(^8) Zamporano – Tegucigalpa - 37 kilometres
From Zamorano we followed a hilly 37-kilometre ride over mountains to Tegucigalpa
(teh-goos-ee-gal-pa) located in a valley at an altitude of 975m. Once over the
mountain, it was a mostly downhill run into the city centre.
As is the case with the majority of Central American cities, Tegucigalpa’s centre
consisted of a central plaza and church. The capital of Honduras wasn’t touristy and
one felt a tad out of place. With no idea where to go, we hauled out the old Lonely
Planet for recommendations.
The square was rather busy and interesting with loads of down-and-outs, street
performers and “human statues”. I could watch them for hours, imagining it quite
impossible to be that motionless for so long.
In addition to the main Cathedral was the fascinating Iglesia Los Dolores. One of its
most remarkable features was its main facade. Built in Baroque style, with a central
and two lateral towers, it was decorated by glazed terracotta sculptures and figures
representing the Passion of Christ.
The city wasn’t known for its safety and many traders preferred to trade behind
bars, not something which inspired confidence. Not only was the city dangerous,
safety-wise, but the capital’s international airport, Toncontín, was notorious
worldwide for its extremely short runway and the unusual manoeuvres pilots must
undertake upon landing or taking off.
The following day was spent doing the usual rest day laundry, shopping and
internet chores.
leana
(Leana)
#1