Smooth sailing...

Yesterday, I said goodbye to all my friends in San Salvador and jumped on a bus to La Palma, El Salvador. However, I wasn't paying attention and went right past the town. I didn't realize where I was until the bus stopped in El Poy, the border town with Honduras. So I figured I'd just cross the border and be in a new country.

Border between El Salvador and Honduras

It was the easiest border crossing so far. The fee was only $3 and since there was no line, it was quick and painless. It was so quiet at the border, there weren't even money changers to convert my dollars to Lempiras. I met a really friendly taxi driver that helped me get "change" (a recurring problem here as well I see) and got a ride with him into town. Halfway there, we came across his buddy who was broke down on the side of the road. Our efforts to tow him failed as the only "rope" they had was equivalent to flimsy string. It was fun to watch them try to figure it out though. In town, I found a hotel for 50 Lempiras. There are 18 Lempiras to the dollar which makes Honduras a great, affordable place to travel. A welcome relief after budget busting San Salvador! The hotel manager was pretty cool. When I explained I can only pay in US dollars until I get Lempiras at the bank tomorrow, he seemed rather trusting. So far, all the Hondurans I spoke to have been friendly and accomodating. Tomorrow, I am off to Copan Ruinas to check out the Mayan ruins there. It it one of the great Mayan cities and I am told they are really interesting. We'll see.