Trade stocks by day, and at night am writing a historical epic about the ancient Mayan civilization. "Maya: Spirits Of The Jaguar" is a sweeping saga set in the ancient and magical Mayan landscape where a wronged family struggles against prophecy, power, treachery and forbidden love,... More
Below is travel information for the Renegade/Axionista Rendezvous, Ending Of The World Party, to take place in Copan, Honduras.
This doesn't happen very often.
On December 21, 2012, the ancient Mayan calendar concludes a 5126 year long cycle, which mythologically began on August 11, 3114 BCE.
At midnight, on December 21, 2012, the constellation Pleiades, known to western society as the seven sisters, will be located in the gaping maw of Xibalba, the Mayan Underworld, the dark space seen within what is known today as the Milky Way.
It is at that exact midnight moment in time, when this zenith phenomena occurs directly overhead, is when many doomsayers believe the world will end, catastrophically. Conversely, it is that moment in time many spiritualists believe humanity will enter a New Age of Benign Consciousness.
Either way, bad or good, this should be a livelong blast! All Seeking Alpha members are invited to attend.
_____________________________
Here's a list of Copan hotels in which I've stayed numerous times. I have no idea if hotels are going to be charging premium rates for the 12/21/12 week.
Great friends, Twisted Tanya and Jennifer Mathews are the owners, and can set you up with flight, hotel, and have you personally picked up at San Pedro Sula Airport. Tito, the driver, will put your stuff in his van and whisk you off to Copan for $150 (current price). During the 3.5 hour drive you can ask Tito about Honduras, and the ancient Maya; he's a certified Mayan guide. Much better, and perhaps cheaper than catching a cab from San Pedro to, say, a Holiday Inn, then a cab to the bus terminal early next morning, and then the bus to Copan. Besides, San Pedro is a very dangerous city at night. Might as well skip it and get to Copan the same day you leave your home. Would be a good idea if those coming time their arrivals to split cost.
If you choose to do you own booking, my favorite hotels follow:
donudos.com Udo is a great guy from Holland. Rooms are clean, the restaurant has the best filet in town, wonderful pate, and other delicious dishes. Nice small bar. Rooms are clean, neat, and the hotel is two blocks away from the center of town, about 100 yards from Twisted Tanya's Restaurant. Best deck in town to view Copan. If I decide to throw a party, it will be on this deck, or at Twisted Tanya's. Likely, I'll be staying at Don Udo's.
www.casadecafecopan.com/ Howard owns this B&B, located about 6 blocks from the center of town. I wouldn't necessarily stay there, but in one of his new townhouses that can sleep four, so costs can be split, and you have your own kitchen. Coffee lovers will enjoy the excellent complimentary breakfast, included. Most popular B&B in Copan.
Howard also has another new hotel up the hill from Copan called, "Terra Maya." I was his first patron. Fabulous view of eastern Copan Valley. Suggest getting the back rooms to take in the view. Cost more, they're bigger, but they come with your own private deck. Massage hut. Outdoor shower. Great gardens. A boutique hotel ranked second of all of Copan hotels. Steep walk up from town, but you can always grab a three-wheeled "tuk tuk" for a buck.
With both of the above hotel owners, I suggest you drop my name. They know what I pay, and will likely cut you a better deal than the listed room rates. Both attended my B-day bash I threw in November.
hotelmarinacopan.com/ (hit "English" in the upper right corner) Raul, the wealthiest person in Copan, also runs by far and away the best and biggest hotel in Copan. Spacious rooms, big restaurant and pool. A little expensive, but the location abuts Central Park. Close to everything. Best hotel in Copan, in my opinion. A group might consider getting the prez suite, which is HUGE! Sleeps six. Probably already booked, though. Stayed here many times.
plazacopanhotel.com/ I love this hotel. Cheap, proximate to everything. Americana Breakfast included. By far, the best view from the corner balcony room of the bustling Central Park. One loud room! But worth it. Fridge in room to store beer. Small pool.
haciendasanlucas.com/ Spirited Flavia owns this spectacularly restored 18th century hacienda. Internationally renowned. Where the movie stars stay. About a mile plus from town. Ultra tranquil, with by far the best view of verdant Copan Valley. You can look down toward the ancient ruins. Massage, yoga, horses to ride, candlelit dinners. Near a zip line. Worth visiting this website just for kicks!
This site has other hotels listed for every budget:
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Ok I am going to start this. From the USA where do I head (fly to) first and what city do I fly out of.
What is the next stop for flights.
I wont ask to many question since It takes time for the answers to sink in for me. I gotta put this together one step at a time. Like planning an ambush....on a corona.
DoubleGuns: Surprised that Tanya does not book international flights.
The Honduran airport you'll be flying into is, "San Pedro Sula." I have flown through Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. I'm not sure if Dayton has a direct flight to Houston, but for you and your wife, that might be the best connection. Suggest finding out if Cincy has a connecting flight via Houston/Atlanta/Miami-... not a big fan of the Miami Airport. I usually leave Philly around 5 or 6 AM, make a connection and arrive in Honduras between 11:00AM and 1:00PM.
Still recommend having Tito pick you up.
The hotel websites I mentioned above are all pretty good about getting back to you, and pretty easy to use. They provide a comment section, and there, with Casa De Cafe, or Don Udo's, I suggest you inform them you're a pal of mine. I have no idea what weight that carries, but it's worth a shot. Only Plaza de Copan have I experienced a tad of communication gap. But that was solved by the desk manager the next day. Ask for their best deal! I've never paid the listed price.
Definitely want to make the journey during daytime. The trip from San Pedro to Copan is a truly an enjoyable and memorable Third World journey.
I've used Orbitz and Priceline to book my trips. I checked Orbitz today, and the roundtrip price has not risen since my latest visit in November-December.
One idea, though, you may want to explore. Guatemala City may have cheaper flights, both in from Ohio, and then out to Hiroshima. Of course, then you'll have to bus it 5 hours from Guat City to Copan, and back, with likely two nights added stay in Guat City.
Houston would be my prefered launch point since coming back to there puts us back to a direct flight to tokyo japan. That sounds best. I can still use tanya to get tito to pick us up and to make hotel arraingments? I asked her about the Don Udos hotel and said I prefered to stay there. I will wait for you to get more info but so far so good.
Looking forward to the dash to the end of the world.
This is the latest email I have received and I think that the folks going may want to coordinate any ruins trips or other events as listed in the email I have below. Posted this for its information content.
The only airline we work with is CM Airlines, which does domestic flights in Honduras. The best place to fly into is San Pedro Sula. It is the nearest airport to Copan (there is no airport in Copan, despite info on some websites). It is a 3 hour drive to Copan from San Pedro. We can definitely help you out with transport from the San Pedro Sula airport to Copan. Tito is licensed, insured, and with clean, comfortable buses with A/C. Transport cost is $160 each way total. We would be happy to book Don Udo's for you as well, once you know your flight dates. Do you need any information on tours while in Copan? We have beautiful hot springs, coffee finca and horseback riding tours, fantastic ruins guides. canopy tours, loads of archeological, adventure and spa activities. We're looking forward to working with you. The party's going to be a blast! Best regards, Tanya and Jen
Guns: If we're there for a week, I'm nearly positive that we can have my good friend, Dr. David Sedat, give us a tour of the ruins. There's no one better to do this.
I've never ridden the horses down there, they don't like me! But, horseback riding tours are quite popular. Tanya can set that up, as well as a trip to the hot springs.
The hot springs are fantastic, unlike any hot springs I've ever visited. I've been to two coffee fincas, but never on a tour, only by the owned of one. His name is Lloyd, and he also owns a bird sanctuary called Macaw Mountain. It's magical.
Just to let you know, I will be staying in Copan until the 24th of December. Not sure of my arrival date, but I will likely be there for at least two weeks. I want to be there on the 23rd because there's an excellent argument that the 23rd is the true day of the Maya calendar "ending." The "calendrical drift" argument is too complicated to get into here, but I'm one that believes it to be correct.
Tanya emailed me back, too. But it's more about me arriving there this Easter, with the idea of getting some dental work done on the cheap.
Here's the correspondence:
Hi Bill Tanya here, the dentist is brilliant, my mother came and had a bottom bridge with 4 teeth i remember, and she used the French por the very best, and the cost was $1800, in the States it would have been $5500, so massive save there. Im having the whitening done. its a good studio, So definitely worth it, would just need to book you in before hand.
Love the Chocolate idea, have been thinking on them terms for a while!!
Im Jen and my office, we put together private drivers all over the country, hotels, tours the lot. So anything your group needs, were here to help, and the Hotels are getting full for December.
I am thinking about getting there around the 15-17 and leaving on the 23-24th but it sounds like I need to commit fast because of the hotels filling up.
I was wondering if your going to have a book signing at twisted Tanya's while we are there. Seems like the place to get that book signed, in Copan, in 2012, on Dec 21st, at twisted Tanyas, with a beer. Now how in hell could it get any better than that.
You could probably unload a bunch of books too!!! Ship them in advance. Think of how many folks will be there from around the world. Hey...that would be my marketing skills kicking in there. Did not get that MBA/MA International Business for nothing. With your book and my giant brain.........Jethro Bodine
TeresaE, DG, Maya: Greetings. I'm in the same boat as TE. Wife is balking at the idea. It may sound strange for a military wife to be tired of traveling but she says she is. Besides she doesn't like any end of the world scenario that doesn't include close proximity to her dog and family. I'm going to show her the links though and hope the allure of the ancient ruins will change her mind.
Copan expects thousands of tourists for 12/21/12. Looks like the Honduran government is going to throw a big bash. President Lobo was at the ruins yesterday:
Looks like ny son Daniel (marine) might be attending as well. He is saving his money for the plane ticket. I will gladly pay any amount his is short to ensure his attendance but will keep that a secret for now.
A dads job is tough but necessary to prevent wimps ruling the world. LOL
Warning, drinking might be required in mass quantity's for this party.Bring aspirin.
Verry well undead. The entire family together this Christmas, a very rare event in a military family.
I am in hog heven so to speak. LOL
I would love to see the Axionistas too. I am in that stock by your info but do not follow it enough to comment, trust in you is why I am in and that speaks wonders to you my friend, truly indeed.
Sent Credit card info for the room to Don Udos. 2 other couples coming with me and my son Daniel will be coming from Japan. I was informed that the rooms are running out fast so best get on it folks. The other couples are my new business partner and his wife and a looooonggg time friend and his wife that me and my wife travel with all over the world. This year to Germany in Sept (red stag hunting, for the men, touring for the ladies) then Copan (beer hunting) in Dec.
This is going to be one kick ass good time. I really am looking forward to meeting everyone. My wife wants to hit the hot springs, ruins tour, bird sanctuary, and any where there is good local food. Twisted Tanya has arrainged transport to copan from the airport and beer is allowed on the bus.....now that is hospitality. My plans are to arrive on the 15th but tickets are not available just yet. I will let yall know whats up once we get our flights worked out.
Guns: My reservation for Dec. 6th to the 23rd has been confirmed at Don Udo's. Got the prez suite from the 6th to the 20th, and then I'll have to slip in to a smaller room for the balance.
Today I'm booking another room for a local Philly-based pal.
Hoping Udo's is not sold out!
I, too, couldn't buy a ticket using Expedia or Orbitz. Could get the flight down, but not one home. Looks like one can only book a flight 10.5 months in advance.
Let's keep an eye out, because the return flights might fill up fast.
This is going to be one heck of an event to see...be part of.
Anyone arriving on 12/13/2012 and want to share a van ride ($140)? likewise, is anyone returning on 12/23/2012 and want to share a van? I have flexibility on my arrival date...
Glad you are going! We were going to arrive 12/18 simply so that Lori didn't have to take a full week off from work, but Udo suggested that many others were arriving on the 15th and that perhaps we would like to join them. So, that our deal. Took Udo's advice and are now arriving 12/15. At present, we're planning to depart 12/24. I'd actually prefer to leave 12/23, but figured I would need at least 1 day to recover from the EoW! Departure is still subject to change for us. We may end up being able to share that fare with you.
Maya: Am I correct in my assumption that we'll likely all be spending the 23rd recovering from the EoW?
eggwis: I will be leaving on the 23rd, with a full day of recovery after the 21st. I'll have to get a count on how many are arriving on the 15th; and how many people fit into Tanya's van.
I have been looking forward to a trip like this for a couple years. I was just not sure where I would go. Might as well be with a group of folks who share a common interest. I will let you know what I come up with and the days I will be traveling...
Ditto Tim. I tell people I haven't been on a vacation in over a decade and they're shocked. Fact is that most of the time, it just didn't fit in and like you, if it had, I don't know where I'd have gone. I can tell you though, that mainland Honduras would not have been near the top of my list (LOL!). But when I saw that Maya was putting this together, I thought "Why not?". It seems to me lie a great opportunity to visit someplace new and "off the beaten path", experience new things and meet new people that share some common interests.
I most enjoy get-a-ways of this sort, that are not the typical trip to Myrtle Beach, the Bahamas or a cruise. Spontaneous is even better, but that's hard to manage with a my 3 yr old little boy running around. We're really looking forward to it!
Me too, Tim! I suggest for you to make contact with Tanya at the Copan Connections site linked above. She'll likely write back that it's a little too early to begin scheduling airport pickups like she did with me.
Bob: Another Axionista posted that link yesterday in the APC. Since this is a "spiritual" Insta (hahahaha) I will admit that something happened like that to me, under/inside the Acropolis in Copan. I took a 35MM photo down a tunnel. When the photo was developed there was "light source" where there wasn't a light.
Just picked up my first book "Copan & the Western Highlands of Honduras" to begin my education of the country I will visit the end of this year.
Am thinking about "The Mysterious City of Honduras: An Account of Recent Discoveries in Copan" as it is only $1 to download to my Kindle. It was originally published in 1898 and I am guessing the new 2010 publish date is when it was made available for the Kindle.
I would be interested to know what others are reading...
Good point Tim! Undoubtedly I will be reading, but at this point I can't tell you what. When you started that discussion it occurred to me that I needed to "get hot" on that, but the likelihood is that I won't get started until after May when, if I'm fortunate, my life will settle a little. I have a 3 year old little boy who can really stir things up (God bless him!), so even when life external to our home slows somewhat, quiet time is a slim commodity. He and Mommy are going on a trip to Myrtle Beach with the 2 girls and Grammy in early June. I expect that will be some cherished time for me.
What reading time I manage to make right now gets focused on finance and the markets. I read at least a few hours a day and then try to squeeze in my blog time. Drives Lori NUTS!
I've studied about 115 books on the ancient Maya. Below are my favorite text books.
The "Bible" of all text books about the ancient Maya, is titled "The Ancient Maya." by Robert Sharer. Massive!
Another great book about the ancient Maya is "A Chronicle Of Kings" by Simon Martin. (Not Copan specific)
The best Copan specific text book is "Scribes, Warriors, and Kings" by William Fash.
I could also, if requested, list some books that are more spiritual, shaman oriented, and also some about what the ancient Maya ate, drank, and the plants and animals used for medicines.
Where / how did you come upon such a keen interest in the Mayans? Odd question I know, but it's a unique interest to be well schooled in. Just curious.
Egg: I honestly don't know. It just happened. When we sit over a beer or six in Copan, I will yack about this in more depth.
It's surreal. Mathematically and most certainly existentially impossible. I should not be writing this book. But I am....
I'm very much looking forward to a disconnect, that being, when I come home from sharing a few brewskies with the boyz, I don't look into finding out what the characters are doing in Seeking Alpha, but rather what the characters are doing in my novel...without my permission!
Last night, I witnessed a heavenly spectacle occur. Sirius was "scintillating." It was flickering iridescent colors of blue, green, red, amber, violet and bright white.
I could see this with the naked eye. Through my pretty descent pair of binoculars, it was stupifyingly beautiful.
I had no idea what I was seeing...and was amazed, and thanks to the I-Net, I now know I am sane and don't need to be straight jacketed and sent off to Whispering Hills Rehab's rubber room.
If weather conditions permit, you "may" be able to see Sirius in the southwest tonight, about two to three outstretched hand-widths above the horizon. Or, locate Orion's belt and draw a imaginary line through the belt downward to a bright star.
Sirius will only scintillate 10 to as much as 30 degrees above the horizon, as the star light interacts with the atmosphere, which acts as a sort of prism. I noticed this phenomena around 10:45 PM EST last night. Watched it for an hour or so.
I don't know, Tim. We had unusual atmospheric conditions here last night, soppy warm, with ground fog wafting about, and yet a mostly clear star-filled sky.
More and more I think about it, it may have been a fairly unique situation where there was high humidity, causing the transfixing, prismatic effect.
Looks like we're heading for a cloudy night here....
Tim: Sirius is scintillating again tonight. Correction. Find Orion's belt and look left about two hand-widths and down a tad to the bright flickering star.
Fresh beer in hand I might add. I have not been here for so long I keep running back and forth from binos to puter. I must really have no life or I am sick as hell......the puter part I am talking about.
Sooooo I am going to entertain you with something fewer than 3600 people have seen. An Irish band with irish instruments in Japan in a live concert showing the Japanese that even the Irish can play Japanese music.
RFLMAO!! That's some funny shit Maya! Absolutely hilarious! I can honestly say that nearly all of "the things we have in common" applied to me; all except 3 I think.
That made my night. Thanks for sharing MAya. DG, thanks for the assist brother! w/o you, we would have naught.
While I was out looking for Sirius, I something else that was pretty amazing to me. If you look due south, it was at about 2 o'clock. A huge bright star with a tale. At first I assumed it was a rocket or something heading up to the space lab, and it could be that that was what it was. For some reason I convinced my self at the time that that was not the case. Don't recall why now. Anyway, it was BIG, super bright and had a distinguishable tail probably 1 1/2 times the size of the star/objects body. Discernable with the naked eye! I guess that was my reasoning that it was not a rocket or other an made projectile, was because the tail would have been far too long. I reasoned that whatever it was, was W-A-Y far away. This because it moved soooooo slowly, it was barely even detectable. It just seemed to sit there, tail pinned to its backside. Was cool. then later I saw a number of shooting stars within just a few seconds of each other. Also a neat and unusual viewing.
"Honto, Anatawa Oksan ga aishitemas o ute kudasai."
Okay now that's just showing off! How long have you been learning the language?
Finally clear skies. I am in Tucumcari, NM but I elected to do some shopping so I am in town which is not good for star gazing. I will get an early start (0400) and see what can be seen from a off ramp in the desert...
Nice! I need to start thinking about bridging the language gap. Do they make a pocket translator? one that I could speak into and play the translation? That would be cool! (not as cool as learning the language though)
Well if your young, the pocket translator....errr ummm maybe motivator would be a better word.... does come in a pocket size but only for men. If you catch my drift.
It motivated the hell out of me to learn the language.
Now more to the point. I have seen some electronic translators but none that you spoke into. I am sure they have them however as an ap for your smart phone. Theres an ap for everything now a days. I really want the one that pours beer....THATS COOL!!!
Well I am not young and the information just doesn't stick like it used to. There is at least one app for that. Will let you know what I come up with...
Tim: I believe Guns has an extra room at Udo's, because one of his friends had to back out.
If you don't want the room, Tim, I'd like for DG to keep the room booked until after June 21, the Axion Shareholders' Conference date.
When we Axionistas gather in New Castle, somebody may well want to join our gang in Honduras. I believe most hotels are already sold out in Copan, so having an extra just-in-case room for another two months might work out well for someone like tripleblack, who is still on the fence.
Of course. I have a room as well so it would be a change of location for me (a move up). Also, I am okay with my current accommodations should that work better for the group...
Yes it is Udos. Dates are for december 15-23. I will hold on for now. Fact is I will wait till hell freezes over if Maya says to hold on to them. I believe he knows a lot more about the situation down there than me.
So as a group....we still have an extra room.
Your welcome to change over if you want Tim if it comes down to that later.
I think its $95 per night. I lost the email on a crashed computer.
Maya do you have Don Udos email you could send me either email or private message or post it here.
Not sure what's in the air today, but my pal David Katzmire called today to say he began the process of obtaining a passport. Man...is he psyched about this trip! He's also considering putting together a video blog in conjunction with "A Better World," out of NYC.
That may mean we'll all be on TV. I can't wait, Guns, showing the Big Apple how it is to schlep down brewskies while wallowing in an Honduran hammock...as the sky cracks open....
No app needed. It worked just fine. There is no email address just a place to send messages for room rentals. I guess that would work just fine too or better yet I can just call him at the number in that link. Guess I should have noticed the phone number. Cant see the forest for the trees. The back ground had my attention. Looks like a good time.
I used to have an actual email address from the confirmation of rooms but lost it and all favs in a crashed computer, virus was really a bad one.
I have 5 people that are traveling and need van rides in on the 15th and out on the 23rd. I let tanya know a long while back but thought there was a lot of questions on that here and figured I should pass on my info.
Maya, do we need a visa for honduras or is a US/Japanese passport all that is required. I could google it but others might be interested so I asked here. I may have missed, or forgot (CRS) so I am asking.
Couldnt stand it had to find out now!!!! Here is what I found. Could not copy link, strange.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Honduras:
• EU Member States Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Europe Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Turkey, the Holy See.
• America Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela ( Citizens from Ecuador, according to the new agreement between Honduras and Ecuador, valid from 15th June 2007, do not need visa if they are planning to stay in Honduras less than ninety days (90)).
Other countries Australia, Bahamas, Bahrein, Barbados, Brunei, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malasia, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapour, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago Taiwan, .
If Nationality does not appear above, please contact the Embassy for further information and requirements, as the visa might have to be referred to and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honduras and can take almost a month for processing.
• Application forms One per applicant Must be signed by applicant
• One (1) photograph
• Visas Countries not mentioned above require a visa and application must be accompanied by the following documents:
• Supporting documents
Tourism Visa: It is advised that the applicant submit plane tickets, travel itinerary and bank statements, if available.
Business Visa: A letter from the applicant’s sponsoring company giving full details of purpose of visit and confirming financial responsibility for the applicant.
• Issuing time Consular Visa: three working days Visa authorized by the Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs: one month
• Cost Single entry visa: US$ 30.00 per applicant
Multiple entry visas: US$ 60.00 per applicant
In addition, the postal fee by certified mail for sending back the passport has to be covered (UPS, DHL, others can be used by the applicant)
All Bank transfers should be made to:
Embassy of Honduras Bank : Handelsbanken Account number: 570 867 142 Swift: HANDSESS Iban: 3460000000000570867142
Notes
Applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Honduras.
Visas are issued for a period of up to 90 days for both tourism and business, except when a one year multiple entry visa is granted.
EXTENSIONS: A visa extension may be obtained in Honduras at any immigration office for both tourism and business, as follows:
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAVELLERS:
1. Travellers going to sporting events, conventions, conferences, specials events, scientists, commercial agents, artists, can stay thirty days (30).
2. Temporarily immigrant workers, cross-border workers and international transport drivers, can stay thirty days (30).
3. Tourists, official missions, special visitants, refugee and asylum applicants can stay ninety days (90)
4. Transit travellers, can stay three days (3).
The above dispositions apply without detriment to International Agreements, Treaties and Conventions and to Dispositions or Circulars from the Department of State in the Justice and Government Office or from the Foreign and Immigration General Direction.
1. Travellers included in paragraph one and two, may have two prorogations of thirty days (30) or only one of sixty days (60) maximum.
2. Transit travellers may have only one prorogation of three days (3) maximum, under justified reasons given by the Immigration and Foreign General Direction.
3. Travellers included in paragraph one and three, under justified reasons by the Immigration and Foreign General Direction may have only one prorogation of thirty days (30) more than the ninety days (90) established by law.
• If a visa application is sent by post
Applicant must include a self-addressed pre-paid courier envelope for the return of passport. The Embassy of Honduras bears no responsibility for the courier service provided.
• Address EMBASSY OF HONDURAS STJÄRNVÄGEN 2, 7 fl 18134 LIDINGÖ STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN Phone:+46 (08) 7315084 Fax: +46 (08) 6369983 Email: hondurasembassy@telia.com
You only need a passport. When you pay your fee to get into the country, you recieve a 90 day permit good for not only Honduras, but also Belize, Guatemala, El Salvadore and (I think) Nicaragua.
I recall that in 2010 I came home after about the 88th day becuase of this rule. But <wink wink> you can grease a palm at the Guat border and get it renewed.
Always, always, always keep your 90 day slip with your passport. I was once in a van where a young English lad forgot his slip. He was detained roadside by the police until we went back to Copan to fetch it. Once produced, we were on our merry way.
FYI: There is also a $36.00 departure tax (as of December, 2010).
Finally got around to reading the article and I enjoyed it very much. Please continue to post links. Are you planning any excursions on the December trip? I noticed Tonya has several available...
The below link takes you to a May 31 Internet interview I did with my good friend and colleague, David Katzmire, with the subject being the Ancient Maya and the Cycles of Time.
The one thing I regret that time prevented from being in the interview -- I was about a minute away from making this point -- is that the Mayan calendar not only goes back trillions of years into the past, but also goes forward trillions of years into the future.
It was great fun to do...and there is so much more that can be discussed. David and I barely scratched the surface.
David and I have already talked about doing a full hour later this month. I will post here when the date occurs...and maybe we will have a call in episode, too.
We're also talking about doing a show from Copan, in late December. David Katzmire will be there. Maybe friend David Sedat will be on the show. The town should be loaded with scholars.
What I already know is that the diversity of peoples coming to Copan this December may be as wide as anything I've ever witnessed.
Excellent interview. You did very well. Its really hard to do those interviews when you can not even look at the other person. No visual queues at all so its really hard to not interrupt each other all the time.
Tim: I'll be heading down there about a week and a half ahead of the rest coming. I will be planning a tour to the Copan Ruinas, possibly retain Dr. David Sedat, an immortalized acheologist who has been working in Copan for about 25 years, as our personal guide.
There will likely also be a day trip to the hot springs, as I know doubleguns and his wife, and friends will be heading there. It's wonderful.
Yes, in addtition, I'm sure Tanya is planning several activities. I am sure something will include a half day trip to the relaxing MaCaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary. What a fantastic setting.
Can we plan the hot springs the day after we get there to get the cramps of the travel worked out.
I would love to do a personal trip to the ruins with Dr. Sedat early because the closer we get to the 21st the more folks will be coming to town and it could be really crowded. Those are just ideas of mine to add to the list of considerations from everyone else. Obviously we will have to make compromises with a big group to see what others think and fit in with the Dr. Sedats schedule.
Cramps? More likely will need those magical hot waters to transude the after effects of great rum and beer out of our bodies after the first night of hanging together.
Quite possibly, we can set something up for Dec. 16.
I still call that cramps. Just don't let the wife on to our secret. I guess we could take some of that rum along to the hot springs and be singing "rum a dub dub" songs all night long.
I listed to Maya's publically broadcast interview on his novel this morning. It sounds wonderful and I am very much looking forward to reading it. Great job Maya!
Received an email from David Sedat yesterday. Seems we could work out a more "private tour" with him taking us around the ruins, rather than tagging along in a bigger group.
We also corresponded about afterward, where we could go up to his new, huge home/factory and have his wife cook us an authentic ancient Mayan meal, with some modern day twists. I will be pushing for a course with chicken and "cacao sauce." Yum!
Nope. Sauce tastes nothing like chocolate! But is absolutely nutty and uniquely delicious.
David then may give a slide presentation of how Yax K'uk Mo (the founding father of Copan) was found under the Acropolis, in large part to David and his archeological "instincts."
Of course, please know that none of this will be for free. But...we will get a great price, especially if we all bring the wine...and rum.
Nice vid of Copan! That's friend, Ricardo, at the ruins, and Guns, at the end you will get a small glimpse of the hot springs -- it's a lot bigger than what's in the vid.
Thanks for the vid. I was getting my tetanus shot updated (should be done for travel to Honduras) and they said I should also get a hepatitis A shot as well for travel to Honduras. At Copan elevation we do not need the malaria shot.
Ths Hep A shot is a 2 shot series so those needing to get it will only be able to get one of the 2 at this point. As a hint consider the Hep A and Hep B combination shot which is 3 shots instead of 2 but it covers more issues and you will have gotten 2 shots prior to departure. I chose the Hep A/B combination.
Thanks for the invitation to come to this post Maya. I've got a lot of reading to do here so bear with me. I probably won't get a chance to read all the comments until after midnight. But I 'did' just now watch the video. Wow! What a beautiful place. I truly would love to have been able to join all of you there but it just couldn't happen. But it's not the end of the world... is it? Haha.
I was more or less mesmerized with the video until the end when we got to the Luna Jaguar hot springs. Suddenly I just wilted. I'd really struggle with the heat down there as it is. As long as there were air-conditioned retreats where I could duck in to cool off I'd survive. But without it, if I couldn't sleep in an air conditioned room I'd probably perish in warm climes like that. But the hot springs? Out of the question... if a Canadian jumped into that water in a hot climate like that he'd just dissolve away like candy floss. You guys would never see me again and you'd just end up sitting in water that was just a little sweeter than before I jumped in, lol.
Anyway, thanks for your superbly written comments. Reading your words I can feel the... almost like 'euphoria' that you're feeling. Thanks for sharing it. I'll read it all tonight.
Maya: Absolutely! I enjoyed the article very much. Thank you for thinking of me. The author has a lifestyle that I envy. Perhaps some day I will find my place in Central America...
Having been on family reunion, I'm way behind reading up on things.
I have read about these "striking coincidences" before, and will take a more serious peek in a couple of days.
BTW: In my novel, I have a big, fat, blue-hued skinned shaman/healer with questionable lineage, i.e., his features are more Asian than Mayan.
There are 4th century Chinese court records of canoeing to far lands to the east, across the ocean. And, in Peru, high up in the mountains, a carving was unearthed that showed a longboat being paddled, which suggests a correlation to these records.
About 19 years ago, when I visited Chichen Itza, I saw a carving that was unmistakably a Viking, with horns on his helmet, and red hair. That stone carving was later removed by the Mexican government.
There is a lot to pre-Colombian transoceanic contact. Count me as a believer.
Maya, There is a mining engineer and gemstone expert here in SO Cal that says Cleopatras' emerald collection included an emerald from Columbia. His name is Blue Sheppard, and is well regarded by the GIA.
Still: There's all kinds of stuff like that; a mummified Egyptian, Ramsus I believe, had something like 36 times as much nicotine as would kill a human being.
The Maya invented "sikars" made from tobacco. Though there may be evidence that some relative of the tobacco plant did exist in southern Asia, it does appear that this nicotine did indeed come from Central America, maybe from the Olmecs, who preceded the ancient Maya.
It is certainly possible that the Axtec legend of Quetzalcoatl, a "white man" appearing from the east, actually did come from the far distant past, when Caucasians arrived far before the scholars will admit. Cortez's horses must have thrown the Aztecs for a loop!
Guns: I did take a peek. Though I am a believer in pre-Columbian transoceanic contact with the New World, I think comparing the architecture of the Balinese with the Maya is pretty much indigenous design.
The corbel arch can be found in one of the Cheops pyramids in Egypt.
That "elephant" thingy I have personally seen, and I believe it's a tapir, although it could be an anteater. No way it's an elephant.
Dragons in various forms, as you know, occur all over the world in ancient times, from Japan to England.
Walking into a montrous-like door opening happens all over the world. That both cultures worshipped snakes is reasonable, and doesn't prove anything.
The "third eye" is global, too. Just look at a common woman with the red dot on her forehead from India.
Lastly, if you want to build a building that will last a long time, especially in earthquake-prone regions, the pyramid design is the best solution. Plus, the Maya pyramids were painted red, the Balinese were not.
This author should have noted that in Egypt there are stair-stepped pyramids, too.
For kicks, I'll add this Letter to the Editor of The Atlantic, which I wrote a looong time ago (third one down):
How odd! Exactly the theory I posited to Dr. Robert Sharer of UPenn around ten years ago. Recall saying to him that the Maya collapse was all about wood, or rather, the lack thereof.
One of the problems in the scholarly world of anthropology and archeology with advancing "unacceptable" or "impossible" theories is all the backstabbing and blackballing due to a competition war of obtaining grants.
In other words, it's extremely hard to advance any theory because most scholars play the game of not ever putting themselves in the position to be criticized and ostracized by the intellectual community.
It's all about the grants.
I have for years believed that there was transoceanic contact from both the Far East as well as the Old World, to the New World, thousands of years ago. Though evidence is scant, what evidence there is, leaves no doubt in my mind that humans were circumnavigating the globe far into the past.
A seaside bit of Honduras going Hong Kong? A 126 to 1 congressional vote says, yep! No taxes on income, capital gains, or sales. How novel. How visionary.
Shot nothing but a target. Drove a volkswagon at 190 KPH on the autobaun. One can actually enjoy the thrill when you do not have to watch out for the cops, its legal!!!
My son Daniel is coming to the fiesta but has now decided that his girlfriend is becoming more "significant" it would appear. She is coming too!! Will need that additional room after all for them.
She is originally from Peru but has been in Japan for 7 years. Life has some strange twists sometimes and this seems to be one of them. How a US Marine and a Peruvian met in Japan many hours from the base (and began dating) is a real wonder. I would have expected him to have met and fallen for a Japanese girl.
You can read what pal, Dr. David Sedat, is doing at the "New Useful Forests" thread. I'm hoping David will have time for us to tour this amazing project.
Amazing discovery 60 miles off the Virginian coast and elsewhere proves Americans came from Europe between 19,000 and 26,000 years ago. This is one of the most important acheological studies over the past few decades:
Add this to your list of who got here first. You could add the book of Morman too if you wanted. Its real obvious that people crossed the atlantic a long time ago.
I am glad to finally see this stuff move from the conspirators to the mainstream news locations.
Now if they start talking about the Anunaki and the Neflin we might get some where. Ever read any of the "Earth Chronicles" by Zecharia Sitchin. This stuff will get your copper collander glowing red hot.
Aware of the tin mines in Peru. The scholars will chew me out about how in my novel, a trader named Eight Snake Zuma, whom wears a copper sleeve, on his one and only arm.
Not aware of the subterranean caves in the Grand Canyon (and I have been there 13 times!). One brave soul to travel down the Colorado by himself.
The loooong video? Too much homework...tonight is all about the World Series. And tomorrow I'll be stocking up, and preparing the outside for Frankenstorm.
I could load you up for a week on this type of stuff. Hold you over for the storm. LOL
I bet the copper sleeve will not fit there model that says there was never a copper or bronze age in the Americas so there is no way he could have had a copper sleeve, but those same folks can not explain the tin and copper mines. Aint that interesting.
Traveling the grand canyon alone in 1909, yep thats a brave man or one that just did not think anything of it because he had done stuff like that all the time. I wonder if we will ever get to know all the truths. I could start on the giants next but I'll pass. LOL
IMPORTANT: If any of you have yet to contact Tanya or Jennifer of Copan Connections, about making travel arrangements from San Pedro Sula Airport to Copan, I strongly suggest for you to do so ASAP.
I'd love to make all the arrangements, but I have no idea what time, nor, in some cases, what day people will be arriving to Honduras.
Can't believe I will be in Copan, by this time of day, just ten days from now. It's coming fast!
The weather could be anywhere from 58 and rainy, to 85 and humid, so I suggest to bring a variety of clothing, and a travel umbrella, and most definitely a flashlight(s), a corkscrew, and suntan lotion and mosquito repellent. Don Udos Hotel does take American Express Traveler checks.
It is best to pay for everything using cash. This way you'll save on the 16% tourist tax, and other kinds of taxes that for some things can reach as high as 28%. Using an ATM card can whack you by 4% for currency exchange fees.
I pay for everything in cash or travelers checks.
I'm hearing that there will be a reenactment ceremony at 12 midnight on the 21st, at Ruinas de Copan (at the ruins, about a mile and a half out of Copan).
While I'm down there ahead of all of you, I will be checking in to this thread daily, if any of you have last minute questions. I will also be updating when I learn more about other events, as I am sure there will several.
I hope all you folks have fun. Sounds like a great way to spend your last days on earth! I hope there will be some report after the fact about what the highlights were for those of us stuck in our drab mortal existence. Maybe I'll be able to go the next time the world ends...
If this sounds sarcastic, it is not. I am jealous of all you guys going to the jungle to party.
Maya, we lost 2 from my group. Economy taking its toll. Wont be any Icelandic stories at least not directly from an Icelander.....unless we make a phone call......at how much per minute? Maybe no phone call.
Yep: One week from now, this time of day, I will be halfway from San Pedro Sula Airport on my way to Copan. Garnel, Tanya's husband and great friend, is picking me up.
Sneaky tip: If you are traveling into the setting sun, look for the poinsettias in towns along the way, some which stand as high as 14 feet. Very cool to see those scarlet red leaves backlit by the sun. Iridescent.
Some learned ones are starting to show up on my radar, who will be in Copan. Dr. Barbara MacLeod and John Major Jenkins for starters....
I dropped Tonya a note about when I would be arriving (13th) so I am hopeful to share a ride with someone else coming in that day. Otherwise it is a bus ride for me and I am fine with that.
I did notice that Barbara and John will be there. I am going to have to make sure I am within ear shot when they are in public. I will also need to brush up on my Mayan reading.
Did you do the Hep A/B shots? You take any supplements with you (papaya)?
Tim: Years ago I got the Hepatitis A/B shots. IIRC, it was three shots during a six week stretch (I'm not sure that's the case now). I didn't get those shots because of Copan, but because I have traveled extensively into much less civilized areas.
I have never gotten sick from anything I've eaten in Copan.
Travel tip: Put a picture of yourself in all your luggage. I've never had any problem with luggage getting lost. But if it does get lost and then found, and then you have to ID your bag(s), it much easier to convince someone who doesn't speak English, that that is your bag.
Also, carry a copy of your passport, and keep it in your bag you take aboard the aircraft. Much easier to get a new passport if it's lost, if you have a copy of your passport in hand.
Do not be surprised when the front desk at Don Udo's asks you to leave your room key in a wooden box -- with all the other room keys -- when you leave Udo's to do a walk-about. It's just the way things work down there.
Typically, Tanya works the Copan Connections desk, answering emails, etc., around 4:00 to 5:00 Copan time (she runs two restaurants in additon). She has already written to me that they will have transportation available.
Tim: Any Response? If not, please PM your phone number. We can yack. I may have an alternative. Cab fair from airport + hotel stay in San Pedro (and It had better be a $$ hotel name you recognize) + taxi super early fare the next morning to bus station + bus ride to Copan, ends up being more expensive than having a Copan-based driver pick you up at the airport and haul your hiney to Copan.
Plus, you're going to miss a night and a good part of the next day of being in Copan.
Pal, David Katzmire, is over here staying tonight. We enjoyed some bleeding prime rib at the local tavern. He just turned in (@ 4:30 AM). Beyond burning the post-midnight oil having fun, talking about his/ours and all of our coming adventure.
Maya: Check your PM. I am arriving SPS at 11:50 on the 13th and there is a bus leaving SPS for Copan Ruins at 1:40. I was hoping to catch the bus. It seems like I would have plenty of time but who knows. I guess I could just hitch hike if I miss it. I would be nice to have a backup plan other than $160 for a 3 hour ride in a private van...
PS 4:30 is around the time I get up - night owls you are...
Tell him to look for a 6'2" 240 pounder with a small japanese girl with him. My son 1/2 japanese and his girl friend from Peru will also be with us. Not one of us looks the same. LOL
Our flight gets in at 12:55 so it will probably be about a 2-3 beer wait. LOL
Make sure you and all of your traveling mates have informed their credit/debit card companies the dates to be out of the country.
In case of emergency, it's best to have your card go right through, without having to talk to a credit card representative, especially if you choose to use your credit card while checking out of a hotel.
Don't be the yahoo who makes everyone miss their flight home for Christmas.
I almost missed a flight out of Belize a few years back, for this very reason.
More like small, as there have been several cancellations due to a variety of reasons. I think right now, we stand at 9 or 10. I haven't heard anything from eggwiss, either.
I think it's a nice sized group, as a van can handle a trip up to the Hot Springs. Any more people, and two vans would be required.
Maya, Wish I could make the trip. My wife is originally from Northern Nicaragua, it would have cultural heritage for her and be a great adventure for both of us. Just a thought, but should we be looking for a new screen play from you with this trip as background? You know, "The End of the World Vacation" starring Chevy Chase?
Still: Great idea. I could write the script, and star in it, too, as some folks say I look like Chevy Chase. Maybe we could have Tim's semi end the movie, starring as a giant magical "litter from the future," which fades into the white dove light, heading toward the North Star, where all Maya kings and queens go when they pass on.
Same here. I really wanted to go but with my 96 year-old monther-in-law living with us it just wasn't feasible. And I couldn't leave my wife at home while I was in such a beautiful place.
Thanks! Made it! Pretty smooth flights. However, Twisted Tanya decided to fetch me rather than hubby Garnel. She wanted to do some Christmas shopping in San Pedro, but halfway on the three hour drive the alternator ceased, luckily right at a Puma gas station. She received a charge, and again, serendipity worked, because right next door was a mechanic, who told her she would need to get to San Pedro to get a new alternator.
"No way!" Tanya replied. It's very dangerous for a lone woman to be in that part of San Pedro.
Suddenly, a fellow named Nacho appeared and agreed to take her to the airport while he drove away to get the alternator, stranding Tanya at the airport. Of Course, Tanya knows half of Honduras, and a couple of her friends bought her some glasses of wine.
I arrived, and, expecting to see Garnel, I began to waltz around the airport with empty thoughts of myself being stranded, taxi drivers hounding me and my forlorned face, for a job.
Then Tanya strolled up, and just as we walked out of the airport Nacho drove up. The day was perfect, mountains crisp in the distance as we rose out of the valley, and up onto the altiplano. After and hour and a half, we arrived back to the mechanic's shop.
While he installed the alternator, Tanya and I went next door, sat down and had a beer. This gas station came equipped with an armed guard, and a marble bathroom. I've never been in such a gorgeous gas station bathroom. Amazing!
After about ten minutes we practice my tourist-paced stroll back over to the mechanic's shoppe. The car turned over and off we went into a gorgeous setting sun, rays shooting upward beyond fire-rimmed clouds.
"The eyelashes of K'inich Ahua," I said joyously. "He's welcoming me." Every time I come down here, something fantastic occurs, a volcano belching; lucking into a Guatemala travel agent, who moved up my flight to just after dawn, because Bill Clinton was arriving and the Guat. City Airport was going to shut down, as Clinton was coming to Guatemala to spread around "behave money," as my guide informed me the precious day.
As we drove into darkness, Tanya amazingly knowing where most of the speed bumps were, dodging potholes adroitly, passing semis on blind curves, we listened to Sirius' vinyl record station, which damed near every song played I own in my old college days collection.
As we were singing, an owl passed right in front of the windshield, and I remarked the old owl was allowing us to arrive to Copan a tad more wise.
About five miles outside of Copan, a leafed-nosed bat also did a close fly by. The leafed-nosed bat is Copan's emblem, another welcoming sign I had to puzzle about.
At Tanya's restaurant, I enjoyed a fabulous filet of Mackerel, smothered under a la roca white sauce. La roca tastes very close to asparagus. The meal also came with about a 15 different vegetables.
Garnel, Tanya, a coffee finca owner and I partied late into the night, laughing, beating on each other, talking about how screwed up the US is, as well as how corrupt and bifurcated the Honduran leadership is.
Dr. David Sedat will soon be descending down the mountain for Happy Hour, lugging along all my duds, my Amex Traveler's checks, and my Bose speakers.
Of course, a bottle of 23 year old Ron Zacapa rum awaits his presence.
I spoke with Udo, and all rooms that "we" have reserved are still there. Lucky we did the reservations when we did. Copan is completely sold out.
Maya, From the distinct change in your writing I would say that you are very much at home and relaxed where you are now. Your words are more poetic and free flowing. I read your later post and must say that I think that your writers block has or will shortly disappear completely and lead to that free flowing of thought to paper (OK, to your computer). It is always nice to notice exuberance when someone is in touch with things that compel them. Live it to the fullest and enjoy. Best wishes.
Maya, I am the one seeking the adventure by taking the bus from SPS to Copan. So, either you got my adventure or I am in for a wild ride <smile>. Glad you made it safely and am right behind you. D minus 5 days and counting...
Looking forward, Tim. Today, about 77, puffy clouds, little humidity. Tonight, comfortable in shorts and a T-shirt, open sky and the stars are out.
Had dinner up at David's new home/factory.
We're going to get our lecture from David at this fairly humongous brand new home meets factory of noni tea, and other holoistic, medicinal and tasty stuff he grows, too. His wife, Julia, has agreed to cook us up a dinner, which I know will be "muy rico." The lecture we will hear is the same one he recently gave in London, which he humbly said was, "Well received." The lecture will be free, and I'll provide the wine, but I'd like a little help in funding the food. His wife can cook! Enjoyed an amazing many ingredient spinach lasagna tonight. But the dinner we're going to enjoy will be Mayan influenced, and likely price sensitive to eating at the many other restaurants here in town. The gained part is all of us during dinner will be able to pick David's mind, and ask any questions that may pop up during this timely and apropos lecture about Mayan art, with a flavor why the Maya depopulated their cities.
On December 17, I'm throwing a dinner party for all of us at Twisted Tanya's, and there will be talented musician performing. Eating and and unlimited spirits consumption on me.
Tomorrow night, I have been invited to Don Udo's birthday party across the Copan River. His home is nothing short of a Spanish architectural dream mansion.
Then, late Sunday morning, David and I are going up to the top of the mountain, to visit his "useable forest," where he grows all kinds of plants and trees, enough that last time I was here, his wife made chutney, and 14 of the 16 ingredients of the recipe were grown in this amazing, award winning land reclamation project.
We' re going to get a hunk of cow, oak smoke it over a pit, drink wine, and yack about the Maya. David has lots of new findings to relate...meaning I'm wildly glad and now comfortable that I did not yet complete my novel before this trip.
Lots of new findings since I was last here in 2010. I'm now no longer uncomfortable in not having my novel finished, as it would have not been as authentic as I demand of myself to write. I'm quite excited to learn this new material, and David is equally excited to help me resolve my writer's block, because what new knowledge I left here with in 2010 didn't click, didn't add up, just didn't make for an authentic and riveting conclusion.
Hugs and "Mucho gustos," abound as I stroll the streets, visit places I haven't been to for two years.
Who kidnapped all the parakeets? Haven't seen them flocking about yet.
Udo threw a jaguar skin down on the floor of my suite. I thought it odd and quirky to be walking over it, givien my novel's subtitle is, Spirits Of The Jaguar. David then suggested that rather I should slumber under it tonight. Ut oh! Tomorrow, I may have a new found affinity to climb trees and pounce on the unexpecting.
That sounds like a great time, Maya. I just read aloud to my wife your description of going to Don Udo's place...we are drooling and insanely jealous. Have fun!
Do not know if anyone has seen this. Found it today. The movie is called "Shift of the Ages" and its a story from the modern mayan perspective. In thier words....
Commissioned on behalf of the Maya nation, the Shift of the Ages is the first official discourse to the world from the Mayan Council of Elders, intended to dispel misconceptions and replace them with the positive story about this incredible period of time for humanity.
Oops should not have said wrong one. Different one would be more like it. Seems there are many but the one I found earlier is the link I located after looking at yours. It was different so I searched for the same one and found it.
Interesting comment in that link at the very end about a man who lives on the 30-40th floor of the tall buildings and when the sun goes he will have no power. Does that mean the mayans think there we be a solar flare to take out power. Those on farms living with rocks and animals will be ok because they have life.
Thanks for putting up the links, guys. I'll try and watch it later on, if the I-connection down here lets it stream smoothly.
Guns, Tim and All: I spent the day up at the Hot Springs. What a gorgeous and very bumpy drive up the twisting dirt road and into the ragged, verde mountains, passing by Ladinos riding horseback, and Toyota pickup trucks coming the other way, so ladened with sacks of coffee beans that the front bumper was a good foot higher than the back bumper. Other trucks had children standing in the back bed, rocking about, hanging on, enjoying the fine day.
The colors are vibrant; the oranges and tangerines ripe and falling, the poinsettias scarlet; the purple, yellow, and red flowering plants in full bloom. A glorious extravaganza of colors vivid.
Across a dicey suspension bridge I then entered the park "through the Underworld."
Rubbed mud all over myself in one hot water sitting hole. Then walked up to a roundabout. Strolled counter clockwise in ankle deep cold water half the way around a Mayan monument, up and down a couple of steps, and into hot water the other half way round. Did about 15 or 20 laps; the idea is to walk until you can't tell the difference if whether you're walking in the hot, or the cold water.
Garnel said each lap takes you back in time. I quipped back that in the US we call that Daylight Savings Time.
Sat down and ate some pineapple, watermelon, avocado and papaya, all fresh and bright, rinsing it down with Garnel's secret recipe of quenching fruit punch, and for a short while a black and orange butterfly danced and flitted all around my head. How does this stuff keep happening? Why didn't the butterfly dance around other heads in our group?
Not long after, the mud had hardened, and back into the mud hole I went to rinse myself off. Garnel found a kind of rock that when you rub the rock against another, mud literally comes out of the rock. Rubbed that all over my face, arms and legs for exfoliation.
Later I went up more slippery steps and sat under a surging hot waterfall, getting my neck and back massaged. Apparently, I like it so much that when I stood up I became dazed, almost wobbly (like I was late the first night after arriving here), and had to pause to let the blood get back into my head. Fantastic!
There are several more holes of various heat intensities, and the last one Tanya recommends is the cold hole. It's sink-a-six-pack cold. Incredulous that such hot and cold water are so close together.
Skin's now smooth as a sting ray's nose.
I don't want to spoil for you both the marvelous and authentic Mayan meal around the halfway point on the way back. Surely you can guess that there were beans, and I simply couldn't stop shoveling them into my mouth. Best beans I've ever had, topped with a creme unlike any I have ever had. You'll love this late lunch, and the rustic setting, while hearing the Maya women slapping back and forth tortillas between their hands, before putting them on the grill.
Last night, I met one of the realised ones that are surging into town. A nice lady named, Sandra. We talked about fate, the Maya, and how "voterxy" and magical Copan is. This morning, I found a plastic bag with a small, one ounce bottle and a note in it outside my door. It was from Sandra, asking me to bring back some "sacred water."
After Garnel and Tanya dropped me off back at Udo's, I walked up the steps, into the lobby, and Sandra all smiles came up in an excited dash. Udo happened to be standing there, as a group all dressed in whites were leaving for a sunset shaman ceremony, and I was lucky enough to deliver Sandra her tiny bottle just in time.
I told her that I had blessed the water, and kiddingly, she put her hands together and slightly bowed.
She left, and I turned to Udo. "So I get to give a small bottle of sacrament water to Sandra, and now you get to give me three bottles of Ron Zacapa," I said with glee. I had given Udo $100 for three bottles yesterday; Zacapa is about $8/bottle cheaper in San Pedro than here.
"I'm going to San Pedro tomorrow," Udo replied. Then he said, "Do you want a bottle now?"
"Well...after David's and my picnic on the mountain yesterday, we came back here and finished off the only bottle I have."
Udo then went over to his bar, pulled out a bottle and gave it to me. That's how it works down here.
I went upstairs to my room, opened it, and am right now enjoying a sip here and there, just after I once again watched K'inich Ahua drop behind some clouds at near sunset; and once again with eyelashes (of rays) pointing out in all directions, as the sun slipped peacefully beneath the western mountains.
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Hoping I'm not hogging all the great weather down here before you guys show up.
Tonight, I'm off to Jim's Pizza, where I hope to see Lloyd, the owner of MaCaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary, and take in some Monday Night Football.
Been in Oregon for almost a month now so the rain is certain to cling to me as I try and leave. I have a day layover in Houston (thanks Expedia) so with luck I can ditch the rain there. Looking forward to the warmth and bright sunshine...
PS and perhaps a walk with those dressed in white...
Tim and Guns: In case something goes awry during your "pilgramage to Copan," here is my Honduran cell phone number:
504-997-96-447
Not sure how these numbers are broken up, or where to put a hyphen, so the number may look weird, but it's corrrect.
If you are in Honduras, omit the 504 part, as that is the "country code."
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David swung by and we talked at length about the new interpretations of Altar Q, with 16 kings, the Peccary Skull glyph, and how the Long Count versus the Calendar Round applies in relation to a bench (now in a London museum) with "supposedly" 20 kings.
I'm not going to get into the details, but when he just left, I hauled some empties back into my room, and when I went out to fetch more, a huge toad somehow appeared atop the second story steps, just outside my room, the same steps where where he had just gone down.
David, a while back, convinced me to not have in my novel a character named, "Tongue Toad."
Come on...man!
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Well Tim, the Oregon jinx may be already occurring. The weather is beginning to shift. More humidity today, and while David and I were yacking, there was some heat lighting going on in the distance, to the northeast, and the northwest.
They are saving the outage for the 21st. Most appropriate I would say. Must aquire, the rum nd bag of ice in advance of that day.
What run should we get when being picked up at the airport? We can pick up several bottles if we are going right past the place. Where do we change money or is the dollar excepted in honduras.
Guns: Good question. Don't change any $ for lempiras until you reach Copan. Tito will take dollars for the van ride. The trip costs $160 for one person, and five of you will be on the van. So, divide by 5, and probably add a little more. Probably going to be around $40 per, max.
There are banks here, who will give you a better rate. Udo's will charge a small %, as does Tanya's, when exchanging dollars for lempiras. I haven't even yet been to a bank. All businesses down here take dollars, as the lempira is pegged to the dollar. Right now, it's about 2000 lemps for $100. Or, $5 for 100 lemps.
Tim: FWI, don't even bother talking to the men flashing lempiras before, or after your bus trip to Copan. The taxi should only be a buck to get you from the bus station to Udo's. Or 20 lempiras.
Happy Hour here at Udo's? I think it's 2 margaritas for about $4.00. I bought some fantastic oranges on the street for 5 cents a piece, and had one of Udo's employees squeeze them for me. Tanya said I got ripped off. I look at it that near a half liter of the best tasting OJ I have ever had, cost me about $2.50. Maybe half what it costs in the states!
I like Flor de Cana, 7 years. That's my fav cheaper rum. About $12.50 for a litre. Mildly spicy, and very drinkable. Here, Ron Zacapa 23 years is $40. Udo wouldn't tell me how much the three bottles in San Pedro cost, but I guess they are around $34. You'll have to convince Tito to make a side trip, which I'm pretty sure he will. Unfortunately, new laws allow no consumption of adult beverages in moving vehicles, something...ah, eee, that Tanya and I did not abide by. But Tanya has a unique ability to change the course of conversation when the policia are poking their heads around.
I wouldn't drink on the way. Too risky, nowadays. Think there were about 8 policia stops along the way. And about 8 million speed bumps.
That asteroid that just missed Earth yesterday? Sheesh.
"That asteroid that just missed Earth yesterday? Sheesh"
That was nothin'. Here's a picture of my son in his new car: http://bit.ly/QXa76v
Thanks for the invite to this post Maya. I started leaving comments but way above here. Real busy at the moment but I'll get a chance to read all the comments after midnight.
I'm so glad you're having a blast down there. Wish I could have joined you but it wasn't to be. Someday. I'm just a tad overdue too... haven't been on a vacation since Feb., 1980. I'm serious... that was Hawaii.
I am here. Bus ride from the airport was uneventful (rats!). I booked the Plus seats (which is first class on a bus) and I am glad I did. Took an open taxi to Casa de Cafe ($3). Had dinner at Tanya's and now I am headed for bed...
Rats, Tim. I was right around the corner at Jim's Pizza watching the Eagles/Bengals first half, with friend Pat, who wants to talk to you about what to do with some LA battery that weighs 200lbs.
Please don't be bashful in asking Howard to use his cell phone to call me at the above #. Or his wife. Howard and his wife are good friends. You can tell them that the guy named Bill, the guy writing the novel on Copan, is who you want to call. Or, you can ask whomever is in charge down there to use a land line to call Don Udo's. I'm in room 18. You can call me right now!
Welcome to Copan! So glad you made it. "Uneventful" on a journey like the one you just made is a benign. You did the right thing in upgrading your seats. Much more comfortable. But $3 for a tuk tuk? EEE! The ripoff begins. Shoulda only cost 20 lempiras, or $1.
Bargain: "Tu trabajar, o no tu trabajar," is what I always say.
Tomorrow, if you would like, we can go to the Marina Hotel, caddycorner and northwest of the Central Park, to take in a power point presentation by Dr. David Sedat. It'll be in Spanish, so you'll get more out of it than I will. 10:30 AM is when he begins. More lectures after that to follow. I just got the speaking schedule today; lots and lots over the next few days! There are adding as days go by, as David's not even on the list.
Please get hold of me around 9:30 or after. BTW, Casa de Cafe throws a really nice breakfast. Enjoy!
One more thing, suggest for you to bring a couple hundred bucks. After the lecture, we can go to a bank and change them into lempiras. BRING YOUR PASSPORT! Banks don't change dollars into lempiras, with us gringos, without one.
Guns: Ran into Tito, your driver. He will indeed take you to a spirits shop. Please pick me up a bottle of Zacapa 23 and Flor de Cana 7. I'll remimburse you upon your arrival.
Guns: Slight change. A fellow named Mike will be picking you up at San Pedro Sula, not Tito. Mike speaks fluent English and is also a premium tour guide at the ruins. Tito told me that he will tell Mike to make a pit stop at a package store.
Sitting outside on my semi-private deck, drinking a nightcap, or better, nightzacapa of rum over the past hour plus, I have seen many, maybe about 18 shooting stars. Almost all dropping out of the sky, zipping westward.
All the shooting stars I have seen in my life were either white, or amber in color. I just saw one that was iridescent green-blue, and very bright. Really bright. I'm stunned.
I'd love to chase that one down, photograph it, and link the picture into tripleblack's REE thread.
WOW!
Back onto my deck for the last of the sips before I bed down.
With David's permission, he allowed me to beautifully written post of his arrival to Honduras and Copan:
Dear Tacie,
I am thinking of you always and I have told my new friends about you. When I landed at the airport I was greeted by Doubleguns. He's a good ole' boy who has been 20 years in the Marines (when I learned of this I shook his hand, looked him respectfully in the eye and said "Thank you"). He fell in love and married a delightful woman from Japan named Satchia (unsure about the spelling). They have and handsome son with a pleasant personality named Dan who is in his 20s. He lives in Japan where he meet a Peruvian girl name Katie who has also lived in the Japan these past 8 years. She is a brilliant young beautiful woman who is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, she is learning Japanese and she has even dabbled with French. She has been our handy interpreter who not only knows the spoken word but the idiomatic manners of expression come natural to her. They all have heard your name and they may even meet you.
You're coming with me in 2013, be sure, we will travel together. I cannot know such wondrous beauties of this Earth without sharing them with you. Every day as I am awakened to more magnificence around me it makes me more aware of how much I love you. The photos that I shall send to you in these days ahead are not for you to live vicariously, they are previews of coming attractions.
The town of Copan is and enchanted enclave in a this, frankly, violent third world nation. People naturally have the spirit of life in their eyes and they are quick to return a smile. A subtle brilliance lies as a comfortable underlayment in the character of everyone for whom it seems to be a way, not a means. They do not contemplate nature, they are nature. Understanding is greater when it is learned through self realization rather than dispassionate observation and speculation. I have learned that the world and the universe are greater than I am, but I am not jealous because I am part of it. We are part of it.
Bill's itinerary of activities is well conceived and planned based on his intimate knowlege of this region. The learning I seek shall be realized in a way that can never be done through books. Watch for my photos and my e-mails and know that I love you.
David
p.s. Hope you don't mind that I cc:'d this to Bill
Tim, One of the best things to have in any area you are not familiar with is a person that knows the lay of the land. With Maya, his contacts, the events going on and the group that's meeting there you have all the ingredients for one heck of a time. It'll be one you guys will never forget for sure. Enjoy and watch the speed bumps!
iindelco, there is knowing the lay of the land and then there is a half a dozen notches above that <smile>.
Incredible authentic maya meal fit for a king and a story/lecture of the discovery of the tomb of the first Maya king by someone who was instrumental in the find - David Sadat. A memory to be treasured, thanks Mayascribe...
Very ominous that posts to this thread ended on Dec 20th! Did something bad happen down there? We're still here back in the USA. Or is Maya just deleting all the new messages for effect?
Yep we made it past THE date. Now we have to dodge the next end of the world, the dreaded Dec 31 end of the next calendar. LOL
My trip was not uneventful. We arrived but our bags did not. Thankfully we had minimum essentials in our back packs and were able to survive the next 4 days with out suitcases.
My trip down started with a delayed flight, that resulted in a quick shuffle to another airline since we would not make proper connections on the delayed flight. This was done by the airline at the boarding gate, after suitcase check in.......see where this is heading.
We moved from TransWorld to Delta for a flight to Houston via Atlanta on Delta instead of through Charlotte NC. In Houston we moved to AeroMex flight to Mexico city then to San Pedro Sula. Some where we zigged and the bags zagged.
AeroMex took my suitcase receipts when we landed and had no bags. A WORD OF CAUTION do not give up those receipts without getting the info off of them. When day two of the bag saga went bad I called my travel agent in the USA to track down my bags but she needed that info from those receipts. So now we tried to get that info from the airline but they could not provide the info. Now I was double down so to speak. Katie called them every day and they simply did not answer the phone.
Garnell went there to pick up arriving passengers and they could not find the person with the info. Talk about an event in frustration. No bags and no info so there was no tracking the bags from the US. On Day 4 my travel agent finally got the information, on her own somehow, and found they were in San Pedro Sula and had been there since day 2 but with Delta not AeroMex. Garnell was traveling the 3 hours in to the airport so phone calls to him informing him of the bags location and shazamm..... suit cases popped out of his van several hours later.
Fortunately Maya and me are the same size so I was wearing his shorts by this time. It was warm there. No snow anywhere in sight....which I am sorely reminded of looking out the window right now. Two inches and more piling up.
We went on many journeys from Loyds coffee finka (ranch for most of us) and saw the entire operation, went to the bird sanctuary and saw a lot of very beautiful and colorful birds, went to the hot springs with a 1 hour journey through the mountains, went to the ruins and museum, had dinner with Dr. David Sadat and ate a wonderful Mayan meal prepared by his wife that ended with Noni herbal tea grown on his ranch that Maya would have to tell all about. It was one of the things we did not get to but......next trip we will have some things to look forward too.
The most exciting thing to see was the ruins of course but our guide was Dr. David Sadat. We got a perspective most folks would never fathom. While on that tour one of those mysterious events occurred that Maya often speaks about happening in Copan. However, this one did not happen to Maya, it happened to me.
We had stopped to photograph an area of the ruins where the royals lived and my display screen on my camera began to pixelate. It only occurred when viewing certain things and the first person I had look at it was of course Maya. The entire tour looked at it and even some strangers that were there too.
This only occurred when looking at a certain area of those ruins. No one else had this happen only me and when I took the pictures of that area it did not appear on the photos.....only on the display prior to taking the photos. Someone certainly wanted us to know they were there.....It was a very interesting hello from the spirit world.
Honduras is a very interesting country and the folks that I spoke with that are originally from the USA were Kindred spirits of the tea party persuasion. I was impressed!!!! They also believe in the 2nd amendment so to speak. Lots of folks, regular folks not drug lords, carry guns. Add to that the fact that politicians are elected to ONE term, that means a single term. Good God where did we go wrong.
Apparently they emulated our constitution when they established their country but they really polished it up properly it appears. Some parts of their constitution are set in stone and may not be changed and they are dead serious about it remaining set in stone. They probably have been watching us make fools of our constitution for a while and see the folly. Ahhhhhhh....it was a most wonderful and enlightening trip. Can you have a man crush on someone else's constitution?
"Honduras is a very interesting country and the folks that I spoke with that are originally from the USA were Kindred spirits of the tea party persuasion."
Didn't Honduras recently have a president that tried to become a dictator, and their courts and the military ousted him from office, and then Mrs. Clinton and Obama came to his defense?
Hoops: You have that completely backwards. The US, in the beginning, in no way supported the ousting of President Zelaya, even though the Honduran Supreme Court ruled, based on their constitution and Bill of Rights, which is closely patterned after the US's, that Zelaya had broken the law some 34 times.
It was Pres. Zelaya who was attempting to become a dictator.
Hondurans were only following the guidelines and laws the we helped them create.
BOTH Clinton, who was quite outspoken, and Obama were against the ousting, and then they suspended all forms of aide.
If you want to learn more, I created an Instablog that tells the real story of how poorly the US responded to the ousting, which was completely legal:
Jhooper, Maya: Seasons greetings. I beleive that both of you said the same thing. It's no surprise that this administration would support another dictator. Afterall Voldemort would like nothing more than to be the Chavez of Noth America.
Backwards? Sorry. I guess I said it wrong. Your protrayal is exactly what I meant.
Not having read much about it, but my gut tells me Zelaya has communist/socialist leanings, thus explaining with Clinton and Obama would be sympathetic towards him.
Thanks for the link. Now I wonder if your blog will substantiate my hunch.
Doubleguns, Thanks for sharing a little of your adventure. Short story life experiences are a great read (Obviously not the bad ones.). Glad to hear, other than your minor personal effects experience, you had a great time. Given Mayas time in the area I'd expect no less.
Guns: Thanks for writing your impression and insights of the Fiesta trip of 5 millennia! Great comment!
It was a root'n toot'n, sip'n and eat'n, learn'n and yearn'n, gotta see this, gotta do that, trip.
I knew you'd treasure the folks I know down there!
What I was amazed to learn was that there were a million times more folks freaking out about the end of the world in Russia, China, and the US., than in Honduras.
Am I the only one on the planet who just finished decorating their Christmas tree...on December 26th?
Could be, Guns. I know David Katzmire is targeting November for a return visit. It would be GREAT to hang again!
My only contention is that I would like to return at least a week and a half B4 Christmas -- not early AM on the Eve. As soon as the plane wheels stopped in Philly, I had to start spinning mine. Only today I got around to listening to our Live! 12/21/12 Ending Of The World Fiesta podcast, which was pretty good, except for all the pops and cracks...and the rum we drank!
Tomorrow, the soccer stadium we all passed by in the van when we left Honduras, will be holding a major World Cup qualifier: The USA vs. Honduras.
Tomorrow has already been declared a national holiday in Honduras. It's going to be a wild day in San Pedro Sula. Just watching the fans will be great fun.
Tomorrow, at 4PM EST, the contest will commence, and, I believe, will be aired on ESPN.
Ending Of The World 12/21/12 Fiesta! 259 comments
This doesn't happen very often.
On December 21, 2012, the ancient Mayan calendar concludes a 5126 year long cycle, which mythologically began on August 11, 3114 BCE.
At midnight, on December 21, 2012, the constellation Pleiades, known to western society as the seven sisters, will be located in the gaping maw of Xibalba, the Mayan Underworld, the dark space seen within what is known today as the Milky Way.
It is at that exact midnight moment in time, when this zenith phenomena occurs directly overhead, is when many doomsayers believe the world will end, catastrophically. Conversely, it is that moment in time many spiritualists believe humanity will enter a New Age of Benign Consciousness.
Either way, bad or good, this should be a livelong blast! All Seeking Alpha members are invited to attend.
_____________________________
Here's a list of Copan hotels in which I've stayed numerous times. I have no idea if hotels are going to be charging premium rates for the 12/21/12 week.
First, let me recommend copanconnections.com
Great friends, Twisted Tanya and Jennifer Mathews are the owners, and can set you up with flight, hotel, and have you personally picked up at San Pedro Sula Airport. Tito, the driver, will put your stuff in his van and whisk you off to Copan for $150 (current price). During the 3.5 hour drive you can ask Tito about Honduras, and the ancient Maya; he's a certified Mayan guide. Much better, and perhaps cheaper than catching a cab from San Pedro to, say, a Holiday Inn, then a cab to the bus terminal early next morning, and then the bus to Copan. Besides, San Pedro is a very dangerous city at night. Might as well skip it and get to Copan the same day you leave your home. Would be a good idea if those coming time their arrivals to split cost.
If you choose to do you own booking, my favorite hotels follow:
donudos.com Udo is a great guy from Holland. Rooms are clean, the restaurant has the best filet in town, wonderful pate, and other delicious dishes. Nice small bar. Rooms are clean, neat, and the hotel is two blocks away from the center of town, about 100 yards from Twisted Tanya's Restaurant. Best deck in town to view Copan. If I decide to throw a party, it will be on this deck, or at Twisted Tanya's. Likely, I'll be staying at Don Udo's.
www.casadecafecopan.com/ Howard owns this B&B, located about 6 blocks from the center of town. I wouldn't necessarily stay there, but in one of his new townhouses that can sleep four, so costs can be split, and you have your own kitchen. Coffee lovers will enjoy the excellent complimentary breakfast, included. Most popular B&B in Copan.
Howard also has another new hotel up the hill from Copan called, "Terra Maya." I was his first patron. Fabulous view of eastern Copan Valley. Suggest getting the back rooms to take in the view. Cost more, they're bigger, but they come with your own private deck. Massage hut. Outdoor shower. Great gardens. A boutique hotel ranked second of all of Copan hotels. Steep walk up from town, but you can always grab a three-wheeled "tuk tuk" for a buck.
With both of the above hotel owners, I suggest you drop my name. They know what I pay, and will likely cut you a better deal than the listed room rates. Both attended my B-day bash I threw in November.
hotelmarinacopan.com/ (hit "English" in the upper right corner) Raul, the wealthiest person in Copan, also runs by far and away the best and biggest hotel in Copan. Spacious rooms, big restaurant and pool. A little expensive, but the location abuts Central Park. Close to everything. Best hotel in Copan, in my opinion. A group might consider getting the prez suite, which is HUGE! Sleeps six. Probably already booked, though. Stayed here many times.
plazacopanhotel.com/ I love this hotel. Cheap, proximate to everything. Americana Breakfast included. By far, the best view from the corner balcony room of the bustling Central Park. One loud room! But worth it. Fridge in room to store beer. Small pool.
haciendasanlucas.com/ Spirited Flavia owns this spectacularly restored 18th century hacienda. Internationally renowned. Where the movie stars stay. About a mile plus from town. Ultra tranquil, with by far the best view of verdant Copan Valley. You can look down toward the ancient ruins. Massage, yoga, horses to ride, candlelit dinners. Near a zip line. Worth visiting this website just for kicks!
This site has other hotels listed for every budget:
www.copanhonduras.org/...
Any questions? I will be happy to respond.
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This post has 259 comments:
What is the next stop for flights.
I wont ask to many question since It takes time for the answers to sink in for me. I gotta put this together one step at a time. Like planning an ambush....on a corona.
The Honduran airport you'll be flying into is, "San Pedro Sula." I have flown through Houston, Miami, and Atlanta. I'm not sure if Dayton has a direct flight to Houston, but for you and your wife, that might be the best connection. Suggest finding out if Cincy has a connecting flight via Houston/Atlanta/Miami-... not a big fan of the Miami Airport. I usually leave Philly around 5 or 6 AM, make a connection and arrive in Honduras between 11:00AM and 1:00PM.
Still recommend having Tito pick you up.
The hotel websites I mentioned above are all pretty good about getting back to you, and pretty easy to use. They provide a comment section, and there, with Casa De Cafe, or Don Udo's, I suggest you inform them you're a pal of mine. I have no idea what weight that carries, but it's worth a shot. Only Plaza de Copan have I experienced a tad of communication gap. But that was solved by the desk manager the next day. Ask for their best deal! I've never paid the listed price.
Definitely want to make the journey during daytime. The trip from San Pedro to Copan is a truly an enjoyable and memorable Third World journey.
I've used Orbitz and Priceline to book my trips. I checked Orbitz today, and the roundtrip price has not risen since my latest visit in November-December.
One idea, though, you may want to explore. Guatemala City may have cheaper flights, both in from Ohio, and then out to Hiroshima. Of course, then you'll have to bus it 5 hours from Guat City to Copan, and back, with likely two nights added stay in Guat City.
I'll will email Tanya, to see what she can offer.
Looking forward to the dash to the end of the world.
Thanks
DG
The only airline we work with is CM Airlines, which does domestic flights in Honduras.
The best place to fly into is San Pedro Sula. It is the nearest airport to Copan (there is no airport in Copan, despite info on some websites). It is a 3 hour drive to Copan from San Pedro. We can definitely help you out with transport from the San Pedro Sula airport to Copan. Tito is licensed, insured, and with clean, comfortable buses with A/C. Transport cost is $160 each way total.
We would be happy to book Don Udo's for you as well, once you know your flight dates.
Do you need any information on tours while in Copan? We have beautiful hot springs, coffee finca and horseback riding tours, fantastic ruins guides. canopy tours, loads of archeological, adventure and spa activities. We're looking forward to working with you. The party's going to be a blast!
Best regards,
Tanya and Jen
I've never ridden the horses down there, they don't like me! But, horseback riding tours are quite popular. Tanya can set that up, as well as a trip to the hot springs.
The hot springs are fantastic, unlike any hot springs I've ever visited. I've been to two coffee fincas, but never on a tour, only by the owned of one. His name is Lloyd, and he also owns a bird sanctuary called Macaw Mountain. It's magical.
Here's the link:
www.macawmountain.com/
Just to let you know, I will be staying in Copan until the 24th of December. Not sure of my arrival date, but I will likely be there for at least two weeks. I want to be there on the 23rd because there's an excellent argument that the 23rd is the true day of the Maya calendar "ending." The "calendrical drift" argument is too complicated to get into here, but I'm one that believes it to be correct.
Tanya emailed me back, too. But it's more about me arriving there this Easter, with the idea of getting some dental work done on the cheap.
Here's the correspondence:
Hi Bill
Tanya here, the dentist is brilliant, my mother came and had a bottom bridge with 4 teeth i remember, and she used the French por the very best, and the cost was $1800, in the States it would have been $5500, so massive save there. Im having the whitening done. its a good studio, So definitely worth it, would just need to book you in before hand.
Love the Chocolate idea, have been thinking on them terms for a while!!
Im Jen and my office, we put together private drivers all over the country, hotels, tours the lot.
So anything your group needs, were here to help, and the Hotels are getting full for December.
Right here if you need anything, Tanya
You could probably unload a bunch of books too!!! Ship them in advance. Think of how many folks will be there from around the world. Hey...that would be my marketing skills kicking in there. Did not get that MBA/MA International Business for nothing. With your book and my giant brain.........Jethro Bodine
www.imdb.com/media/rm1...
Cars loaded and ready for Copan.
A few years back, I was conversing with Dr. William Fash, from Harvard. He told me he tried to send some books down. They never arrived.
Please have a beer for me guys!
There is still going to be a financial/investment meeting along with this.....?
I really thought a comment made here today was going to be something about the financial end of the world!
Can't wait for us to travel with your wife to the Hot Springs!
Mud baths, many pools, a massage hut, really hot water, smack dab in the middle of highland jungle.
Truly a magical journey that will be.
http://bit.ly/vLjiuS
Guns, you're smart to have already booked your room. Going to be interesting down there, with all the spirituals flitting about!
A dads job is tough but necessary to prevent wimps ruling the world. LOL
Warning, drinking might be required in mass quantity's for this party.Bring aspirin.
I'm later going to be inviting all the Axionistas!
Hoping all is well over there in Japan!
I am in hog heven so to speak. LOL
I would love to see the Axionistas too. I am in that stock by your info but do not follow it enough to comment, trust in you is why I am in and that speaks wonders to you my friend, truly indeed.
Of course I gave that one away pretty easily. LOL
This is going to be one kick ass good time. I really am looking forward to meeting everyone. My wife wants to hit the hot springs, ruins tour, bird sanctuary, and any where there is good local food. Twisted Tanya has arrainged transport to copan from the airport and beer is allowed on the bus.....now that is hospitality. My plans are to arrive on the 15th but tickets are not available just yet. I will let yall know whats up once we get our flights worked out.
Best
DG
I'm going to be booking a reservation for one of my pals tomorrow! Thinking we're closing in on ten people so far.
Today I'm booking another room for a local Philly-based pal.
Hoping Udo's is not sold out!
I, too, couldn't buy a ticket using Expedia or Orbitz. Could get the flight down, but not one home. Looks like one can only book a flight 10.5 months in advance.
Let's keep an eye out, because the return flights might fill up fast.
This is going to be one heck of an event to see...be part of.
"This is going to be one heck of an event to see...be part of."
Do you have any idea what we sort of things we might anticipate or is a blind faith event for even the Mayanesque?
Glad you are going! We were going to arrive 12/18 simply so that Lori didn't have to take a full week off from work, but Udo suggested that many others were arriving on the 15th and that perhaps we would like to join them. So, that our deal. Took Udo's advice and are now arriving 12/15. At present, we're planning to depart 12/24. I'd actually prefer to leave 12/23, but figured I would need at least 1 day to recover from the EoW! Departure is still subject to change for us. We may end up being able to share that fare with you.
Maya: Am I correct in my assumption that we'll likely all be spending the 23rd recovering from the EoW?
I most enjoy get-a-ways of this sort, that are not the typical trip to Myrtle Beach, the Bahamas or a cruise. Spontaneous is even better, but that's hard to manage with a my 3 yr old little boy running around. We're really looking forward to it!
I am ready to leave now...
But I do think she has a working list.
http://bit.ly/zGFBwy
Am thinking about "The Mysterious City of Honduras: An Account of Recent Discoveries in Copan" as it is only $1 to download to my Kindle. It was originally published in 1898 and I am guessing the new 2010 publish date is when it was made available for the Kindle.
I would be interested to know what others are reading...
What reading time I manage to make right now gets focused on finance and the markets. I read at least a few hours a day and then try to squeeze in my blog time. Drives Lori NUTS!
The "Bible" of all text books about the ancient Maya, is titled "The Ancient Maya." by Robert Sharer. Massive!
Another great book about the ancient Maya is "A Chronicle Of Kings" by Simon Martin. (Not Copan specific)
The best Copan specific text book is "Scribes, Warriors, and Kings" by William Fash.
I could also, if requested, list some books that are more spiritual, shaman oriented, and also some about what the ancient Maya ate, drank, and the plants and animals used for medicines.
Where / how did you come upon such a keen interest in the Mayans? Odd question I know, but it's a unique interest to be well schooled in. Just curious.
It's surreal. Mathematically and most certainly existentially impossible. I should not be writing this book. But I am....
I'm very much looking forward to a disconnect, that being, when I come home from sharing a few brewskies with the boyz, I don't look into finding out what the characters are doing in Seeking Alpha, but rather what the characters are doing in my novel...without my permission!
I could see this with the naked eye. Through my pretty descent pair of binoculars, it was stupifyingly beautiful.
I had no idea what I was seeing...and was amazed, and thanks to the I-Net, I now know I am sane and don't need to be straight jacketed and sent off to Whispering Hills Rehab's rubber room.
If weather conditions permit, you "may" be able to see Sirius in the southwest tonight, about two to three outstretched hand-widths above the horizon. Or, locate Orion's belt and draw a imaginary line through the belt downward to a bright star.
Sirius will only scintillate 10 to as much as 30 degrees above the horizon, as the star light interacts with the atmosphere, which acts as a sort of prism. I noticed this phenomena around 10:45 PM EST last night. Watched it for an hour or so.
Very cool!
More and more I think about it, it may have been a fairly unique situation where there was high humidity, causing the transfixing, prismatic effect.
Looks like we're heading for a cloudy night here....
Guns is looking at it right now!
Star gazing is not sick.
Sooooo I am going to entertain you with something fewer than 3600 people have seen. An Irish band with irish instruments in Japan in a live concert showing the Japanese that even the Irish can play Japanese music.
In honor of my wife Sachiyo from Kudamatsu Japan.
Love ya, Sachiyo!!!!
Enjoy all!!
http://bit.ly/GHXaIT
Have no idea how on the same You Tube page your Irish/Japanese song was linked this George Carlin tuber, "The Things We All Share Similar."
I was howling. In stitches.
And you get the assist! Thanks.
http://bit.ly/GMiOws
That made my night. Thanks for sharing MAya. DG, thanks for the assist brother! w/o you, we would have naught.
Did a comet pass by?
Or, was Tesla's founder doing a test flight of his newest rocket.
How's the Copan reading going Tim? U diggin it?
Really, Please tell your wife you love her.
Okay now that's just showing off! How long have you been learning the language?
Finally clear skies. I am in Tucumcari, NM but I elected to do some shopping so I am in town which is not good for star gazing. I will get an early start (0400) and see what can be seen from a off ramp in the desert...
It motivated the hell out of me to learn the language.
Now more to the point. I have seen some electronic translators but none that you spoke into. I am sure they have them however as an ap for your smart phone. Theres an ap for everything now a days. I really want the one that pours beer....THATS COOL!!!
If you don't want the room, Tim, I'd like for DG to keep the room booked until after June 21, the Axion Shareholders' Conference date.
When we Axionistas gather in New Castle, somebody may well want to join our gang in Honduras. I believe most hotels are already sold out in Copan, so having an extra just-in-case room for another two months might work out well for someone like tripleblack, who is still on the fence.
DG, what are your dates? mine are Dec 13-23...
So as a group....we still have an extra room.
Your welcome to change over if you want Tim if it comes down to that later.
I think its $95 per night. I lost the email on a crashed computer.
Maya do you have Don Udos email you could send me either email or private message or post it here.
http://www.donudos.com
####
Not sure what's in the air today, but my pal David Katzmire called today to say he began the process of obtaining a passport. Man...is he psyched about this trip! He's also considering putting together a video blog in conjunction with "A Better World," out of NYC.
That may mean we'll all be on TV. I can't wait, Guns, showing the Big Apple how it is to schlep down brewskies while wallowing in an Honduran hammock...as the sky cracks open....
Thanks for holding the room.
I used to have an actual email address from the confirmation of rooms but lost it and all favs in a crashed computer, virus was really a bad one.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Citizens from the following countries do not require a visa to enter Honduras:
• EU Member States
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rumania, Spain, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
• Europe
Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, Turkey, the Holy See.
• America
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela ( Citizens from Ecuador, according to the new agreement between Honduras and Ecuador, valid from 15th June 2007, do not need visa if they are planning to stay in Honduras less than ninety days (90)).
Other countries
Australia, Bahamas, Bahrein, Barbados, Brunei, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Madagascar, Malasia, New Zealand, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapour, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago Taiwan, .
If Nationality does not appear above, please contact the Embassy for further information and requirements, as the visa might have to be referred to and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Honduras and can take almost a month for processing.
• Application forms
One per applicant
Must be signed by applicant
• One (1) photograph
• Visas
Countries not mentioned above require a visa and application must be accompanied by the following documents:
• Supporting documents
Tourism Visa: It is advised that the applicant submit plane tickets, travel itinerary and bank statements, if available.
Business Visa: A letter from the applicant’s sponsoring company giving full details of purpose of visit and confirming financial responsibility for the applicant.
• Issuing time
Consular Visa: three working days
Visa authorized by the Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs: one month
• Cost
Single entry visa: US$ 30.00 per applicant
Multiple entry visas: US$ 60.00 per applicant
In addition, the postal fee by certified mail for sending back the passport has to be covered (UPS, DHL, others can be used by the applicant)
All Bank transfers should be made to:
Embassy of Honduras
Bank : Handelsbanken
Account number: 570 867 142
Swift: HANDSESS
Iban: 3460000000000570867142
Notes
Applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Honduras.
Visas are issued for a period of up to 90 days for both tourism and business, except when a one year multiple entry visa is granted.
EXTENSIONS: A visa extension may be obtained in Honduras at any immigration office for both tourism and business, as follows:
CLASSIFICATION OF TRAVELLERS:
1. Travellers going to sporting events, conventions, conferences, specials events, scientists, commercial agents, artists, can stay thirty days (30).
2. Temporarily immigrant workers, cross-border workers and international transport drivers, can stay thirty days (30).
3. Tourists, official missions, special visitants, refugee and asylum applicants can stay ninety days (90)
4. Transit travellers, can stay three days (3).
The above dispositions apply without detriment to International Agreements, Treaties and Conventions and to Dispositions or Circulars from the Department of State in the Justice and Government Office or from the Foreign and Immigration General Direction.
1. Travellers included in paragraph one and two, may have two prorogations of thirty days (30) or only one of sixty days (60) maximum.
2. Transit travellers may have only one prorogation of three days (3) maximum, under justified reasons given by the Immigration and Foreign General Direction.
3. Travellers included in paragraph one and three, under justified reasons by the Immigration and Foreign General Direction may have only one prorogation of thirty days (30) more than the ninety days (90) established by law.
• If a visa application is sent by post
Applicant must include a self-addressed pre-paid courier envelope for the return of passport. The Embassy of Honduras bears no responsibility for the courier service provided.
• Address
EMBASSY OF HONDURAS
STJÄRNVÄGEN 2, 7 fl
18134 LIDINGÖ
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Phone:+46 (08) 7315084
Fax: +46 (08) 6369983
Email: hondurasembassy@telia.com
You only need a passport. When you pay your fee to get into the country, you recieve a 90 day permit good for not only Honduras, but also Belize, Guatemala, El Salvadore and (I think) Nicaragua.
I recall that in 2010 I came home after about the 88th day becuase of this rule. But <wink wink> you can grease a palm at the Guat border and get it renewed.
Always, always, always keep your 90 day slip with your passport. I was once in a van where a young English lad forgot his slip. He was detained roadside by the police until we went back to Copan to fetch it. Once produced, we were on our merry way.
FYI: There is also a $36.00 departure tax (as of December, 2010).
http://bit.ly/J10v7Q
The one thing I regret that time prevented from being in the interview -- I was about a minute away from making this point -- is that the Mayan calendar not only goes back trillions of years into the past, but also goes forward trillions of years into the future.
http://bit.ly/LsQE6I
Guess where David got the picture of me!
I wish there had been more time.
If they do call you back, please be sure and post so I can catch it.
HardToLove
It was great fun to do...and there is so much more that can be discussed. David and I barely scratched the surface.
David and I have already talked about doing a full hour later this month. I will post here when the date occurs...and maybe we will have a call in episode, too.
We're also talking about doing a show from Copan, in late December. David Katzmire will be there. Maybe friend David Sedat will be on the show. The town should be loaded with scholars.
What I already know is that the diversity of peoples coming to Copan this December may be as wide as anything I've ever witnessed.
Yes, trying to figure out when and when not to speak was "interesting."
There will likely also be a day trip to the hot springs, as I know doubleguns and his wife, and friends will be heading there. It's wonderful.
Yes, in addtition, I'm sure Tanya is planning several activities. I am sure something will include a half day trip to the relaxing MaCaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary. What a fantastic setting.
http://bit.ly/KammUm
We are still months away, and as time approaches, I'll be in contact with Tanya, when I have a better idea of how many will be attending.
I would love to do a personal trip to the ruins with Dr. Sedat early because the closer we get to the 21st the more folks will be coming to town and it could be really crowded. Those are just ideas of mine to add to the list of considerations from everyone else. Obviously we will have to make compromises with a big group to see what others think and fit in with the Dr. Sedats schedule.
Quite possibly, we can set something up for Dec. 16.
http://bit.ly/LlH8Rz
We also corresponded about afterward, where we could go up to his new, huge home/factory and have his wife cook us an authentic ancient Mayan meal, with some modern day twists. I will be pushing for a course with chicken and "cacao sauce." Yum!
Nope. Sauce tastes nothing like chocolate! But is absolutely nutty and uniquely delicious.
David then may give a slide presentation of how Yax K'uk Mo (the founding father of Copan) was found under the Acropolis, in large part to David and his archeological "instincts."
Of course, please know that none of this will be for free. But...we will get a great price, especially if we all bring the wine...and rum.
http://bit.ly/LmmFkV
Ths Hep A shot is a 2 shot series so those needing to get it will only be able to get one of the 2 at this point. As a hint consider the Hep A and Hep B combination shot which is 3 shots instead of 2 but it covers more issues and you will have gotten 2 shots prior to departure. I chose the Hep A/B combination.
I was more or less mesmerized with the video until the end when we got to the Luna Jaguar hot springs. Suddenly I just wilted. I'd really struggle with the heat down there as it is. As long as there were air-conditioned retreats where I could duck in to cool off I'd survive. But without it, if I couldn't sleep in an air conditioned room I'd probably perish in warm climes like that. But the hot springs? Out of the question... if a Canadian jumped into that water in a hot climate like that he'd just dissolve away like candy floss. You guys would never see me again and you'd just end up sitting in water that was just a little sweeter than before I jumped in, lol.
Anyway, thanks for your superbly written comments. Reading your words I can feel the... almost like 'euphoria' that you're feeling. Thanks for sharing it. I'll read it all tonight.
Love to all of you from Canada.
http://bit.ly/MQFhYf
http://bit.ly/MLHF6v
Having been on family reunion, I'm way behind reading up on things.
I have read about these "striking coincidences" before, and will take a more serious peek in a couple of days.
BTW: In my novel, I have a big, fat, blue-hued skinned shaman/healer with questionable lineage, i.e., his features are more Asian than Mayan.
There are 4th century Chinese court records of canoeing to far lands to the east, across the ocean. And, in Peru, high up in the mountains, a carving was unearthed that showed a longboat being paddled, which suggests a correlation to these records.
About 19 years ago, when I visited Chichen Itza, I saw a carving that was unmistakably a Viking, with horns on his helmet, and red hair. That stone carving was later removed by the Mexican government.
There is a lot to pre-Colombian transoceanic contact. Count me as a believer.
Thanks for the link!
There is a mining engineer and gemstone expert here in SO Cal that says Cleopatras' emerald collection included an emerald from Columbia. His name is Blue Sheppard, and is well regarded by the GIA.
The Maya invented "sikars" made from tobacco. Though there may be evidence that some relative of the tobacco plant did exist in southern Asia, it does appear that this nicotine did indeed come from Central America, maybe from the Olmecs, who preceded the ancient Maya.
It is certainly possible that the Axtec legend of Quetzalcoatl, a "white man" appearing from the east, actually did come from the far distant past, when Caucasians arrived far before the scholars will admit. Cortez's horses must have thrown the Aztecs for a loop!
Guns: I did take a peek. Though I am a believer in pre-Columbian transoceanic contact with the New World, I think comparing the architecture of the Balinese with the Maya is pretty much indigenous design.
The corbel arch can be found in one of the Cheops pyramids in Egypt.
That "elephant" thingy I have personally seen, and I believe it's a tapir, although it could be an anteater. No way it's an elephant.
Dragons in various forms, as you know, occur all over the world in ancient times, from Japan to England.
Walking into a montrous-like door opening happens all over the world. That both cultures worshipped snakes is reasonable, and doesn't prove anything.
The "third eye" is global, too. Just look at a common woman with the red dot on her forehead from India.
Lastly, if you want to build a building that will last a long time, especially in earthquake-prone regions, the pyramid design is the best solution. Plus, the Maya pyramids were painted red, the Balinese were not.
This author should have noted that in Egypt there are stair-stepped pyramids, too.
For kicks, I'll add this Letter to the Editor of The Atlantic, which I wrote a looong time ago (third one down):
http://bit.ly/Njgiwn
I'm mortified!
But then the "qwerty" keyboard has "z" right next to "x." No escuse, though.
Es muy rico.
http://nbcnews.to/NqnTYI
One of the problems in the scholarly world of anthropology and archeology with advancing "unacceptable" or "impossible" theories is all the backstabbing and blackballing due to a competition war of obtaining grants.
In other words, it's extremely hard to advance any theory because most scholars play the game of not ever putting themselves in the position to be criticized and ostracized by the intellectual community.
It's all about the grants.
I have for years believed that there was transoceanic contact from both the Far East as well as the Old World, to the New World, thousands of years ago. Though evidence is scant, what evidence there is, leaves no doubt in my mind that humans were circumnavigating the globe far into the past.
Thanks again for the link!
DG
Winding down for bed. Enjoy.
http://bit.ly/RsGsfP
Maya, get better. Hope you saw my comment at the Axion site about chiropractors.
http://fxn.ws/QzTieH
Guns: Hoping you didn't shoot some Volkswagons over there, and that your hunting trip went well.
My son Daniel is coming to the fiesta but has now decided that his girlfriend is becoming more "significant" it would appear. She is coming too!! Will need that additional room after all for them.
She is originally from Peru but has been in Japan for 7 years. Life has some strange twists sometimes and this seems to be one of them. How a US Marine and a Peruvian met in Japan many hours from the base (and began dating) is a real wonder. I would have expected him to have met and fallen for a Japanese girl.
Just 8 weeks from tomorrow, I'll be cruising into Copan. Can't wait.
http://bit.ly/QT4Ewd
You can read what pal, Dr. David Sedat, is doing at the "New Useful Forests" thread. I'm hoping David will have time for us to tour this amazing project.
Hat tip to David who sent me the above link.
http://bit.ly/UDFV1v
Add this to your list of who got here first. You could add the book of Morman too if you wanted. Its real obvious that people crossed the atlantic a long time ago.
http://bit.ly/TIlPNU
Look at all the extreamly ancient tin mines in Peru and Bolivia up around lake Titicaca.
http://bit.ly/S9dYwP
I am glad to finally see this stuff move from the conspirators to the mainstream news locations.
Now if they start talking about the Anunaki and the Neflin we might get some where. Ever read any of the "Earth Chronicles" by Zecharia Sitchin. This stuff will get your copper collander glowing red hot.
http://bit.ly/TIlQl8
Not aware of the subterranean caves in the Grand Canyon (and I have been there 13 times!). One brave soul to travel down the Colorado by himself.
The loooong video? Too much homework...tonight is all about the World Series. And tomorrow I'll be stocking up, and preparing the outside for Frankenstorm.
ooomhahahahah!
But thanks for the links, guns.
I bet the copper sleeve will not fit there model that says there was never a copper or bronze age in the Americas so there is no way he could have had a copper sleeve, but those same folks can not explain the tin and copper mines. Aint that interesting.
Traveling the grand canyon alone in 1909, yep thats a brave man or one that just did not think anything of it because he had done stuff like that all the time. I wonder if we will ever get to know all the truths. I could start on the giants next but I'll pass. LOL
I'd love to make all the arrangements, but I have no idea what time, nor, in some cases, what day people will be arriving to Honduras.
http://bit.ly/TqJ5nf
Can't believe I will be in Copan, by this time of day, just ten days from now. It's coming fast!
The weather could be anywhere from 58 and rainy, to 85 and humid, so I suggest to bring a variety of clothing, and a travel umbrella, and most definitely a flashlight(s), a corkscrew, and suntan lotion and mosquito repellent. Don Udos Hotel does take American Express Traveler checks.
It is best to pay for everything using cash. This way you'll save on the 16% tourist tax, and other kinds of taxes that for some things can reach as high as 28%. Using an ATM card can whack you by 4% for currency exchange fees.
I pay for everything in cash or travelers checks.
I'm hearing that there will be a reenactment ceremony at 12 midnight on the 21st, at Ruinas de Copan (at the ruins, about a mile and a half out of Copan).
While I'm down there ahead of all of you, I will be checking in to this thread daily, if any of you have last minute questions. I will also be updating when I learn more about other events, as I am sure there will several.
If this sounds sarcastic, it is not. I am jealous of all you guys going to the jungle to party.
http://bit.ly/V3ZBXF
HardToLove
Love the CCR!
http://bit.ly/QPKYvH
http://bit.ly/114ABWx
Sneaky tip: If you are traveling into the setting sun, look for the poinsettias in towns along the way, some which stand as high as 14 feet. Very cool to see those scarlet red leaves backlit by the sun. Iridescent.
Some learned ones are starting to show up on my radar, who will be in Copan. Dr. Barbara MacLeod and John Major Jenkins for starters....
I did notice that Barbara and John will be there. I am going to have to make sure I am within ear shot when they are in public. I will also need to brush up on my Mayan reading.
Did you do the Hep A/B shots? You take any supplements with you (papaya)?
I have never gotten sick from anything I've eaten in Copan.
Travel tip: Put a picture of yourself in all your luggage. I've never had any problem with luggage getting lost. But if it does get lost and then found, and then you have to ID your bag(s), it much easier to convince someone who doesn't speak English, that that is your bag.
Also, carry a copy of your passport, and keep it in your bag you take aboard the aircraft. Much easier to get a new passport if it's lost, if you have a copy of your passport in hand.
Do not be surprised when the front desk at Don Udo's asks you to leave your room key in a wooden box -- with all the other room keys -- when you leave Udo's to do a walk-about. It's just the way things work down there.
Typically, Tanya works the Copan Connections desk, answering emails, etc., around 4:00 to 5:00 Copan time (she runs two restaurants in additon). She has already written to me that they will have transportation available.
Plus, you're going to miss a night and a good part of the next day of being in Copan.
Pal, David Katzmire, is over here staying tonight. We enjoyed some bleeding prime rib at the local tavern. He just turned in (@ 4:30 AM). Beyond burning the post-midnight oil having fun, talking about his/ours and all of our coming adventure.
I'm out!
PS 4:30 is around the time I get up - night owls you are...
His flight arrives in San Pedro Sula on the 15th at 2:20 PM, from Miami.
So you can better ID David, he's a white dude, about 6'4" and around 240 pounds. I'll forward you an email with a picture of David.
Our flight gets in at 12:55 so it will probably be about a 2-3 beer wait. LOL
Make sure you and all of your traveling mates have informed their credit/debit card companies the dates to be out of the country.
In case of emergency, it's best to have your card go right through, without having to talk to a credit card representative, especially if you choose to use your credit card while checking out of a hotel.
Don't be the yahoo who makes everyone miss their flight home for Christmas.
I almost missed a flight out of Belize a few years back, for this very reason.
http://bit.ly/TBCX8Y
Conversion chart for Celsius to Fahrenheit:
http://1.usa.gov/VmNOcR
Hey but it looks like the temperature will be nice. Going to have to cut my rain pants into shorts <grin>...
PS you can select F for the forecast (upper right).
I think it's a nice sized group, as a van can handle a trip up to the Hot Springs. Any more people, and two vans would be required.
Wish I could make the trip. My wife is originally from Northern Nicaragua, it would have cultural heritage for her and be a great adventure for both of us. Just a thought, but should we be looking for a new screen play from you with this trip as background? You know, "The End of the World Vacation" starring Chevy Chase?
"No way!" Tanya replied. It's very dangerous for a lone woman to be in that part of San Pedro.
Suddenly, a fellow named Nacho appeared and agreed to take her to the airport while he drove away to get the alternator, stranding Tanya at the airport. Of Course, Tanya knows half of Honduras, and a couple of her friends bought her some glasses of wine.
I arrived, and, expecting to see Garnel, I began to waltz around the airport with empty thoughts of myself being stranded, taxi drivers hounding me and my forlorned face, for a job.
Then Tanya strolled up, and just as we walked out of the airport Nacho drove up. The day was perfect, mountains crisp in the distance as we rose out of the valley, and up onto the altiplano. After and hour and a half, we arrived back to the mechanic's shop.
While he installed the alternator, Tanya and I went next door, sat down and had a beer. This gas station came equipped with an armed guard, and a marble bathroom. I've never been in such a gorgeous gas station bathroom. Amazing!
After about ten minutes we practice my tourist-paced stroll back over to the mechanic's shoppe. The car turned over and off we went into a gorgeous setting sun, rays shooting upward beyond fire-rimmed clouds.
"The eyelashes of K'inich Ahua," I said joyously. "He's welcoming me." Every time I come down here, something fantastic occurs, a volcano belching; lucking into a Guatemala travel agent, who moved up my flight to just after dawn, because Bill Clinton was arriving and the Guat. City Airport was going to shut down, as Clinton was coming to Guatemala to spread around "behave money," as my guide informed me the precious day.
As we drove into darkness, Tanya amazingly knowing where most of the speed bumps were, dodging potholes adroitly, passing semis on blind curves, we listened to Sirius' vinyl record station, which damed near every song played I own in my old college days collection.
As we were singing, an owl passed right in front of the windshield, and I remarked the old owl was allowing us to arrive to Copan a tad more wise.
About five miles outside of Copan, a leafed-nosed bat also did a close fly by. The leafed-nosed bat is Copan's emblem, another welcoming sign I had to puzzle about.
At Tanya's restaurant, I enjoyed a fabulous filet of Mackerel, smothered under a la roca white sauce. La roca tastes very close to asparagus. The meal also came with about a 15 different vegetables.
Garnel, Tanya, a coffee finca owner and I partied late into the night, laughing, beating on each other, talking about how screwed up the US is, as well as how corrupt and bifurcated the Honduran leadership is.
Dr. David Sedat will soon be descending down the mountain for Happy Hour, lugging along all my duds, my Amex Traveler's checks, and my Bose speakers.
Of course, a bottle of 23 year old Ron Zacapa rum awaits his presence.
I spoke with Udo, and all rooms that "we" have reserved are still there. Lucky we did the reservations when we did. Copan is completely sold out.
Sheesh. I let more accumulate.
Looking forward to the "n00bs" arrival and stories!
HardToLove
From the distinct change in your writing I would say that you are very much at home and relaxed where you are now. Your words are more poetic and free flowing. I read your later post and must say that I think that your writers block has or will shortly disappear completely and lead to that free flowing of thought to paper (OK, to your computer). It is always nice to notice exuberance when someone is in touch with things that compel them. Live it to the fullest and enjoy. Best wishes.
Had dinner up at David's new home/factory.
We're going to get our lecture from David at this fairly humongous brand new home meets factory of noni tea, and other holoistic, medicinal and tasty stuff he grows, too. His wife, Julia, has agreed to cook us up a dinner, which I know will be "muy rico." The lecture we will hear is the same one he recently gave in London, which he humbly said was, "Well received." The lecture will be free, and I'll provide the wine, but I'd like a little help in funding the food. His wife can cook! Enjoyed an amazing many ingredient spinach lasagna tonight. But the dinner we're going to enjoy will be Mayan influenced, and likely price sensitive to eating at the many other restaurants here in town. The gained part is all of us during dinner will be able to pick David's mind, and ask any questions that may pop up during this timely and apropos lecture about Mayan art, with a flavor why the Maya depopulated their cities.
On December 17, I'm throwing a dinner party for all of us at Twisted Tanya's, and there will be talented musician performing. Eating and and unlimited spirits consumption on me.
Tomorrow night, I have been invited to Don Udo's birthday party across the Copan River. His home is nothing short of a Spanish architectural dream mansion.
Then, late Sunday morning, David and I are going up to the top of the mountain, to visit his "useable forest," where he grows all kinds of plants and trees, enough that last time I was here, his wife made chutney, and 14 of the 16 ingredients of the recipe were grown in this amazing, award winning land reclamation project.
We' re going to get a hunk of cow, oak smoke it over a pit, drink wine, and yack about the Maya. David has lots of new findings to relate...meaning I'm wildly glad and now comfortable that I did not yet complete my novel before this trip.
Lots of new findings since I was last here in 2010. I'm now no longer uncomfortable in not having my novel finished, as it would have not been as authentic as I demand of myself to write. I'm quite excited to learn this new material, and David is equally excited to help me resolve my writer's block, because what new knowledge I left here with in 2010 didn't click, didn't add up, just didn't make for an authentic and riveting conclusion.
Hugs and "Mucho gustos," abound as I stroll the streets, visit places I haven't been to for two years.
Who kidnapped all the parakeets? Haven't seen them flocking about yet.
Udo threw a jaguar skin down on the floor of my suite. I thought it odd and quirky to be walking over it, givien my novel's subtitle is, Spirits Of The Jaguar. David then suggested that rather I should slumber under it tonight. Ut oh! Tomorrow, I may have a new found affinity to climb trees and pounce on the unexpecting.
Commissioned on behalf of the Maya nation, the Shift of the Ages is the first official discourse to the world from the Mayan Council of Elders, intended to dispel misconceptions and replace them with the positive story about this incredible period of time for humanity.
http://bit.ly/T1Kyzk
http://bit.ly/UQaSym
http://bit.ly/Vvo9cu
http://bit.ly/SRYD3G
New Washer and microwave arrive tomorrow to replace the broken ones. Should have dont that last week too.
Guns, Tim and All: I spent the day up at the Hot Springs. What a gorgeous and very bumpy drive up the twisting dirt road and into the ragged, verde mountains, passing by Ladinos riding horseback, and Toyota pickup trucks coming the other way, so ladened with sacks of coffee beans that the front bumper was a good foot higher than the back bumper. Other trucks had children standing in the back bed, rocking about, hanging on, enjoying the fine day.
The colors are vibrant; the oranges and tangerines ripe and falling, the poinsettias scarlet; the purple, yellow, and red flowering plants in full bloom. A glorious extravaganza of colors vivid.
Across a dicey suspension bridge I then entered the park "through the Underworld."
Rubbed mud all over myself in one hot water sitting hole. Then walked up to a roundabout. Strolled counter clockwise in ankle deep cold water half the way around a Mayan monument, up and down a couple of steps, and into hot water the other half way round. Did about 15 or 20 laps; the idea is to walk until you can't tell the difference if whether you're walking in the hot, or the cold water.
Garnel said each lap takes you back in time. I quipped back that in the US we call that Daylight Savings Time.
Sat down and ate some pineapple, watermelon, avocado and papaya, all fresh and bright, rinsing it down with Garnel's secret recipe of quenching fruit punch, and for a short while a black and orange butterfly danced and flitted all around my head. How does this stuff keep happening? Why didn't the butterfly dance around other heads in our group?
Not long after, the mud had hardened, and back into the mud hole I went to rinse myself off. Garnel found a kind of rock that when you rub the rock against another, mud literally comes out of the rock. Rubbed that all over my face, arms and legs for exfoliation.
Later I went up more slippery steps and sat under a surging hot waterfall, getting my neck and back massaged. Apparently, I like it so much that when I stood up I became dazed, almost wobbly (like I was late the first night after arriving here), and had to pause to let the blood get back into my head. Fantastic!
There are several more holes of various heat intensities, and the last one Tanya recommends is the cold hole. It's sink-a-six-pack cold. Incredulous that such hot and cold water are so close together.
Skin's now smooth as a sting ray's nose.
I don't want to spoil for you both the marvelous and authentic Mayan meal around the halfway point on the way back. Surely you can guess that there were beans, and I simply couldn't stop shoveling them into my mouth. Best beans I've ever had, topped with a creme unlike any I have ever had. You'll love this late lunch, and the rustic setting, while hearing the Maya women slapping back and forth tortillas between their hands, before putting them on the grill.
Last night, I met one of the realised ones that are surging into town. A nice lady named, Sandra. We talked about fate, the Maya, and how "voterxy" and magical Copan is. This morning, I found a plastic bag with a small, one ounce bottle and a note in it outside my door. It was from Sandra, asking me to bring back some "sacred water."
After Garnel and Tanya dropped me off back at Udo's, I walked up the steps, into the lobby, and Sandra all smiles came up in an excited dash. Udo happened to be standing there, as a group all dressed in whites were leaving for a sunset shaman ceremony, and I was lucky enough to deliver Sandra her tiny bottle just in time.
I told her that I had blessed the water, and kiddingly, she put her hands together and slightly bowed.
She left, and I turned to Udo. "So I get to give a small bottle of sacrament water to Sandra, and now you get to give me three bottles of Ron Zacapa," I said with glee. I had given Udo $100 for three bottles yesterday; Zacapa is about $8/bottle cheaper in San Pedro than here.
"I'm going to San Pedro tomorrow," Udo replied. Then he said, "Do you want a bottle now?"
"Well...after David's and my picnic on the mountain yesterday, we came back here and finished off the only bottle I have."
Udo then went over to his bar, pulled out a bottle and gave it to me. That's how it works down here.
I went upstairs to my room, opened it, and am right now enjoying a sip here and there, just after I once again watched K'inich Ahua drop behind some clouds at near sunset; and once again with eyelashes (of rays) pointing out in all directions, as the sun slipped peacefully beneath the western mountains.
####
Hoping I'm not hogging all the great weather down here before you guys show up.
Tonight, I'm off to Jim's Pizza, where I hope to see Lloyd, the owner of MaCaw Mountain Bird Sanctuary, and take in some Monday Night Football.
PS and perhaps a walk with those dressed in white...
I am saddened that my personal situation has not allowed me to come, but hey...
Maybe next time!
(LOL, assuming thousands of years from now it comes round again...)
504-997-96-447
Not sure how these numbers are broken up, or where to put a hyphen, so the number may look weird, but it's corrrect.
If you are in Honduras, omit the 504 part, as that is the "country code."
####
David swung by and we talked at length about the new interpretations of Altar Q, with 16 kings, the Peccary Skull glyph, and how the Long Count versus the Calendar Round applies in relation to a bench (now in a London museum) with "supposedly" 20 kings.
I'm not going to get into the details, but when he just left, I hauled some empties back into my room, and when I went out to fetch more, a huge toad somehow appeared atop the second story steps, just outside my room, the same steps where where he had just gone down.
David, a while back, convinced me to not have in my novel a character named, "Tongue Toad."
Come on...man!
####
Well Tim, the Oregon jinx may be already occurring. The weather is beginning to shift. More humidity today, and while David and I were yacking, there was some heat lighting going on in the distance, to the northeast, and the northwest.
http://bit.ly/S80p2x
Six days here without loss of electricity! Never before have I been here with such a streak intact.
With that in mind, I better hit "publish" fast.
What run should we get when being picked up at the airport? We can pick up several bottles if we are going right past the place. Where do we change money or is the dollar excepted in honduras.
There are banks here, who will give you a better rate. Udo's will charge a small %, as does Tanya's, when exchanging dollars for lempiras. I haven't even yet been to a bank. All businesses down here take dollars, as the lempira is pegged to the dollar. Right now, it's about 2000 lemps for $100. Or, $5 for 100 lemps.
Tim: FWI, don't even bother talking to the men flashing lempiras before, or after your bus trip to Copan. The taxi should only be a buck to get you from the bus station to Udo's. Or 20 lempiras.
Happy Hour here at Udo's? I think it's 2 margaritas for about $4.00. I bought some fantastic oranges on the street for 5 cents a piece, and had one of Udo's employees squeeze them for me. Tanya said I got ripped off. I look at it that near a half liter of the best tasting OJ I have ever had, cost me about $2.50. Maybe half what it costs in the states!
I like Flor de Cana, 7 years. That's my fav cheaper rum. About $12.50 for a litre. Mildly spicy, and very drinkable. Here, Ron Zacapa 23 years is $40. Udo wouldn't tell me how much the three bottles in San Pedro cost, but I guess they are around $34. You'll have to convince Tito to make a side trip, which I'm pretty sure he will. Unfortunately, new laws allow no consumption of adult beverages in moving vehicles, something...ah, eee, that Tanya and I did not abide by. But Tanya has a unique ability to change the course of conversation when the policia are poking their heads around.
I wouldn't drink on the way. Too risky, nowadays. Think there were about 8 policia stops along the way. And about 8 million speed bumps.
That asteroid that just missed Earth yesterday? Sheesh.
That was nothin'. Here's a picture of my son in his new car:
http://bit.ly/QXa76v
Thanks for the invite to this post Maya. I started leaving comments but way above here. Real busy at the moment but I'll get a chance to read all the comments after midnight.
I'm so glad you're having a blast down there. Wish I could have joined you but it wasn't to be. Someday. I'm just a tad overdue too... haven't been on a vacation since Feb., 1980. I'm serious... that was Hawaii.
You will be able to reach me from Casa de Cafe via my cell #. I'll probably be getting up tomorrow around 9:30.
That pic was hilarious!
Please don't be bashful in asking Howard to use his cell phone to call me at the above #. Or his wife. Howard and his wife are good friends. You can tell them that the guy named Bill, the guy writing the novel on Copan, is who you want to call. Or, you can ask whomever is in charge down there to use a land line to call Don Udo's. I'm in room 18. You can call me right now!
Welcome to Copan! So glad you made it. "Uneventful" on a journey like the one you just made is a benign. You did the right thing in upgrading your seats. Much more comfortable. But $3 for a tuk tuk? EEE! The ripoff begins. Shoulda only cost 20 lempiras, or $1.
Bargain: "Tu trabajar, o no tu trabajar," is what I always say.
Tomorrow, if you would like, we can go to the Marina Hotel, caddycorner and northwest of the Central Park, to take in a power point presentation by Dr. David Sedat. It'll be in Spanish, so you'll get more out of it than I will. 10:30 AM is when he begins. More lectures after that to follow. I just got the speaking schedule today; lots and lots over the next few days! There are adding as days go by, as David's not even on the list.
Please get hold of me around 9:30 or after. BTW, Casa de Cafe throws a really nice breakfast. Enjoy!
Damned glad you made it!
One enthusiast stated "PETA can take my toad away when they tear it from my cold dead lips."
http://bit.ly/UDdriV
Guns: Ran into Tito, your driver. He will indeed take you to a spirits shop. Please pick me up a bottle of Zacapa 23 and Flor de Cana 7. I'll remimburse you upon your arrival.
Gracias!
Check your email tomorrow. Tanya will be sending you an update.
Been here a week and I still haven't turned on the room bube tube.
Also now confirmed. The fantastic Gueremo Anderson will be playing in Parque de Central the 21st. Your Hot Springs trip is going to be on the 19th.
Tim should be about 45 minutes from Copan, right now!
http://bit.ly/VDMyfY
Top tracks for Guillermo from youtube for those not coming.
http://bit.ly/SXKthI
All the shooting stars I have seen in my life were either white, or amber in color. I just saw one that was iridescent green-blue, and very bright. Really bright. I'm stunned.
I'd love to chase that one down, photograph it, and link the picture into tripleblack's REE thread.
WOW!
Back onto my deck for the last of the sips before I bed down.
Dear Tacie,
I am thinking of you always and I have told my new friends about you. When I landed at the airport I was greeted by Doubleguns. He's a good ole' boy who has been 20 years in the Marines (when I learned of this I shook his hand, looked him respectfully in the eye and said "Thank you"). He fell in love and married a delightful woman from Japan named Satchia (unsure about the spelling). They have and handsome son with a pleasant personality named Dan who is in his 20s. He lives in Japan where he meet a Peruvian girl name Katie who has also lived in the Japan these past 8 years. She is a brilliant young beautiful woman who is fluent in Spanish, English, Portuguese, she is learning Japanese and she has even dabbled with French. She has been our handy interpreter who not only knows the spoken word but the idiomatic manners of expression come natural to her. They all have heard your name and they may even meet you.
You're coming with me in 2013, be sure, we will travel together. I cannot know such wondrous beauties of this Earth without sharing them with you. Every day as I am awakened to more magnificence around me it makes me more aware of how much I love you. The photos that I shall send to you in these days ahead are not for you to live vicariously, they are previews of coming attractions.
The town of Copan is and enchanted enclave in a this, frankly, violent third world nation. People naturally have the spirit of life in their eyes and they are quick to return a smile. A subtle brilliance lies as a comfortable underlayment in the character of everyone for whom it seems to be a way, not a means. They do not contemplate nature, they are nature. Understanding is greater when it is learned through self realization rather than dispassionate observation and speculation. I have learned that the world and the universe are greater than I am, but I am not jealous because I am part of it. We are part of it.
Bill's itinerary of activities is well conceived and planned based on his intimate knowlege of this region. The learning I seek shall be realized in a way that can never be done through books. Watch for my photos and my e-mails and know that I love you.
David
p.s. Hope you don't mind that I cc:'d this to Bill
'Smart' speed bumps being developed in Mexico
http://usat.ly/T5RXOg
I'm smiling just thinking about it!
Incredible authentic maya meal fit for a king and a story/lecture of the discovery of the tomb of the first Maya king by someone who was instrumental in the find - David Sadat. A memory to be treasured, thanks Mayascribe...
I'll be doing a live broadcast tomorrow night.
Details forthcoming with a link and you or anyone can call in to ask a question or two!
Unless................
If you would like...I wrote about a few memories and experiences over on Quick Chat.
doubleguns is in Houston with his son's family, before heading back to Ohio.
Tim should be checking in, too, sometime later on during this Holiday Season.
####
This blog isn't over yet, as I expect to journey back down to Copan sometime next year.
Yep we made it past THE date. Now we have to dodge the next end of the world, the dreaded Dec 31 end of the next calendar. LOL
My trip was not uneventful. We arrived but our bags did not. Thankfully we had minimum essentials in our back packs and were able to survive the next 4 days with out suitcases.
My trip down started with a delayed flight, that resulted in a quick shuffle to another airline since we would not make proper connections on the delayed flight. This was done by the airline at the boarding gate, after suitcase check in.......see where this is heading.
We moved from TransWorld to Delta for a flight to Houston via Atlanta on Delta instead of through Charlotte NC. In Houston we moved to AeroMex flight to Mexico city then to San Pedro Sula. Some where we zigged and the bags zagged.
AeroMex took my suitcase receipts when we landed and had no bags. A WORD OF CAUTION do not give up those receipts without getting the info off of them. When day two of the bag saga went bad I called my travel agent in the USA to track down my bags but she needed that info from those receipts. So now we tried to get that info from the airline but they could not provide the info. Now I was double down so to speak. Katie called them every day and they simply did not answer the phone.
Garnell went there to pick up arriving passengers and they could not find the person with the info. Talk about an event in frustration. No bags and no info so there was no tracking the bags from the US. On Day 4 my travel agent finally got the information, on her own somehow, and found they were in San Pedro Sula and had been there since day 2 but with Delta not AeroMex. Garnell was traveling the 3 hours in to the airport so phone calls to him informing him of the bags location and shazamm..... suit cases popped out of his van several hours later.
Fortunately Maya and me are the same size so I was wearing his shorts by this time. It was warm there. No snow anywhere in sight....which I am sorely reminded of looking out the window right now. Two inches and more piling up.
We went on many journeys from Loyds coffee finka (ranch for most of us) and saw the entire operation, went to the bird sanctuary and saw a lot of very beautiful and colorful birds, went to the hot springs with a 1 hour journey through the mountains, went to the ruins and museum, had dinner with Dr. David Sadat and ate a wonderful Mayan meal prepared by his wife that ended with Noni herbal tea grown on his ranch that Maya would have to tell all about. It was one of the things we did not get to but......next trip we will have some things to look forward too.
The most exciting thing to see was the ruins of course but our guide was Dr. David Sadat. We got a perspective most folks would never fathom. While on that tour one of those mysterious events occurred that Maya often speaks about happening in Copan. However, this one did not happen to Maya, it happened to me.
We had stopped to photograph an area of the ruins where the royals lived and my display screen on my camera began to pixelate. It only occurred when viewing certain things and the first person I had look at it was of course Maya. The entire tour looked at it and even some strangers that were there too.
This only occurred when looking at a certain area of those ruins. No one else had this happen only me and when I took the pictures of that area it did not appear on the photos.....only on the display prior to taking the photos. Someone certainly wanted us to know they were there.....It was a very interesting hello from the spirit world.
Honduras is a very interesting country and the folks that I spoke with that are originally from the USA were Kindred spirits of the tea party persuasion. I was impressed!!!! They also believe in the 2nd amendment so to speak. Lots of folks, regular folks not drug lords, carry guns. Add to that the fact that politicians are elected to ONE term, that means a single term. Good God where did we go wrong.
Apparently they emulated our constitution when they established their country but they really polished it up properly it appears. Some parts of their constitution are set in stone and may not be changed and they are dead serious about it remaining set in stone. They probably have been watching us make fools of our constitution for a while and see the folly. Ahhhhhhh....it was a most wonderful and enlightening trip. Can you have a man crush on someone else's constitution?
Love knows no boundaries! Crush away. I wish we had that too!
Good that everything ended up to the plus side in spite of your "travel travails".
HardToLove
Didn't Honduras recently have a president that tried to become a dictator, and their courts and the military ousted him from office, and then Mrs. Clinton and Obama came to his defense?
It was Pres. Zelaya who was attempting to become a dictator.
Hondurans were only following the guidelines and laws the we helped them create.
BOTH Clinton, who was quite outspoken, and Obama were against the ousting, and then they suspended all forms of aide.
If you want to learn more, I created an Instablog that tells the real story of how poorly the US responded to the ousting, which was completely legal:
http://bit.ly/ZEhJQ1
Not having read much about it, but my gut tells me Zelaya has communist/socialist leanings, thus explaining with Clinton and Obama would be sympathetic towards him.
Thanks for the link. Now I wonder if your blog will substantiate my hunch.
It was a root'n toot'n, sip'n and eat'n, learn'n and yearn'n, gotta see this, gotta do that, trip.
I knew you'd treasure the folks I know down there!
What I was amazed to learn was that there were a million times more folks freaking out about the end of the world in Russia, China, and the US., than in Honduras.
Am I the only one on the planet who just finished decorating their Christmas tree...on December 26th?
Approaching comet, to be visible from Oct. 2013 to Jan. 2014, may be brighter than the moon, that is, if our sun doesn't have it for a snack:
http://on-msn.com/130GUui
IN!!!!
My only contention is that I would like to return at least a week and a half B4 Christmas -- not early AM on the Eve. As soon as the plane wheels stopped in Philly, I had to start spinning mine. Only today I got around to listening to our Live! 12/21/12 Ending Of The World Fiesta podcast, which was pretty good, except for all the pops and cracks...and the rum we drank!
http://bit.ly/VG0muc
Tomorrow, the soccer stadium we all passed by in the van when we left Honduras, will be holding a major World Cup qualifier: The USA vs. Honduras.
Tomorrow has already been declared a national holiday in Honduras. It's going to be a wild day in San Pedro Sula. Just watching the fans will be great fun.
Tomorrow, at 4PM EST, the contest will commence, and, I believe, will be aired on ESPN.
You know who I will be rooting for!