Back From the States

Greetings again from Honduras. I have returned to the country I know call home and my long vacation and return to the states has come to an end.

Man it was one hell of a trip. I was nervous to go back but within days everything snapped back into place and I was happy to be in the place I know best.

It started with the horseshoe championship of the world. Bloody ary's flowed early, the reggae band entered, deep fried turkeys were cookin, and the event was under way…Just good people and a good party on the lake. My dad and I threw as a team. All was going well but after some bad breaks we were eliminated. My brother and cousin made it to the finals but after what was one close match they finished second. What it really was about was seeing great friends, sharing what has been happenin in our lives, busting some balls, and haven a good time.

I was also introduced to a new trend sweeping the country that I was not aware of. It’s called getting iced…Shmirnoff iced. The way this works is a friend sneaks up on you out of nowhere and pushes a Shmirnoff ice in your chest and you must get on one knee and pound it. Whoever came up with this Jamoke of a prank I don’t know, but I was hit with it. I guess people like to watch a guy pound a Smirnoff ice. I guess just watch out for it. Its pretty stupid and I never thought I’d be sharing cultural trends with my own. I thought Honduras had its weird trends, but this stupid one is now in the states. In Honduras I haven’t seen a Shmirnoff ice…but I don’t plan on continuing this ridiculous prank anyway.

The trip followed with some relaxing time at my parents home, a trip to the city of San Fran with my greatest friends, and ending with a bang of a time at my college buddy Mike's wedding. I got to reunite with college friends and even a good ol’ friend who once joined me down here in Hondu. It was a great time and hilarious. You can check out pictures from the trip here. I’ll be adding more.

I think this was a great time for me to go back. With the months I have left, and perspective I have in Hondyland, with a new outlook on life in the states, it all felt right.

Who knows how the rest of these 8 months will go? I really don't have expectations anymore. If its anything like the first 18 I will be ready for a roller coaster full of craziness, emotion, stomach problems, breastfeeding mothers, parasites, exploration, offerings of girlfriends/wives, great times, booze, frustration, and new insights….but that’s what makes it awesome. I like the action, then I like the calm. Its just how it goes.

When it comes down to it, returning at this time, I think I am coming upon one of the things that I came to Hondyland to find…that's just a simple understanding. An understanding of what other people and places are like, and why they are that way. This trip back to my old home really put that in perspective. You know the work is work, but its the human experience is what its about. That’s at the base of it all. Sharing that with others is pretty cool. Life is also getting simpler, and I like that.

I have an amazingly loving and supporting family. I have the best friends in the world, in multiple countries. All the rest is bonus. I am truly grateful for it all.
Back to Peace Corps life…it’s a trip…

…Until next time

Heading Back to the Bay...

Greetings again from Honduras. It’s been another month of shenanigans and hooligan happenings. All is well, but it’s hard to contain my excitement for what will be my first return in 16 months to the old San Francisco Bay Area. More on that later.

This month started off with a bang; 4th of July celebrations. A small group of us headed to Marcala in the south/east region of Honduras to celebrate our nation’s birthday. It was a classic day of drinks, friends and fun. I was heavily obsessed with lighting off the fireworks I had purchased. We set them off throughout the day with a classic finale at night. I was a great time with friends as usual.

The world cup came and went but the fever was amazing. In 2006 I was in Europe for the world cup and the fever was great. To be here in Honduras for 2010 World Cup was nothing less. It was an energy that filled the streets and people with excitement. Songs were played throughout the streets like “Wavin Flag” and Shakira’s “Waka Waka.” Most people had no idea what the songs were saying but who cares. Promotional teams from Salva Vida (local beer company) dished out swag and prizes nightly. I’ll miss those times especially.

Best of all, this month I will return to the USA and the San Francisco Bay Area for a little return to the place I know best. I fly in next week and go straight to Donner Lake near Lake Tahoe for the Horseshoe Championship of the World. This is always one of my favorite vacations of the year. I have high hopes for a win this year.

I will be in the bay for the two weeks after that. The visit will end with my good friends Mike and Bridget’s wedding. I hope to see some friends and just chill, soaking up all the greatness the bay has to offer. Please tap the Guinness keg as my gut keeps bugging me for some.

Also, we just recorded a great new podcast episode. Click on the “Vida Hondureña” link to the right to check it out.

Short but sweet. That’s it. Can’t wait to kiss the ground of my beloved country and enjoy a few weeks of family, friends, and good food.

...Until next time