Santa Rosa De Copan - Dan Rodgerson

This is how the nachos are served. There is a small fire burning on the bottom

This is a mid-scale hotel shower. Notice the exposed wires. Electricity, water and being naked do not really mix well

Having been lost the previous day, I made sure I always knew where I was. Got a room with a nice family and read about nice rooftop restaurant above a hotel a few blocks away. Very cool little town. I nested on the top floor, found a wireless internet connection and spent a few hours returning e-mails and checking on things at home. In the hotel were two groups. The first was a group of Canadian college students who were there working with habitat for humanity for a week and a Christian Baptist group. The groups were east to tell apart. College kids were there to party.


It was valentines day and kinda sucked to be alone. While at the rooftop restaurant in stumbled a group from the college. We talked and laughed a bit and a few of them checked e-mail on my computer while the drinks began to disappear. They did not master the idea of drinking BEFORE you go out. In tourist areas, drinks can be about $2 each. That was a lot. Warned the blonde girls that they needed to be careful.

It was actually nice to find people who were there for less time than I was. Literally, I came into contact with about 100 people traveling and most were out for between 6 months to a year.

Crashed pretty early. Last full day in the country tomorrow :(


You know you are traveling in Central America when…

1. A hotel for $17 looks expensive
2. You are smelling a three day old shirt thinking, can I get a fourth day out of it?
3. Your new cologne is “deep woods off”
4. Random kids come up to you almost daily and say “one two three four five”
5. You get to a hotel that is full, and you actually ask around if anyone is willing to share
6. You become accustomed to it taking three hours to travel 60 miles in a rural bus.
7. Seeing a full set of teeth is like seeing a lunar eclipse
8. It is common that most 15 year olds are working on their second kid
9. Locals will call relatives living in the states and hand the phone to you. Like you want to talk with them.
10. You are quoted an average of 40% higher than locals on most items.
11. You get on a bus and people stare at you like you are a Martian.

Dan Rodgerson Exploroo Profile

365 Adventure profile Dan Rodgerson

Dan Rodgerson

Favorite Quotes


Dan Rodgerson Wordpress Link

D. Rodgerson The Bizblitz

Bobble head jesus - Dan Rodgerson

This is one of the sweetest dashboards ever. two fans, disco lights, lcd player, radio, clock

I am so getting one of these

mountains outside la esperanza

Bobble head Jesus
Woke the next morning and headed toward the bus around 7. As I was asking a local were the bus station was, I heard a voice in perfect English “where are you going” It was actually refreshing. Jessica was a peace core volunteer nearing the end of her two year commitment. I noticed two things. She spoke very well in Spanish and she had bad teeth. We found the bus stop and realized it was Saturday and the bus did not leave for another hour and a half. Nothing was open, did not want to wait. Told here I was heading to the edge of town to try and catch a ride. She joined me.

Second car picked us up. Great guy with three sons who are doctors. (well one is still in his residency) It was perfect. Jessica found out the guy was actually heading to Tegucigalpa, would have been a four hour bus ride and she scored. Mine was just an hour where they dropped me at the turn off to la esperanza. That is where I got on the Jesus bus. I climbed aboard and there were about 6 pictures of Jesus. On the windshield was printed “Jesus is love” On the receipt was printed, we work in the name of Jesus. On the radio was Christian rock. On the dashboard…..you guessed it. A bobble head jesus.

I admit this next part is really stupid and considered not showing my stupidity, but it is a real life travel blog. Got into town, walked through a market. Although this was the highest town in the country it was hot and my bag was heavy. I asked a lady in a small bread store to watch my bag. That was not the stupid part. I made two mental notes. It was in front of an open air market and there was construction. I wandered. I am the only eagle scout who can get lost going around the block with a map and a compass. After a nice lunch and an hour of discovering the town I went back for my bag. Where was that store? Apparently the entire town was under construction and there were four open air markets that all looked the same. Panic began to set in. My guide book, passport, everything was inside.

I raced frantically though the streets like a mother who has lost her child at the mall. It all looked familiar but I could not find the store. I got a cab and told him my story. Once again, my drama became his mission. We re-traced steps from there the bus dropped me off, after a few minutes I was reunited with my pack. Not sure if I mentioned it before but I love my pack.
Feeling stupid I made my way back to the bus, put my pack on top and sat down waiting for the bus to leave. I asked the lady sitting next to me when it was going to leave. “an hour and a half” Grabbed my pack and headed to the edge of town. Thumb out, first car. Nice guy. An hour and a half later arrived in a small town called San Juan. Same dance, bus was not for an hours, thumb out and got a ride in the back of a pick-up but he was only going half way. Got another ride and made it to the small town of Gracias. Thought about staying but it seemed kinda stale and I really wanted to explore some ruins before I left. Took another bus another hour and a half to Santa Rosa de Copan.

I have been slowly throwing things away out of my bag to make room for things to bring home. With only a day and a half left, need to start grabbing them.

Dan Rodgerson Travel Profile

Dan Rodgerson Volunteer Work

365 Adventure profile Daniel Rodgerson

Dan Rodgerson Motivational Quotes

Resume Dan Rodgerson

The interview - Dan Rodgerson

I found a hotel in a small town near a beautiful lake. It was pretty mellow.

The days of switching busses and trekking though towns were pretty fun. There were a few stretches where I was too impatient to wait for the bus, so I hitched. I have put out the thumb about a half dozen times, and either the first or second car has picked me up. I guess I look pretty unintimidating. I cheat a little. As roads enter the small towns they have speed bumps. If you wait at the speed bumps, the folks have already slowed down so it’s easier to get a ride. Four of the people who picked me up either studied English or had visited the states.

When I found myself short on cash, I realized ATM’s are far and few between in this area. I needed to change my plans and make a side trip for cash in the other direction. It was about a three hour, $8 mistake. I figured would jump a bus, hit an ATM, and head back to Pena Blanca. I had three hours to make the round trip voyage before my phone interview with the city of Lindon.

On my way back, I took a mini-van during part of the voyage. The mini-van full of 22 people stopped on the side of the road. The driver motioned me to get out and said, “Santa Barbara is about 60 kilometers that way.” I was in the middle of nowhere. 60 kilometers is about 30 miles, and I had forty minutes to get there. I was screwed. Not only was I forty minutes away, but I needed to wait for a bus and find an internet café to call from. (Internet cafes usually allow international calls for about 15 cents a minutes.) I began to sweat.

After the first two cars passed, I put out my thump coupled with the international sign/prayer for please. The next car stopped. I explained my situation, and my drama quickly became his mission. We jammed down the winding mountain roads to Santa Barbara, and he dropped me in front of an internet café which was run by his cousin.

As I got out of the car, I saw an ATM out of the corner of my eye. The entire three hour trip was not even necessary! I had three minutes to gather my sweaty, dirty, frazzled self together.

I don’t think it was a coincidence that guy passed at that time and that he had a cousin who managed an internet café.

I think I did well on the interview and actually think they enjoyed the fact I was in Honduras. I fielded the normal interview questions and inserted a little joke here and there—will cross my fingers. They are installing a quarter of a million dollar simulated surfing machine. That would be pretty cool to manage.

Who would have thought that I could pick up a wireless internet signal in the middle of Honduras???

I met a cool couple from Australia today on the bus and bumped into a pair of girls from Europe that I had bumped into three times before. When you use the same guide book, you usually end up in the same hostels, restaurants, and attractions as some of the same people.

I went to an amazing waterfall today. I was there pretty early and shared the view with a couple from Orlando. They were with a guide. Guides don’t like solo travelers, because if it were not for the language barrier their entire job can be relapsed by a simple $10 travel book: $6 on e-bay.

Tomorrow I will get up early and visit one of the poorest and highest in elevation places in the country. Hopefully, I will get some handicrafts for my girls and see more of the countryside. It is strikingly beautiful here.

I received an e-mail from a cousin who was seriously considering joining me. I have been a bit disconnected from him, but I think we would mess well. I would love a running buddy.

Kerrie, the Canadian, once said that the places you love while traveling are a combination of beautiful, amazing places coupled with the people you meet there. I can’t agree more.

If anyone is actually reading this, leave a comment or let me know.

Dan Rodgerson

Rodgerson Travel Profile

Rodgerson Home page

Dan Rodgerson Biz Blitz

Dan Rodgerson Clip Marks

Daniel Rodgerson Wordpress

the waterfall - Dan Rodgerson

Rodgerson Linkedin


Daniel Rodgerson Hotlinx

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/members/danrodgerson

Dan Rodgerson Livejournal

Favorite inspirational quotes Dan Rodgerson

Daniel Rodgerson Myspace link

the rain - Dan Rodgerson

More random thoughts

People here work in the rain. I think they know that in a few minutes, things will hopefully dry out.

It is a strange tribal life where the leaders of the churches are essentially the leaders of the community. No police, judges or written law. The land technically belongs to the government but with written permission that the tribe can utilize the ground. There is no mail system or telephones. There is a medical clinic that is staffed only three days per week. I think it is a nurse practitioner.

The Sandinista/ contra war in the 80’s was a huge impact on this town. There were nearly 10,000 refugees from Nicaragua which came to this small town. There are still many remnants and reminders of that period.

The military dress in camouflage and carry machine guns. I have been here for several weeks and not real sure what they are looking for or protecting.

The moon has been full has provided light in the evenings. People have been up a bit later.

One thing I could not undersand. If the people here work so hard and the food is so scarse, why are many of the people so thick?

The kids here climb coconut trees for juice and a snack.

It has been a wild experience to be here but I miss the luxuries of civilization. Have not taken a hot shower in 4 days, not shaved in over a week. I have dirt under my fingernails and all of my clothes are dingy and moist.

Feels weird that there is an end to my adventure. It has been an amazing eye opening experience. In just a few days I need to return to my regular life and the realities there. I guess that is the purpose of an adventure or vacation…to get away from real life for a while. I plan to head out of the jungle either tomorrow or Friday morning for a phone interview on Friday.

When I was in Puerto lempira, the parrot that was on the floor of the restaurant made the sounds that rooster make in the morning because it has spent it’s life hanging with chickens. There are so many places I can go with that but I will just let it be.

Spent the day half crashed because I did not feel good and the other half trying to research grants with the theme of sustainability. We had some long discussions about how to help. One woman said that if we gave each family a grand they would not have the knowledge or education to spend I wisely. If we gave they all a cow or pig, they would need resource to take care of it, feed it, coral it, protect it etc. The answer is never simple.

Before I head back I do want to visit a huge waterfall and a place which has some ancient ruins. I hope I can fit it in.

The trip back with be rough. Back of a truck for another four hours. That still only gets me to a place that can only be accessed by plane or ship. Not really looking forward to that but it will be closer to hot showers and something other than rice and beans. Never realized how much I miss bread.

There is not an orphanage in Mocoron but there is one on the way to Puerto lempira. I want to visit one because I have never understood why there are orphanages here and people are waiting years to adopt in the states. There are plenty here to go around. Not really sure what I will do at the orphanage but I want to experience it.

The people are black here. Not tan or Mexican but jet black. Like African black. Not sure why I expected anything different. Going to crash. There has not been much sun and that means not much electricity from the solar system

Dan Rodgerson Wordpress Blogs

Resume

Dan Rodgerson Bizblitz

Daniel Rodgerson Quotes

Dan Rodgerson Clip Marks

Daniel Rodgerson Hotlinx

poverty - Dan Rodgerson

Today we worked on a conservation grant from one of the local beer companies. I am also trying to do an analysis on the half-built water system. Everything takes money, but in my experience public utilities are most often secured through debt or municipal bonds. The big question is whether the local people would be willing to pay a nominal fee for something they have gotten for free for decades? We looked at the cost to finish the project, the logistics of installation, and whether the remainder of the money could be financed and paid back through user fees. The next step is to determine whether the locals “value” the idea and how much they will or can pay for that service.

What was interesting is when I asked one of the older ladies how she would like water brought to her home rather than carrying a 5 gallon bucket on her head, she said, “It is one of our traditions.” I can now see the challenge of development while attempting to preserve the local indigenous cultures and traditions at the same time.

While I was riding in the canoe, one of the local boys asked me if things were better in the United States. I had to stop and think about that before I answered. Better? Life is easier, but I am not sure that it is better. Are white collar workers more happy and healthy than blue collar workers? I simply responded, “Life is much different there, not necessarily better.”

When I got here my first impression was that things are really not that bad. Have I become so calloused as to think that no power, no water, and sleeping on dirt floors is not that bad? As I made my way here, I had to spend some time in larger cities such as Cieba and San Pedro Sula. I saw things there that turned my stomach. Here, there are not children living in the streets, digging though trash trying to find food. Families do not turn dumpsters on their side for shelter. There are no abandoned children in orphanages, and nobody is dying of preventable diseases.

I did a paper in college regarding development and democracy in third world countries. One thing I remember vividly is that there is not magic wand, no ONE thing that can cure everything and make life better. Poverty, tragedy, obstacles, or challenges are accepted life experiences here. This could be the disintegration of the family, government corruption, lack of education, lack of a belief, lack of hope, or some type of chemical dependence. Fighting the battle can be like “whack a mole”, a variety of issues popping up all around you. I guess it is easy to shrug your shoulders and say, “What can I do?”

Everyone here has the dream of coming to America. This past summer I employed 16 Mexican men to work at our golf course and parks. They came to live the dream. They left their families and worked for about $12 per hour. After Uncle Sam took his share, their paychecks were needed to pay housing and transportation. I am not sure it was much of a dream. I don’t think the answer is “Come to America”. Hell, we have poverty here as well.

I hate to sound like some bleeding heart poverty cheerleader, but I really think that everyone can do something. It became obvious that I was not very good at hauling water, grinding rice, or really anything labor intensive; but I can find money and hopefully channel some in this direction.

It is raining here again. Rain can start and stop like someone turning on and off a faucet.

Rodgerson home page

Facebook Profile

Dan Rodgerson live Journal

Daniel Rodgerson Ecademy

Dan Rodgerson Inspirational Quotes

Lonely Planet Profile Dan Rodgerson

A day wandering the streets - Dan Rodgerson

This is the old pier. Watch were you step for a few different reasons. There are four family living under this on the shore side.

This is the old train from Dole bannana company

After my near death experience from costa rica I have no interest in getting on a plane. Since the flight does not leave until tomorrow, I decided to head toward the port to look for passage to Puerto Lempira. While looking for passage you are looking at two things simultaneously. The seaworthiness of the vessel and the trustworthiness of the crew. It is illegal here to book passengers on a cargo ship, so you are already operating in a grey area. There are horror stores that get told around hostels after a few beers about tourists being asked to walk the plank. Of course without their gear money or passports.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a dozen boats in the harbor and three heading in my direction. The boats had been in port for over a week. Apparently they were waiting for two things. A break in the weather and high tide. I found passage on two boats, one for free and the other for about $60. The vessel which was free gave rides to the area to missionaries for Karma points. I became a missionary. Take about Karma. The only problem was that they did not know when they would leave. Maybe sat, maybe Sunday. “Solo dios sabe” only god knows. Figured since I lied about being a missionary, it would be inappropriate to ask him.

I would have rather spent 36 hours on a cargo ship than one hour in a plane but since my time is limited here, I will stick to my flight plan. From there it is a combination of trucks, boats and hollowed out wooden canoes to get to the village.

Spend the day wandering the streets, fishing with a few kids on the pier and taking a bus back and forth to the pier to see if god let the boats go. The old dock was constructed back in the twenties by the dole banana company to transport bananas stateside. It had seen better days. While walking back I saw a guy squatting on the lower level of the bride. I was curious and stopped. Not to self, it is a good rule to never stop and look when someone is squatting. Yes, dropping bombs 15 feet down into the ocean. No sign of paper anywhere. Now that we are on the bathroom subject…. In bus stations they charge to use the bathroom. I asked the attendant if there was a different price for number one or number two because I believe there are significant differences in the impact. He tried to answer but did not realize I was just giving him crap. In more ways that one. It was two and a half cents. No real reason to bargain. Also, they do not throw the paper in the toilet. It goes in the trash can. So yes, you guessed it, you are sitting there inches away from feces from a dozen dudes from a third world country.

I recieved a call from a municipality regarding a potential job. Although I have three interviews set up, this is the one I am really interested in. At first, I thought they would feel strange about getting a call from Honduras but the secretary found it amusing. Hell, anything to stand apart from the pack. Hope it works. The interview is next Friday so I will only be able to spend about 6 days with the tribe. Maybe by that time I will be ready to leave. I have about a 4 day threshold of bathing without hot water. Before I go, I do want to climb a volcano, see some mayan ruins and damn it, I want to see a monkey.

I have to wake up around 4:30 to catch my flight in the morning. Will be another boring night

This is a park in the center of town

This is a dead dog

From a small cafe overlooking the water

Travel adventure profile

Dan Rodgerson Gather Profile

Dan Rodgerson professional Resume

Linked In Profile

Kayak Magazine profile Daniel Rodgerson

Trip Advisor Profile Dan Rodgerson

deja vu - Dan Rodgerson

I went back to the States, scheduled a few interviews, dealt with a dead-beat renter, and moved some money around before heading back.

My mother called and asked, “What is going on?” I told her that I was doing well, going to have dinner with my girls, and heading back to Honduras on a red eye flight. Silence. Then my mother could not contain herself, "What in the hell are you going back for?" I told her that I did not do what I went there to do, and I wanted to go back. “Well, all right.” The emphasis was on the last syllable, and only my brothers would understand that affirmative response riddled with the disapproval.
Although my last trip was amazing, I feel it was not complete. My goal has been to try to turn a crummy situation into something positive. I am excited about going to a place where not many white men have gone, and I am not talking about West Valley or downtown Bridgeport.

I packed a bit differently. I already left my new sunglasses at my brother’s house. I grabbed Joy’s laptop, because hers was a bit smaller and lighter. I feel I will regret that promise….if I break it, I will replace it.

I hate to fly, and I can't imagine that the plane from Costa Rica to San Pedro Sula will be very big. It might be a rough afternoon.
It was a rough flight, as anticipated. Red eye and I think the pilot was looking for rough air to stay awake. The lady seated behind me kept practicing her kick boxing on the back of my seat.












Dan Rodgerson Lonely Planet profile

Rodgerson Volunteer work

Google profile Dan Rodgerson

Dan Rodgerson Live Journal

Daniel Rodgerson incrase

Dan Rodgerson Social Bookmark

Post Independent Article D Rodgerson

On the road again.... - Dan Rodgerson

My mother called and asked…what is going on? I told her that I was doing well, going to have dinner with my girls and heading back to Honduras on a red eye flight. Silence. Then my mother could not contain herself, "what in the hell are you going back for?" I told her that I did not do what I came here to do and I wanted to go back. “well alright” The emphasis was on the last syllable and only my brothers would understand the affirmative response riddled with the disapproval.

Although my last trip was amazing, I feel it was not complete. My goal has been to try to turn a crummy situation into something positive. Excited about going to a place where not many white men have gone, and I am not talking about west valley or downtown Bridgeport.

I grabbed a friends laptop because hers was a bit smaller and lighter. I feel I will regret that promise….if I break it, I will replace it.

I packed a bit differently. Already left my new sunglasses at my brothers house.

Went back to the states, scheduled a few interviews, had to deal with a dead beat renter, moved some money around and headed back. Rough flight. Red eye and I think the pilot was looking for rough air to stay awake and the lady behind me was practicing her kick boxing on the back of my seat.

I hate to fly and I can't imagine that the plane from Costa Rica to San Pedro Sula will be very big. Might be a rough afternoon.










Rodgerson Favorite quotes

Live Journal Blogs

365 Adventure Profile Dan Rodgerson

Motivational Quotes Daniel Rodgerson

Dan Rodgerson Resume

Lonely Planet Profile Daniel Rodgerson

The point of no return... Dan Rodgerson

Up to this point in the trip, things were very clear and easy to find. You could turn to a page of a guide book and pretty much find your way. La Cieba was the jumping off point to head deep into the jungle without organized transportation or roads.
Got up early and walked the streets just as the shop owners began to open up and put things on the curbs. The city did not seem as scary as it did the previous night, but it still had guards with machine guns in front of the banks.

I had a rough night sleeping. South America is one of the few places I have heard city sounds as well as a rooster crowing.
A woman in the restaurant the previous night told me that passage to Puerto Lempira would be three days on the deck of a cargo ship, three days!

Kerrie was heading to the Bay islands and was on her way to the port. She suggested that I go with her and check the boats at the dock myself.

At the port we got bread and some coffee and made our way to the bus stop. A taxi driver stopped to offer us a ride because he said there were no buses heading in that direction on Saturday. We did not fall for it, and the bus arrived in two minutes.

After I got Kerrie situated, I gave her a big hug and headed back to the docks. No boats were leaving for the next four days. Discouraged but determined, I checked with another 10 smaller boats with no luck. That meant I would be waiting four days to travel for three days on a cargo ship, then back again.

I was not ready to give up. The guide book said that it was possible to fly there for about $100. I grabbed a cab to the airport and missed the flight by 15 minutes. No other flights until Monday, two days later.

As I sat on the steps of the airport, I cursed and wondered I came all this way! I felt kind of like a member of the Griswald family in “Vacation”. Should I wait two days to fly or wait four days for the ship? There I sat in the middle of remote Honduras: confused, frustrated and discouraged. I had thoughts that things were not really settled in the states. I just had a sickening, hollow feeling. Do I turn back? Push on? The drama and reality of being unemployed settled in. But I had come so far!

Once more, I put out my thumb at the airport with my head hung low and hitched a ride to the bus stop. I landed in a small town outside a city called Tela. I sent an e-mail to a friend to ask her if she could check flights back to the States from a few surrounding cities. It would take me at least 5 days to get back to Cancun.

Dan Rodgerson Quotes

Trip Advisor Forum Profile

Dan Rodgerson linked in

Trip Advisor Dan Rodgerson

Google profile Daniel Rodgerson

punta to la cieba - Dan Rodgerson

I headed into town the next morning past dilapidated houses and shacks thinking that my tree fort that I built when I was ten was more structurally sound than most of these houses. I ate a quick breakfast: sausage, two eggs, and of course....tortillas with every meal.

I started the day as a solo traveler. When I got to the dock, I booked passage. Fifteen minutes later I met Kerri, a Canadian. She had been traveling with her boyfriend and this was the first day she was flying solo. She was a pretty girl, and you could tell that she came from money. I think she liked the security of having someone else there. We had a border crossing that day. We bumped into a two-pack from Switzerland: good looking younger couple and a father/daughter team from Pennsylvania. We were now six.

We wandered together though the fish market.

The boat ride was very cool. We put head phones on and watched as the mountains of Honduras become more visible.

Border crossings are nerve racking! My first crossing was into Belize. The guy at the Mexico border would not let me out because I had "bad documents". He said it louder and louder and smiled knowingly at the bus driver. He originally suggested a bribe of fifty dollars, but I was able to get though by slipping him a twenty.

Once into Belize they said I could not enter because my passport was not signed. He was looking for a gift (bribe) as well. I got out of the line, signed the passport, went to another border guy, and got in.

I got off the boat thinking we were in Honduras, but actually we were in Guatemala. My new friends must have thought I was an idiot. I spoke the language at last, so (although my directional skills were off) I was still handy to have around.

We changed our money for the local currency and walked into town. Kerrie was very concerned and made it her personal mission to make sure that she was not charged more than the locals. Any time she asked for price, she would reply "too much." I would translate...."demasiado". I would just shake my head and let her be the bitch, as if she wore the pants in our relationship. As if there was a relationship. It worked. We were a good team.

We caught a ride with 14 people in a minivan which weaved in and out of crowded streets heading for the border. Everyone starred at us, but mostly the two foreign blonds. We lost the two Europeans along the way, and our pack of six became four. The two from the states were traveling hippies, the cool kind who started their journey at the Rainbow Gathering in Southern California. They were dirty and smelled foul. They slept on the beach most nights, and their 15 year old daughter walked bare foot though the crowded border town.

It was a long bus ride but good conversation into San Pedro Sula. We switched buses, lost the dirty Americans, and settled in for another few hours in the bus. I sat with a nun and two Amish guys. It was just Kerri and me now.

We arrived in the rough city of La Cieba. We got a taxi after Kerrie did her normal routine...."too much." We found a room above a bakery but did not ask the critical question....hot water? We had cold showers that night. We found an internet lab, had tacos, and began to strike up conversations with the locals about the next part of the journey.

Kerri read a book and crashed early. I walked around a bit. I moved my wallet into my front pocket and kept a close eye on what and who was behind me. I did not feel comfortable. We went back to where I had dinner and three of the waiters came up to me and eagerly asked....la rubia (the blonde)? I said we were just traveling together....not "together". One sighed and said, “Que lastima....(what a shame).”



Dan Rodgerson Linked in profile

Tribe Profile

Cay caulker - Dan Rodgerson

I got up early in Belize City and walked around for an hour or so. I took some pictures: real rough place to live.

The two guys I was running with convinced me to go with them to Cay Caulker, a tiny island off the coast. I figured that since I had spent two days straight in a bus I needed to do something fun. I planned to leave that night and try to make it to a few more cities. I felt that my mission of going to Moskitia was getting in the way of my adventure. I went to the island with them, and it was truly amazing: an absolute tropical paradise. We had breakfast and looked around....great company, great setting. I am staying!

Booked a snorkel trip for $17 and swam with rays, turtles, sharks, etc. There was plenty of sun. After snorkeling, I came back, drank a few rum punches at the local hut, and began to think about dinner. I paid $15 for three drinks, lobster, rice, beans, and desert. I think we overpaid.

I really had a fun night with those two clowns; they were always looking for the party. The party crowd was young so I blew in and out, spending some time on a hammock. We laughed and drank too much. I could not get into too much trouble. I found a guy to make us hamburgers at 2am and stumbled home. My new friends were totally amazing. Jimmy was a carpenter, more quiet and smoked discreetly. Martin was the clown, easy to smile, looking for adventure, and wanted to throw a few back and talk about it. We shared a room, lots of drinks, and many laughs.


After getting back to the mainland I shared a cab with two girls from Switzerland. We knew that we were heading in different directions at the bus terminal, so we did not spend the time to get to know each other. They were young and brave. One was incredibly beautiful, but did everything she knew how to hide it. She had her hair pulled into her hat and wore baggy clothes. I would love for my daughters to do that!



I got up early the next morning, hugged the boys goodbye, and set out for Belize City. I caught a bus heading to southern Belize. I fell asleep on the bus and woke up in a tropical jungle with huge mountains. It looked like the place they filmed “King Kong”. As I headed more south, the landscape changed, and the people became darker. I had planed to go to Placencia, but like everything else...my plans changed.

A couple from Europe said that the ferry from Punta Gorda was about half the cost. So, I went on to Punta Gorda. I jumped off the bus in Dangriga for lunch and just to walk around. The poverty is overwhelming here; I am glad I brought the pillow that Chloe made for me. It came in handy!

I am heading into areas with very few foreigners. My guide book is getting tattered. I need a few stamps in this new passport book. I settled into Punta Gorda. I found a bar/restaurant and met the owner and his wife. She was singing karaoke. It was nice to hear anything but reggae music. She sang a duet to Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn”. I didn’t drink tonight as I was still sluggish from the night before.

Volunteer Work

exploroo Profile Daniel Rodgerson

Sun sentinel Article

Daniel Rodgerson Spiritual Quotes

365 Adventure profile

Dont drink the water Dan Rodgerson

Had a long day but finally sitting in a cafe in Tulum Mexico.

Dad needed to work early and dropped me off a few hours before the flight. I routed through Charlotte and landed in Cancun about 3:30. I took the bus to Playa del Carmen and then another bus to Tulum.

Tulum is a very cool little town at the base of some amazing ruins.

I walked into my first hostel today and quickly turned and walked right out. I figured that I would rather pay the $25 bucks for my own room than bunk with 30 hippies. That was one of the first things that I learned down here: Hippieville. Granted, I love the lifestyle, but the idea of not bathing for a week or so, combined with the dreads..... I will have to pass. No amount of incense will cover the smell of urine, body odor, and weed.

There are certain levels of hippies. The first are the wannabe hippies who live in the suburbs, may have a small stash of weed somewhere, and say they believe in peace and love— but don’t really practice it. We can call this level of hippies Democrats. :)

It’s time for me to get on the road again. I will write more tonight.

Dan Rodgerson

Dan Rodgerson Live journal

Daniel Rodgerson Inspirational quotes

Dan Rodgerson Lonely Planet Profile

Dan Rodgerson Resume

365 Adventure profile Daniel Rodgerson

Off.... Dan Rodgerson

Off….

About two hours after getting my passport in the mail, I purchased a ticket to make this whole gig a reality. The cruise idea did not work. I looked at tickets to Cozumal and Cancun and called my brother to see if he could use my truck while I was gone. He was on the way to New York for my cousin’s wedding. I thought, hell, he is my cousin, too. I checked with Orbitz for a multi-destination fare through New York and found it was just as cheap as the direct flight to Mexico: Salt Lake to Denver-Layover-Denver to New York. I could be at the wedding on Saturday and fly into Cancun on Monday: funny how weddings and funerals bring everyone together.

I wanted to get in and out of Cancun as soon as possible. It seems like the tourist areas are so much more expensive. Hopefully, I would get to Tulum by Monday night. Some of the goals of this trip: avoid cities of over 10K and try to live off $20 per day.

I will pack mostly old clothes that I can shed or throw away if I pack too many. I will need medicines for just about everything, including pain killers if a kidney stone decides to be a problem. I will need water filters, shot records, passport, etc. I feel like a turtle with everything on my back.

The wedding was yesterday. My brother Scott and I walked in thinking it would be so exciting to “catch-up” with all of the cousins, and everyone would be so surprised to have the Rocky Mountain relatives there. Something felt off. Kind of like a black guy walking into a clan rally. After asking three of my aunts and uncles where my cousins were I was given a strange response. Apparently, none of the cousins were invited! Our status quickly went from that of “long lost cousins coming home to reminisce with family” to “wedding crashers”. Couple our status with an open bar and not drinking out of respect for my folks for three hours, and the wedding was nearly painful. Cute couple: bun in the oven. Bride was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar. That much is true.

Note to self....don't show up to a wedding unless you are actually invited!

I never realized how much my family gatherings actually look like an episode of the Sopranos. No gifts, just everyone discretely swapping envelopes; older ladies in cheesy fur coats; and Brooklyn accents, attitudes, and swaggers. As they raised their glasses in a toast, they all said “Salud” That sealed the deal.

I have a theory that people back east are about on the average two inches shorter than adults throughout the country. This theory has no real basis other than the fact that for the first time in my life I feel tall. Maybe it was just that I was at a family function, and my grandmother could have been technically classified as a midget. (I am not kidding. I think she was three foot five....in heels.) I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz who landed in Munchkin Land. (I know that I could have associated myself with one of the other characters in the story, but did not know whether to pick the guy without a heart, brains, or courage.)

Need to run around a bit today and do everything I can to get out of going to church. Hopefully four inches of snow will help.

I am nervous a bit but excited.



Live Journal

Adventure Forum

Reuinion Trunbull High

Dan Rodgerson Certs/ awards/ skills

Dan Rodgerson spiritual quotes

Sun Sentinal Article

Bix hot linx Daniel Rodgerson

Lessons Learned... - Dan Rodgerson

I am thinking that I may need to change career paths completely. Repo man comes to the top of the list. That is an industry that will be flourishing in the next year. I don’t really like being shot at. Maybe just continue dealing real estate. “Danny Day Care” was another suggestion as a local day care closed its doors. “Curriculum Writing by June” (my mother) even occurred to me.

I had a great conversation with my dad with inspiring words like, “You are only limited by your fears.” “You are well-educated and articulate, and you will rebound just fine.” My mother asked, "How are you at selling used cars?”

Another day….no passport.

Dan Rodgerson Facebook link

Trip Advisor Comments Rodgerson

Dan Rodgerson Resume

Rodgerson myspace

Dan Rodgerson Motivational Quotes

The Clinic...

Trekking into the jungle is not as easy as it seems. It takes time and planning to get the passport, shots, and gear necessary. My brother, who is a physician, was kind enough to send some warm and fuzzy videos about malaria, botflys, yellow fever, etc. So, off I go to the clinic on Friday to become a pin cushion. Other threats are dengue fever, rabies, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever (not to mention the high probability/certainty of explosive diarrhea).

I get to the clinic and talk with the receptionist. “Did you bring your shot records?” I answer, “Uh, no, I don’t think I have any.” She gave a half-smile, “Well, looks like we will be sticking you a lot today.” As the list of shots began to pile up (three, four, five, six) her half-smile became a full smile. She seemed to enjoy the fact that I would be in pain, or maybe she had some commission on the number of shots she stuck in a day.

“Do you plan to be sexually active down there? Just remember that 10% of the prostitutes in Central America have aids.” She winked at me.

I thought of a dozen missionaries that I knew who brought back walking-talking souvenirs from their missions. Don’t get me wrong, for some it is a pretty good gig. It is a great way for a
mediocre guy to land an attractive wife. Maybe you need to teach her that shoes are required in Wal-Mart or not to do laundry by hand in the front yard; but these are small prices to pay. “You can get a girl out of Central America, but cannot get Central America out of a girl”

The area that I am going is accessed by two routes: no roads. The first option is a small one and a half hour flight on a shaky airplane. One blogger suggested to check the fuel gauge before leaving and to check the blood alcohol level of the pilot before boarding. Considering I need two zanax to fly, or two doubles with Captain Morgan, I will probably take option two: spend the night and day on the deck of a cargo ship for about 24 hours. That option would be nostalgic and memorable even if there was rain, storm, or high winds.

The main reason I went to this clinic was to get a shot for yellow fever. Apparently, the countries I am going to do not require that shot, and it would not be necessary. The suggestion to head to Salt Lake was from my physician. I guess that is what you get when you have someone who is part farmer, part vet, and part doctor give you advice. Before my appointment he was delivering a breached calf.

I have been waiting for my passport like a kid anticipating Christmas. I want to get out of town!




Dan Rodgerson Adrian Telegram Articles

Trip Advisor Profile

Dan Rodgerson Spiritual Quotes

365 Adventure profile

Dan Rodgerson Wordpress Blog

Home Brewtalk Dan Rodgerson

Rodgerson Resume