1903. Yet (todavía) planes are not the only way we fly. I flew last week, in a manner of speaking. I flew approximately 12 times. Through the glorious montañas of Copan. I flew on the western hemisphere's longed zip line, which exceeded a kilometer in length (.62 miles for you Americans out there). It was exhilarating, invigorating and a great chance to practice Spanish, you'd be surprised how quickly you can learn when your life and health depend on your ability to understand people. No pictures to date, my camera was too big to bring. However, one of my travel buddies Alexandra took some photos and videos and I may be able to get my hands on them.

 

Bird Park ~

I understood surpassing little of this entirely in Spanish adventure but there were a few great take aways.

1- Pigmy Owels are born featherless and our guide called them "pelotas de carne" which roughly translates as "meatballs."

2- I got to hold three Guacamayas (see below). Guacamayas mate for life and live to be 80 years old! That's what I call commitment!

3- I think the photos speak for themselves. *Note, this week's photo of the week is from the bird park.

Aguas Calientes (Thermal Hot Springs) ~

An hour into the mountains of Copan rests a serene and peaceful paradise of thermal hot springs. Our rag tag group of two undergraduate volunteer translators (Alex and Andrew, from Oaklahoma and Texas respectfully) and two teachers (myself and Thomas, budding professional and seasoned with the wisdom of a healthy career, respectfully) enjoyed everything from Spiritual baths, to natural foot massages, to mud baths, steam baths, and conversations in Spanish and English about love, writing, teaching, faith, college, and musicals. Fun fact, the water from the hot river (which was diverted to create pools) is at its source 95 celsius (203 degrees Fahrenheit, again for the Americans). Needless to say we kept it safe by staying in the designated areas.

That is all for now. Should keep you all busy for a day or five. Thanks for your love and prayers!