INDEPENDANCE DAY

Holiday: Yesterday was Honduran independace day. There were a few local celebrations including a running contest, boxing and greased poll climbing. I only saw the boxing and it was pretty funny. The ring was very small and just a temporary structure with a few boards and loose rope for the outer ring. They had 3 referrees just to keep the boxers off the ropes and boards. The just boxed until one gave up which was usually about 2 or 3 minutes. Several adults tried it and then a few kids. They used the giant adult gloves so they were pretty funny to watch.

My students from Isreal finished their class without any problems. The test was a real challenge to grade because our answer keys didn't match up completely. They took the test in Hebrew so we they got one wrong we had to have them read the question and answers in English and they try to determine if they got it right. The questions don't always translate well so it was fun trying to determine if they got the correct answer. They all passed however and they did very well on the 2 funs dives we had. They were extremely complementary of my teaching and they said I was "cool".

The reward of seeing a divers eyes when they see something new is unbelievable. It makes all the training and work worth every penny. We did the kick boxing underwater again and they loved it.

When we got back I let them use my computer to make calls and do some emails. They were extremely appreciative and even bought me a tee shirt and gave me a hand written thank you.
They also insisted that I have their email addresses so I could contact them if I ever go to Isreal. One of them is a professional tour guide and offered to show Gerri and I around.

Last night was a going away party and yet another snorkel test. Considering how many people have left recently we had a good turnout and a great time. We all went out to one of the local bars after eating and I stayed until midnight setting a new record for me.

Today is packing day. I'm already to go and meet Gerri this afternoon in La Ceiba. I talked to the boat staff yesterday and they said I could ride with them to LaCeiba but they were leaving at 6am. The ferry leaves at 2pm and that gives me time to get some deposits back, pack up and say some more goodbyes. I will truely miss many of the great people I've met here and hope to see many of them again someday.