Page 164 - WDT Winter 2018 japan

Highlights in

Gray Rain

PLANS EVOLVE AS RAIN POURS IN HONDURAS

Story & Photography by Maribeth Mellin

carlet macaws swooped and ing my umbrella’s handle beneath my
squawked over the trail to the chin, I snapped away with my phone
Great Plaza at Copan, a Ma- and camera, praying they’d survive
Syan ceremonial center in the the abuse. A little water wasn’t going
rural highlands of Honduras. Few hu- to dull my enthusiasm.
mans wandered amid the stone tem-
ples and pillars covered with intricate I’d been longing to visit Copan for
hieroglyphic carvings. A German tour decades, but just couldn’t get around
group clustered around a guide at the to it. Though I’ve traveled extensively
ball court, while a Colombian TV crew in Latin America, Honduras always
scouted high angles. I listened to my seemed small and obscure, overshad-
guide with barely adequate attention, owed by Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru and
knowing I could read about history a half-dozen other countries. But I’d
and archeology any time. I wanted to been hearing a Honduran buzz of late,
absorb Copan with all my senses. and lots of chatter about Roatan, one
of the world’s top scuba destinations.
A constant rainfall kept them alert. A quick trip to the country’s top two
At times, a silver mist softened the highlights—Copan and the Carib-
scenery, though downpours ensured bean—left me longing for more.
sopping wet shoes and pants. Tuck-

A carving on a wall at Copan depicts a meeting
between two leaders. A carving on a wall at Copan
depicts a meeting between two leaders.

164 WDT MAGAZINE WINTER 2018