Illegitimi non carborundum

Frustrating day at work today.  Nothing got done, despite our best intentions.  We have decided that our 'secondary project' will be to install chains around the freestanding oxygen tanks all around the hospital.  I know, it doesnt sound like much, but these tanks can be extremely dangerous if they are bumped and fall over.  Anyways, we went to the hardware store with two other maintenance workers, and what should have been a 30 minute trip turned into almost 3 hours.  Just a ton of wasted time, and it was incredibly aggravating.  It didn't help that I couldnt ask them what we were waiting for, or if we were heading back soon, since my Spanish isn't what it used to be.  But anyways.  We got back a little bit before lunch and tried to track down a drill so we could install the eyelets in the walls.  We got one, which promptly died.  We were told that someone was using the other one (there are only 2), but it would be free in an hour.  We wound up leaving at 2:30, without ever seeing the drill, or getting our hands on any new equipment to fix.  So it goes.  I looked at the calendar today, and saw that we only really have 7 or 8 more days to help out at the hospital... I am hoping that we can avoid having more useless days like today. 


Copan

This past weekend, we went to the Copan Ruins in western Honduras.  The ruins are what remains of a massive Mayan city, which was occupied from around 620-1550 AD (maybe?  I actually have no idea...).  It was really incredible to see.  Gotta say, I felt a little bit like Indiana Jones.

That evening, we hired a driver to take us to the hot springs a little ways outside of town.  For whatever reason, instead of getting a small bus or other large vehicle, we wound up standing in the back of an old pickup truck for the 60 minute drive (on winding and hilly dirt roads, no less :) ).  I have had some discussions with other EWH students about the best way to really get the feel of a country, and until Saturday we felt that there was no better way than to go on a cross-country motorcycle (or bicycle) ride.  We have since revised that sentiment.  Even though parts of the trip were absolutely terrifying, the ride as a whole was unbelievable.  Wind in our faces, looking around at all the scenery... it truly might be one of the best parts of the trip so far.

We were very glad to get our feet back on solid ground.

 
As always, it was really great to see everyone, and I am looking forward to next weekend.  Some of us are heading to Gracias-Lempira, and going on an overnight hike to the top of the highest mountain in Honduras... nbd.

While days like this sometimes pass slowly, the summer itself is flying by.  I am looking forward to having a settled stomach, getting some restful sleep, and of course seeing friends and family when I get back in just a few weeks!!

Hasta!
-Eric