Honduras this week ( January 10, 2009 )

00001-10-2009 ( .pdf )

www.hondurasthisweek.com Lps 6.00


YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


HONDURAS


THIS


WEEK


m c; 7C..-
I-I7'I


Oil Exploration to
Begin in February in
Honduran Caribbean
PAGE 4


Coffee Exports Down
in December
PAGE 5


Tasty Mexican Cuisine
SBeing Served Fresh at
Los Nopalitos
PAGE 6


Andrea Gutierrez/ HondurasThis Week


The Labor of Ministry building in Tegucigalpa has seen a spike in activity since minimum wage increases have forced employers to lay off workers.

Minimum Wage Increase Faces Stiff Opposition, Leads to Lay-offs
Todd Ellertson administration, stand firm on the establishment of the benefit of the worker and see President acted unilaterally in
HondurasThis Week The majority of the dismissed the minimum wage that will prevail through what workers and busi- his decision to move forward with
employees, many frantic at the during year 2009 for Honduran nesses could not resolve in their wage increases and therefore the
During the first week ofJanuary, prospect of not being able to workers. Those working in urban negotiations of wage increases, increases can be contested. The
the Ministry of Labor saw 700 support their families, said that areas will receive 5,500 lempiras We will represent the family unit Honduran Council of Private
people who were given dismissal they were willing to renegotiate per month, in rural areas, 4,055 per of Honduras," Secretary Mejia Companies (COHEP) announced
papers, due to a combination of the wages with their employers in month at the minimum. This will continued. The government took its on Tuesday, January 6 that they
economic downturn but mostly due order to continue feeding their remain in effect, in spite of threats position to increase the minimum will seek a shelter from the wage
to the mandatory minimum wage families, from businesses who intend to take wage for workers in spite of the increases before the Supreme
i:....... ..,,, A,,. b 1, rZ .. Honduran Secretary of Labor their case to the Supreme Court." refusal by the business sector. Court.


7- SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009 1


;lawI


VOL. 22, No. 01 (1043) Tegucigalpa


Mayra Mejia declared that, "We


Industrialists claim the


increase enacted y t a


"We are prepared to argue for


MINIMUM WAGE cont on page 3




2 Saturday, January 10,2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


EDITORIAL


We are all Interconnected


Human beings could be consid-
ered the sum of observations and
experiences of all times and coun-
tries. This concept coincides with
what Dr. Alexis Carrel expressed
in his book "Man, the Unknown"
(La Incognita del Hombre) where
he expresses that when we observe
scientific data of contemporary
human beings, we realize the weak-
ness of our civilization and the need
of knowing ourselves.
Many wish to free themselves
from the dogmas that have been
imposed by society and others
are brave enough to comprehend
the need to not only to submit to
mental, political and social changes,
but to see beyond an industrial civi-
lization and envision another path
for human progress.
Everything is related in this
world that we live in. In the forest,
for example, trees shelter insects
appropriately; hummingbirds have
beaks that are perfectly dimen-
sioned to fit into flowers they visit.
On a planetary level, distances
between the earth in accordance to
the sun and moon are optimum.
These relationships have been
and are very complex once it comes
to human beings and civilizations.
Now, the world anticipates the
global implications of the economic
crisis in the U.S. Gradual recovery
depends on the most powerful
nations to balance and stabilize the
financial and real estate industries.
A positive end to the war in
Iraq is hoped for; incoming U.S.
President Obama has pledged a
measured withdrawal of troops.
Antiterrorist policies will be more
necessary than ever before.
Ghana, Africa has provided
an example of democracy as they


chose their president in a demo-
cratic system; however the human
situation in Africa is tragic, its
population continues to fall prey
to civil wars, illness, ignorance and
corruption.
India, in spite of enormous social
problems and recent violence,
continues making history through
a good percentage of their youth.
Their excellent education stan-
dards and outcomes have made
India a major supplier of high-tech
computer software and valuable
scientific knowledge.
Honduras is starting a new year
with increases in unemployment,
reductions in remittances and
exportations, increases in deporta-
tions, and high crime rates. The
Government cannot accomplish
what is necessary with economic
demands made by privileged
unions, like that of the teachers'
union.
This is also an election year
and it is nothing neither new nor
strange that state resources,
both human and economic, will be
destined for the finance of political
campaigns.
We need to put more effort
and generate more employment.
Honduras has enough human and
natural resources to achieve this.
We need to define the concept of
our treasures in the base of the
well being in our population which
requires a social investment that is
real and sustainable.
We are not isolated, the butterfly
effect is real; every action gener-
ates a reaction. Human beings are
united by ropes that are as appar-
ently fragile as spider webs, but
those webs have an enormous resis-
tance to tension.


HONDURAS THIS WEEK
Founding Editor 1949-2006
Mario Gutierrez Minera


OPINION


A T 1111110

Y~~U~.~ *n *~ U


LETTERS


Dear HTW:

I am writing to you
about the dog poisonings on
Guanaja.
I have been involved in
dog rescues since arriving in
Honduras in 1969 with the
Peace Corps.
I have taught biology at
UNAH since 1969 and several
times have denounced the
poisoning of dogs there. I


have been told by friends on
Guanaja that about 20 dogs
have been poisoned over the
last couple of months with 4
or 5 killed each night. Often
these dogs are in their own
yards. It appears the mayor
may be involved with buying
the poison and bait and
having it placed to kill dogs.
This is a barbaric and
cruel method of dealing with
"problem" dogs." The truth is


I do not know why they are
poisoning dogs, but I do know
this has happened several
times before and the local
residents have had enough of
having their pets killed.
Thank you for your help
letting people know about this
atrocity.

Sherry (Pilar) Thorn
via Email


Notice to our Valued Readers:
We want to wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2009!

In an effort to improve the quality of the paper, we will now be
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Subscribers will receive a notice in our next edition as to when subscriptions
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Please call 232-2300 and ask for Andrea or Rosibel if you have questions.


Publisher/General Manager
Mario Gutierrez Pacheco
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Administration Manager
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and Cultural Events Editor
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Angela Molina


Managing Editor
Alvaro Morales Molina
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Co-Editor
Todd Ellertson
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Contributors
Bruce Starr, James Bodden, Patrick Ahern,
Manfredo Martinez, Aida Sabonge Jackson,
Emily Moberly, Jose Eduardo Atala
Bay Island Correspondent
Don Pearly
Copan Correspondent
Howard Rosenzwieg
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/ The Chamber of Commerce
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A private institution serving the community and development
We offer the following services to foreign investors:
Commercial contacts with current and future businesses
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Consult us. It will be a pleasure to serve you.

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YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


NATIONAL


MINIMUM WAGE: Business Owners Going to Supreme Court
con't from page 1


The government calculated the
minimum wage increases based
upon what it currently costs an
average family to put the five
basics of nutrition on their tables.
Other factors such as medical care,
education, transportation were not
part of the equation.
In related news, approximately
500 Carri6n store employees will
also be let go at national level due
to the wage increases, announced
Carri6n's Central American
President Vicente Carri6n.
Carri6n said that the company
is not able to maintain that wage
to the four thousand employees
currently on the payroll nation-
ally. He went on to state, "This
affects our company greatly. The
wage increase decision was made in
haste without consensus from the
business sector."
200 businesses are reported
to be ready to present their case
to the Supreme Court in opposi-
tion to the new minimum wage
increases. An estimated 15,000
bakery workers could lose their
jobs before the end of January.
Jimmy Dacareth, National Director
of the Association of Bakeries, said
that the work in the bakeries will
somehow have to get done with 10%
less employees. Dacareth himself
had to let 30 of his employees go.


CLASSIFIED

For information on classifieds, contactTel. 239-3654

Email: hontweekventas@multidata.hn,

www.hondurasthisweek.com


* a.e AVE 0te1 3Cal,#13, o.PaoAlo2 a


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Though lines have thinned since last week, unemployed workers seen here are lined up to get their labor
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Saturday, January10,2009 3


1




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


NATIONAL


Oil Exploration to Begin in February


in Honduran Caribbean
Tndd F,,11ortson


Problem # 27


In a test, 5 students in a class each scored 90%. The
average of one third of the rest of the class was 70%, and
the other two thirds scored an average of 60%. How many
students are there in the class if the whole class's test score
average was 67.5%

Answer to Problem # 25
A Check

US$ 36.56 original
US$ 56.36 reversed

Profit US$ 19.80
US$ 1.52 spent

US$ 18.28 remaining

Answer to Problem # 26
Carlos is Jaime's grandson.

Think you know the answer? Please submit your best guess to:
DARE TO THINK at rosipache@yahoo.com.mx


Honduras This Week
On December 21, 2008, the
Honduran government signed an
agreement with the Norwegian
company Petroleum Geo-Services,
an international firm specializing
in geophysics, to initiate petroleum
exploration off the north coast of
Honduras as early as February
2009. The company has been
chosen for exploration purposes
only.
Once exploration has produced
enough information about potential
petroleum reserves, the govern-
ment will proceed to choose the
appropriate company to begin the
actual extraction, should petroleum
be found in the marine subsoil of
the Caribbean.
"When we have the data,"
Honduran President Zelaya
explained, "which could take some
months to produce, then Honduras
makes the decision to explore or
not explore. That will be done by a
separate company, with a separate
contract. At this time, we are only
considering exploration."
Exploration is tentatively sched-
uled to begin on February 5 and


google.com
An oil exploration outpost is used to do initial exploration for natural petroleum reserves prior to drilling.
analysis conducted untilJune, when would then begin with actual
the first results would be presented drilling companies should adequate
to the government. Negotiations petroleum reserves be found.


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HONDURAS THIS WEEK


"Cl




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW HONDURAS THIS WEEK Saturday, January 10, 2009 5

NATIONAL


Coffee Exports Down in


December


Dow Jones News Wire

Honduran coffee exports in
December, the third month of the
new 2008-09 crop cycle, were down
2.9% to 175,760 bags of 60 kilo-
grams each, the Honduran Coffee
Institute, or Ihcafe, said Friday.
This compares to Honduran
coffee exports of 181,064 bags
in December 2007 during the
last 2007-08 crop cycle (October-
September), an Ihcafe official told
Dow Jones Newswires, releasing
preliminary figures for the month.
Total Honduran coffee exports
from the beginning of the 2008-09
cycle Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, mean-
while, were down 18% to 211,883
bags, from exports of 257,946 bags
in the year-ago period, the official
said.
Physical harvesting of


Honduras' 2008-09 crop started
in the medium altitudes in late
October and was scheduled to start
in earnest in the key higher alti-
tude producing areas of the country
in December.
Coffee from the new crop
won't start reaching the market in
earnest until later in January and
exports shipped in the first few
months of the new cycle tradition-
ally consist almost exclusively of
past-crop beans.
Honduran coffee exports in
the last 2007-08 crop cycle ended
up 5.5% at 3,391,360 bags from
exports of 3,215,801 bags in the
2006-07 harvest year, Ihcafe said in
a report last month.
Honduran export and produc-
tion figures are revised throughout
the year, up to two crop cycles after
the figures are released.


The coffee harvest in Honduras continues despite a decrease in export demands.


CLASSIFIED
Fi II I iih II m.i Sll SII l I i:l.i;.;.il:i, l F inr.i:lr I .'. ,D'1i- J.i

Email: hontweekventas@multidata.hn,
www.hondurasthisweek.com


rCome to Telamar and

Sorget everything else.


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6 Saturday, January 10,2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW

CULTURE/CUISINE


TODD ELLERTSON


Tasty Mexican Cuisine Being Served



I Fresh at Los Nopalitos


Tucked into a quiet, one-way
lane in Colonia San Carlos, a half
block from Los Castanos Mall is
a treasure, somewhat hidden, but
waiting to be discovered Los
Nopalitos. Open for a year, the
eatery features cuisine from Central
Mexico. I recently ventured out
with a small group and gave Los
Nopalitos a try on a recent, balmy
Saturday night in the capital city.
Though some physical remnants
of its former tenant a French
restaurant remain, Los Nopalitos
is purely Mexican in spirit and
certainly in its menu. We started
off with what seemed a routine
choice: nachos. What arrived was
indeed a plate of chips and cheese,
but so much more. This plate of
nachos was served with portions of
both red and black refried beans,
two kinds of cheese, marinated
carrot slices and cauliflower and
spiced ground beef, with guacamole
and fresh salsa on the side. We
practically licked the plate clean.
Our waiter was prompt and
knew the menu like the back of his
hand, right down to what spices
were used on which dishes and
whether they were kind of hot, hot
or really hot. I chose the plate of
five chicken tacos ('Tacos Dorados
de Pollo') and could not have been


more pleased. Five crispy, rolled
tacos with tender, spiced chicken
breast meat covered in a mild
cheese were served with fresh
guacamole and refried black beans
-- absolutely delicious.
My dinner companions ordered
'Taco Albanil de Pollo' and 'Tortas
de Milanesa de Res,' respectively
and were equally pleased with their
choices. We all shared bites of one
another's dishes and I can tell you
that everything was mouthwa-
teringly tasty. The 'Taco Albanil'
was a more traditional, safe choice,
but one that did not disappoint. It
consisted of several soft tortillas
with chicken saut6ed with peppers
and onions and served fresh,
without toppings. Guacamole came
on the side and was a great option
for dipping and/or slathering.
The 'tortas' was a Mexican
version of perhaps a French bread
sandwich, the bread toasted to
a soft crunch with an absolutely
fantastic thin, breaded piece of fried
beef, a thick tomato and refried
black beans. I think this was my
favorite of all the entrees and will
probably order it the next time I
go.
I also indulged in a frozen
margarita, cleverly served in a
pedestal glass with a cactus base


Ruth Solis and her husband Sergio own and operate
('Los Nopalitos' are a type of cactus
found in Mexico and some are
planted at the entry of the eatery
as well) and it was, I am happy to
report, delicious not too sweet,
great consistency, a perfect balance
of Tequila and just the right amount
of rock salt on the rim of the glass.
We had the pleasure of being
able to talk to one of the owners,
Ruth Solis, for a several minutes
after we finished our meals. Solis, a




t^r~^u?


Todd Ellertson/Honduras This Week
'Los Nopalitos in Tegucigalpa.
native of Central Mexico, described
the different regions in terms of
distinct Mexican cuisine, pointing
out that the northern states favor
more of a 'tex-mex' style of food,
almost always featuring some form
of beef. The southern regions are
similar to Central American cuisine,
particularly neighboring Guatemala.
Central Mexican apparently means
the freshest of fresh ingredients,
savory cheese, judicious use of salsa


and guacamole and perfectly spiced
beef and poultry.
Solis' husband, Sergio Escutia,
is behind the scenes as the
chef and has insisted on nothing
but authentic, fresh ingredients,
prepared the way both of them
knew in their native Mexico.
They've mastered their art and the
two have created a dining experi-
ence not to be missed.
Entrees average $10.00, appe-
tizers $5.00.
The atmosphere is casual, with
outside dining an option as well
and because theirs is such a quiet
street, dining al fresco by candle-
light might be the perfect, romantic
setting for an evening with that
special someone.
Again, 'Los Nopalitos' is waiting
to be discovered and there is no
time like the present to indulge in
its delights. I cannot recommend
it highly enough and will, without
any hesitation whatsoever, return
- soon.
'Los Nopalitos' is located on
Calzada Repiiblica de Uruguay,
No.219, Colonia San Carlos in
Tegucigalpa. Telephone: 221-0684,
251-5474, email: losnopalitos@gmail.
com. The restaurant can accommo-
date dining parties/events with up
to 40 guests.


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YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW HONDURAS THIS WEEK Saturday, January 10, 2009 7

NATIONAL


Honduras' Growing


Capital Crunch


Marco Ciceres
projecthonduras.com


Given the economic turmoil in
the US these days and the overall
financial crisis worldwide, it should
come as no surprise that some
analysts are forecasting a "stormy
outlook" for Honduras in 2009. In
a recent article written for the
Inter Press Service (IPS) news
agency, Thelma Mejia notes that
the UN's Economic Commission for
Latin America and the Caribbean
(ECLAC) is projecting 2% growth
for the Honduran economy this
year... down significantly from the
6.3% forecasted when the Zelaya
administration began its four-year
term in 2006.
Mejia cites several factors
that will contribute to this more
modest reality, including the Zelaya
government's limited access to new
sources of credit due to its inability
to negotiate a new agreement
with the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) and a drop in remit-
tances from Hondurans abroad and
revenue from tourism.
To make matters worse, it
appears that Honduras' foreign
debt may again be nearing or
surpassing the $4 billion mark,
according to Mauricio Diaz, coordi-
nator of the Honduran Social Forum
on Foreign Debt and Development.
As part of the IMF/World Bank's
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries
(HIPC) initiative launched in 1996,
Honduras had more than $4 billion
of its foreign debt pardoned several
years ago.
From the standpoint of fiscal
responsibility, the government's
lack of success in talks with the
IMF may not be such a bad thing.
The problem is that the Honduran
government still has huge demands
on its budget and almost nowhere
to turn to for capital.
Where, for example, does the
government anticipate it will find
the funds it needs to finance the
increases in wages and subsidies
it promised in 2008 to Honduran
workers in the public and agri-
cultural sectors? Given growing
tensions between the government
and Honduras' business sector over


issues such as the newly-mandated
increase in the minimum wage
(from $157 to $289 per month), it's
unlikely that these funds will come
from rising revenue as a result of
more private investment.
It's no wonder that the Zelaya
government has found it impos-
sible to refuse Venezuela's offer
of foreign aid in return for partici-
pation in the so-called Bolivarian
Alternative for the Americas
(ALBA) being pushed by Hugo
Chavez. Of course, now with oil
prices down to nearly $40 per
barrel, Venezuela is not nearly
so awash in cash as it was when
the price of sweet crude reached a
record high of $147.27 last summer.
So you have to question how forth-
coming Mr. Chavez will be under
these new circumstances.
As always, there are no easy
answers for Honduras. One
reason for this is that the country
continues to look almost exclusively
to traditional models of develop-
ment based on infusions of finan-
cial capital, which usually comes
with strings attached and often
comes in quantities that is difficult
for Honduras' public institutions
to effectively process, deliver, and
account for.
Benjamin Franklin once said
that, "The definition of insanity is
doing the same thing over and over
and expecting different results."
Hmmm...
Please mark September 24-26,
2009 on your calendar and plan
to participate in the 10th annual
Conference on Honduras in the
town of Copan Ruinas. There are
other forms of capital besides the
financial kind.
An alternative model of devel-
opment based on "human capital"
(expertise, experience, talents,
energy and contacts) located, mobi-
lized and channeled by information
and communications technology
(ICT) is the essence of the event.
As always, the themes are educa-
tion, healthcare and community
building.

For information, e-mail hondo-
post@yahoo.com or visit http://
www.projecthonduras.con


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8 Saturday, January 10,2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW

CULTURE/ENVIRONMENT


Greener Pastures Possible in 2009


Minimum wage increases have honest and capable professionals.
force layoffs


The increase and adjustment approved
for the almost 60% increase in minimum
wage has caused numerous layoffs through-
out the country. In maquilas, approximately
3,100 workers were left without jobs. In
Tegucigalpa, the Labor Ministry has been
packed since Monday, January 5, unemployed
workers asking for labor benefits.
Amilcar Bulnes, president of the country's
Private Business Chamber, says that busi-
nesses do not have the resources to cover the
added costs. Bulnes said the hike has already
led to 15,000 layoffs.- El Heraldo.


"Exception of good cause"
can be used to register for
TPS
The Office of Migration in the US granted
the"Exception of a Good Cause"for Hondurans
to continue to register under the Statute of
Temporary Protection (TPS).
This measure involves that a letter of
request is presented explaining why the per-
mit was not made prior to the deadline of
December 30, 2008. Reasons of health, labor
and unemployment will be considered to
extend permits.


Changes in store for elec- Fuel Shortage Forces
trical service Border Crossings


On Monday January 5, a national
announcement described the removal of the
adjustment of fuel in the monthly invoice
of electricity; this will be official in February
2009. It was also announced new electric-
ity pricing on electricity, since rates have
not been changed since the year 2000. The
announcements have been met with criti-
cism against the government, mostly for
increasing the price of reference of kilowatts,
simultaneously with the removal of a fuel
adjustment.- El Heraldo.

Public hearings underway
for Supreme Court Judge
candidates
Since January 5, hearings have started so
nominating union and citizens can meet and
evaluate 97 lawyers competing to be judges
in the Supreme Court of Justice. It is expected
that this process does not allow any political
influence and that the Supreme Court will


During the last two weeks of 2008 and
beginning of 2009 all national gas stations
affiliated with the Honduras Association
of Petroleum Distributors (ADHIPE) are
dealing with shortages of super gasoline,
announced ADHIPE Director Sarria Silva. In
the northwestern part of the country, people
from Ocotepeque needing super gasoline
were forced to buy gas in El Salvador and
Guatemala.

Changes in Government
Leadership Take Place

The House of Government announced on
Tuesday, January 6, rotations and replace-
ments. Lawyer Edmundo Orellana who
directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has
transferred to the Defense Ministry, replacing
Aristides Mejia. Orellana was replaced by
Patricia Rodas who was named as Minister of
Foreign Affairs. Rodas acted as President of
the Liberal Party Council. El Heraldo


Jos6 Eduardo Atala
Honduras This Week

As we begin a brand new 2009,
we can look back on 2008 as a year
that saw green building practices
become more mainstream and an
increased awareness of the envi-
ronment and green technologies.
But living in Honduras, some of us
have not been able to keep up with
all the technologies available.
Fortunately, there are some
simple, inexpensive things we can
do that will result in better energy
efficiency and a healthier, more
sustainable environment. We can
make our green resolutions around
many different aspects of our lives,
green resolutions as a lifestyle
for family, our homes, and even
our businesses. The year 2009 is
supposed to be a year of economic
downfall and of great difficulty for
all, it's only prudent for us to start
by sharpening our focus on green
products and green solutions to not
only save money, but save the our
planet.
President Zelaya has encour-
aged Hondurans to conserve
energy at home.
One of the best ways to do this
is by replacing light bulbs with
more energy efficient, longer
lasting bulbs such as compact fluo-
rescent light bulbs or LED light
bulbs. Examples we can apply at
home and the office are making
sure the refrigerator gets closed
all the way, turning off lights when
not in use and turn off electronics
such as computers and TVs when
they are not being used/watched.
Simple.
Economist Anais Henriquez-
Nufio is quite possibly one of the
most environmentally friendly,
aware people in Honduras. She
is also knowledgeable in this
area because of her experience
with Rainforest Alliance when
her husband's coffee produc-
tion "Montana Santa Elisa" went


through a certification process that
included different environmental
and social programs.
She has always encouraged the
people around her to plant trees
in their backyards, no matter the
size of that yard. There are many
trees available that have the appro-
priate roots for small spaces that
don't end up growing too high for
the space. These trees will produce
oxygen during the day and capture
carbon at night a win/win for the
atmosphere.
It is interesting to note that
grass in general consumes too
much water and doesn't have the
same 'greening' effects trees do,
so it is recommended not to grow
grass in large quantities, but to get
creative with sand, stones or bricks
along with some landscaping with
native flowers.
In spite of their popularity and
visibility in Tegucigalpa, the ficus
tree is not a particularly environ-
mentally-friendly plant. They are
perpetually green, suck all of the
moisture out of the surrounding
soil; their roots are notorious for
destroying foundations, sidewalks
and streets because they are always
spreading in search of more water.
A great option is to research those
trees that are native to Honduras
and plant more of them. Obviously,
the climate is right and some of
them are on the brink of extinction.
Shower quickly to conserve
water, make sure all the water
faucets are secure and don't drip;
this will help save money and help
the environment at the same time.
Fabric bags at the super-
market are very chic nowadays,
instead of those plastic bags which
are enemies to the environment
- they don't break down and disin-
tegrate once in a landfill. Buy a
couple of fabric bags and put them
back into your car after you've
unpacked groceries at home. If you
purchase something small, or just a
few items, there really isn't even a


need to ask for a bag carry them
yourself. Recycle cans and plastic
bottles: do this by sorting trash so
it's easier for the trash collectors
who now do it for you.
At the office, print out the
minimum needed; create a simple
reuse and recycle program. Use
that paper that can't be used for
printing anymore for scratch paper.
Encourage people at the office to
purchase recycled paper the cost
is the same and this paper didn't
require additional trees for its
production.
Avoid elevators if possible use
the stairs to save electricity and
get some needed exercise, espe-
cially following those overindul-
gences during the holidays!
Involve yourself in all the
different foundations that promote
the environment, such as Fundarbol
and Fundaci6n VIDA.
Anais encourages people to
visit the National Honduran Parks,
like Lancetilla in Tela and Pico
Bonito in La Ceiba, and visit often.
Entrance fees are inexpensive and
the money goes toward the protec-
tion of these national treasures.
USAID and the European Union
are helping protect these parks, so
every lempira paid is being utilized
effectively.
Finally be an activist, talk
about the protection of our envi-
ronment, be an example to others
and help convince everyone around
you that our planet is in peril and
that certain measures must be
taken to make a difference. There
is no better way to start 2009 with
pitching in to help save our envi-
ronment, our health and the exis-
tence of future generations.

For More Information or to get
involved check out:
http://www.plant-trees.org/proj-
ects/honduras.htm
http://www.fundacionvida.org/
http ://monsesa. com/
ABOUT%20US/ABO UTUS.htm


Convenient Col. Tepeyac location, near the
Maerriott; & Clarion hotels
Full service: Self-serve OR drop-off, wash S
fold service available; Large-capacity, front-load
washers dryers: Cable TV, snacks
a sodls: Friendly staff ready to help!


m m- m- A- -


Coming Soon

Please be on the lookout for our nes supplement







THE ISANDER


All things Bay Islands


U


Residencial El Trapiche, Bouleva@-55, %on n osi wt sa C elw hp
239-6915. guiapccnencoaoI$ ~A




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW HONDURAS THIS WEEK Saturday, January 10, 2009 9

CULTURE


From Holland

to Honduras
FMsIelgra'r IIT16I3 I


Where (and What) Is Home?


It's funny how somebody can
ask you a question and you totally
misunderstand him or her. That's
what happened to me the other
day and it kept me thinking and
wondering about it. While I was
working, a patient asked me,
"When are you going home?"
Without even thinking I responded
that we normally close around
half past 5, and that I normally go
upstairs around 7 o'clock. Then she
said "No I mean going home." So I
thought that she didn't know that I
lived upstairs and answered, "I live
upstairs."
Then she said "No I meant
HOME," emphasizing the word
"home." And then suddenly I
understood that she was referring
to "Holland" as being my home.
Well, that got me thinking about
that word "home." What does
it mean to me? I personally refer
to home as the place where I live,
work and have my friends.
So in my case, Honduras is my
home now. Then I remembered a
friend I used to have in San Pedro
Sula who was always saying, "I
cannot wait to go home for good."
And I remember that I always felt


sorry for her, because she couldn't
see the country where she already
lived for more then 30 years as
being her home. Her kids grew up
in Honduras, her paintings were
on her wall, all her furniture, her
whole life was there, but still she
couldn't refer to it as being her
home. Finally she went back to her
country to retire and I wonder now,
if she felt as if she was coming home
or feeling like a stranger in her own
country after not living there for
over 30 years.
When I travel to Holland, it's
a vacation for me, to visit friends
and family, and I definitely miss
home after being there for a few
weeks, and that home is Honduras.
And although the house I'm living
in isn't technically mine (I rent), it
still feels like home, my home to be
more specific. Because that's where
I live, eat, am happy, am sad, have
all my personal things, it's where
my friends come and visit me -
that's home to me.
Without a doubt, I miss my
family and my son who is studying
now in Holland. And of course I
miss other things from Holland,
like the four seasons, the snow,


Dutch cheese and chocolate, the
typical food you cannot get here
like kroketten and boerenkool.
But the funny thing is that when
I'm away from Honduras, I miss
the tortillas, frijoles and my friends
here. So, in my mind, missing things
doesn't make it your home. Feeling
at home somewhere makes it your
home, and for me that's where I
decide to live, work, eat and have
my friends. I can certainly under-
stand people referring to their
country of birth as home, but what
I cannot understand is that there
are people who are living in another
country and feeling homesick all the
time. That thought is depressing
Let's see what the dictionary
says about the word "home." I
checked several dictionaries, and all
of them say that there are different
meanings. But they all agree on the
first meaning, because they all start
with saying that 'home' means: 'The
house or ones place of residence.'
Another also mentions 'The place in
which one's domestic affections are
centered.' And perhaps in the 4th
or 5th place they'll put 'The place or
region where something is native
or most common or the place where


somebody is born.' I found one that
even uses the perfect description in
my eyes: 'Home is where the heart
is.'
That's how it should be. It
shouldn't make a difference
whether you're living in Holland,
Honduras, the USA or the North
Pole -- you should make your house
your home, put your heart into it
and be happy.
So let's make it clear, Honduras
is where I'm living so that's where
my home is, and that's were my
heart is. It's not just the home in
which I'm living no, it goes further
- it's the country where I live and
not the country where I was born,
what feels like home.
So think of it, if all people living
in Honduras, whether they are
Hondurans or not, could somehow
feel the same, wouldn't it be a
better place to live? Think about
what we do to our homes: we
make it comfortable, make it cozy,
make it homey, make it safe for our
children, clean it, we try to make
everybody feel happy and at home,
living in peace together, we try to
make it even better, get as much
comfort as we can provide for.


And that's exactly what we
should do and act on for the whole
country. Try to make it a better
place to live, starting with some-
thing simple as not throwing
trash out of car windows. You can
so easily throw it in the trashcan
when you arrive home. Make sure
to make a home for your children,
to teach them what's right and
what's wrong. If everybody cleans
their bit of sidewalk in front of
their homes, it would look so much
cleaner. And remember: Cleaner
means healthier.
As I writ this article, everybody
is voting. And I hope that whoever
eventually becomes president of
this country next year, will make
it a safer place, a healthier place to
live, a place to be proud of, a place
where people are getting a good
education, a place without strikes,
a place with less violence, a place
where foreigners can come safely to
admire the beautiful natural land-
scapes and the beautiful places I
fell in love with when I just arrived
more then 20 years ago. Lets make
it a place to be proud of, lets make
it a place where we all feel home.
To be continued....


ud2- A A


'Australia' Kidman and Jackman


Swoon Down Under


Tnldd F11rtqnn


Honduras This Week

Directed by Baz Luhrmann
Touted as a larger-than-life
romantic epic, 'Australia' is the
latest offering from Aussie director
Baz Luhrmann, who also directed
the dazzlingly visual 'Moulin Rouge'
back in 2001. This ambitious film
takes place against the backdrop
of northern Australia just prior to
World War 11, between a sprawling
ranch and the port of Darwin, on
Australia's north coast.
Kidman plays Lady Sarah
Ashley, an English aristocrat who
inherits a decrepit cattle ranch and
finds herself painfully out of place in
the distinct, often unforgiving land-
scape that is northern Australia.
Jackman is Drover, so named as he
drives cattle for a living. Drover
is a hard-working, hard-playing
cowboy, fiercely independent and
answers to nobody but himself.
Though the movie starts out
as what appears to be a western,
with bar brawls, shady cowboys,
crusty barkeeps and all, it throws
in some mysticism/magic realism
with the appearance of Nullah, a
mixed Aborigine boy who narrates
the story. The Aborigine belief that
everyday reality coexists with an
infinite state of being colors the film
throughout, creating, for me, what


amounted to two movies in one.
The epic story takes us from the
cattle ranch, the desolate but eerily
beautiful landscapes of the northern
outback, to Darwin, a rough and
tumble coastal town, but utterly
tame compared to the outback to
its south. The cattle drive itself is
fraught with danger and its conclu-
sion is one of the better moments of
the movie. The Japanese bombing
of Darwin in the days leading up
to World War 11 sets the scene for
the latter half of the movie, both
harrowing and sobering in its
scope.
Kidman always does a great
job acting the role and here is no
exception. She goes from being
an uptight, English lady of ladies
being 'saddle broke' in order
to drive the cattle, to an initially
reluctant mother to Nullah. One
scene in particular, in which she
must comfort Nullah, is charming
as Kidman does her best to tell
the story of 'The Wizard of Oz'
and mumbles through a rendi-
tion of 'Over the Rainbow,' all to a
mesmerized young boy. Brandon
Walters, who plays Nullah and is of
Aboriginal descent, is a wonder and
a delight, and was used expertly to
elicit tears from the audience.
Oh yes Lady Ashley and
Drover also fall in love, but you
already knew that. (I know this is
trivial and perhaps a bit catty, but


whatever Kidman had done to the
tip of her nose is highly distracting
as I found myself zeroing in on it
more than watching the character.
But I digress.)
Jackman, brawny and rough-
hewn as ever, is appealing and prob-
ably does some of the best acting of
his career so far here. Though his
character is nothing original and
we've seen it before, he nonethe-
less breathes some new life into
the stock, hard-edged cowboy. The
chemistry between Jackman and
Kidman is believable and palpable.
There were audible gasps and
sighs from female members of the
audience during a scene in which
Jackman, shirtless, pours water
from a pitcher over his head to
rinse off the soap. Someone's been
seriously hitting the gym lately.
Incidentally, is it a coincidence
that Jackman was named 'People'
magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive' this
year or has someone's publicist
been working overtime? Not to
take anything away from Jackman,
the timing was just somewhat
suspicious.
The most interesting aspect of
the film is how Luhrmann tries
to weave the plight of mixed
race Aboriginal children into it, a
plight that was only rectified by
the powers-that-be in Australia
in 1973. Many of these children
were literally kidnapped and forced


into orphanages where the 'black
was bred out of them.' A tricky
proposition to squeeze that in, but
Luhrmann clearly wants his film to
be one part sprawling epic and one
part cautionary tale. The seams
are highly visible, but it was a
gallant effort. In a way, this movie
is Luhrmann's love letter to his
beloved country down under.
The visuals are beautiful,
though at times the CGI, particu-
larly during the cattle drive, is less
than spectacular. Panoramic shots
of Darwin Harbor also take on an


almost otherworldly, oil painting
quality but are beautiful nonethe-
less.
Go to this movie expecting
nothing new, enjoy the lush visuals
and the sweeping melodrama as
it unfolds. Though the film bites
off more than it can chew at times,
and is a movie of mixed messages,
'Australia' is compelling and watch-
able anyway. It might also be
worth your while to see it on the
big screen while you can Australia
never looked so good.


International Christian Fellowship


English Worship Services Sundays at 10:15 AM
Hotel Copantl, Salon Pulhapanzak
San Pedro Sula
Bill Hoff: Pastor, E-mail:billandmargyhoff@gmail.com
Telephone: (country code, 504) 566-2440




10 Saturday, January 10,2009


HONDURAS THIS WEEK


T CALENDAR


THE MAYA


YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


ARTS


PENA ARTISTIC AT EL
RINCON DEL ARTIST. Next
to Casa Mexicana, in front of
Wendys'Tepeyac, Tegucigalpa.
Wednesdays-Saturdays. 8:30
pm, Musical Group Klasicos is
inviting
JANUARY AT CCET,
CULTURAL CENTER OF SPAIN
IN TEGUCIGALPA (All activi-
ties are free)
Open Tuesday through
Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm,
Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm
closed on Mondays
Saturday 10, SUiTe Sweet Love.
Film series, 2nd session"Alone"
(Solas), 11:00 a.m. Sunday 11:
Children + Science, Science
Fun Show, 10:30 a.m. For more
information: Centro Cultural
de Espaha,Col. Palmira 1a calle,
#655,Contiguo al Redondel
de los Artesanos,Tegucigalpa,
MDC, Honduras, C.A. Tel +504
238-2013 Fax 238-5332,E-mail:
info-ccet@aecid.hn
LAS VEGAS ARRIVES IN
TEGUCIGALPA, WITH THE
PRESENTATION OF THE
SPECTACULAR TIHANY.
Next to Presidential House,
Tegucigalpa. From December
26. Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30
pm. Saturday and Fridays:
4:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday:
12:00, 4:00 and 7:30 pm.
Tickets for sale at Multiplaza
Mall, MetroMall and at the cir-
cus from 11:00 am

SIXTH BIENNIAL OF VISUAL
ARTS OF THE CENTRAL
AMERICAN ISTHMUS 2008
BAVIC Illustration of the
Central American Isthmus.
Collection of 72 works of 36 art-
ists participants from Central
America. Location: chambers
of the National Museum for
the Identity MIN, Tegucigalpa.
From November 21 thru
February 20, 9:00 a, to 4:00
pm. Organized by Women
in the Arts (MUA) "Leticia de
Oyuela"
www.bienalcentroamerica.
com

CERAMICS WORKSHOP.
Instructor: Martha Elena
Cerrato. Starting on January,
2009. Saturday from 9:00-
12:00 p. m. during 12 days
(36 hours) Place: Headquarters
of Women in the Arts (MUA),
Avenida Cervantes, Barrio La
Plazuela, 1331 Cost: L 1800.00
per participant.
TRIBUTE TO POET JUAN
RAMON MOLINA. The
Secretary of Culture, Arts and
Sports is honored to invite to
the special event in which the
National Library of Honduras
will be declared under the
name of Juan Ramon Molina


in tribute to the Honduran
biggest poet of all times. This
event will be at the National
Library of Honduras, January
18, 2008, 7:00 pm.
WOMEN IN THE ARTS -
Mujeres en las Artes. One of
the strongest artistic move-
ments in Tegucigalpa. Mujeres
en la Artes Leticia de Oyuela
constantly sponsors work-
shops, exhibitions, confer-
ences, art shows and commu-
nity events in the city. For the
complete schedule, log on to
www.muaartes.org.hn or con-
tact Veronica Romero at 222
3015 or email to: mua@cable-
color.hn

MONTHLY CONVERSATORY
ATMUNOZ LOBO BOOKSHOP.
The Muhoz Lobo book-
store and the editorial group
Satyagraha invite you cordial-
ly to join us at the monthly
Conversatory, a free space cen-
ter, which takes place every
first Thursday of the month
at Ave. Cervantes, opposite to
Museum of Honduran Man in
Tegucigalpa, from: 5:30 to 7:30
p.m.
"FRENCH ALLIANCE CINEMA
CLUB. More information at
www.afhonduras.com or at
239-6165
CAFE TERTULIA AT FRENCH
ALLIANCE. "The human rights
situation in Honduras"
Tuesday December 9, 19:00
pm.
CAFE PARADISE EXHIBITING
FILMS. Every week you can
enjoy excellent films at Cafe
Paradise in Barrio La Plazuela in
Tegucigalpa. Contact: anarel-
lavelez4@yahoo.com
EL PARNASO. Visit www.elpar-
nasohn.triplod.com you will
find all kind of artistic expres-
sions

TERCO CULTURAL
PRODUCTIONS. Contact
them; they always have info
on cultural activities. E-mail:
tercoproducciones@gmail.
com. Visit www.karlalara.com

PROYECTO GRITON
ACTIVITIES. Visit www.
proyectogriton.com and focus
on KUPIAKUMI, you'll find the
daily logbook of the activities
of this cultural group.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
AT CAFE PARADISE. Cafe
Paradise (downtown) is always
performing cultural activities.
Contact paradiso@cablecolor.
hn
EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE OF
HONDURAS. Visit the web-
site www.telah.org. They are


presenting plays, essays about
theatre culture. Tel: 220-0690,
238-3726
ARTEACCION AND HIS
BLOGSPOT: www.arteac-
cionculturaenmovimiento.
blogspot.com An area where
you can learn about the work
and events performed at
the cultural association Arte
Action.
You can also visit the website:
www.arteaccion.org which
has been updated.
MUSIC & DANCE

NIGHTLIFE IN TEGUCIGALPA
Bamboo: Located in Blvd.
Morazan
Rio: Located in Paseo los
Proceres
Email: rio.cantero@gmail.com
Office: Paseo Los Proceres,
Gourmet Center, second floor,
in front of Chilis Location:
Paseo Los Proceres
La Grotta: Located in Blvd.
Morazan Email: lagrottahn3@
gmail.com
Office:236-7010 Location:Blvd.
Morazan, next to Jetstereo,
Tegucigalpa
EXCELLENT LIVE MUSIC-
Fridays and Saturdays at
Restaurant El Corral, Col.
Alameda. Meats are their spe-
cialty.
ARS NOVA, AMADEUS
CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.
Piano, guitar, violin and singing
classes. Colonia Miramonte,
main street, # 1519. Tel: 232-
4772. 239-8049

INFORMATION ABOUT
PHILHARMONICORCHESTRA
ACTIVITIES. Contact 235-
4019

EXCELLENT MUSIC FROM
60'S AND 70'S. At"Memories"
in Plaza Millennium. From
Wednesday thru Saturdays
from 7:00 p.m
CLASSIC MUSIC WITH GREAT
MASTERS AT PANAMERICAN
RADIO: 95.9 FM. 7:00 p.m.
Monday Fridays. Beethoven,
Mozart, Ravel, Tchaikovsky.
MARRIOTT HOTEL
ACTIVITIES. Every Thursday
you can enjoy live music with
the artist Hector Casas, from
8:00 p.m. thru 11:00 p.m.
Happy hour from 5:00 p.m.
thru 8:00 p.m. 2X1 Miller bear,
frozen Margaritas and tequila
Jimador.

NEW LOUNGE AND
RESTAURANT. In Tegucigalpa,
located in real Intercontinental
Hotel, opens its doors to all
clients to visit and enjoy excel-
lent food and a very exclusive
environment.


MISCELLANEOUS


DRAWIND AND PAINTING
COURSES FOR CHILDREN
BETWEEN 7 AND 14 YEARS
OLD. Artistic drawing, paint-
ing techniques such as water-
colors, oil, acrylic and pastels.
Schedule: Saturdays from
12:30 to 2:30 pm and from
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Colonia
Las Colinas, El Dorado Street
in front of Hillcrest School,
home # 35. More Information
contact Melissa Torres at Tel:
9800-7170.
METTA ACTIVITIES. This
Center has an excellent physi-
cal development plan for
adults older than sixty years:
dancing, pilates, stretching,
and more. For information visit
www.mettahn.com. Metta is
on the street behind Emisoras
Unidas. Tel. 239- 52 78, 206-
7022,213-3375
CINEMAS. Log into www.cin-
emarkca.com

FOR THE KIDS: CHIMINIKE
INTERACTIVE EDUCATION
CENTER. http://www.cohcit.
gob.hn/contacto.html (504)
230-7673 / 230 Next to
the Honduran Council of
Science and Technology CAD
Building, Blvd. Armed Forces,
Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
http://www.cohcit.gob.hn/
programaschiminike

HONDURAN BOOKS AT
GUAYMURAS EDITORIAL.
New webpage for Honduran
books: www.guaymuras.hn.
Sections: Who are we, New
books, Honduran authors,
Other Honduran Editorials,
Month's book

DAY HIKES INTO THE PICO
BONITO NATIONAL PARK
AND THE LODGE AT PICO
BONITO. Includes a guided
hike on the Lodge's natu-
ral trail into the Pico Bonito
National Park with a stop at
the Mermaid Falls swimming
hole (Hike can be made at 8:00
am or 1:00 pm). Before or after
your hike enjoy a delicious
meal at the Lodge's restaurant
and explore the Butterfly Farm
and Serpentarium also locat-
ed on the Lodge's property
(before or after the hike). Price
includes guide service, lunch,
and park entrance fee paid to
the Pico Bonito National Park
Foundation (Drinks not includ-
ed) Please call ahead to be
sure we have guides available.
E-mail: picobonito@caribe.hn,
Tel. 504-440-0388/0389/0468

REPUBLIC HISTORY MUSEUM
AT VILLA ROY. Schedule:
8:00 4:00 pm from Monday
thru Saturday. Barrio Buena


Vista, Tegucigalpa. Entrance
fees: Hondurans and Central
Americans: L. 10.00, from
other countries: L. 20.00. For
more information contact.:
Patricia Cardona museosre-
gionales@yahoo.com, Tania
Ramirez ardontania@gmail.
com, Telephone: 238-0608.
HONDURAN DOCUMENTARY
CENTER OF HISTORICAL
INVESTIGATIONS (CDIHH).
Has a great collection of books
and national file documentary.
Old Presidential House, Barrio
El Centro. Visits from 8:00 am
- 4:00 pm. Attended visits, all
Wednesday, cost: L. 5.00
SANTA MARIA DE LOS
ANGELES MUSEUM. This
interesting museum is open
since October 2006. It is
located in the town of Valle
the Angeles. You will enjoy a
great collection of interesting
objects, old photos from 1800
- 1900, antiques of history, art
and culture. Visit us at www.
museosantamaria.com or e-
mail us to:santamariamuseo@
yahoo.com
COCINA LATINA AT
MARRIOTT HOTEL. A special
flavor every day of the week:
Monday: Asian, Tuesday:
Italian, Wednesday: Peruvian,
Thursday: Mexican, Friday:
seafood, Saturday: Italian/
Mexican, Sunday: Honduran
cuisine

WEEKLY ENCOUNTER OF
MARRIAGES. Supporting the
family ministry. Every Fridays,
Col. Las Colinas, Bloque Z, #
1613, 7:00 pm. Tegucigalpa.
Free participation, including
diner. Tel. 239-7190

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS
WOMEN MEETINGS. Sharing
testimonies and praying. Every
Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. at Glifo
Room in Honduras Maya Hotel,
free entrance. yam@cablecol-
or.hn or Tel. 9996-6707

INTERDENOMINATIONAL
MINISTRY SUITABLE
WOMEN. Schedule of meet-
ings: Every first Saturday of
the month, they offer a break-
fast at El Candelero Room,
Honduras Maya Hotel, 7:40
a.m. L. 100.00.

EL PARNASO, THE FIRST
CULTURAL PAPER IN
HONDURAS. Visit www.elpar-
nasohn.tripod.com
NEURAL STIMULATION.
Hands without Borders move-
ment..Free HealingTreatments,
Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00
p.m. Details and confirmations:
220-1441, 3345-9461 (Rosario)
and 235-5045 (Alicia). Ijhondu-
rasneural@yahoo.com




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


HEALTH/FITNESS


Health

MATTERS


Lose Those Extra Holiday Pounds the


Healthy Way!


Tvonne van Leest
Sports Physical Therapist

December provides plenty
of excuses to eat healthy and
unhealthy and everything in
between. We consume lots of
greasy dishes, sweets and prob-
ably a few alcoholic drinks here and
there (or more?). Every other day
I had an invitation to a Christmas
dinner, a Christmas lunch or a
meeting with friends before every-
body departs to be with family and/
or friends.
I did my best keeping up with
my normal exercise schedule to
keep the extra December pounds
under my limit of five. As I'm
writing this, Christmas has come
and gone and lucky me I kept
the weight gain to just two pounds.
I still have New Year's Eve to deal
with, though!
Of course, as with any December
31st, people start talking about
their New Year's resolutions.
At the top of most lists is to quit
smoking or to lose weight. So
we start digging up old diets we
followed in the past with some posi-
tive result. But this year I want
you all to forget about diets and
I'll give you another option to lose
weight in a healthier way, without
starving like with most diets. I
love eating and hate to feel hungry
all the time, so for years now I
don't diet anymore, I've just put
in a slightly different rule in my
eating patterns for when I want to
maintain my weight or for when I
want to lose weight. So read this
and try it out and see for yourself
how wonderful this works.
First rule: Eat your three meals
without any exception. The minute
you start skipping one meal this
whole thing doesn't work anymore.
Second rule: There is a time-
frame to eat your meals: Breakfast
between 6 and 8 am, Lunch between
12 and 2 pm and your evening meal
between 6 and 8 pm. For those who


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are coming home a bit later, please
don't eat after 9 pm.
Third rule: This is probably one
of the most difficult rules. Eat your
meal sitting down, enjoying it, and
chewing every bite at least 8 times.
Don't watch TV, don't read books
or the newspaper, just enjoy and
concentrate on what you're eating.
Fourth rule: Mid-morning and
mid-afternoon eat some fruit an
apple, pear or banana, piece of
watermelon or papaya whatever's
in season and fresh.
Fifth rule: An hour of exercise a
day. Read further down for what's
best.
Sixth rule: Drink at least eight
glasses of water a day, apart from
all your other drinks.
Sticking to these rules will make
a difference already. Your metabo-
lism will increase; you'll feel more
healthy and active and this will
contribute to overall well-being.
You're probably asking yourself:
and what are we going to eat? One
of the things we have to keep in
mind is that we shouldn't drasti-
cally change all our eating habits.
That's what goes wrong in diets.
Let's say you are used to break-
fast with toast and cheese and a
cup of coffee. Then they tell you to
start eating yogurt and granola.
Try to look at what you're eating
and apply the following rules.
In some former articles I talked
about those fruits you have to eat
on an empty stomach. That's why
the best hours are, first thing in
the morning at breakfast and those
10 am and 4 pm breaks mentioned
above. Don't eat any fruits after
a heavy meal, it will sit in your
stomach too long and give you gas,
a full feeling and the valuable vita-
mins are lost.
At lunch, the best carbohydrates
are a combination of vegetables and
in the evening meat and vegetables
and no carbohydrates if possible.
Don't go on a carb-free diet! We
need carbohydrates for energy.
The best time for those carbs is at


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lunch and its best to combine them
with veggies; limit protein intake if
you want to lose weight. Be careful
with fats and oils. Eat as much
grilled meat and fish not fried.
When you do choose to stir-fry, use
a bit of olive oil or oil from a spray
can without the fat. Skip all the
fried stuff!
So what does your plate look
like? At lunch, try some rice, pasta
or potatoes with vegetables and a
salad. You have to start putting
your salad on your plate, make sure
half of your plate is filled, then put
a quarter of carbohydrates and
a quarter of vegetables. And of
course you have to use the whole
grain carbohydrates as much as
possible.
In the evening you'll do the
same half your plate with a salad,
then the meat or fish, and fill it up
with vegetables. The breakfast can
be yogurt with cereal, or toast with
marmalade or cheese. You can drink
a cup of coffee or tea, and a glass
of fresh juice. Don't use sugars in
anything; if you really need your
sweet taste, use some of the diet


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sugars. And for those of you who
are like me and cannot live without
an occasional piece of chocolate or
a cookie now and then, eat it in the
morning on your break, so you'll
use the calories during the day.
And last but not least your exer-
cises: an hour a day is recommended
in almost all literature. It can be
walking, swimming, dancing, aero-
bics or jogging. Choose something
you like doing, because forcing
yourself to jump in the water when
you cannot swim will be very hard
and you'll stop quickly. The best
is alternating days one doing
weights and the other doing cardio-
vascular exercises. And at least one
day of the week you'll have to take
a day off to rest your body.
Weight training doesn't always
mean lifting weights in the gym.
We can do Pilates, use your own
body as weight doing exercises at
home, or use some small weights.
I'm doing my weight training on
the Power Plate, so there are many
ways to do weight training. And for
cardio you should find something
you actually like doing.


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Some final thoughts about doing
weights and cardio: the reports say
that it's best engaging the whole
body doing the weights and do a lot
of core exercises to slim down your
waist. And when you want to lose
weight the best cardio exercise is
interval training instead of walking
or jogging in the same rhythm for
an hour. Here's how that goes: walk
for 10 minutes to warm up, and go
for half an hour 1-minute walk with
1-minute jog or run, depending your
level of training and finish with a 10
minute walk to cool down. Then do
some stretching.
Sticking to something like this
will surely help you lose those extra
holiday pounds. You will eventu-
ally be able to stick to your eating
and exercise plan rigorously during
the week and loosen up a bit on the
weekends. You won't starve and
you will feel better.
So my wish for 2009 is that you
all live a healthy life and discover
what the word 'well-being' truly
means, because that's what happens
when you live by those rules. Hey!
Come and visit me and we'll lay out
your proper personal plan together!

Questions or comments, I'd
love to hear from you. Email me at
ivleest@yahoo.com.





VIDEO-PRODUCCIONES
For digital
video lovers
Tel 239-0285
Fax. 232-2300












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HONDURAS THIS WEEK


Saturday, January 10, 2009 11




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


12 Saturday, January 10, 2009


ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ISSUE
TOUCH UN DU TWA FOR FRENCH


What do you folks think about the time saving telephone challenges
more and more businesses are using? I believe it started with the
Social Security organization in Estado Unidos. You dial the toll-free 1-
800 number and a cheerful voice answers the call. You are thrilled and
pleased to get through so quickly and you snap back with "Well hello,
I was just...." And then it happens, you're talking to a recording and
making a total fool of yourself. You stop and try to pick up on the instruc-
tions being rattled off.
"Press un, du, twa for French, Uno, dos, tres for Spanish or 9 for all
other languages." You think that obviously a call to the United States
Social Security agency the first language would be English, so you
assume 123 would register you as a local? Wrong, 123 brings you another
recording speaking Swahili.
And so it goes on and on until finally you are in and talking to an
English speaking machine. "To save time, please say your last name then
spell it very slowly and hit pound."
You clearly and succinctly say I', ;i, ..' P-E-A-R-L-Y #. The machine
then says back to you, "You said, Pertasism, is that correct? If that is
correct, touch I." After three more futile attempts, the voice cheerfully
says, "Never mind, we're sorry you are experiencing trouble, please say
your social security number one numeral at a time very slowly." Need I
say more?
If you were calling in advance to arrange the pension check you
qualify for in a little while, it may be over-due by the time you finally
get to speak with a live person. And don't bother to complain, they have
heard it all over and over again. One technician who advised us that
for security purposes she could not give her name or location to callers;
almost every single call she answers begins with a complaint about the
run-around.

VOICE MAIL
Another modern miracle is voice Mal. Yes mal, meaning bad in
Spanish. Some diabolical participants go to great pains to put on a
message that sounds so casual, so real, so common that you assume you
got the target and take off on a long dissertation about this and that until
finally, after a calculated 10 seconds of silence they say, "Gotcha, I am not
here now but if you, etc. etc." That should be considered at least a misde-
meanor punishable by a week without the use of ones cell phone.

WHAT EXACTLY IS PAPERVIEW?
You hear it all the time on TV, the movie you want to watch more
than anything else in the world will be on paperview Sunday night. Does
that mean like a newspaper will arrive with the entire script written out
for you, with pictures of the leading lady and the handsome male star
making mad, passionate love? No folks...paperview is really PAY PER
VIEW. Now we knew that didn't we?

C.S.I. ROATAN
Why not, everyone seems to be hooked on a C.S.I. somewhere. Miami,
New York, why not Coxen Hole? They make it seem like it is absolutely
impossible to get away with a crime without leaving an entire resume
behind. Fingerprints, DNA traces on the pier, fluid droplets in the sand,
cell phone records, transmission locations, hair on the conk shell and most
importantly, history of looking up criminal activities on the suspect's
Blackberry. We will know in a month or two who stole the ripe avocados
from the Gringo's tree.

PEARLISMS
Why do banks charge a fee on 'insufficient funds' when they already
know there is not enough money to make ends meet? Why does someone
believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but have to check
when you say the paint is still wet? Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?
Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when someone
throws a revolver at him? Try it, he does every time. Why did Kamikaze
pilots wear helmets? Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale?
Why is it that no plastic bag in Eldon's opens from the end on the first
try? Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's
falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

FINALLY...DID YOU KNOW?
The Roatan Bruce Show is now broadcasting on the community
station 101.1 FM The Wave 101.1 FM is a world class station on origi-
nating right here on Roatan that will rival any other quality station
playing music with an edge. The station's strong signal will be available
everywhere on The Bay Islands and Northern Honduras, but it won't
stop there. Much more to follow.


The Roatan Bruce Show is now
broadcasting on the community
station 101.1 FM The Wave!
The Wave 101.1 FM is a world
class radio station on Roatan that
will rival any other quality station
playing music with an edge. The
station's strong signal will be
available everywhere on The Bay
Islands and northern Honduras,
but it won't stop there.
The Roatan Bruce Show is
heard at the same times as before,





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San Pedro Sula: New Townhouse large
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Los Molinas House for sale:1,600,000
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La Auroa- House for Sale Bright corner location
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Many more properties available.

Global Contactos is a full Real Estate business
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from 9 am to 1 pm. Start your day
as you did before listening to the
latest local news and calendar,
weather and important interviews
on 101.1 FM. Plus, The Wave will
soon be heard around the world
via live-stream signal anywhere in
the world on the Internet! People
interested in Roatan will be able to
hear the show anytime, anywhere
simply by going to their computer
and clicking on the "listen live"
button on this website or the Wave


website. Please let me know if
you want to be added to the list
people who are notified when the
streaming starts.
The Wave 101.1 FM will soon
become the best known and
most popular English-speaking
radio station in the far Western
Caribbean and Central America.
You can now set your dial 24 hours
a day on The Wave 101.1 FM
without ever having to change your
channel!


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Interviews


HONDURAS THIS WEEK


ROATAN




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW HONDURAS THIS WEEK Saturday, January10,2009 13


TOURISM


Howard Rosenzweig


What Can We Expect for 2009


Honduran Tourism?


Well...here we are...it's 2009 and
Honduras is coming off a gangbuster
year in terms of tourism numbers.
Tourist visits were up, cruise ship
traffic was up, hotel occupancy was up,
real estate sales on Roatan were up...
and then...the worldwide, US-inspired
and fueled financial crisis began with a
vengeance. So where does that leave
us in Honduras for this year? Frankly
it's hard to say. Depending on who
you listen to, tourism may increase
modestly this year, it may stay rela-
tively flat (in other words the same as
last year) or it may take a nose dive
downwards. Again...hard to say.
There are a couple of indica-
tors that may bode well for the
overall health of Honduran and
Central American tourism. First off,
Honduras is a "close in" destination
to the US, and thus, quick, easy and
relatively inexpensive to get here.
This is important for time-starved US
tourists who are usually only able to
wiggle in a week, 10 days or maybe a 2
week vacation at the most. A flight to
South East Asia for example involves
some 23 hours of flying time each
way, which doesn't include the trip to
the airport and transfers once at the
far-off destination. For the average
American traveler, they can ill afford
to spend almost a full three days
getting to and from their destination
of choice. In comparison, Honduras
is a relative hop, skip and jump away
from US gateway cities such as
Houston and Miami. Also nowadays,
budget carriers such as Spirit will jet
you, in "some" degree of comfort to
San Pedro Sula from Fort Lauderdale,
for less than a night out with the kids
to the local mall movie theater and
a bite at TGI Fridays after the flick
.... talk about hefty savings in these
troubled economic times! Spirit Air
can't be beat for big bang for the air


travel buck.
Secondly, the weather ... winter in
Honduras means wonderful spring-like
temperatures pretty much guaranteed
every day. The average tempera-
ture year round in Copan Ruinas, for
example, is a comfortable 78F and the
hurricane season and rainy season are
all but over for now.
Next, we come to bang for the
travel buck once on the ground in
Honduras. For $100 for two people
can get a decent, clean room with
private bath, hot water and a good
degree of comfort, three solid, tasty
meals per day, a few happy hour
drinks in the evening and transport
(buses, taxis, tuk-tuks) from one desti-
nation to another. As well, there still
will be something left over for souve-
nirs as well as a couple of guided tours
to national parks, archeological ruins,
etc. Try to get anything near that kind
of travel value for your money in the
US, Canada or Europe...very difficult
especially when one considers that
just a hotel room (and not even much
of a room at that) would probably set
you back at least a hundred bucks.
Now, of course prices are cheap in
all of Central America, so Honduras
faces some competition, but taken as
a whole the Central American region
offers up lots of travel options where
visitors can mix and match countries
and destinations without having to
worry about doing major damage to
their already well-used credit cards.
Consequently, travel to the Central
America region is up in recent years
with more and more travelers visiting
multiple Central American countries
during the course of one trip. This
past May/June my wife and I travelled
to Costa Rica and Nicaragua and had
a wonderful time. It should be noted
that Honduran destinations such as
Copan Ruinas are direct beneficiaries


of this cross border, mix and match
tourism in Central America. I have
often told guests in Copan (almost
jokingly at times) that the best thing
that could happen to Honduran and
Copan tourism in particular is that
tourism in Guatemala continues to
increase at a healthy clip, as many
tourists whose prime destination is
Guatemala, cross the border at Copan
to take a look see at the ruins, get
a taste of Honduras and hopefully
continue on to other destinations such
as the North Coast and Bay Islands.
Another advantage for Honduras
in these tough economic times is that
Honduras draws primarily small scale
tourism: not much here in the way
of bus loads of tourists descending
on archeological sites and national
parks, such as in Mexico and Costa
Rica. Copan Ruinas saw some 80,000
or so US, Canadian and European
tourists last year, unlike other more
heavily visited tourism destinations
such as Mexico. Honduras only needs
to pull in a relatively small number of
tourists to stay even with last year's
numbers. Destinations like Yucatan
and the Mayan Riviera in Mexico must
pull in millions of tourists in order to
keep their huge tourism infrastruc-
ture humming. Copan Ruinas, with
only a couple of dozen hotels, needs a
fraction of that kind of tourism to fill
up its rooms and keep its restaurants
busy.
In terms of tourism products,
Honduras competes well, thank
you very much: diving, snorkeling,
beaches, islands, mangroves, national
parks, jungles, cloud forests, rivers,
live indigenous cultures, birding and
other nature tourism, archeology,
coffee tourism, etc. As the new
Honduran tourism tag line goes, "Todo
esta Aqui ... Everything is here!"
Other Central American destinations


have similar products; Guatemala has
Tikal, Nicaragua has Granada, Costa
Rica has beach, but few destinations
have the breadth and depth that
Honduras offers. The main problem
in Honduras is a lack of infrastruc-
ture, a lack of roads to national parks,
lack of visitor centers, trails, guides
and other tourism infrastructure in
hard to reach destinations such as La
Mosquitia or the Lenca Highlands.
Frankly, other Central American
destinations do a much better job than
Honduras does in terms of providing
adequate infrastructure to a wide
variety of places where tourists want
to go. And of course, it goes without
saying that other nearby countries,
such as Costa Rica do a much, much
better job of marketing and promoting
their tourism products, especially in
the all important US market.
On strictly demographic terms,
Honduras has a few advantages in
terms of pulling in tourists. Honduras'
forte up to now are the islands and
Copan. Most travelers who scuba
dive and visit archeological sites tend
to be college graduates and in upper
income brackets. Taking into account
the anticipated economic downturn
in the US and Europe, it should be
noted that as a whole, college gradu-
ates have an unemployment rate that
is half that of non-college grads. Thus
college grads (who disproportionately)
visit Honduras in greater numbers for
example, will be less affected by any
coming economic downturn.
So there you have it ... some


observations on the New Year for
Honduran tourism. In a few months
we will see how this all plays out.
Obviously difficult times are ahead
for Honduras. The important maquila
light manufacturing export sector
which is dependent on the US as
its main market will be hit hard, as
demand for Honduran made products
such as clothing will likely take a nose
dive. As well, money sent back by
Hondurans residing in the US (both
legally and illegally) may dip as many
Honduran immigrants lose their
jobs or see their earnings in the US
reduced in the coming months. As US
consumers are squeezed, spending
will continue to drop which may affect
everything from Honduran honeydew
melon growers in Choluteca, to culti-
vated shrimp farmers on the Pacific
coast, to coffee growers in Western
Honduras and banana and pineapple
growers on the North Coast. One
would hope (and pray) that at least
the tourism sector in Honduras will
be able to keep its head above water
in the coming months and hopefully
modestly prosper and thrive in these
difficult economic times. Perhaps the
clear, sunny blue skies that Honduran
tourism is famous for, may bring a
glimmer of hope to an otherwise grey
and dark economic panorama ... that's
my hope for 2009.

Howard is the owner/operator of
Casa de Cafe, a bed and breakfast in
Copan Ruinas. Visit the website at
http://www.casadecafecopan.com.


Clinica de
Fisioterapia
Professional


ADVERTENCIA: EL ABUSO DE LA BEBIDA PERJUDICA LA SALUD I.H.A.D.F.A.


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' i




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


YOUR CENTRAL ANERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW

HONDURAS THIS WEEK







CLASSIFIED

Did you know that classified advertisements are also on our web page? It receives more than 1.5 million hits per month!

It's time to advertise with Honduras This Week!

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Complex is located on the beach and is avail-
able for immediate occupancy. Price: $600.00
per month (water and light included) Call
Olin at Phones: (504) 445-4213, 445-0256, for
additional information.E-mail: olinsaphrey@
aol.com

House for Rent Colonia Palmira
Completely furnished, house has 4 bed-
rooms, dining room, living room, kitchen,
laundry, office, garage, plenty water, air
conditioning, cable tv, internet, telephone
line Price:$1,600.00,
Please contact us to Phones: 236-5925
ozpanchame@yahoo.com

"Weekend in Copan Ruinas, Pretty apart
ment, fully furnished, two Room, A/C, hot
water, garage two cars, full kitchen, TV
with cable.
Tel. 504-1876 Cel.9991-0889
contacto@servirse.com






Humuija Inn

Guest Rooms
& Apartments
For both short and extended stays at
affordable prices. All of our rooms
include air conditioning, wireless
internet, cable television, direct dial-
telephones, daily maid service. Large
family room and full service kitchen
24-7 security. Please see our website
to fully appreciate our establishment
at www.humuyainn.com American
owned and managed. Information
(504) 239-8962, 235-7276, 239-
2206, 235-7275 Fax: 239-5099 or
Info@humuyainn.com
Tegucigalpa


Large Vacation Beach House for
rent weekly.
Ideal for family reunions, retreats or group
gatherings 10 br and 10 b (maximum 30
guests) 500 meters beach front on Tela
Bay between San Juan and Tornabe.

Call Elia at 504/545/2660 or email:
elcocalhouse@gmail.com
For more info:
www.elcocalhouse.com

For Rent
La Ceiba, Beachfront condo, 2 bedrooms,
2 bathrooms, A/C, pool, $800
fully furnished.
2b-2bathroom House,$1200, AC,
Pool, Fully furnished.

Phones 9812-5116,9805-7522
Website: www.villasbocavieja.com
E-mail:ivan.jnc@gmail.com

Flatmate Wanted
Young foreigner wanted for sharing a
modern 120 sq.m. luxury apartment in Col.
Las Lomas, Tegucigalpa. Luminous, fully
furnished room with private bathroom,
including use of fully furnished kitchen,
huge living room, balcony with panoramic
view, guest bathroom, all facilities (DVD,
TV, CD, washing machine, phone, micro-
wave..) parking space for one car included,
closed to Mall Multiplaza, 24 hrs security,
also for short stays, monthly rent 400 US$
(negotiable.).
If interested, please contact: Phone:
(+504) 96210011, Email: ohmmm7@
gmail.com

For Rent
Conveniently located in Colonia La
Reforma, Calle Joaquin Soto, Tegucigalpa,
M.D.C.. Consisting of 2 living rooms, 2
bedrooms, bath, kitchen, dining room,
vertical curtains for all windows, ceiling
fans, laundry room with bath, washing
machine and dryer, a porch with patio
furniture, and large patio with garden
protected with a wall and electric fence.
The apartment has hot water. Closets,
windows, doors, and furniture are made of
mahogany wood. Furniture and appliances
include: 2 living room sets, 1 dining room
set, lamps, refrigerator, electric stove, 2
televisions,1 DVD, 1 stereo, bedroom fur-
niture and desks. It has cable and Internet
service, and the telephone has an answer-
ing machine. The kitchen has a microwave
oven, blender, electric coffee pot, toaster,
sandwich maker, dishes, pots, glasses, and
many other kitchen and dining room uten-
sils. The bedrooms have linens and towels.
The bathroom has a bathtub.
Parking: It has an electric garage doorwith
parking for at least three vehicles.
Security of the apartment: It is protected
with an electric fence and an alarm moni-
tored by Wackenhut. It also has installed a
smoke detector.
Cost of the Internet, cable, water, and gar-
dening services plus security monitoring is
included in rent. Tennant only needsto pay
for the electricity and telephone services.
If you are interested in the apart-
ment call 238 0137 or 238 2540 or
send email to lucybdz@yahoo.com


House For Rent
Located in Colonia San Ignacion, nice envi-
ronment, closed neighborhood, garden, 3
bedrooms, mater room hasjacuzzi, garage
(2 vehicles), terrace. Price $1,500.00
For more information contact: Copira (504)
239-4007,9565-0663,9990-3745
E-mail: copira2002@yahoo.com


FOR SALE

Beautiful home site, 2,802 v2.
Best zone (1st stage) res. Villa Elena,
Tegucigalpa's most exclusive eco-develop-
ment and Country Club. $50.00/V2, nego-
tiable. Javier Mejia Tel. 9941-1212.
E-mail: lucygodoykessler@yahoo.com

150 ft. Beach Front Villa
La Ceiba

Sleeps 6-8, private pool, nearby restaurants
and attractions,
15 minutes East of La Ceiba in Villa Nuria.
Magnificent sunsets. Enjoy yourself $12001
week. Call Heidi 9719-8959

Luxury Villa La Ceiba
Sleeps 6-8 people, private pool, 3200 ft,
gourmet kitchen, Mango Tree gated commu-
nity, 20 min East of La Ceiba.
Restaurants, beach and eco-tourism attrac-
tions nearby.
$1200/wk. Call Heidi 9719-8959
Email: golaceiba@yahoo.com
www.GoLaCeibaRealEstate.com

Coffe Farm in Olancho
Mountain property 20 kilometers from San
Francisco de la Paz, area of 220 acres,
43 with high altitude coffe plantation,
103 acres with pastures and the rest with
forest.
Assume laon with bank of $30,000 pay-
able in five years at 10% per year and
the rest in cash to make a total price of
US $90,000.
See pictures at www.coffeefarm.
synthasite.com If interested please
call at (504) 9952-7504 or
e-mail: srpenergy@yahoo.com


nouse ior sale
Located in Altos de Miraflores Sur
Area of construction 242 mts2
Parking spaces for 2 vehicles, two living
rooms, studio, 3 bedrooms with their
own bathroom, cistern with pump, elec-
tric gate, water heater, furnished kitchen.
Price: $190,000.
Those interested please call:
citas al 9990 2917 y al 9995 3452 or
E-mail: hugoorellana@honduras.com

For Sale
Toyota Cressida for Sale
1984, A/C, Sony stereo Lps. 60,000, Call
Aida 3233-6943 from 8 am -9 pm
sabonge2001@yahoo.com


African Palm Farm in North Coast
of Honduras
90+/- acres of flat land, 60+/- acres with
African palm in production, good pasture,
it borders a big lagoon (Lagunas Los Micos),
1 house for employee, with solar electric,
community water, 2 big fish ponds, close to
the African palm factory in San Alejo, good
investment and a good place to relax and
make money. Price $350,000.00. Call for
more information at
863-673-0955; 863-265-0366 (USA) or
321-574-2678
(Honduras) (504) 9699-8119 or e-mail:
southdixie@embarqmail.com
Santa Lucia: Just 20 minutes from Tegus
on the road to Valley of Angles, live in a
near prefect climate year round day time
high temps 70 with very low humidity.
This is a small, friendly, and safe place to
live.
This property is approximately 3 acres with
one large house, 3 apartments and one
small house. There is plenty of parking
space for cars. In total there are 15 bed-
rooms 9 bath rooms 5 kitchens and one
stroage building with bathroom.
The large house has 6 bedrooms and
4 bathrooms large living room, fireplace
with high ceilings. Large kitchen and a
huge covered patio overlooking Tegus. The
apartments are 1- 3 bedroom 2 bath and
2 -2 bedroom 1 bath, there is also a small
house with 2 bedroom and 1 bath. All
buildings are in good condition ready to
move in. there is city water and we also
have a 20,000 water storage facility.
There are 18 building lots in addition to
the housesand apartmentsthat have been
platted and surveyed. All lots have fantastic
views of the city.
This is a great property for developers,
church retreat or mission compound.
Great buy at $499,000 the lots alone are
worth the entire price. Call George US.#
336-506-7503 cell 321-624-3894 hondu-
ras call Lucio 3354-9657.

For Sale by Owner
Located in Siguatepeque, Honduras
Central America 1 V2 manzanas, a mod-
ern, beautiful home that has approx.
2,500 sq. ft. in it, has fabulous view of
mountains from porch and patio, spring
like weather all year long, bananas,
coffee, oranges, various fruits, flowers.
Very beautiful and secure area.
Will sell home with all or part of the
property. The price starts at $170,000
for just house with the 110 ft x 110 ft
walled in area around the house and
flower garden, and designated prop-
erty outside the wall or $300,000.00
for all. Price negotiable. Only serious
buyers need to call or email.
maryronhonduras@yahoo.com or
call: 011-504-9666-1885

For Sale in Copan Ruinas
1.6 acre Oasis. 2 story Villa, guest cottage,
carport and enclosed garage/bodega.
Most beautifully landscaped vista proper-
ty in town. All Services. Full title. No liens.
A must see
e-mail: stepstocopan@yahoo.com
Internet site:
http://realestate.escapeartist.com/P-29327


For Sale
Beautiful 3,500 sq. ft. beachfront. Fenced
lot in Santa Fe, 25 min west of Trujillo. Lot
is close to the beautiful blue waters of the
Caribbean. It has electric and water avail-
able. The price is right! Only $18,000 U.S.
It is close to a quiet little village of Santa Fe
and lovely mountain views.
Don't missthis opportunityto own a"piece
of paradise. For this proce!
Please contact

Belinda Linton
www.hondurasislandsandbeaches.com
cell:0-11-504-9906-9818
For Sale in Colonia
Lomas del Guijarro

Beautiful apartment, panoramic view,
security, pool, social area, 3 bedrooms,
garden. US$225,000
Beautiful House in Colonia Lomas del
Guijarro, pool, panoramic view, sauna,
garden, 4 bedrooms. US$360,000
Please contact us to phones:
(504)239-4995, 263-1456,
3364-7454,3360-3104
We have more apartments and
houses for sale and rent.
E.mail: ceciliadpp@hotmail.com or
blancamejiahn@yahoo.com

SERVICES

Paradise Massages
With beauty girls
Tel. (504) 9978-76-83
For more information
jona_c99 @yahoo.com
San Pedro Sula

BUFFETE LAFOSSE
& ASOCIADOS
EDIFICIO PLAZA CRETA, PRIMER NIVEL
BOULEVARD LA HACIENDA.
CORREO ELECTRONIC: contacts@
lafosseyasoc-law.hn
www.lafosseyasoc-law.hn
Telefonos: (504) 235-7683,
(504)235-8887 Fax: (504) 239-9008

Central America
SPANISH SCHOOL
A SCHOOL WITH UNIQUE TEACHING
TECHNIQUES! OUR PROGRAMS:
" Intensive Spanish Language program in:
SLa Ceiba Utila Bay Island Roatan Bay Island
"Eco-Spanish, Biological and Scientific
Program
" In Cayos Cochinos marine protected
area.
SEcological Intensive Spanish Language
Program
"In the National Park Pico Bonito.
" Mayan and Beach Intensive Language Program
"Available in La Ceiba, Utila and Copan
Ruinas.
Transfer Credits available from US
Universities. Call: 440-1707
E-mail: info@ca-spanish.com
www.ca-spanish.com


REAL ESTATE


Happy Land Real Estate
www.realestatehappyland.com
happyland@realestatehappyland.com
(504) 440-2803/(504) 9998-8497/
(504) 9922-8778
For sale in the North Coast of Honduras
*Porvenir, Atlantida, beach properties,
65.6 feet of beach front and 270.6 feet
deep, total area 17,744.80 square feet,
price $2.80 per square feet.
*Triunfo de la Cruz, Tela, Atlantida,
beach property, area: 5,820.36 square
feet, 126 feet of beach front. Price
$130,000.
*East End, Guanaja, Bay Islands, 84.25
acres with approximately 2,788 feet of
beach front. Coral reefs in front of prop-
erty, $60,000 per acre.
*Guanaja, Bay Islands, 10 acres with
river, house, next to a hotel. Price:
$85,000 per acre.
*Tela, Atlantida, beach 100 meters away
from beach, two story house, swimming
pool, 3 bedrooms, price $190,000.
*Piedra Pintada, La Ceiba, Atlantida,
two beach houses with three bedrooms.
Price: $85,000.
*Piedra Pintada, La Ceiba, Atlantida, two
properties of 32.8 x 65.6 feet of beach
front. Price:$16,000 per property.
*Granadita, La Ceiba, Atlantida, beach
front house with two bedrooms, terrace,
swimming pool, price: $240,000.
*Balfate, Colon, 4 terrains of beach front
of 65.6 x 65.6 feet, $25,000 each one.
*Tela, Atlantida 68.8 acres in Tela, beach,
mountain and plain terrain, 34.4 acres
(plain) and 34.4 acres (mountains),
excellent for building a hotel resort.
Price $58,140 per acre.
-Trujillo, Colon, 423.4468 acres of beach,
rivers, mountain and plain terrain,
appropriate for a tourist hotel resort,
price: $600,000 negotiable.
*La Ceiba, Atlantida, mountain property
of 115.24 acres, beautiful view of the sea
and city, has a river. Price $220,000.
*Pollityle Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands,
10 acres with beach, plain terrain
and mountains, 6 acres plain domain
$45,000 per acre and 4 acres with pos-
session $40,000 per acre.
*La Ceiba, Atantida, residential project
Wendy, two brand new houses, three
bedrooms, dining room, living room,
kitchen, laundry room, ceramic floors,
fine finishes, with garage $55,000
without garage $50,000. Close to the
national university and airport Goloson.
10 minutes away from the city.
*La Ceiba, Atlantida, located in Jardines
del Este, house with three bedrooms,
living room, dining room, kitchen,
paved roads, garage (2 cars), completely
new. $50,000.
More houses, terrains, and beach
properties at
www.realestatehappyland.com


video lovers I w
Tel 239-0285 iU
Fax. 232-2300 VIDEO-PRODUCCIONES


14 Saturday, January 10, 2009


HONDURAS THIS WEEK




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


EMPLOYMENT
ROATAN BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
AN ON-GOING FULLY LICENSED BUSINESS
OPEN FOR A PARTNERSHIP OR TAKE-OVER
COMPLETELY.
DON PEARLY 504 9991-0281
dpearly@hotmail.com
English, Italian, French, German
And Portuguese
TEACHERS
wanted
No experience needed
Flexible hours
Work and travel
Excellent working environment
Please call 239-6418, 239-6417,
9957-5585

INVESTMENTS
12% to 19%
Return on Investment
6 or 12 Month Terms
$2,500.00 Minimum Investment
Conservative Approach to
Futures & Options
roatanflyer@gmail.com




COMPANY, Honduras
Searching for the best
profiles? Searching
for the best job?
Don't search for more, just visit: SM
COMPANY, Honduras and Latin America,
www.smcompany.net, www.honduem-
pleos.com, info@honduempleos.com
We guarantee the best.
Ph. (504)221-0874,553-3386

Alcoholics Anonymous Roatan
For meeting schedules and times,
call 9991-3215,445/3476, 9942-6607,
445-1987.Us call:(423) 443-4164.
www.aaroatan.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Looking for a North American for coffee
and talk in downtown Tegucigalpa,
call Ron Logan, Telephone: 207-7255.

I am looking for a property to buy in the El Hatillo
area or Valle De Angeles. I want at
least one acre or one manzana in these areas. I
prefer the land to be flat.
My number is:(512)280-4330
E.U. or 239-3654 (teguz).
E-mail mvivi@email.com

fAVA &A['. 1.T, I [I I I Sl 1 l
CaXVing






and ........


wortl( C 5ss

Archeolog

Cpanw H+5 It Mlt


LA ASA

CAAFS
Ily~^.~CJJiA~iF


Brand new Luxury


THE MUS T
SEE IN TELA a j(

HOTEL & RESTAURANT
r 9 Ocean view units
-. A/C, cable TV
i^;/ Private parking. .
Hammock patio -
S ,A J [A] French Canadian owner.
Tela, Honduras, America Central TEL: (504) 448-1497, (504) 448-1928
www.mayavista.com E-mail: info@mayavista.com






Main Floor
Garage with electric gate and visual intercommunication,
dining room, living room, kitchen includes storage room
and breakfast area, studio, bathroom, small storage room,
terrace to patio, laundry area and service room.
Second Floor Main bedroom including walking closet and
balcony, spacious bathroom with bathtub,
two more bedrooms with
bathrooms.
Also Internet connections and

number installed electric fence, f
safe alarm, water heater and
cistern.
Very safe and peaceful place to
live. $1,150.00

Thos intrestd plaseall 23-40 or 99628


I For Reservation
services@dormir.com / http://www.dormir.com


2 bedroom condominium,
fully furnished
3' floor, ocean view.
All new S/S GE kitchen
appliances.

Condo resides in resort
community w/spa, fitness
center, restaurant, 4 pools,
beautiful lagoon
and elevators.


Please view website: www.roatancondo.com
email: itoihonduras@hotmail.com


Contact numbers: 3364-7047 or 766-2379


Phones: (504) 221-13U07, 221-1904, 9931-2845
Please visit our website: www.inversionesetica.com
E-mail: etica@cablecolor.hn


"Horizonte Condos"
A new way of living: excellent view and location, combined with the
independence and commodity of a residence.
Three bedrooms units.

Located in excellent areas:
A. Horizonte Florencia Condos Starting from $ 145,000.00
Nice neighborhood, street with low traffic One finished condo available,
six more Under construction.
B. Horizonte Mayab Condos located in Lomas del Mayab, beautiful view of
the Basilica de Suyapa. Two spacious condos available starting at $185,000.00.




Tondominios 9'orizonte
Admirelos por su belleza, Adquibralos por su seguridad


- .rf m


HONDURAS THIS WEEK


Saturday, January 10, 2009 15


r




YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW


HABLA Claro-

SPOR MAS DE 130 PASSES


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No import d6nde vayas, la seial de Claro- te acompaia en tu viaje, con
la mas amplia cobertura de voz, correo electr6nico e intermet* e: t ucllar,
lo que te permit estar en contact SIEiMPRIL.


~~0I **#


16 Saturday, January 10, 2009


HONDURAS THIS WEEK


_MBD ^9A

PAGE 1

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009 YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW VOL. 22, No. 01 (1043) Tegucigalpa www.hondurasthisweek.com Lps 6.00 P AGE 6 Tasty Mexican Cuisine Being Served Fresh at Los Nopalitos P AGE 4 Oil Exploration to Begin in February in Honduran Caribbean P AGE 5 Coffee Exports Down in December Minimum Wage Increase Faces Stiff Opposition, Leads to Lay-offs Andrea Gutirrez/ Honduras This Week The Labor of Ministry building in Tegucigalpa has seen a spike in activity since minimum wage increases have forced employers to lay off workers. Todd Ellertson Honduras This Week During the first week of January, the Ministry of Labor saw 700 people who were given dismissal papers, due to a combination of the economic downturn but mostly due to the mandatory minimum wage increase enacted by the Zelaya administration. The majority of the dismissed employees, many frantic at the prospect of not being able to support their families, said that they were willing to renegotiate wages with their employers in order to continue feeding their families. Honduran Secretary of Labor Mayra Meja declared that, “We stand firm on the establishment of the minimum wage that will prevail during year 2009 for Honduran workers. Those working in urban areas will receive 5,500 lempiras per month, in rural areas, 4,055 per month at the minimum. This will remain in effect, in spite of threats from businesses who intend to take their case to the Supreme Court.” “We are prepared to argue for the benefit of the worker and see through what workers and busi nesses could not resolve in their negotiations of wage increases. We will represent the family unit of Honduras,” Secretary Mejia continued. The government took its position to increase the minimum wage for workers in spite of the refusal by the business sector. Industrialists claim the President acted unilaterally in his decision to move forward with wage increases and therefore the increases can be contested. The Honduran Council of Private Companies (COHEP) announced on Tuesday, January 6 that they will seek a shelter from the wage increases before the Supreme Court. MINIMUM WAGE cont on page 3

PAGE 2

Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK 2 OPINION YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW Human beings could be consid ered the sum of observations and experiences of all times and coun tries. This concept coincides with what Dr. Alexis Carrel expressed in his book “Man, the Unknown” (La Incognita del Hombre) where he expresses that when we observe scientific data of contemporary human beings, we realize the weak ness of our civilization and the need of knowing ourselves. Many wish to free themselves from the dogmas that have been imposed by society and others are brave enough to comprehend the need to not only to submit to mental, political and social changes, but to see beyond an industrial civi lization and envision another path for human progress. Everything is related in this world that we live in. In the forest, for example, trees shelter insects appropriately; hummingbirds have beaks that are perfectly dimen sioned to fit into flowers they visit. On a planetary level, distances between the earth in accordance to the sun and moon are optimum. These relationships have been and are very complex once it comes to human beings and civilizations. Now, the world anticipates the global implications of the economic crisis in the U.S. Gradual recovery depends on the most powerful nations to balance and stabilize the financial and real estate industries. A positive end to the war in Iraq is hoped for; incoming U.S. President Obama has pledged a measured withdrawal of troops. Antiterrorist policies will be more necessary than ever before. Ghana, Africa has provided an example of democracy as they chose their president in a demo cratic system; however the human situation in Africa is tragic, its population continues to fall prey to civil wars, illness, ignorance and corruption. India, in spite of enormous social problems and recent violence, continues making history through a good percentage of their youth. Their excellent education stan dards and outcomes have made India a major supplier of high-tech computer software and valuable scientific knowledge. Honduras is starting a new year with increases in unemployment, reductions in remittances and exportations, increases in deporta tions, and high crime rates. The Government cannot accomplish what is necessary with economic demands made by privileged unions, like that of the teachers’ union. This is also an election year and it is nothing neither new nor strange that state resources, both human and economic, will be destined for the finance of political campaigns. We need to put more effort and generate more employment. Honduras has enough human and natural resources to achieve this. We need to define the concept of our treasures in the base of the well being in our population which requires a social investment that is real and sustainable. We are not isolated, the butterfly effect is real; every action gener ates a reaction. Human beings are united by ropes that are as appar ently fragile as spider webs, but those webs have an enormous resis tance to tension. LETTERS EDITORIAL We are all Interconnected Founding Editor 1949-2006 Mario Gutirrez Minera Publisher/General Manager Mario Gutirrez Pacheco hontweek@multidata.hn Administration Manager Andrea Gutirrez Pacheco hontweekadmon@multidata.hn Subscriptions, Dare to Think and Cultural Events Editor Rosibel Pacheco de Gutirrez rosipache@yahoo.com.mx Online Publisher Stanley Marrder (Houston) stan@marrder.com Graphic Design and Video Santos Ortiz Banegas Arturo Daz produccioneshtw@gmail.com Office Angela Molina Managing Editor Alvaro Morales Molina hontweekprensa@multidata.hn Co-Editor Todd Ellertson nursetodd@gmail.com Contributors Bruce Starr, James Bodden, Patrick Ahern, Manfredo Martinez, Aida Sabonge Jackson, Emily Moberly, Jos Eduardo Atala Bay Island Correspondent Don Pearly Copan Correspondent Howard Rosenzwieg Advertisement Ernesto Lopz, hontweekmercadeo@multidata.hn Member of the Inter-American Press Association All original articles and photographs published in Honduras This Week are protected by international copyright law. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without prior written permission, is strictly prohibited. Col Payaqui Frente al Instituto San Miguel #7 Casa 3644 P.O. Box 1323, Tegucigalpa, Honduras Telephones (504) 239-3654, 239-0285 Fax (504) 232-2300 hontweek@multidata.hn Printed by Talleres de Impresin de PUBLYNSA, Honduras Dear HTW: I am writing to you about the dog poisonings on Guanaja. I have been involved in dog rescues since arriving in Honduras in 1969 with the Peace Corps. I have taught biology at UNAH since 1969 and several times have denounced the poisoning of dogs there. I have been told by friends on Guanaja that about 20 dogs have been poisoned over the last couple of months with 4 or 5 killed each night. Often these dogs are in their own yards. It appears the mayor may be involved with buying the poison and bait and having it placed to kill dogs. This is a barbaric and cruel method of dealing with “problem” dogs.” The truth is I do not know why they are poisoning dogs, but I do know this has happened several times before and the local residents have had enough of having their pets killed. Thank you for your help letting people know about this atrocity. Sherry (Pilar) Thorn via Email Letters to the Editor Policy All letters should be no more than 300 words in length, and should include the writer’s name, address and phone num ber. We will not publish street address, e-mail address or phone number unless specically requested. All letters become property of Honduras This Week and are subject to editing for length, content, grammar, punctuation, etc. You can send us letters to the editor via email: hont weekprensa@multidata.hn or mail your letter to: Honduras This Week PO Box 1312 Tegucigalpa, Honduras Notice to our Valued Readers: We want to wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2009! In an effort to improve the quality of the paper, we will now be printing twice a month. Subscribers will receive a notice in our next edition as to when subscriptions expire, since these have been paid for on a 4-edition-per-month basis. Please call 232-2300 and ask for Andrea or Rosibel if you have questions. From all of us here at ‘Honduras This Week,’ we are, as always, eternally grateful for your readership!

PAGE 3

Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 3 NATIONAL The government calculated the minimum wage increases based upon what it currently costs an average family to put the five basics of nutrition on their tables. Other factors such as medical care, education, transportation were not part of the equation. In related news, approximately 500 Carrin store employees will also be let go at national level due to the wage increases, announced Carrin’s Central American President Vicente Carrin. Carrin said that the company is not able to maintain that wage to the four thousand employees currently on the payroll nation ally. He went on to state, “This affects our company greatly. The wage increase decision was made in haste without consensus from the business sector.” 200 businesses are reported to be ready to present their case to the Supreme Court in opposi tion to the new minimum wage increases. An estimated 15,000 bakery workers could lose their jobs before the end of January. Jimmy Dacareth, National Director of the Association of Bakeries, said that the work in the bakeries will somehow have to get done with 10% less employees. Dacareth himself had to let 30 of his employees go. MINIMUM WAGE: Business Owners Going to Supreme Court con’t from page 1 Andrea Gutirrez/ Honduras This Week Though lines have thinned since last week, unemployed workers seen here are lined up to get their labor benefits processed at the Labor Ministry. For information on classieds, contact Tel. 239-3654 Email: hontweekventas@multidata.hn, www.hondurasthisweek.com CLA SS IFIED

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 4 NATIONAL Think you know the answer? Please submit your best guess to: DARE TO THINK at rosipache@yahoo.com.mx Problem # 27 In a test, 5 students in a class each scored 90%. The average of one third of the rest of the class was 70%, and the other two thirds scored an average of 60%. How many students are there in the class if the whole class’s test score average was 67.5% Answer to Problem # 25 A Check US$ 36.56 original US$ 56.36 reversed Profit US$ 19.80 US$ 1.52 spent --------------------------------------US$ 18.28 remaining Answer to Problem # 26 Carlos is Jaime’s grandson. Todd Ellertson Honduras This Week On December 21, 2008, the Honduran government signed an agreement with the Norwegian company Petroleum Geo-Services, an international firm specializing in geophysics, to initiate petroleum exploration off the north coast of Honduras as early as February 2009. The company has been chosen for exploration purposes only. Once exploration has produced enough information about potential petroleum reserves, the govern ment will proceed to choose the appropriate company to begin the actual extraction, should petroleum be found in the marine subsoil of the Caribbean. “When we have the data,” Honduran President Zelaya explained, “which could take some months to produce, then Honduras makes the decision to explore or not explore. That will be done by a separate company, with a separate contract. At this time, we are only considering exploration.” Exploration is tentatively sched uled to begin on February 5 and analysis conducted until June, when the first results would be presented to the government. Negotiations would then begin with actual drilling companies should adequate petroleum reserves be found. google.com An oil exploration outpost is used to do initial exploration for natural petroleum reserves prior to drilling. Oil Exploration to Begin in February in Honduran Caribbean

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 5 NATIONAL Dow Jones News Wire Honduran coffee exports in December, the third month of the new 2008-09 crop cycle, were down 2.9% to 175,760 bags of 60 kilo grams each, the Honduran Coffee Institute, or Ihcafe, said Friday. This compares to Honduran coffee exports of 181,064 bags in December 2007 during the last 2007-08 crop cycle (OctoberSeptember), an Ihcafe official told Dow Jones Newswires, releasing preliminary figures for the month. Total Honduran coffee exports from the beginning of the 2008-09 cycle Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, mean while, were down 18% to 211,883 bags, from exports of 257,946 bags in the year-ago period, the official said. Physical harvesting of Honduras’ 2008-09 crop started in the medium altitudes in late October and was scheduled to start in earnest in the key higher alti tude producing areas of the country in December. Coffee from the new crop won’t start reaching the market in earnest until later in January and exports shipped in the first few months of the new cycle tradition ally consist almost exclusively of past-crop beans. Honduran coffee exports in the last 2007-08 crop cycle ended up 5.5% at 3,391,360 bags from exports of 3,215,801 bags in the 2006-07 harvest year, Ihcafe said in a report last month. Honduran export and produc tion figures are revised throughout the year, up to two crop cycles after the figures are released. Coffee Exports Down in December google.com The coffee harvest in Honduras continues despite a decrease in export demands. For information on classieds, contact Tel. 239-3654 Email: hontweekventas@multidata.hn, www.hondurasthisweek.com CLA SS IFIED

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 6 CULTURE/CUISINE Tucked into a quiet, one-way lane in Colonia San Carlos, a half block from Los Castaos Mall is a treasure, somewhat hidden, but waiting to be discovered – Los Nopalitos. Open for a year, the eatery features cuisine from Central Mexico. I recently ventured out with a small group and gave Los Nopalitos a try on a recent, balmy Saturday night in the capital city. Though some physical remnants of its former tenant – a French restaurant – remain, Los Nopalitos is purely Mexican in spirit and certainly in its menu. We started off with what seemed a routine choice: nachos. What arrived was indeed a plate of chips and cheese, but so much more. This plate of nachos was served with portions of both red and black refried beans, two kinds of cheese, marinated carrot slices and cauliflower and spiced ground beef, with guacamole and fresh salsa on the side. We practically licked the plate clean. Our waiter was prompt and knew the menu like the back of his hand, right down to what spices were used on which dishes and whether they were kind of hot, hot or really hot. I chose the plate of five chicken tacos (‘Tacos Dorados de Pollo’) and could not have been more pleased. Five crispy, rolled tacos with tender, spiced chicken breast meat covered in a mild cheese were served with fresh guacamole and refried black beans -absolutely delicious. My dinner companions ordered ‘Taco Albail de Pollo’ and ‘Tortas de Milanesa de Res,’ respectively and were equally pleased with their choices. We all shared bites of one another’s dishes and I can tell you that everything was mouthwa teringly tasty. The ‘Taco Albail’ was a more traditional, safe choice, but one that did not disappoint. It consisted of several soft tortillas with chicken sauted with peppers and onions and served fresh, without toppings. Guacamole came on the side and was a great option for dipping and/or slathering. The ‘tortas’ was a Mexican version of perhaps a French bread sandwich, the bread toasted to a soft crunch with an absolutely fantastic thin, breaded piece of fried beef, a thick tomato and refried black beans. I think this was my favorite of all the entrees and will probably order it the next time I go. I also indulged in a frozen margarita, cleverly served in a pedestal glass with a cactus base (‘Los Nopalitos’ are a type of cactus found in Mexico and some are planted at the entry of the eatery as well) and it was, I am happy to report, delicious – not too sweet, great consistency, a perfect balance of Tequila and just the right amount of rock salt on the rim of the glass. We had the pleasure of being able to talk to one of the owners, Ruth Solis, for a several minutes after we finished our meals. Solis, a native of Central Mexico, described the different regions in terms of distinct Mexican cuisine, pointing out that the northern states favor more of a ‘tex-mex’ style of food, almost always featuring some form of beef. The southern regions are similar to Central American cuisine, particularly neighboring Guatemala. Central Mexican apparently means the freshest of fresh ingredients, savory cheese, judicious use of salsa and guacamole and perfectly spiced beef and poultry. Solis’ husband, Sergio Escutia, is behind the scenes as the chef and has insisted on nothing but authentic, fresh ingredients, prepared the way both of them knew in their native Mexico. They’ve mastered their art and the two have created a dining experi ence not to be missed. Entrees average $10.00, appe tizers $5.00. The atmosphere is casual, with outside dining an option as well and because theirs is such a quiet street, dining al fresco by candle light might be the perfect, romantic setting for an evening with that special someone. Again, ‘Los Nopalitos’ is waiting to be discovered and there is no time like the present to indulge in its delights. I cannot recommend it highly enough and will, without any hesitation whatsoever, return – soon. ‘Los Nopalitos’ is located on Calzada Repblica de Uruguay, No.219, Colonia San Carlos in Tegucigalpa. Telephone: 221-0684, 251-5474, email: losnopalitos@gmail. com. The restaurant can accommo date dining parties/events with up to 40 guests. Tasty Mexican Cuisine Being Served Fresh at Los Nopalitos Todd Ellertson/Honduras This Week Ruth Solis and her husband Sergio own and operate Los Nopalitos in Tegucigalpa.

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 7 NATIONAL Marco Cceres projecthonduras.com Given the economic turmoil in the US these days and the overall financial crisis worldwide, it should come as no surprise that some analysts are forecasting a “stormy outlook” for Honduras in 2009. In a recent article written for the Inter Press Service (IPS) news agency, Thelma Mejia notes that the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is projecting 2% growth for the Honduran economy this year down significantly from the 6.3% forecasted when the Zelaya administration began its four-year term in 2006. Mejia cites several factors that will contribute to this more modest reality, including the Zelaya government’s limited access to new sources of credit due to its inability to negotiate a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a drop in remit tances from Hondurans abroad and revenue from tourism. To make matters worse, it appears that Honduras’ foreign debt may again be nearing or surpassing the $4 billion mark, according to Mauricio Daz, coordi nator of the Honduran Social Forum on Foreign Debt and Development. As part of the IMF/World Bank’s Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative launched in 1996, Honduras had more than $4 billion of its foreign debt pardoned several years ago. From the standpoint of fiscal responsibility, the government’s lack of success in talks with the IMF may not be such a bad thing. The problem is that the Honduran government still has huge demands on its budget and almost nowhere to turn to for capital. Where, for example, does the government anticipate it will find the funds it needs to finance the increases in wages and subsidies it promised in 2008 to Honduran workers in the public and agri cultural sectors? Given growing tensions between the government and Honduras’ business sector over issues such as the newly-mandated increase in the minimum wage (from $157 to $289 per month), it’s unlikely that these funds will come from rising revenue as a result of more private investment. It’s no wonder that the Zelaya government has found it impos sible to refuse Venezuela’s offer of foreign aid in return for partici pation in the so-called Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) being pushed by Hugo Chavez. Of course, now with oil prices down to nearly $40 per barrel, Venezuela is not nearly so awash in cash as it was when the price of sweet crude reached a record high of $147.27 last summer. So you have to question how forth coming Mr. Chavez will be under these new circumstances. As always, there are no easy answers for Honduras. One reason for this is that the country continues to look almost exclusively to traditional models of develop ment based on infusions of finan cial capital, which usually comes with strings attached and often comes in quantities that is difficult for Honduras’ public institutions to effectively process, deliver, and account for. Benjamin Franklin once said that, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Hmmm Please mark September 24-26, 2009 on your calendar and plan to participate in the 10th annual Conference on Honduras in the town of Copn Ruinas. There are other forms of capital besides the financial kind. An alternative model of devel opment based on “human capital” (expertise, experience, talents, energy and contacts) located, mobi lized and channeled by information and communications technology (ICT) is the essence of the event. As always, the themes are educa tion, healthcare and community building. For information, e-mail hondo post@yahoo.com or visit http:// www.projecthonduras.com Honduras’ Growing Capital Crunch

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 8 Minimum wage increases force layoffs The increase and adjustment approved for the almost 60% increase in minimum wage has caused numerous layoffs through out the country. In maquilas, approximately 3,100 workers were left without jobs. In Tegucigalpa, the Labor Ministry has been packed since Monday, January 5, unemployed workers asking for labor benefits. Amilcar Bulnes, president of the country’s Private Business Chamber, says that busi nesses do not have the resources to cover the added costs. Bulnes said the hike has already led to 15,000 layoffs. El Heraldo. Changes in store for elec trical service On Monday January 5, a national announcement described the removal of the adjustment of fuel in the monthly invoice of electricity; this will be official in February 2009. It was also announced new electric ity pricing on electricity, since rates have not been changed since the year 2000. The announcements have been met with criti cism against the government, mostly for increasing the price of reference of kilowatts, simultaneously with the removal of a fuel adjustment. El Heraldo. Public hearings underway for Supreme Court Judge candidates Since January 5, hearings have started so nominating union and citizens can meet and evaluate 97 lawyers competing to be judges in the Supreme Court of Justice. It is expected that this process does not allow any political influence and that the Supreme Court will have honest and capable professionals. “Exception of good cause” can be used to register for TPS The Office of Migration in the US granted the “Exception of a Good Cause” for Hondurans to continue to register under the Statute of Temporary Protection (TPS). This measure involves that a letter of request is presented explaining why the per mit was not made prior to the deadline of December 30, 2008. Reasons of health, labor and unemployment will be considered to extend permits. Fuel Shortage Forces Border Crossings During the last two weeks of 2008 and beginning of 2009 all national gas stations affiliated with the Honduras Association of Petroleum Distributors (ADHIPE) are dealing with shortages of super gasoline, announced ADHIPE Director Sarria Silva. In the northwestern part of the country, people from Ocotepeque needing super gasoline were forced to buy gas in El Salvador and Guatemala. Changes in Government Leadership Take Place The House of Government announced on Tuesday, January 6, rotations and replace ments. Lawyer Edmundo Orellana who directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has transferred to the Defense Ministry, replacing Aristides Mejia. Orellana was replaced by Patricia Rodas who was named as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Rodas acted as President of the Liberal Party Council. El Heraldo Jos Eduardo Atala Honduras This Week As we begin a brand new 2009, we can look back on 2008 as a year that saw green building practices become more mainstream and an increased awareness of the envi ronment and green technologies. But living in Honduras, some of us have not been able to keep up with all the technologies available. Fortunately, there are some simple, inexpensive things we can do that will result in better energy efficiency and a healthier, more sustainable environment. We can make our green resolutions around many different aspects of our lives, green resolutions as a lifestyle for family, our homes, and even our businesses. The year 2009 is supposed to be a year of economic downfall and of great difficulty for all, it’s only prudent for us to start by sharpening our focus on green products and green solutions to not only save money, but save the our planet. President Zelaya has encour aged Hondurans to conserve energy at home. One of the best ways to do this is by replacing light bulbs with more energy efficient, longer lasting bulbs such as compact fluo rescent light bulbs or LED light bulbs. Examples we can apply at home and the office are making sure the refrigerator gets closed all the way, turning off lights when not in use and turn off electronics such as computers and TVs when they are not being used/watched. Simple. Economist Anais HenriquezNufio is quite possibly one of the most environmentally friendly, aware people in Honduras. She is also knowledgeable in this area because of her experience with Rainforest Alliance when her husband’s coffee produc tion “Montana Santa Elisa” went through a certification process that included different environmental and social programs. She has always encouraged the people around her to plant trees in their backyards, no matter the size of that yard. There are many trees available that have the appro priate roots for small spaces that don’t end up growing too high for the space. These trees will produce oxygen during the day and capture carbon at night – a win/win for the atmosphere. It is interesting to note that grass in general consumes too much water and doesn’t have the same ‘greening’ effects trees do, so it is recommended not to grow grass in large quantities, but to get creative with sand, stones or bricks along with some landscaping with native flowers. In spite of their popularity and visibility in Tegucigalpa, the ficus tree is not a particularly environ mentally-friendly plant. They are perpetually green, suck all of the moisture out of the surrounding soil; their roots are notorious for destroying foundations, sidewalks and streets because they are always spreading in search of more water. A great option is to research those trees that are native to Honduras and plant more of them. Obviously, the climate is right and some of them are on the brink of extinction. Shower quickly to conserve water, make sure all the water faucets are secure and don’t drip; this will help save money and help the environment at the same time. Fabric bags at the super market are very chic nowadays, instead of those plastic bags which are enemies to the environment – they don’t break down and disin tegrate once in a landfill. Buy a couple of fabric bags and put them back into your car after you’ve unpacked groceries at home. If you purchase something small, or just a few items, there really isn’t even a need to ask for a bag – carry them yourself. Recycle cans and plastic bottles: do this by sorting trash so it’s easier for the trash collectors who now do it for you. At the office, print out the minimum needed; create a simple reuse and recycle program. Use that paper that can’t be used for printing anymore for scratch paper. Encourage people at the office to purchase recycled paper – the cost is the same and this paper didn’t require additional trees for its production. Avoid elevators if possible – use the stairs to save electricity and get some needed exercise, espe cially following those overindul gences during the holidays! Involve yourself in all the different foundations that promote the environment, such as Fundarbol and Fundacin VIDA. Anais encourages people to visit the National Honduran Parks, like Lancetilla in Tela and Pico Bonito in La Ceiba, and visit often. Entrance fees are inexpensive and the money goes toward the protec tion of these national treasures. USAID and the European Union are helping protect these parks, so every lempira paid is being utilized effectively. Finally be an activist, talk about the protection of our envi ronment, be an example to others and help convince everyone around you that our planet is in peril and that certain measures must be taken to make a difference. There is no better way to start 2009 with pitching in to help save our envi ronment, our health and the exis tence of future generations. For More Information or to get involved check out: http://www.plant-trees.org/proj ects/honduras.htm http://www.fundacionvida.org/ http://monsesa.com/ ABOUT%20US/ABOUTUS.htm Greener Pastures Possible in 2009 CULTURE/ENVIRONMENT Coming Soon Please be on the lookout for our nes supplement All things Bay Islands

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 9 It’s funny how somebody can ask you a question and you totally misunderstand him or her. That’s what happened to me the other day and it kept me thinking and wondering about it. While I was working, a patient asked me, “When are you going home?” Without even thinking I responded that we normally close around half past 5, and that I normally go upstairs around 7 o’clock. Then she said “No I mean going home.” So I thought that she didn’t know that I lived upstairs and answered, “I live upstairs.” Then she said “No I meant HOME,” emphasizing the word “home.” And then suddenly I understood that she was referring to “Holland” as being my home. Well, that got me thinking about that word “home.” What does it mean to me? I personally refer to home as the place where I live, work and have my friends. So in my case, Honduras is my home now. Then I remembered a friend I used to have in San Pedro Sula who was always saying, “I cannot wait to go home for good.” And I remember that I always felt sorry for her, because she couldn’t see the country where she already lived for more then 30 years as being her home. Her kids grew up in Honduras, her paintings were on her wall, all her furniture, her whole life was there, but still she couldn’t refer to it as being her home. Finally she went back to her country to retire and I wonder now, if she felt as if she was coming home or feeling like a stranger in her own country after not living there for over 30 years. When I travel to Holland, it’s a vacation for me, to visit friends and family, and I definitely miss home after being there for a few weeks, and that home is Honduras. And although the house I’m living in isn’t technically mine (I rent), it still feels like home, my home to be more specific. Because that’s where I live, eat, am happy, am sad, have all my personal things, it’s where my friends come and visit me that’s home to me. Without a doubt, I miss my family and my son who is studying now in Holland. And of course I miss other things from Holland, like the four seasons, the snow, Dutch cheese and chocolate, the typical food you cannot get here like kroketten and boerenkool. But the funny thing is that when I’m away from Honduras, I miss the tortillas, frijoles and my friends here. So, in my mind, missing things doesn’t make it your home. Feeling at home somewhere makes it your home, and for me that’s where I decide to live, work, eat and have my friends. I can certainly under stand people referring to their country of birth as home, but what I cannot understand is that there are people who are living in another country and feeling homesick all the time. That thought is depressing Let’s see what the dictionary says about the word “home.” I checked several dictionaries, and all of them say that there are different meanings. But they all agree on the first meaning, because they all start with saying that ‘home’ means: ‘The house or ones place of residence.’ Another also mentions ‘The place in which one’s domestic affections are centered.’ And perhaps in the 4th or 5th place they’ll put ‘The place or region where something is native or most common or the place where somebody is born.’ I found one that even uses the perfect description in my eyes: ‘Home is where the heart is.’ That’s how it should be. It shouldn’t make a difference whether you’re living in Holland, Honduras, the USA or the North Pole -you should make your house your home, put your heart into it and be happy. So let’s make it clear, Honduras is where I’m living so that’s where my home is, and that’s were my heart is. It’s not just the home in which I’m living no, it goes further it’s the country where I live and not the country where I was born, what feels like home. So think of it, if all people living in Honduras, whether they are Hondurans or not, could somehow feel the same, wouldn’t it be a better place to live? Think about what we do to our homes: we make it comfortable, make it cozy, make it homey, make it safe for our children, clean it, we try to make everybody feel happy and at home, living in peace together, we try to make it even better, get as much comfort as we can provide for. And that’s exactly what we should do and act on for the whole country. Try to make it a better place to live, starting with some thing simple as not throwing trash out of car windows. You can so easily throw it in the trashcan when you arrive home. Make sure to make a home for your children, to teach them what’s right and what’s wrong. If everybody cleans their bit of sidewalk in front of their homes, it would look so much cleaner. And remember: Cleaner means healthier. As I writ this article, everybody is voting. And I hope that whoever eventually becomes president of this country next year, will make it a safer place, a healthier place to live, a place to be proud of, a place where people are getting a good education, a place without strikes, a place with less violence, a place where foreigners can come safely to admire the beautiful natural land scapes and the beautiful places I fell in love with when I just arrived more then 20 years ago. Lets make it a place to be proud of, lets make it a place where we all feel home. To be continued. Where (and What) Is Home? Todd Ellertson Honduras This Week Directed by Baz Luhrmann Touted as a larger-than-life romantic epic, ‘Australia’ is the latest offering from Aussie director Baz Luhrmann, who also directed the dazzlingly visual ‘Moulin Rouge’ back in 2001. This ambitious film takes place against the backdrop of northern Australia just prior to World War ll, between a sprawling ranch and the port of Darwin, on Australia’s north coast. Kidman plays Lady Sarah Ashley, an English aristocrat who inherits a decrepit cattle ranch and finds herself painfully out of place in the distinct, often unforgiving land scape that is northern Australia. Jackman is Drover, so named as he drives cattle for a living. Drover is a hard-working, hard-playing cowboy, fiercely independent and answers to nobody but himself. Though the movie starts out as what appears to be a western, with bar brawls, shady cowboys, crusty barkeeps and all, it throws in some mysticism/magic realism with the appearance of Nullah, a mixed Aborigine boy who narrates the story. The Aborigine belief that everyday reality coexists with an infinite state of being colors the film throughout, creating, for me, what amounted to two movies in one. The epic story takes us from the cattle ranch, the desolate but eerily beautiful landscapes of the northern outback, to Darwin, a rough and tumble coastal town, but utterly tame compared to the outback to its south. The cattle drive itself is fraught with danger and its conclu sion is one of the better moments of the movie. The Japanese bombing of Darwin in the days leading up to World War ll sets the scene for the latter half of the movie, both harrowing and sobering in its scope. Kidman always does a great job acting the role and here is no exception. She goes from being an uptight, English lady of ladies being ‘saddle broke’ in order to drive the cattle, to an initially reluctant mother to Nullah. One scene in particular, in which she must comfort Nullah, is charming as Kidman does her best to tell the story of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and mumbles through a rendi tion of ‘Over the Rainbow,’ all to a mesmerized young boy. Brandon Walters, who plays Nullah and is of Aboriginal descent, is a wonder and a delight, and was used expertly to elicit tears from the audience. Oh yes – Lady Ashley and Drover also fall in love, but you already knew that. (I know this is trivial and perhaps a bit catty, but whatever Kidman had done to the tip of her nose is highly distracting as I found myself zeroing in on it more than watching the character. But I digress.) Jackman, brawny and roughhewn as ever, is appealing and prob ably does some of the best acting of his career so far here. Though his character is nothing original and we’ve seen it before, he nonethe less breathes some new life into the stock, hard-edged cowboy. The chemistry between Jackman and Kidman is believable and palpable. There were audible gasps and sighs from female members of the audience during a scene in which Jackman, shirtless, pours water from a pitcher over his head to rinse off the soap. Someone’s been seriously hitting the gym lately. Incidentally, is it a coincidence that Jackman was named ‘People’ magazine’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ this year or has someone’s publicist been working overtime? Not to take anything away from Jackman, the timing was just somewhat suspicious. The most interesting aspect of the film is how Luhrmann tries to weave the plight of mixed race Aboriginal children into it, a plight that was only rectified by the powers-that-be in Australia in 1973. Many of these children were literally kidnapped and forced into orphanages where the ‘black was bred out of them.’ A tricky proposition to squeeze that in, but Luhrmann clearly wants his film to be one part sprawling epic and one part cautionary tale. The seams are highly visible, but it was a gallant effort. In a way, this movie is Luhrmann’s love letter to his beloved country down under. The visuals are beautiful, though at times the CGI, particu larly during the cattle drive, is less than spectacular. Panoramic shots of Darwin Harbor also take on an almost otherworldly, oil painting quality but are beautiful nonethe less. Go to this movie expecting nothing new, enjoy the lush visuals and the sweeping melodrama as it unfolds. Though the film bites off more than it can chew at times, and is a movie of mixed messages, ‘Australia’ is compelling and watch able anyway. It might also be worth your while to see it on the big screen while you can Australia never looked so good. ‘Australia’ Kidman and Jackman Swoon Down Under CULTURE

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 10 CULTURE/ARTS ARTS PEA ARTISTICA AT EL RINC”N DEL ARTISTA. Next to Casa Mexicana, in front of Wendys’ Tepeyac, Tegucigalpa. Wednesdays-Saturdays. 8:30 pm, Musical Group Klasicos is inviting JANUARY AT CCET, CULTURAL CENTER OF SPAIN IN TEGUCIGALPA (All activi ties are free) Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm, Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm closed on Mondays Saturday 10, SUiTe Sweet Love. Film series, 2nd session “Alone” (Solas), 11:00 a.m. Sunday 11: Children + Science, Science Fun Show, 10:30 a.m. For more information: Centro Cultural de Espaa,Col. Palmira 1 calle, #655,Contiguo al Redondel de los Artesanos,Tegucigalpa, MDC, Honduras, C.A. Tel +504 238-2013 Fax 238-5332,E-mail: info-ccet@aecid.hn LAS VEGAS ARRIVES IN TEGUCIGALPA, WITH THE PRESENTATION OF THE SPECTACULAR TIHANY. Next to Presidential House, Tegucigalpa. From December 26. Tuesday-Thursday: 7:30 pm. Saturdays and Fridays: 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Sunday: 12:00, 4:00 and 7:30 pm. Tickets for sale at Multiplaza Mall, MetroMall and at the cir cus from 11:00 am SIXTH BIENNIAL OF VISUAL ARTS OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN ISTHMUS 2008 BAVIC Illustration of the Central American Isthmus. Collection of 72 works of 36 art ists participants from Central America. Location: chambers of the National Museum for the Identity MIN, Tegucigalpa. From November 21 thru February 20, 9:00 a, to 4:00 pm. Organized by Women in the Arts (MUA) “Leticia de Oyuela” www.bienalcentroamerica. com CERAMICS WORKSHOP. Instructor: Martha Elena Cerrato. Starting on January, 2009. Saturdays from 9:0012:00 p. m. during 12 days (36 hours) Place: Headquarters of Women in the Arts (MUA), Avenida Cervantes, Barrio La Plazuela, 1331 . Cost: L 1800.00 per participant. TRIBUTE TO POET JUAN RAMON MOLINA. The Secretary of Culture, Arts and Sports is honored to invite to the special event in which the National Library of Honduras will be declared under the name of Juan Ramon Molina in tribute to the Honduran biggest poet of all times. This event will be at the National Library of Honduras, January 18, 2008, 7:00 pm. WOMEN IN THE ARTS Mujeres en las Artes. One of the strongest artistic move ments in Tegucigalpa. Mujeres en la Artes Leticia de Oyuela constantly sponsors work shops, exhibitions, confer ences, art shows and commu nity events in the city. For the complete schedule, log on to www.muaartes.org.hn or con tact Veronica Romero at 222 3015 or email to: mua@cable color.hn MONTHLY CONVERSATORY AT MUOZ LOBO BOOKSHOP. The Muoz Lobo book store and the editorial group Satyagraha invite you cordial ly to join us at the monthly Conversatory, a free space cen ter, which takes place every first Thursday of the month at Ave. Cervantes, opposite to Museum of Honduran Man in Tegucigalpa, from: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. “FRENCH ALLIANCE CINEMA CLUB. More information at www.afhonduras.com or at 239-6165 CAFE TERTULIA AT FRENCH ALLIANCE . “The human rights situation in Honduras” Tuesday December 9, 19:00 pm. CAF PARADISO EXHIBITING FILMS. Every week you can enjoy excellent films at Caf Paradiso in Barrio La Plazuela in Tegucigalpa. Contact: anarel lavelez4@yahoo.com EL PARNASO. Visit www.elpar nasohn.triplod.com , you will find all kind of artistic expres sions TERCO CULTURAL PRODUCTIONS. Contact them; they always have info on cultural activities. E-mail: tercoproducciones@gmail. com. Visit www.karlalara.com PROYECTO GRITON ACTIVITIES. Visit www. proyectogriton.com and focus on KUPIAKUMI, you’ll find the daily logbook of the activities of this cultural group. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AT CAF PARADISO. Caf Paradiso (downtown) is always performing cultural activities. Contact paradiso@cablecolor. hn EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE OF HONDURAS. Visit the web site www.telah.org. They are presenting plays, essays about theatre culture. Tel: 220-0690, 238-3726 ARTEACCION AND HIS BLOGSPOT: www.arteac cionculturaenmovimiento. blogspot.com . An area where you can learn about the work and events performed at the cultural association Arte Action. You can also visit the website: www.arteaccion.org , which has been updated. MUSIC & DANCE NIGHTLIFE IN TEGUCIGALPA Bamboo: Located in Blvd. Morazan Rio: Located in Paseo los Proceres Email: rio.cantero@gmail.com Office: Paseo Los Proceres, Gourmet Center, second floor, in front of Chilis Location: Paseo Los Proceres La Grotta: Located in Blvd. Morazan Email: lagrottahn3@ gmail.com Office: 236-7010 Location: Blvd. Morazan, next to Jetstereo, Tegucigalpa EXCELLENT LIVE MUSICFridays and Saturdays at Restaurant El Corral, Col. Alameda. Meats are their spe cialty. ARS NOVA, AMADEUS CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC. Piano, guitar, violin and singing classes. Colonia Miramonte, main street, # 1519. Tel: 2324772. 239-8049 INFORMATION ABOUT PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA ACTIVITIES. Contact 2354019 EXCELLENT MUSIC FROM 60S AND 70S. At “Memories” in Plaza Millennium. From Wednesdays thru Saturdays from 7:00 p.m CLASSIC MUSIC WITH GREAT MASTERS AT PANAMERICAN RADIO: 95.9 FM. 7:00 p.m. Mondays Fridays. Beethoven, Mozart, Ravel, Tchaikovsky. MARRIOTT HOTEL ACTIVITIES. Every Thursday you can enjoy live music with the artist Hector Casas, from 8:00 p.m. thru 11:00 p.m. Happy hour from 5:00 p.m. thru 8:00 p.m. 2X1 Miller bear, frozen Margaritas and tequila Jimador. NEW LOUNGE AND RESTAURANT. In Tegucigalpa, located in real Intercontinental Hotel, opens its doors to all clients to visit and enjoy excel lent food and a very exclusive environment. MISCELLANEOUS DRAWIND AND PAINTING COURSES FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 7 AND 14 YEARS OLD. Artistic drawing, paint ing techniques such as water colors, oil, acrylic and pastels. Schedule: Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Colonia Las Colinas, El Dorado Street in front of Hillcrest School, home # 35. More Information contact Melissa Torres at Tel: 9800-7170. METTA ACTIVITIES. This Center has an excellent physi cal development plan for adults older than sixty years: dancing, pilates, stretching, and more. For information visit www.mettahn.com. Metta is on the street behind Emisoras Unidas. Tel. 23952 78, 2067022, 213 -3375 CINEMAS. Log into www.cin emarkca.com FOR THE KIDS: CHIMINIKE INTERACTIVE EDUCATION CENTER. http://www.cohcit. gob.hn/contacto.html (504) 230-7673 / 230 . Next to the Honduran Council of Science and Technology CAD Building, Blvd. Armed Forces, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. http://www.cohcit.gob.hn/ programas_chiminike HONDURAN BOOKS AT GUAYMURAS EDITORIAL. New webpage for Honduran books: www.guaymuras.hn. Sections: Who are we, New books, Honduran authors, Other Honduran Editorials, Month’s book DAY HIKES INTO THE PICO BONITO NATIONAL PARK AND THE LODGE AT PICO BONITO. Includes a guided hike on the Lodges natu ral trail into the Pico Bonito National Park with a stop at the Mermaid Falls swimming hole (Hike can be made at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm). Before or after your hike enjoy a delicious meal at the Lodge’s restaurant and explore the Butterfly Farm and Serpentarium also locat ed on the Lodge’s property (before or after the hike). Price includes guide service, lunch, and park entrance fee paid to the Pico Bonito National Park Foundation (Drinks not includ ed) Please call ahead to be sure we have guides available. E-mail: picobonito@caribe.hn, Tel. 504-440-0388/0389/0468 REPUBLIC HISTORY MUSEUM AT VILLA ROY. Schedule: 8:00 – 4:00 pm from Monday thru Saturday. Barrio Buena Vista, Tegucigalpa. Entrance fees: Hondurans and Central Americans: L. 10.00, from other countries: L. 20.00. For more information contact.: Patricia Cardona museosre gionales@yahoo.com, Tania Ramirez ardontania@gmail. com, Telephone: 238-0608. HONDURAN DOCUMENTARY CENTER OF HISTORICAL INVESTIGATIONS (CDIHH). Has a great collection of books and national file documentary. Old Presidential House, Barrio El Centro. Visits from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Attended visits, all Wednesdays, cost: L. 5.00 SANTA MARIA DE LOS ANGELES MUSEUM. This interesting museum is open since October 2006. It is located in the town of Valle the Angeles. You will enjoy a great collection of interesting objects, old photos from 1800 1900, antiques of history, art and culture. Visit us at www. museosantamaria.com or email us to: santamariamuseo@ yahoo.com COCINA LATINA AT MARRIOTT HOTEL. A special flavor every day of the week: Monday: Asian, Tuesday: Italian, Wednesday: Peruvian, Thursday: Mexican, Friday: seafood, Saturday: Italian/ Mexican, Sunday: Honduran cuisine WEEKLY ENCOUNTER OF MARRIAGES. Supporting the family ministry. Every Fridays, Col. Las Colinas, Bloque Z, # 1613, 7:00 pm. Tegucigalpa. Free participation, including diner. Tel. 239-7190 CHRISTIAN BUSINESS WOMEN MEETINGS. Sharing testimonies and praying. Every Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. at Glifo Room in Honduras Maya Hotel, free entrance. yam@cablecol or.hn or Tel. 9996-6707 INTERDENOMINATIONAL MINISTRY SUITABLE WOMEN. Schedule of meet ings: Every first Saturday of the month, they offer a break fast at El Candelero Room, Honduras Maya Hotel, 7:40 a.m. L. 100.00. EL PARNASO, THE FIRST CULTURAL PAPER IN HONDURAS. Visit www.elpar nasohn.tripod.com NEURAL STIMULATION. Hands without Borders move ment.. Free Healing Treatments, Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Details and confirmations: 220-1441, 3345-9461 (Rosario) and 235-5045 (Alicia). ljhondu rasneural@yahoo.com

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 11 HEALTH/FITNESS Ivonne van Leest Sports Physical Therapist December provides plenty of excuses to eat – healthy and unhealthy and everything in between. We consume lots of greasy dishes, sweets and prob ably a few alcoholic drinks here and there (or more?). Every other day I had an invitation to a Christmas dinner, a Christmas lunch or a meeting with friends before every body departs to be with family and/ or friends. I did my best keeping up with my normal exercise schedule to keep the extra December pounds under my limit of five. As I’m writing this, Christmas has come and gone – and lucky me – I kept the weight gain to just two pounds. I still have New Year’s Eve to deal with, though! Of course, as with any December 31st, people start talking about their New Year’s resolutions. At the top of most lists is to quit smoking or to lose weight. So we start digging up old diets we followed in the past with some posi tive result. But this year I want you all to forget about diets and I’ll give you another option to lose weight in a healthier way, without starving like with most diets. I love eating and hate to feel hungry all the time, so for years now I don’t diet anymore, I’ve just put in a slightly different rule in my eating patterns for when I want to maintain my weight or for when I want to lose weight. So read this and try it out and see for yourself how wonderful this works. First rule: Eat your three meals without any exception. The minute you start skipping one meal this whole thing doesn’t work anymore. Second rule: There is a timeframe to eat your meals: Breakfast between 6 and 8 am, Lunch between 12 and 2 pm and your evening meal between 6 and 8 pm. For those who are coming home a bit later, please don’t eat after 9 pm. Third rule: This is probably one of the most difficult rules. Eat your meal sitting down, enjoying it, and chewing every bite at least 8 times. Don’t watch TV, don’t read books or the newspaper, just enjoy and concentrate on what you’re eating. Fourth rule: Mid-morning and mid-afternoon eat some fruit an apple, pear or banana, piece of watermelon or papaya whatever’s in season and fresh. Fifth rule: An hour of exercise a day. Read further down for what’s best. Sixth rule: Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, apart from all your other drinks. Sticking to these rules will make a difference already. Your metabo lism will increase; you’ll feel more healthy and active and this will contribute to overall well-being. You’re probably asking yourself: and what are we going to eat? One of the things we have to keep in mind is that we shouldn’t drasti cally change all our eating habits. That’s what goes wrong in diets. Let’s say you are used to break fast with toast and cheese and a cup of coffee. Then they tell you to start eating yogurt and granola. Try to look at what you’re eating and apply the following rules. In some former articles I talked about those fruits you have to eat on an empty stomach. That’s why the best hours are, first thing in the morning at breakfast and those 10 am and 4 pm breaks mentioned above. Don’t eat any fruits after a heavy meal, it will sit in your stomach too long and give you gas, a full feeling and the valuable vita mins are lost. At lunch, the best carbohydrates are a combination of vegetables and in the evening meat and vegetables and no carbohydrates if possible. Don’t go on a carb-free diet! We need carbohydrates for energy. The best time for those carbs is at lunch and its best to combine them with veggies; limit protein intake if you want to lose weight. Be careful with fats and oils. Eat as much grilled meat and fish – not fried. When you do choose to stir-fry, use a bit of olive oil or oil from a spray can without the fat. Skip all the fried stuff! So what does your plate look like? At lunch, try some rice, pasta or potatoes with vegetables and a salad. You have to start putting your salad on your plate, make sure half of your plate is filled, then put a quarter of carbohydrates and a quarter of vegetables. And of course you have to use the whole grain carbohydrates as much as possible. In the evening you’ll do the same half your plate with a salad, then the meat or fish, and fill it up with vegetables. The breakfast can be yogurt with cereal, or toast with marmalade or cheese. You can drink a cup of coffee or tea, and a glass of fresh juice. Don’t use sugars in anything; if you really need your sweet taste, use some of the diet sugars. And for those of you who are like me and cannot live without an occasional piece of chocolate or a cookie now and then, eat it in the morning on your break, so you’ll use the calories during the day. And last but not least your exer cises: an hour a day is recommended in almost all literature. It can be walking, swimming, dancing, aero bics or jogging. Choose something you like doing, because forcing yourself to jump in the water when you cannot swim will be very hard and you’ll stop quickly. The best is alternating days one doing weights and the other doing cardiovascular exercises. And at least one day of the week you’ll have to take a day off to rest your body. Weight training doesn’t always mean lifting weights in the gym. We can do Pilates, use your own body as weight doing exercises at home, or use some small weights. I’m doing my weight training on the Power Plate, so there are many ways to do weight training. And for cardio you should find something you actually like doing. Some final thoughts about doing weights and cardio: the reports say that it’s best engaging the whole body doing the weights and do a lot of core exercises to slim down your waist. And when you want to lose weight the best cardio exercise is interval training instead of walking or jogging in the same rhythm for an hour. Here’s how that goes: walk for 10 minutes to warm up, and go for half an hour 1-minute walk with 1-minute jog or run, depending your level of training and finish with a 10 minute walk to cool down. Then do some stretching. Sticking to something like this will surely help you lose those extra holiday pounds. You will eventu ally be able to stick to your eating and exercise plan rigorously during the week and loosen up a bit on the weekends. You won’t starve and you will feel better. So my wish for 2009 is that you all live a healthy life and discover what the word ‘well-being’ truly means, because that’s what happens when you live by those rules. Hey! Come and visit me and we’ll lay out your proper personal plan together! Questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at ivleest@yahoo.com. Lose Those Extra Holiday Pounds the Healthy Way! www.google.com

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 12 ROATAN ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER ISSUE TOUCH UN DU TWA FOR FRENCH What do you folks think about the time saving telephone challenges more and more businesses are using? I believe it started with the Social Security organization in Estado Unidos. You dial the toll-free 1800 number and a cheerful voice answers the call. You are thrilled and pleased to get through so quickly and you snap back with “Well hello, I was just.” And then it happens, you’re talking to a recording and making a total fool of yourself. You stop and try to pick up on the instruc tions being rattled off. “Press un, du, twa for French, Uno, dos, tres for Spanish or 9 for all other languages.” You think that obviously a call to the United States Social Security agency the first language would be English, so you assume 123 would register you as a local? Wrong, 123 brings you another recording speaking Swahili. And so it goes on and on until finally you are in and talking to an English speaking machine. “To save time, please say your last name then spell it very slowly and hit pound.” You clearly and succinctly say ‘Pearly,’ P-E-A-R-L-Y #. The machine then says back to you, “You said, Pertasism, is that correct? If that is correct, touch 1.” After three more futile attempts, the voice cheerfully says, “Never mind, we’re sorry you are experiencing trouble, please say your social security number one numeral at a time very slowly.” Need I say more? If you were calling in advance to arrange the pension check you qualify for in a little while, it may be over-due by the time you finally get to speak with a live person. And don’t bother to complain, they have heard it all over and over again. One technician who advised us that for security purposes she could not give her name or location to callers; almost every single call she answers begins with a complaint about the run-around. VOICE MAIL Another modern miracle is voice Mal. Yes mal, meaning bad in Spanish. Some diabolical participants go to great pains to put on a message that sounds so casual, so real, so common that you assume you got the target and take off on a long dissertation about this and that until finally, after a calculated 10 seconds of silence they say, “Gotcha, I am not here now but if you, etc. etc.” That should be considered at least a misde meanor punishable by a week without the use of ones cell phone. WHAT EXACTLY IS PAPERVIEW? You hear it all the time on TV, the movie you want to watch more than anything else in the world will be on paperview Sunday night. Does that mean like a newspaper will arrive with the entire script written out for you, with pictures of the leading lady and the handsome male star making mad, passionate love? No folkspaperview is really PAY PER VIEW. Now we knew that didn’t we? C.S.I. ROATAN Why not, everyone seems to be hooked on a C.S.I. somewhere. Miami, New York, why not Coxen Hole? They make it seem like it is absolutely impossible to get away with a crime without leaving an entire resume behind. Fingerprints, DNA traces on the pier, fluid droplets in the sand, cell phone records, transmission locations, hair on the conk shell and most importantly, history of looking up criminal activities on the suspect’s Blackberry. We will know in a month or two who stole the ripe avocados from the Gringo’s tree. PEARLISMS Why do banks charge a fee on ‘insufficient funds’ when they already know there is not enough money to make ends meet? Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but have to check when you say the paint is still wet? Why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard? Why does Superman stop bullets with his chest, but ducks when someone throws a revolver at him? Try it, he does every time. Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Is there ever a day that mattresses are not on sale? Why is it that no plastic bag in Eldon’s opens from the end on the first try? Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over? FINALLYDID YOU KNOW? The Roatan Bruce Show is now broadcasting on the community station 101.1 FM . The Wave 101.1 FM is a world class station on origi nating right here on Roatan that will rival any other quality station playing music with an edge. The station’s strong signal will be available everywhere on The Bay Islands and Northern Honduras, but it won’t stop there. Much more to follow. Global Contactos, SA 239-6928 989-02858 988-99016 “We bring the world to your door” Residencial La Hacienda For Lease-One of the best residences. This house has everything! Incredible views from (2) two roof decks, one large kitchen with stove, refrigerator, microwave, granite coun ter-tops 3Bedrooms with bathtubs1 office 1 room for employee Area for laundry with washer/dryer 24 guarded security Satelite Television-$1750 Per Month. TrapicheFor Lease -Brillant New House. Be the first! (3) airconditioned bedrooms,3 bathrooms , garaje for (3) three cars, nice patio with large area for laundry. A room for employee. Balcony with beautiful views, large area for recreationo and 24 hour gated securityas $1,000 per month . TrapicheFor Sale: Brand new home, Jaquizzi One-of-a -kind (4) four bedrooms, (5) five bathrooms, huge salons, Jacuzzi in Master Bath, a large enclosed play area in the back of the house and a large American style kitchen. There are fabulous details throughout the house which overlooks the main play area: $380,000. Trapiche Alta Land with fabulous views 720 varas $180,000. San Pedro Sula: New Townhouse large $85,000. Los Molinas House for sale:1,600,000 Lempiras. La AuroaHouse for Sale Bright corner location perfect for a business-3 bedrooms 3 baths 1.600,000 Lempiras Many more properties available. Global Contactos is a full Real Estate business located in Honduras that provides professional service and results that you expect . We are here to help. Globalcontactos.com bruce@globalcontactos.com The Roatan Bruce Show is now broadcasting on the community station 101.1 FM The Wave! The Wave 101.1 FM is a world class radio station on Roatan that will rival any other quality station playing music with an edge. The station’s strong signal will be available everywhere on The Bay Islands and northern Honduras, but it won’t stop there. The Roatan Bruce Show is heard at the same times as before, from 9 am to 1 pm. Start your day as you did before listening to the latest local news and calendar, weather and important interviews on 101.1 FM. Plus, The Wave will soon be heard around the world via live-stream signal anywhere in the world on the Internet! People interested in Roatan will be able to hear the show anytime, anywhere simply by going to their computer and clicking on the “listen live” button on this website or the Wave website. Please let me know if you want to be added to the list people who are notified when the streaming starts. The Wave 101.1 FM will soon become the best known and most popular English-speaking radio station in the far Western Caribbean and Central America. You can now set your dial 24 hours a day on The Wave 101.1 FM without ever having to change your channel!

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 13 Wellhere we areit’s 2009 and Honduras is coming off a gangbuster year in terms of tourism numbers. Tourist visits were up, cruise ship traffic was up, hotel occupancy was up, real estate sales on Roatan were up and thenthe worldwide, US-inspired and fueled financial crisis began with a vengeance. So where does that leave us in Honduras for this year? Frankly it’s hard to say. Depending on who you listen to, tourism may increase modestly this year, it may stay rela tively flat (in other words the same as last year) or it may take a nose dive downwards. Againhard to say. There are a couple of indica tors that may bode well for the overall health of Honduran and Central American tourism. First off, Honduras is a “close in” destination to the US, and thus, quick, easy and relatively inexpensive to get here. This is important for time-starved US tourists who are usually only able to wiggle in a week, 10 days or maybe a 2 week vacation at the most. A flight to South East Asia for example involves some 23 hours of flying time each way, which doesn’t include the trip to the airport and transfers once at the far-off destination. For the average American traveler, they can ill afford to spend almost a full three days getting to and from their destination of choice. In comparison, Honduras is a relative hop, skip and jump away from US gateway cities such as Houston and Miami. Also nowadays, budget carriers such as Spirit will jet you, in “some” degree of comfort to San Pedro Sula from Fort Lauderdale, for less than a night out with the kids to the local mall movie theater and a bite at TGI Fridays after the flick .... talk about hefty savings in these troubled economic times! Spirit Air can’t be beat for big bang for the air travel buck. Secondly, the weather ... winter in Honduras means wonderful spring-like temperatures pretty much guaranteed every day. The average tempera ture year round in Copan Ruinas, for example, is a comfortable 78F and the hurricane season and rainy season are all but over for now. Next, we come to bang for the travel buck once on the ground in Honduras. For $100 for two people can get a decent, clean room with private bath, hot water and a good degree of comfort, three solid, tasty meals per day, a few happy hour drinks in the evening and transport (buses, taxis, tuk-tuks) from one desti nation to another. As well, there still will be something left over for souve nirs as well as a couple of guided tours to national parks, archeological ruins, etc. Try to get anything near that kind of travel value for your money in the US, Canada or Europe...very difficult especially when one considers that just a hotel room (and not even much of a room at that) would probably set you back at least a hundred bucks. Now, of course prices are cheap in all of Central America, so Honduras faces some competition, but taken as a whole the Central American region offers up lots of travel options where visitors can mix and match countries and destinations without having to worry about doing major damage to their already well-used credit cards. Consequently, travel to the Central America region is up in recent years with more and more travelers visiting multiple Central American countries during the course of one trip. This past May/June my wife and I travelled to Costa Rica and Nicaragua and had a wonderful time. It should be noted that Honduran destinations such as Copan Ruinas are direct beneficiaries of this cross border, mix and match tourism in Central America. I have often told guests in Copan (almost jokingly at times) that the best thing that could happen to Honduran and Copan tourism in particular is that tourism in Guatemala continues to increase at a healthy clip, as many tourists whose prime destination is Guatemala, cross the border at Copan to take a look see at the ruins, get a taste of Honduras and hopefully continue on to other destinations such as the North Coast and Bay Islands. Another advantage for Honduras in these tough economic times is that Honduras draws primarily small scale tourism: not much here in the way of bus loads of tourists descending on archeological sites and national parks, such as in Mexico and Costa Rica. Copan Ruinas saw some 80,000 or so US, Canadian and European tourists last year, unlike other more heavily visited tourism destinations such as Mexico. Honduras only needs to pull in a relatively small number of tourists to stay even with last year’s numbers. Destinations like Yucatan and the Mayan Riviera in Mexico must pull in millions of tourists in order to keep their huge tourism infrastruc ture humming. Copan Ruinas, with only a couple of dozen hotels, needs a fraction of that kind of tourism to fill up its rooms and keep its restaurants busy. In terms of tourism products, Honduras competes well, thank you very much: diving, snorkeling, beaches, islands, mangroves, national parks, jungles, cloud forests, rivers, live indigenous cultures, birding and other nature tourism, archeology, coffee tourism, etc. As the new Honduran tourism tag line goes, “Todo esta Aqui ... Everything is here!” Other Central American destinations have similar products; Guatemala has Tikal, Nicaragua has Granada, Costa Rica has beach, but few destinations have the breadth and depth that Honduras offers. The main problem in Honduras is a lack of infrastruc ture, a lack of roads to national parks, lack of visitor centers, trails, guides and other tourism infrastructure in hard to reach destinations such as La Mosquitia or the Lenca Highlands. Frankly, other Central American destinations do a much better job than Honduras does in terms of providing adequate infrastructure to a wide variety of places where tourists want to go. And of course, it goes without saying that other nearby countries, such as Costa Rica do a much, much better job of marketing and promoting their tourism products, especially in the all important US market. On strictly demographic terms, Honduras has a few advantages in terms of pulling in tourists. Honduras’ forte up to now are the islands and Copan. Most travelers who scuba dive and visit archeological sites tend to be college graduates and in upper income brackets. Taking into account the anticipated economic downturn in the US and Europe, it should be noted that as a whole, college gradu ates have an unemployment rate that is half that of non-college grads. Thus college grads (who disproportionately) visit Honduras in greater numbers for example, will be less affected by any coming economic downturn. So there you have it ... some observations on the New Year for Honduran tourism. In a few months we will see how this all plays out. Obviously difficult times are ahead for Honduras. The important maquila light manufacturing export sector which is dependent on the US as its main market will be hit hard, as demand for Honduran made products such as clothing will likely take a nose dive. As well, money sent back by Hondurans residing in the US (both legally and illegally) may dip as many Honduran immigrants lose their jobs or see their earnings in the US reduced in the coming months. As US consumers are squeezed, spending will continue to drop which may affect everything from Honduran honeydew melon growers in Choluteca, to culti vated shrimp farmers on the Pacific coast, to coffee growers in Western Honduras and banana and pineapple growers on the North Coast. One would hope (and pray) that at least the tourism sector in Honduras will be able to keep its head above water in the coming months and hopefully modestly prosper and thrive in these difficult economic times. Perhaps the clear, sunny blue skies that Honduran tourism is famous for, may bring a glimmer of hope to an otherwise grey and dark economic panorama ... that’s my hope for 2009. Howard is the owner/operator of Casa de Cafe, a bed and breakfast in Copan Ruinas. Visit the website at http://www.casadecafecopan.com. What Can We Expect for 2009 Honduran Tourism? TOURISM

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 14 YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW Did you know that classed advertisements are also on our web page? It receives more than 1.5 million hits per month! It's time to advertise with Honduras This Week! For information on classieds, contact Tel. 239-3654 Email: hontweekventas@multidata.hn www.hondurasthisweek.com Copan Apartments Tegucigalpa The Best Completely furnished apts. in Tegucigalpa. Full service: daily maid, swimming pool, laundry/ironing, hot water, telephone(direct, private lines) T.V. cable, microwave, A.C.,V.C.R.(video), fax, barbecue area, garden, individual garages, security. 1,2,3 bedroom /2 bathrooms, studio room (optional), free internet, a country house for week ends at Zamorano Valley(4 manzanas of land), fruit trees, walking roads, 45 minutes from Tegucigalpa Col. Palmira, Las Acacias St. 2 blocks west from the former United Nations Bldg. Tegucigalpa MDC Tel (504) 238-1751, FAX:(504) 238-3752 E-mail: aparthotelcopanteg@gmail.com or aptoscopanteg@gmail.com Guest Rooms & Apartments For both short and extended stays at affordable prices. All of our rooms incluide air conditioning, wireless internet, cable television, direct dialtelephones, daily maid service. Large family room and full service kitchen 24-7 security. Please see our website to fully appreciate our establishment at www.humuyainn.com American owned and managed. Information (504) 239-8962, 235-7276, 2392206, 235-7275 Fax: 239-5099 or Info@humuyainn.com Tegucigalpa RENTALS For Rent 1 and 2 bedroom apartment for rent(semifurnished) located at Fort Saphery Hotel and Restaurant in West End-Roatan. Maid service included,1 small pet OK, Couples or room mate OK. Complex is located on the beach and is avail able for immediate occupancy. Price: $600.00 per month (water and light included) Call Olin at Phones: (504) 445-4213, 445-0256, for additional information.E-mail: olinsaphrey@ aol.com Central America SPANISH SCHOOL A SCHOOL WITH UNIQUE TEACHING TECHNIQUES! OUR PROGRAMS: * Intensive Spanish Language program in: * La Ceiba * Utila Bay Island * Roatan Bay Island * Eco-Spanish, Biological and Scientific Program * In Cayos Cochinos marine protected area. * Ecological Intensive Spanish Language Program * In the National Park Pico Bonito. * Mayan and Beach Intensive Language Program * Available in La Ceiba, Utila and Copan Ruinas. * Transfer Credits available from US Universities. Call: 440-1707 E-mail: info@ca-spanish.com www.ca-spanish.com For Sale by Owner Located in Siguatepeque, Honduras Central America 1 manzanas, a mod ern, beautiful home that has approx. 2,500 sq. ft. in it, has fabulous view of mountains from porch and patio, spring like weather all year long, bananas, coffee, oranges, various fruits, flowers. Very beautiful and secure area. Will sell home with all or part of the property. The price starts at $170,000 for just house with the 110 ft x 110 ft walled in area around the house and flower garden, and designated prop erty outside the wall or $300,000.00 for all. Price negotiable. Only serious buyers need to call or email. maryronhonduras@yahoo.com or call: 011-504-9666-1885 SERVICES C LASSIFIE D C LASSIFIE D For Sale in Copan Ruinas 1.6 acre Oasis. 2 story Villa, guest cottage, carport and enclosed garage/bodega. Most beautifully landscaped vista proper ty in town. All Services. Full title. No liens. A must see e-mail: stepstocopan@yahoo.com Internet site: http://realestate.escapeartist.com/P-29327 African Palm Farm in North Coast of Honduras 90+/acres of flat land, 60+/acres with African palm in production, good pasture, it borders a big lagoon (Lagunas Los Micos), 1 house for employee, with solar electric, community water, 2 big fish ponds, close to the African palm factory in San Alejo, good investment and a good place to relax and make money. Price $350,000.00. Call for more information at 863-673-0955; 863-265-0366 (USA) or 321-574-2678 (Honduras) (504) 9699-8119 or e-mail: southdixie@embarqmail.com Santa Lucia: Just 20 minutes from Tegus on the road to Valley of Angles, live in a near prefect climate year round day time high temps 70 with very low humidity. This is a small, friendly, and safe place to live. This property is approximately 3 acres with one large house, 3 apartments and one small house. There is plenty of parking space for cars. In total there are 15 bed rooms 9 bath rooms 5 kitchens and one stroage building with bathroom. The large house has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms large living room, fireplace with high celings. Large kitchen and a huge covered patio overlooking Tegus. The apartments are 13 bedroom 2 bath and 2 -2 bedroom 1 bath, there is also a small house with 2 bedroom and 1 bath. All buildings are in good condition ready to move in. there is city water and we also have a 20,000 water storage facility. There are 18 building lots in addition to the houses and apartments that have been platted and survyed. All lots have fantastic views of the city. This is a great property for developers, church retreat or mission compound. Great buy at $499,000 the lots alone are worth the entire price. Call George US.# 336-506-7503 cell 321-624-3894 hondu ras call Lucio 3354-9657. For Sale Beautiful 3,500 sq. ft. beachfront. Fenced lot in Santa Fe, 25 min west of Trujillo. Lot is close to the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean. It has electric and water avail able. The price is right! Only $18,000 U.S. It is close to a quiet little village of Santa Fe and lovely mountain views. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a “piece of paradise. For this proce! Please contact Belinda Linton www.hondurasislandsandbeaches.com cell:0-11-504-9906-9818 For Sale in Colonia Lomas del Guijarro Beautiful apartment, panoramic view, security, pool, social area, 3 bedrooms, garden. US$225,000 Beautiful House in Colonia Lomas del Guijarro, pool, panoramic view, sauna, garden, 4 bedrooms. US$360,000 Please contact us to phones: (504)239-4995, 263-1456, 3364-7454, 3360-3104 We have more apartments and houses for sale and rent. E.mail: ceciliadpp@hotmail.com or blancamejiahn@yahoo.com House for Rent Colonia Palmira Completely furnished, house has 4 bed rooms, dining room, living room, kitchen, laundry, office, garage, plenty water, air conditionings, cable tv, internet, telephone line Price:$1,600.00, Please contact us to Phones: 236-5925 ozpanchame@yahoo.com Coffe Farm in Olancho Mountain property 20 kilometers from San Francisco de la Paz, area of 220 acres, 43 with high altitude coffe plantation, 103 acres with pastures and the rest with forest. Assume laon with bank of $30,000 pay able in five years at 10% per year and the rest in cash to make a total price of US $90,000. See pictures at www.coffeefarm. synthasite.com If interested please call at (504) 9952-7504 or email: srpenergy@yahoo.com FOR SALE Beautiful home site, 2,802 v2. Best zone (1st stage) res. Villa Elena, Tegucigalpa’s most exclusive eco-develop ment and Country Club. $50.00/V2, nego tiable. Javier Mejia Tel. 9941-1212. E-mail: lucygodoykessler@yahoo.com 150 ft. Beach Front Villa La Ceiba Sleeps 6-8, private pool, nearby restaurants and attractions, 15 minutes East of La Ceiba in Villa Nuria. Magnificent sunsets. Enjoy yourself! $1200/ week. Call Heidi 9719-8959 Luxury Villa La Ceiba Sleeps 6-8 people, private pool, 3200 ft, gourmet kitchen, Mango Tree gated commu nity, 20 min East of La Ceiba. Restaurants, beach and eco-tourism attrac tions nearby. $1200/wk. Call Heidi 9719-8959 Email: golaceiba@yahoo.com www.GoLaCeibaRealEstate.com Large Vacation Beach House for rent weekly. Ideal for family reunions, retreats or group gatherings 10 br and 10 b (maximum 30 guests) 500 meters beach front on Tela Bay between San Juan and Tornabe. Call Elia at 504/545/2660 or email: elcocalhouse@gmail.com For more info: www.elcocalhouse.com For Rent La Ceiba, Beachfront condo, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, A/C, pool, $800 fully furnished. 2b-2bathroom House,$1200, AC, Pool, Fully furnished. Phones 9812-5116, 9805-7522 Website: www.villasbocavieja.com E-mail:ivan.jnc@gmail.com Happy Land Real Estate www.realestatehappyland.com happyland@realestatehappyland.com (504) 440-2803/ (504) 9998-8497/ (504) 9922-8778 For sale in the North Coast of Honduras •Porvenir, Atlantida, beach properties, 65.6 feet of beach front and 270.6 feet deep, total area 17,744.80 square feet, price $2.80 per square feet. •Triunfo de la Cruz, Tela, Atlantida, beach property, area: 5,820.36 square feet, 126 feet of beach front. Price $130,000. •East End, Guanaja, Bay Islands, 84.25 acres with approximately 2,788 feet of beach front. Coral reefs in front of prop erty, $60,000 per acre. •Guanaja, Bay Islands, 10 acres with river, house, next to a hotel. Price: $85,000 per acre. •Tela, Atlantida, beach 100 meters away from beach, two story house, swimming pool, 3 bedrooms, price $190,000. •Piedra Pintada, La Ceiba, Atlantida, two beach houses with three bedrooms. Price: $85,000. •Piedra Pintada, La Ceiba, Atlantida, two properties of 32.8 x 65.6 feet of beach front. Price:$16,000 per property. •Granadita, La Ceiba, Atlantida, beach front house with two bedrooms, terrace, swimming pool, price: $240,000. •Balfate, Colon, 4 terrains of beach front of 65.6 x 65.6 feet, $25,000 each one. •Tela, Atlantida 68.8 acres in Tela, beach, mountain and plain terrain, 34.4 acres (plain) and 34.4 acres (mountains), excellent for building a hotel resort. Price $58,140 per acre. •Trujillo, Colon, 423.4468 acres of beach, rivers, mountain and plain terrain, appropriate for a tourist hotel resort, price: $600,000 negotiable. •La Ceiba, Atlantida, mountain property of 115.24 acres, beautiful view of the sea and city, has a river. Price $220,000. •Pollityle Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, 10 acres with beach, plain terrain and mountains, 6 acres plain domain $45,000 per acre and 4 acres with pos session $40,000 per acre. •La Ceiba, Atantida, residential project Wendy, two brand new houses, three bedrooms, dining room, living room, kitchen, laundry room, ceramic floors, fine finishes, with garage $55,000 without garage $50,000. Close to the national university and airport Goloson. 10 minutes away from the city. •La Ceiba, Atlantida, located in Jardines del Este, house with three bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, paved roads, garage (2 cars), completely new. $50,000. More houses, terrains, and beach properties at www.realestatehappyland.com “Weekend in Copan Ruinas , Pretty apart ment, fully furnished, two Room, A/C, hot water, garage two cars, full kitchen, TV with cable. Tel. 504-1876 Cel.9991-0889 contacto@servirse.com Paradise Massages With beauty girls Tel. (504) 9978-76-83 For more information jona_c99 @yahoo.com San Pedro Sula BUFFETE LAFOSSE & ASOCIADOS EDIFICIO PLAZA CRETA, PRIMER NIVEL BOULEVAR LA HACIENDA. CORREO ELECTRONICO: contactos@ lafosseyasoc-law.hn www.lafosseyasoc-law.hn Telfonos: (504) 235-7683, (504)235-8887 Fax: (504) 239-9008 Flatmate Wanted Young foreigner wanted for sharing a modern 120 sq.m. luxury apartment in Col. Las Lomas, Tegucigalpa. Luminous, fully furnished room with private bathroom, including use of fully furnished kitchen, huge living room, balcony with panoramic view, guest bathroom, all facilities (DVD, TV, CD, washing machine, phone, micro wave..) parking space for one car included, closed to Mall Multiplaza, 24 hrs security, also for short stays, monthly rent 400 US$ (negotiable.). If interested, please contact: Phone: (+504) 96210011, Email: ohmmm7@ gmail.com For Sale Toyota Cressida for Sale 1984, A/C, Sony stereo Lps. 60,000, Call Aida 3233-6943 from 8 am -9 pm sabonge2001@yahoo.com House for Sale Located in Altos de Miraflores Sur Area of construction 242 mts Parking spaces for 2 vehicles, two living rooms, studio, 3 bedrooms with their own bathroom, cistern with pump, elec tric gate, water heater, furnished kitchen. Price: $190,000. Those interested please call: citas al 9990 2917 y al 9995 3452 or E-mail: hugoorellana@honduras.com REAL ESTATE For Rent Conveniently located in Colonia La Reforma, Calle Joaqun Soto, Tegucigalpa, M.D.C.. Consisting of 2 living rooms, 2 bedrooms, bath, kitchen, dining room, vertical curtains for all windows, ceiling fans, laundry room with bath, washing machine and dryer, a porch with patio furniture, and large patio with garden protected with a wall and electric fence. The apartment has hot water. Closets, windows, doors, and furniture are made of mahogany wood. Furniture and appliances include: 2 living room sets, 1 dining room set, lamps, refrigerator, electric stove, 2 televisions,1 DVD, 1 stereo, bedroom fur niture and desks. It has cable and Internet service, and the telephone has an answer ing machine. The kitchen has a microwave oven, blender, electric coffee pot, toaster, sandwich maker, dishes, pots, glasses, and many other kitchen and dining room uten sils. The bedrooms have linens and towels. The bathroom has a bathtub. Parking: It has an electric garage door with parking for at least three vehicles. Security of the apartment: It is protected with an electric fence and an alarm moni tored by Wackenhut. It also has installed a smoke detector. Cost of the Internet, cable, water, and gar dening services plus security monitoring is included in rent. Tennant only needs to pay for the electricity and telephone services. If you are interested in the apart ment call 238 0137 or 238 2540 or send email to lucybdz@yahoo.com House For Rent Located in Colonia San Ignacion, nice envi ronment, closed neighborhood, garden, 3 bedrooms, mater room has jacuzzi, garage (2 vehicles), terrace. Price $1,500.00 For more information contact: Copira (504) 239-4007, 9565-0663, 9990-3745 E-mail: copira2002@yahoo.com

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 15 English, Italian, French, German And Portuguese TEACHERS wanted No experience needed Flexible hours Work and travel Excellent working environment Please call 239-6418, 239-6417, 9957-5585 ROATAN BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AN ON-GOING FULLY LICENSED BUSINESS OPEN FOR A PARTNERSHIP OR TAKE-OVER COMPLETELY. DON PEARLY 504 9991-0281 dpearly@hotmail.com EMPLOYMENT 12% to 19% Return on Investment 6 or 12 Month Terms $2,500.00 Minimum Investment Conservative Approach to Futures & Options roatanflyer@gmail.com INVESTMENTS Looking for a North American for coffee and talk in downtown Tegucigalpa, call Ron Logan, Telephone: 207-7255. MISCELLANEOUS Searching for the best profiles? Searching for the best job? Dont search for more, just visit: SM COMPANY, Honduras and Latin America, www.smcompany.net, www.honduem pleos.com, info@honduempleos.com We guarantee the best. Ph. (504)221-0874, 553-3386 Alcoholics Anonymous Roatan For meeting schedules and times, call 9991-3215,445/3476, 9942-6607, 445-1987.Us call:(423) 443-4164. www.aaroatan.com I am looking for a property to buy in the El Hatillo area or Valle De Angeles. I want at least one acre or one manzana in these areas. I prefer the land to be flat. My number is:(512)280-4330 E.U. or 239-3654 (teguz). E-mail mvivi@email.com

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Saturday, January 10, 2009 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 16 Saturday, November 1, 2008 HONDURAS THIS WEEK YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW 16