 Honduras
(San Salvador - Choluatec - Nicaragua)
The Nightmare
[November 7, 2004] The border - no problem. That's what I
thought after my experiences at the Salvadorian border formalities.
So, let's go through, this time with the help of one of these
tramitadores, a specialist-in-crossing-borders-through-all-the-bureaucracy.
Nice phrase, isn't it?
With his help the total crossing (12 different offices and
forms to fill in and 20 copies of all my documents) "just"
took 2 hours and did "just" cost US$ 43 (for that
I have receipts) and 5$ for speeding up the process and another
5$ for my helper. A bargain, no? Bulls…. And finally
my helper wanted to srew me, too.
At the frontier I met Dirk and Sander from the Netherlands
(yes, these are everywhere and no, didn't have a caravan,
but little scooter bikes Honda 100 cc). They are a funny team
and also had made their experiences at the border, somewhat
4 or 5 hours.
So I had literally speaking no more interest in Honduras
after this (that"s my best English I can find for it)
and therefore I speed off with "joy". And while
enjoying at least the good road on the Panamericana, no, cannot
be, a Police control point. "You were just a little too
fast here, mister". No, couldn't be, the bike is so heavy.
Yes, they have heard the roaring engine scream through the
mountains, no, that's the exhaust pipe, I said. Shit…
After many discussions finally the magic word "Aleman"
once more saved me from more trouble. Pure luck, I thought.
10 miles down the road I was back on my normal speed and,
No, cannot be, another Police control point, this time with
a laser speedgun. This is no 3rd world, they have learned
too fast the rip-off techniques here!
So I headed off to the next city and needed a break. That's
enough I thought and decided to leave tomorrow for Nicaragua.
Right on the border I met again the flying Dutchmen and we
after having learned the hard way decided to cross as a team
the borders. And then it finally was "Adios Honduras".
I may have this one wrong and don't give Honduras the credit
it may have earned, but that's what I had experienced and
it was basically frightening me away! Probably not only me…
So let's go South to Nicaragua.
Rasmus
|
