AH, Honduras. What I love to call the Motherland. Located in Central America, between Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, not many people know much about this country, it's people, or it's culture. Being Honduran is something I am and will forever be extremely proud of; here's why:
1. Baliadas
A baliada or tortilla de harina, is a traditional Honduran dish consisting of a flour tortilla, mashed up refried beans, cheese, Honduran cream, and whatever else your heart desires. Avocado, pork, hot sauce and many other things are added to baliadas. As long as your tastes buds and tummy are happy, that's all that matters.
2. The Temperature
I personally believe that there is no such thing as cold in Honduras except for the airports. Recently, the highest temperature that has been recorded is 107 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you're ever planning a trip to Honduras, be sure to bring some sunscreen because that sun is unforgiving.
3. Las Pulperias
A pulperia is not your average corner store. From soda in a plastic bag to eggs and laundry detergent, a pulperia is literally everything. And since they're locally owned, it's nice to establish connections with people(especially if you forget your money at home).
4. La Agua
Have you ever drank water from a plastic bag? In my opinion, it's much more refreshing than a basic plastic water bottle, but that's just me.
5. Soda in a bag
Did I mention how refreshing it is to drink someone out of a bag? Okay, cool. We aren't the only country to do this too! The U.S. just need to catch up.
6. MANGOS TIERNOS
GOD'S GIFT Y'ALL. I KID YOU NOT. Now, that I have cleaned up my drool from this picture; I can explain. Mangos tiernos is translated to young mangos, young as in unripe. These bad boys with some lime, salt, and hot sauce is a life changing experience that everyone needs to experience (unless you don't like sour or spicy). They're the first and last thing I buy when I'm in Honduras. Brb, drooling more.
7. La Caña
A.K.A sugar cane. A.K.A what I eat when i'm craving something sweet. People look at me crazy when I get passed a cane because I'm the happiest person in the world. Sucking the juices out of a sugar is top 10 one of the most satisfying things for me.
8. Punta
HISTORY LESSON: Punta is a Garifuna music and dance style. Born in Punta Gorda, Roatan, Honduras, it was brought by the Garifuna people, fleeing the slave trade from Africa. Punta literally translates to point or tip; most likely because it is danced on the tip of your toes. While on the tip of your toes, all the movement is in you hips, which is an insane work out. Punta isn't as easy as it looks (trust me, I've been practicing for 20 years), but anyone can dance it, just as long as you're having fun and enjoying the music and culture itself.
9. The Pride
This is the national shield of Honduras. Each part of this shield represents something important to the country itself. It shows deciduous trees, limestone cliffs, a triangular coat of arms of the Federal Republic of Central America Beautiful along with two towers representing the defense readiness and independence of the country and a volcano in between. There's much more to it, but that's an article within itself. Beautiful, isn't it?
10. It makes me who I am
Las baliadas, el clima (the temperature), las pulperias, the bagged water and soda, los mangos tiernos, la caña, la Punta, the pride are only some of the things that make my country beautiful. My accent, my habits, and my family are products of this amazing place. Having both parents be from this beautiful country, I will forever be proud, I will forever love it, and I will forever be a proud Hondureña.
QUE VIVA HONDURAS Y TODOS LOS CATRACHOS Y CATRACHAS!
Did I mention we have a bomb ass nickname? *flips hair*
