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Celebrations
Entry 16 of 20 | show all | print this entry |
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Things are still going really great for me here in Honduras! I've been working hard at the office and continue to learn so much on a daily basis. I spent two days last week down in the Consular section learning about Visas and whatnot. I also sat in on the Visa line interviews. It was pretty cool b/c after reviewing paperwork and listening to stories, I'd make my own decision in my head about whether or not to give the visa or how long a person should get one--and my decision was dead on with what the officer
decided to do each time. I have to say, it's truly hearbreaking to watch people get denied their visa. One in particular was this guy who was an agricultural worker and he said he was going to visit his sister in Miami. Well, we can all guess what he most likely was going to do. Of course, he was denied straight away, but it was tough b/c these people pay $100 just to apply and when they get denied, they can't apply again for another 6 months. But just for most people to come up with the fee, it must have been tough.
I had an absolutely wonderful 4th of July. I have to say the only thing missing was fireworks, but then again the gunshots that go off at night on the weekends kind of made up for it--it was almost like home :) We started off with our usual Happy Hour Thursday at Ruby Tuesday's. Sears was having a blowout sale for all Americans in Honduras. So all of us interns made our appearance there and basically ran around the store like kids trying to stir up trouble. It was even more fun when the Ambassador joined in! Friday, July 4th, was THE event in Tegus. There is a huge party at the Ambassador's residence with a guest list of Honduras' 1,200 most important people. I hadn't yet been to the AMB residence as they've been renovating it. WOW--is all I can say. I don't think I'd mind being an AMB's wife someday :) The property is huge and is this sprawling area of trees and exotic plants and flowers. They went all out for this party and it was one of those times where you feel like a VIP just for being there. So I
schmoozed with Congressman and businessman from all over the country. And I got to accomplish the one thing I wanted to do here. I met the President!! He speaks perfect English and we even had a short conversation, he was just asking me about what I was studying and whatnot. We also did a photo session with him and the interns...so that was pretty cool. But the high-light of the day was when once all the guests had left, the AMB busted out the kareoke machine and about 30-40 of us from the Embassy did kareoke for about 2 hours. It was a total blast. We then continued the night, all of us interns and the AMB's son and the DCM's son, at El Patio--my favorite beer joint. Then we headed over to Chad's (he's from the POL office) house for some drinks. Then about 20 of us left for El Nilo, which is the discoteca where Alan works. They were honoring all Gringos with free admission and drinks. Of course, at midnight, I was then the guest of honor as it was my 25th b-day. The last thing I remember is having a shot of Bacardi 151 lit on fire and me shooting it and then proceeding to the bathroom where I threw up. I have never before in my life felt like I was throwing up gasoline and fire--but I guess there's a first time for
everything. I guess I'll see how the rest of the night went once the photos are developed. On Saturday--my birthday--we went to a country fair/picnic deal at Zamorano (the ag school). It was fairly miserable with everyone being hung over and it being hotter than hell out. So that was pure torture until about 3 pm. We then went home and I power-napped. We all went out for my b-day dinner at Casa Mexicana and then to El Divino. I made everyone promise that there'd be no alcohol involved at dinner and they all got looks of horror on their faces. So the restaurant workers come out banging pots and pans and singing. They throw a towel over my eyes and start pouring shots down my throat. Luckily they were just tequila poppers and those aren't too bad b/c the 7-Up takes away the taste of the tequila. El Divino is the high-class bar here in Tegus where you need to be "someone" in order to get in. Well, my theory is that if you can't be "someone", at least make sure you know people who do fall into the category. Well, we had met the son of some public minister and he got our entire group in with a private table complete with a bottle of scotch. It was a lot of fun hanging out there and dancing. Plus, it was even better b/c Alan got to come out--which never happens since he is always working on weekend nights. So overall, it was a great birthday weekend.
Sunday we just chilled and watched movies and ate Chinese food--very mellow. And thus, another work week has started. I'll spend this week trying to catch up and finish any open items. I'm working on a huge arms trafficking cable and a murder trends cable. My last day of work is this Friday the 11th. I'm going to spend my last week and a half here just relaxing and doing some small day trips to parts of Honduras I haven't yet been. More thumbnails ...
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