Jungle lodge

I took a bus from Copan to Ceiba, where I stayed a night at the Banana Republic. There's not much to do in Ceiba, I wandered the streets & observed the locals, and I ended up meeting a fun Aussie couple who were heading for the same next few adventures that I had planned, so we did a bit of traveling together. We went to the Jungle Lodge where we got to stay in e cabins for free after signing up for some tours. The first thing we did was the canopy tour, the first cable was the most exciting. It took us far out across the river.














Our guide took us on a hike where we were able to see some wildlife, such as the tarantula you see below. He also stuck his hand in a termite nest & brought it out covered in them. He tried to get us to eat the termites, claiming they taste like carrots. The others were brave & tried it & all swore they do taste like carrots. I decided to take their word for it, declining to kill the bugs just for a taste. Since Thailand earlier this year I decided I do not kill bugs & definitely do not define adventure by eating bugs & have no intention of adding them to my diet.





New friends

Mayan Ruins

It was a beautiful day to walk around & explore the ruins. The intricate detail they carved into the stones is amazing to see.

On to Copan

I got a super early bus out of Antigua to get me across the border into Honduras to the town of Copan. It is a small town near a major site of Mayan ruins.




Lots of cowboys around town




Local taxis

Last day with the group

Chicken buses


Ashley Shopping in the artisan market


Cobblestone streets





The indigenous ladies seem to love their ice cream





What a cute couple, Sylvia & Bob will head to Mexico to visit family after leaving the group.

On to Antigua

The group took a bus to Antigua to spend a couple days exploring this colonial town before most headed home. It is a beautiful, colorful city with lots of shops & restaurants as well as historical buildings.




I decided to go for a well deserved massage & pedicure the first day.







We ran into a local protest in the square, the issue of course was corrupt politics.

Last day of work

Last day of volunteering to sweat with Habitat for Humanity


We've become one tough crew!


There was a lot of cement to be mixed the last day to pour the flooring.


We now have a roof & a floor!


The local HFH rep brought in a cake for a farewell cemony.


I was asked to speak on behalf of the group & present a bible with an Inscription to the family. I also interpreted for a few others who had something to add. It was a bittersweet moment, we all hugged them goodbye & wished them well in their new home. We are expected to be emailed pictures when the house is complete with electric & plumbing.

Back to work after a fun weekend

We went to see the other half of our group to compare the site where they have been building


I got to use a machete to hack the concrete, the tools here are very basic.





We are able to hold the baby kitties





Lydia making juice to sell to the locals in their current kitchen


The inside of where the family currently lives, obviously they need & are going to get a huge improvement

Lago Izabal

We took another boat ride, this time along the river & into Izabal Lake, where we spotted some wildlife & relaxed on the peaceful ride. We were especially enjoying the second day of our weekend break from working on the house.



Local fishermen throw lines out from their canoes


We stopped along the way to explore some caves...


Then got to take a dip in the hot springs


Little girls paddle up in their canoes to try to sell us their wares

Location:3,Alajuela,Costa Rica