List of 10 - Moving to Honduras

I need to take a break from banking, so I decided to post a list of 10 things people, especially women, need to know before moving to Honduras. Some are just common sense, others might seem funny or obvious, and some you just have to take my word.

1. You either love Honduras or you hate it. I have never met anyone who could take it or leave it. Make at least one extended stay here before you decide to move. I have had several extended stays here, and you can see I am still having culture shock.

2. When you pack to come to Honduras, always put a roll of toilet paper in your purse. Public restrooms usually do not provide toilet paper. I also carry sanitary wipes and gel hand sanitizer because frequently there is no water in the sinks.

3. Forget that elaborate salon hairdo. It will fall by the time you get out of the car and into the building. Scrunchies, rubber bands, clips, or short hairdos are the way to go.

4. Ditto the makeup. It will roll off your face in less than five minutes. I have found that the powdered mineral makeups last pretty good, and they don't turn into mud in the humidity. Make sure the mascara is waterproof, or you will look like a raccoon. If you are blessed with good skin, just use a little eye makeup and some lip gloss is all you need.

5. When you travel, always use common sense. This is not the time to wear your Jimmy Choos and a lot of bling. In fact the more low-key you are the better off you will be.

6. Never arrive here on a night flight, unless you have a male traveling companion and someone meeting you. The earlier in the day the plane lands or takes off, the safer you are.

7. Don't come here thinking, "My love will be enough to see me through." It probably won't. It takes committment, mutual respect, tolerance, and a lot more than just love.

8. Don't come here thinking you can run to Wal-Mart and pick up some (whatever). Unless you are in one of the larger cities, there is no Wal-Mart. Even then, there is no Wal-Mart, but there is a reasonable facsimile thereof. Neither is there a corner drugstore or supermarket.

9 Do plan on having a good time. You will not meet nicer people anywhere.

10. Don't come here expecting US standards. This is a third world country. Look at it for what it is, and see some of the most breathtaking beauty you will ever see, whether it is the Copan Ruins, the Bay Islands, the western mountains, or my view from the balcony.