Amapala

   Yesterday, I went on a crazy one-day adventure to Amapala. The day before, I helped Rainier (the embassy neighbour) pack the inflatable boat and load the motor so we would be ready to leave early the next morning. We left Saturday morning with Rainier, Frances, Ballah (another embassy/army guy), Keiko, and I in Rainier's car (or more like a tank). Even though it is highway all the way, the driving is made difficult by the poor conditions of the road and filled with 18-wheelers.
   We stopped to eat breakfast at a place that also has a well kept, if random, zoo. We made it to the dock at Coyolito, where we proceeded to set up the inflatable boat...I kept at bay my doubts about the boat actually making it to the island. However, Rainier repeatedly assured me that we "would not die, probably..." The dock was crowded with young men trying to 'help'  but it took all five of us to keep an eye on all the stuff. Eventually, we all got in and headed out across the channel to Amapala. As the motor sputtered  in protest, we did maintain forward progression and made it to shore.
   Ballah, Keiko, and I got out to see some of the island by tuk-tuk. We ended up at Playa Grande where I cooled off in the sea while Ballah and Keiko chilled in the shade. It is very hot on the Pacific Coast! The water is not clear and the sand in not fine, but still it was the ocean on a beautiful day! Rainier and Frances made to around to the beach after looking at another island that belongs to Honduras, as most of the other belong to El Salvador. Then he took Keiko and I around the entire island of Amapala. Because of the wind and tide going out, the water was really choppy...though it was fun to hit and surf the waves in his little boat! And we survived...another plus!
   When we got back, I threw the frisbee around with Frances and some little boys who wanted to learn. We had some plates of food on the beach before heading back (in two trips) to Coyolito. Overall a great day trip with lovely people! Such a clear, beautiful, and hot day!