WORK CREW LOGISTICS
WORK CREW DATES
The dates for the 2010 work trip are February 11-19, Feb. 11-23 (for those who want to stay a few days longer), and February 23-March 6 (primarily--Interact, portions thereof depending on vacations). Volunteers can attend any or all of the work crew sessions. Please let us know your choice of weeks as soon as you know.
IMMIGRATION
Your passport must be good for 6 months beyond the dates of your trip with us. ALSO, WHEN YOU GO THROUGH IMMIGRATION IN SAN PEDRO SULA--DO NOT THROW OUT THE YELLOW PIECE OF PAPER THEY STICK IN YOUR PASSPORT--YOU COULD FACE A LARGE FINE WHEN YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY.
DEPARTURE TAXES
Don't forget to bring (and save until departure) the departure taxes which will total about $40.00--they can be paid in dollars or lempiras or a combination of the two.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Tom Plumb has visited Honduras over 30 times and has driven around the country each time. He has driven down to Honduras 6-7 times and stayed each of those times for 8-12 weeks. His wife, Carol, has driven with him several times. He has never had a problem. He has led work crews to Tela, Honduras, twice with 31 and 58 volunteers and never had a problem (except for a volunteer breaking his ankle falling from a ladder and another breaking his toe after jumping off a pier into shallow water). He has also led two work crews to Trujillo with 36, 48 and 54 volunteers.
The Rotary Club of Trujillo is our sponsor and they are enthusiastic about our visit. They own businesses throughout Trujillo and watch out for us. The 2007, 2008 and 2009 work crews to Trujillo did not have any security problems.
The Christopher Columbus Beach Resort is 1.3 miles outside of town with a beautiful, clean and private beach, two pools, tennis court, ping pong, a restaurant and kayaks (for rent). There are also two other beachfront restaurants next door. So, during non-working hours there is plenty to do at the hotel. The town is relatively small and compact, with internet cafes, restaurants, an old fort, and banks. There is a beautiful waterfalls a short hike from the hotel and a hot springs spa at a hotel just outside of town. The Pech Indians are also willing to take volunteers on a longer hike up into the mountains above Trujillo. Although your group leaders are willing to help make arrangements for these jaunts...do not depend on them to organize them....they have been organizing and running aroound a lot. But also do not be bashful about wanting to initiate an after work or play day activity.
The Taca plane we most often take from San Pedro Sula to La Ceiba arrives at about 5:40 PM (although there are several earlier flights and one later flight) and since you will have already cleared customs in San Pedro Sula, we should not be held up there very long, and, consequently, will arrive in Trujillo after dark--it is a 2 1/4 hour drive. Departure back to the airport will be mostly during daylight hours (when booking aim for the 9:35 flight to San Pedro) and the road to Trujillo is in good condition...albeit always under construction.
All of our projects in 2010 are relatively close to Trujillo. The Pech, Guadalupe, Rio Claro, and Monte Cristo schools are on or near the main road into Trujillo and between 4-12 miles from the hotel. Actually, Rio Claro is a few miles off the main road. The water projects are also near Trujillo.
School will be in session during our visit and there will be lots of students and teachers on the sites--as well as villagers helping out.
As an added measure, to allay any fear, we can arrange for military, tourist police, and national police protection as desired.
In 2007, 2008 and 2009, volunteers felt completely safe in Trujillo and in the communities where the schools were located. Extra security was never needed.
MEDICAL CARE
There is a hospital on the way into town. There are also private medical clinics. Pharmacies are everywhere. Our key contact in Trujillo is a dentist....she also has extensive medical contacts. Bring your prescriptions and some allergy medicine....things may not be blooming where you live during February...but Honduras is in constant bloom. A first aid kit would also be nice...and medicines for Montezuma's revenge...a rare occurence but uncomfortable when it happens. If absolutely necessary, we can arrange for someone to be airlifted to San Pedro Sula.
VOLUNTEER EXPENSES
Volunteers are responsible for their expenses for their trip. Basically, these expenses include transportation costs (airfare, departure taxes of approximately $40.00, and a $100.00 surcharge paid to Hands to Honduras, Inc. in advance for ground transportation while in Honduras)..this fee also helps with other support costs; hotel (see below for details), play day expenses and meals. Also, if you alter arrival or departure dates, and special arrangements need to be made...there may be an extra charge. The cost range will be between $1,100.00 and $1,500.00 depending on length of stay and room occupancy choices. Breakfast is ordered at 7:00 AM off the menu (we try to leave for the work sites at 8:00 AM), lunch will be purchased at a local supermarket (eg bread and luncheon meats or peanut butter) or fruit stands, and visits to local restaurants for dinner. It is safe to estimate about $25 per day for meals. The hotel in 2009, allowed up to 4 people to share a room for the same $50/room cost plus 16% tax. There are two double beds in each oceanfront room. This may or may not hold for the coming year....but is a good estimate.
Generally, the earlier we book our flights, the cheaper they will be. Volunteers will be flying into San Pedro Sula (SAP) arriving between noon and 3:00 PM. Volunteers then take a puddle jumper to La Ceiba (LCE) where vans would pick them up for the 2 1/4 hour drive to Trujillo. Desired arrival and departure times in La Ceiba--arrive at 5:40 PM or before, depart 9:35 AM or after.
So for a hypothetical single volunteer staying for one session figure on the following...these are all estimates.
I checked www.fly.com on July 27, 2009, and flight costs were the following with arrival in La Ceiba at 5:40 PM and departure from La Ceiba at 9:35. The example I used was 2/11-2/19/09. These flight costs can most likely improve by checking with a travel agent. Also, go to www.bookingbuddy.com
Brownsville Texas to La Ceiba $999.00
Burlington Vermont to La Ceiba $472.00 (overnight)
Boston Massachusetts to La Ceiba $787.00
McAllen Texas to La Ceiba $948.00
Houston to La Ceiba $838.00
So add the flight to the following costs. Remember flight costs change all the times...especially as jet fuel costs climb. The room is based on one person occupancy...you can have up to 4 people for that price...two double beds.
Christopher Columbus Hotel ($50/night/room, 8 nights, 16% tax) $464.00
Meals ($25/day/9days--you can eat less) $225.00
Departure taxes $40.00
Ground transportation/support costs $100.00
Total if no room mate plus flight cost $829.00
VAN FEES/SUPPORT COSTS
We rent vans to get around and the rental fee and gas are not cheap. When we pay the bill, the rental company charges in dollars. If I do not pay in dollars, they convert the cost to Lempiras at a rate of 19.2/1. Then the credit card company hits me with their conversion rate. So, please do not give me a check for these fees....try and pay ahead of time or give me cash in Honduras. This fee also pays for cell phone costs, plaques, and other non-construction expenses. It actually only pays about 25% of these support costs.
TRIP WORK SCHEDULE
Group One--9 days
February 11 Travel to Trujillo
February 12-17 Work
February 18 Play day (flexible, can be changed)
February 19 Travel home (or, if staying--work)
Group Two--Extension
February 11 Travel to Trujillo
February 12-18 Work
February 19 Play day (flexible, can be changed)
February 20-22 Work
February 23 Travel home
Group Three
Depends on exact dates chosen
These activities may vary depending on weather and logistical realities. The work day will generally be between 8 and 4. Shade breaks will be important.
EVENING ACTIVITIES
In 2009, we attended the weekly Trujillo Rotary Club meeting each week we were there. We also went to a restaurant in the Garifuna community to see Garifuna dancers. There is time for Internet during the evening. The favorite inexpensive restaurant was the Chicken Express--not a chain but owned by locals. The favorite ocean side restaurant was the El Delfin. The favorite hang out was the beach especially the pier. There are hikes nearby--to a waterfalls (short) or up the mountains with a Pech Indian guide. There is an old fort in town and a museum. There is also a hot springs spa at a hotel just outside of town.
AIRLINES
The primary carriers to San Pedro Sula, Honduras are Taca, American and Continental. Once you get to a main airport hub like Houston, Boston, Miami, Albany, or Burlington, you would need to fly to San Pedro Sula (SAP). From there you would need to catch a puddle jumper for the 30 minute flight to La Ceiba. There are two airlines (Sosa and Taca/Islena) that fly into La Ceiba. It is important that we are all in La Ceiba at about the same time (5:40 PM). Vans will be waiting to take everyone on the 2 1/4 hour trip to Trujillo. Those that choose to alter the dates will need to work out and pay for their own ground transportation from La Ceiba to Trujillo or return and will still need to pay the van surcharge. However, if flights are delayed we will make sure you get to Trujillo. The return flight from La Ceiba should not depart before 9:35 AM...however, there are later flights out if you don't mind waiting at the airport in La Ceiba.
LUGGAGE
Your International flight should allow you one free check in bag (although this has changed) and a carry on with weight limits based on the airline--generally 50 pounds. The problem is from San Pedro to La Ceiba (or Trujillo). These planes are small prop planes and allow one bag (maximum 35 pounds) and one carry on. Room is also limited on vans from La Ceiba to Trujillo, so, if possible, keep your luggage weight down. The problem comes from the desire to bring items for distribution--toys, clothing, etc. If possible, get cash donations for these type of desires and buy items in Honduras.
TOOLS
We have two great extension ladders, two skilsaws, and two battery powered drills in Trujillo. So there is no need to bring these tools with you. Cement trowels and painting supplies will be our main tool need (although we are trying to cut down on painting projects--the villagers will still need them to paint their schools after we leave). Most everything can be purchased in Honduras...so, unless someone wants to give donations of tools...it is best to bring money and buy things there...including school supplies. If you must bring school supplies, do not bring "bulk" like paper products. If you are looking for donations, focus on #8, #10, and #12 wire.
TRUJILLO ROTARY CLUB
They are our international partners in this venture. They meet on Wednesday nights rotating between Rotarian homes or restaurants. They have about 15 members--a good mix of men and women, Hispanic, Garifuna, and "gringoes." The '09-'10 president is Ramon Galan, a retired teacher. Don't forget your club flag (unless they already received one in 2007, 2008 or 2009). Their club was formed in 2003.
WORK SITES
We will be working at 4 school work sites within 4-12 miles of the hotel. We will also be working at a water project site near Barrio San Martin and another near Barrio Cristales. A third water project is in Barrio Buenos Aires. Vans and/or Rotarians will transport work crews to each site. There will be a group leader--chosen from our ranks--at each site. They will each have a cell phone. Tom will rove between sites (avoiding physical labor) and he is the one to call in an emergency. There is no guarantee there will be a vehicle at the work site with you all day. But all work sites are relatively close to town and can be gotten to quickly. Bring plenty of bottled water--there will not be any potable water at the work sites. The cement will need to be mixed by hand.
FUNDRAISING
There is no point to sending volunteers to Honduras to build schools without the funds for materials. So, it is hoped, that volunteers help with raising funds--from Clubs, family, firiends and other fundraising activities. Clubs not sending volunteers are encouraged to contribute to this effort as part of their international service activities...it counts towards a Presidential Citation. Contributions will be tax deductible:
Hands to Honduras, Inc. (IRS #26-2385107)
And mailed to:
Tom Plumb
P.O. Box K
Port Isabel, Tx. 78578
Also the $100 fee can also be sent made out to Hands to Honduras, Inc. and it, too, is tax deductible.
OUR HOTEL
We will be staying at the Christopher Columbus Beach Resort in Trujillo. Tom will take care of reservations!!! Beach front rooms go for $50.00 per night (there are 12% hotel taxes as well as a 4% tourist tax totaling $58.00) for up to 4 persons per room sharing two double beds. We have found that the hotel manager is subject to whims of fancy and may change the room rate on us at the last minute. So I will get a room rate in writing from her in October. The hotel has 2 pools, a clean beach with cabanas, a restaurant, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball, kayaks (charge for use), snorkeling equipment, and ping pong. Our rooms will have beachfront balconies with air conditioning (unless we overwhelm the hotel by our numbers), and very iffy cable TV...ironically there were never any complaints about TV reception. Two double beds. No internet. It is 1.3 miles from town. It costs about $1.00 per person for a taxi into town....or you could walk....or groups can take a van. Only the manager and her family speak English...Juan, a waiter, also speaks English, and Nelson, another waiter, understands more than he pretends or pretends to know more than he understands. One of the maintenance men, I think the main one, also speaks English.
Christopher Columbus Beach Resort
Trujillo, Colon, Honduras, C.A.
General Manager: Karla Alvarado
Phone: 011-504-434-4966/68/69
Fax: 011-504-434-4971
No working email....they say they have an email address.....but it is always returned.
Tip: The hotel rate is based on dollars. Bring enough money in dollars to pay your bill (personal checks are okay and they will reluctantly take travelers checks) so that you do not get hit with the exchange to lempiras at an unfavorable rate etc. routine...they do take credit cards but they convert to lempiras at a bad rate and then your credit card also uses their own bad rate, etc. etc. Do not have them convert to lempiras and then back to dollars...make sure they charge you the room rate and taxes in dollars with no conversions.
Tips: The waiters and maids depend on tips for their livelihood. Your meals at the hotel can be charged to your room...however, the waiters will never see any tips added to your bill...so please tip as you go...even 20 lempiras ($1.00) per meal is well received.....but try to tip 10-15%. Also maids are often forgotten...please remember them as well.
INTERNET CAFES
There are several internet cafes in town...one favored over the others. They cost less than a dollar per hour.
ET, PHONE HOME
The internet cafes all provide international calling for 10 cents per minute so you can easily call home.
SHOTS
It is important that you be in good health. There will be something for everyone to do--actual construction, sifting sand, mixing cement, teaching/doing art, painting, moving block, etc.
Please make sure your Hepatitus A and Tetanus shots are up to date--or get them for the first time. Hepatitus A requires two shots injected over a period of time--so plan ahead. Make your own decisions--consulting a doctor--about Malaria medicine--we will be there as the dry season begins. Do anything else you doctor suggests.
WHAT TO EAT OR (NOT TO) DRINK
The hotel is gringo safe as are the restaurants we will be suggesting--you can eat the salad, drink the water (not the tap water), and use the ice. However, to be safe when eating elsewhere, drink bottled water, do not use the ice, or eat the salads, and follow the following rules:
You can eat or drink things that are BOILED, COOKED OR PEELED (by you).
You can eat anything at your hotel--except the furniture,
Salads are generally OUT except at restaurants that cater to gringoes. The primary conern is how they wash their vegetables--with tap water or with bottled or boiled water.
DO NOT DRINK ANY WATER OUT OF THE TAP AND DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH WITH TAP WATER!!!
CURRENCY
The currency of Honduras is the Lempira. For the last 18 months, its value has remained pretty constant (they just raise prices instead). It is currently at 18.8951 to the dollar at banks--a little more than 5 cents.
CASH AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE
You can probably get by with $500.00 or less in incidental spending if you bring a credit card. Remember that credit card companies often charge a fee (like 3%) if they have to do a foreign exchange.
Your hotel bill will be calculated in dollars and then converted to Lempiras at 18 to 1 and then your credit card company will also convert it at a less favorable rate. So, if possible, bring dollars to pay your hotel bill...in 2009, $50.00 per night plus 16% tax (8 nights)...so don't get hit with all the conversion losses. Your hotel restaurant tab (you can charge to your room) will be in lempira so either pay it in lempira or charge it. Many restaurants take credit cards...the favorite restaurant, the Chicken Express, does not...but it is very cheap. The hotel will accept payment in Travelers Checks but will not exchange travelers checks. The wait at the bank to exchange travelers checks is very, very long...so bring US dollars or a credit card for all expenses except your hotel (which can be in traveler's checks or dollars or lempiras.
We convert dollars and travelers cheques at the Banco Atlantida in town. Unfortunately, the lines (and wait) are long. Visa and American Express travelers cheques are most favored. Mastercard and others are difficult. If you convert your dollars at the hotel it will be at 18/1 instead of 18.8951/1.
There are ATMs. They will give you money in lempira--at an unfavorable rate with a fee attached. Check with your bank to see wha the maximum amount per day is. OFTEN, the banks in Honduras allow less per day or require several withdrawals in order to get your daily maximum--each time with a fee. Again, VISA is the most favored--and I have been denied using my Mastercard. You can also get cash advances at a bank--again VISA is the easiest. My point--bring a Visa not a Mastercard.
The Hotel has a safety deposit box so it is okay to bring excess cash or travelers cheques.
Do not carry cash in a big wad!! Although, Tom is the biggest violator of that caveat : )
At the San Pedro airport, there are people exchanging money--they are legitimate but their rates are slightly lower than at the banks. Try and get, at least, 18.5-18.8 to 1. There is a bank at the San Pedro airport that will exchange dollars into lempiras at the going rate...they will also cash $100 (only, per day) in travelerr's checks. There is a bank at the La Ceiba airport as well--doing the same exchanges--however, their hours are not always in sync with our arrivals. I have not seen anyone doing currency exchange at the La Ceiba airport--so do your exchange at the San Pedro airport. There will be a slight delay in getting to the bank with your dollars--since getting you to work sites is priority one--so exchange money at the San Pedro airport. I would suggest going to the bank at the San Pedro airport and exchanging all the money you figure you will need for the trip. I will buy your excess lempiras from you--depending on my dollar availability. Have the amount you want to exchange separate from your other money (or go into a toilet stall at the airport to sort it out) so that robbers are not tempted. If you use the money changers, do not exchange as a group. Robbers look for large groups of people cashing large amounts of money...and then vans get robbed. The bank counter at the airport, however, is not visible to those standing outside the bank. Since you will be boarding a plane from San Pedro to La Ceiba...this should not be a problem. If you can live with 18/1, wait and exchange at the hotel. Again, the wait to exchange traveler's checks at a bank in Trujillo is long....so just bring travelers' checks for the hotel costs.
Banks and the money changers will most likely give you 500 lempira notes (about $25)....trying to cash them or use them for small purchases is greeted the same was as a $100.00 bill in the US...and often cannot be done by small vendors. So try to get as many 100 lempira notes as possible!!!!!
WHAT TO BRING
Flashlight
Insect block (there are not a lot of mosquitoes, but at some restaurants on the beach, watch out)
Hand sanitizer
Pepto Bismol--or some other medicine for Montezuma's revenge (every year it hits someone)
Bandages (or small personal first aid kit)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen (it will be hot with intense sun)
Hat (if you want to protect the back of your neck, make sure it covers it)
Work shoes
Work gloves
Cement trowels, sponge paint brushes, regular paint brushes, paint rollers, chalk board paint
Work clothes
Short sleeve shirts
Shorts
Bathing suit
Light jacket/rain or wind slicker
Camera and lots of film or memory, spare camera battery
3-4 copies of your passport, cxredit cards, and other ID--not to mention your passport valid until at least 11/08
Clean, near perfect, no marks or tears, US dollars
A GOOD, POSITIVE, FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE and an appreciation of "manana"
WHAT NOT TO BRING
Flashy jewelry
Expensive cameras
BAD, INFLEXIBLE, IMPATIENT ATTITUDE
IF YOU WANT TO COME BEARING GIFTS
Science equipment like prepared slides would be great to bring for the schools!! Also, mouse pads.
Gift distribution is often an important part of your experience. However, it is best to only bring actual donations if they are given to you...if you can, bring cash and buy school supplies and toys in Honduras. It keeps luggage weight limits in check and actually allows for greater control in distribution. I realize though that people are more than willing to give actual "things" rather than money. So do what feels right. Remember luggage weight and number of pieces of luggage is limited!
The most popular toys are beanie babies which are not available, as far as I know, in Honduras. School supplies are readily available--and things like paper weigh a lot--try and get money for them and don't weigh yourself down with heavy school supplies.
If you do want to bring things with you, bring beanie babies, electrical wire, and painting supplies...including chalk board paint. Children's clothes are often a temptation....so feel free but consider the weight. Also important are: first aid kits, dental care items, lightweight school supplies, (like pencils, crayons, etc....do not bring paper products), vitamins, aspirin, and Neosporin or similar. And, a major focus will be science equipment and science related posters.
Work gloves Cement trowels, sponge paint brushes, regular paint brushes, paint rollers, and chalk board paint. Work clothes Short sleeve shirts Shorts Bathing suit Light jacket/rain or wind slicker Camera and lots of film or memory, spare camera battery 3-4 copies of your passport, credit cards, and other ID—not to mention your passport valid until at least 11/08 A GOOD, POSITIVE, FLEXIBLE ATTITUDE and an appreciation of “Manana” WHAT NOT TO BRING Flashy jewelry Expensive cameras (we “lost” one on one trip) BAD, INFLEXIBLE ATTITUDE IF YOU WANT TO COME BEARING GIFTS Gift distribution is often an important part of your experience. However, it is best to only bring actual donations if they are given to you…if you can, bring cash and buy school supplies and toys in Honduras. It keeps luggage weight limits in check and actually allows for greater control in distribution. I realize though that people are more willing to give actual “things” rather than money. So try and do what feels right. Remember luggage weight and number of pieces of luggage is limited! The most popular toys are beanie babies which are not available as far as I know in Honduras. School supplies are readily available—and things like paper weigh a lot….try and get money for them and don’t weigh yourself down with heavy school supplies. If you do want to bring things with you, bring beanie babies, electrical wire, and painting supplies….including chalk board paint. Children’s clothes are often a temptation…so feel free but consider the weight. Also, important are: first aid kits, dental care items, lightweight schools supplies (like pencils, crayons, etc….do not bring paper products), vitamins, aspirin, and Neosporin or similar. |
No comments:
Post a Comment