Sometimes people ask me how often I get to go into town. I tell them once every other week. What do I do when Im in town? Here is a glimpse into "What does Catalina do in La Ceiba?"
Well, todays trip to Ceiba was yet, another, adventure. After spending 9 hours in the city, youd think we got alot done. Little do you know that anything and EVERYTHING takes 8 years to accomplish.
So we start the day at the police station to get our Honduran drivers license. Before we even step foot in the office we have about 62 people trying to "help" us. (Really means, take advantage). So we finally decide on the lucky winner who tells us we have to go across the street and do an "eye and mental health" exam. I WASNT ASKED A SINGLE QUESTION. I was brought into an office, sat down and waited. I was asked, however, what my blood type was. Well, I didnt know. So they asked me if they could write the most common type. I said sure. And theres that, I have O+ blood, at least thats what Honduras thinks I have. Apparently I have no illnesses, Im not a psycho, I have 20/20 vision, and my "test" concludes "the patient is well aware of surroundings in good mental health". All I had to do was pay 13 dollars and be on my way. Next step, pay at the bank your 7 dollars and be on your way. Next step, go to the police station, fill out a form asking to describe your physical features, which I asked the VERY OVERLY TOO FRIENDLY ALMOST CREEPY police man who described me as "oval face, small nose, green eyes, tiny mouth and skinny body". That I quote. Next step, pay under the table 25 dollars to another OVER THE TOP friendly police man who made it sure we knew he was single. Right there, he pulled out a written test and filled out the answers for me, which Im proud to say I got an 85% and im not so proud to say I got an 80% on my drivers test. But thank you nice single police man who passed me without asking me a single question. Then, off to take my picture and right there my card is printed. Who knew getting a Honduran licence was all about corrupt police, flirtation and under the table payment. Much confusion later, you are out the door.
Well, after taking all those tests and racking my brain and trying my best in my "drivers ed" the day was still not even half over. Next was to call the car insurance guy saying "Hi, Its Catalina, uuuuuummm Katlyn. I wanted to know if your office is open?" with the ever sure response "Its Catalina? Otherwise Jodie Foster?" YES CAR INSURANCE GUY, its me Jodie Foster. (When we first entered his office a few weeks ago, in the middle of explaining what the insurance covers and what it does not, he stops and says "You know, you look just like Jodie Foster." WELP. Ok then.
Then off to see if Hailles residency card came in, hoping the office would open when it is supposed to open, but no. Nothing like an additional 45 minutes added to your lunch break.
Next stop is Wakirias beauty salon. Otherwise known as the scene of the crime. The gun in my face. Have to check up with the teacher, ask about various costs and see how she is doing in class.
Now, downtown. Find a parking spot and thanking the nice security guard who moved cones out of the way so our car would fit. Buying diapers, jewelry materials for the beading program, and a quick stop to treat ourselves to a new pair of jeans. Bartering the prices and off again.
This time, we get a phone call that a woman we have been helping with a foot infection is back in the hospital and needs our help. We head over to the emergency room, check out the situation and buy a few items the doctors need. We wish her luck and are off again.
Back into the city where we decide to take a quick break before the sunsets and walk along the beach. With 3 gringa girls and 3 cotton candy sticks, we are happy. The sun is going down so we get back in the car and go on our way. Before heading home we have one last stop. Time to buy a woman and her new born some essentials. Rice, beans, laundry detergent, soap, flour, baby powder and cream, etc. (Thank you Sarah W.) We do some grocery shopping while we are there. Finally, we are done.
We get home and of course, as always, there is someone on our porch waiting for us. Someone needing something. After figuring out what she needs and how we can help, its time to sit down and relax. It doesnt matter what is on TV, as long as we can turn off our brain and chill.
So here I am, TV on, catching up with everything online, checking our GoFundMe Campaign, and listening to kids playing soccer in the street.
Sweet, sweet Honduras.
And there you have it. A day in the life of .....oh wait, GIANT spider. Call a neighbor kid!!
