Leaving Tegucigalpa

Today we leave Tegucigalpa (Tegus). The first city I saw in Honduras. We were only here for immigration formalities, and now that we are finished we leave for San Pedro Sula. Tegus has left a lasting impression. Our business was mostly at the embassy so that is where I met most people. It`s not easy to get a US visa here. Of course, all of us have high hopes of leaving the country. I remember many leaving the embassy with disappointment. I was told that you pay one hundred dollars to get an appointment, not an easy thing for your normal Honduran. You can try again if denied, but will have to pay again and wait for six months or a year.
I noticed many wearing United States clothing as we walked the city or visited points of interest. What I mean by this is a lot of people wore LA Dodgers baseball caps or t-shirts, actually more sportswear from the east (NY), Disneyland shirts, Lakers, or other American specific brands. It is as if many are already in the United States by proxy. Not all want to go to the US. Like the taxi driver who had lived in the US legally, and could go back anytime but choses not to because he sees no possibility of a normal life there. Or my cousin (university student) who got a visa after a hunch to just show up and apply for one but has not used it. It can also be that many have relatives in the US and they send them things that are location specific which they wear. But you can certainly see the American connection.
Speaking of United States` influence, you can find any American restaurants and fast food here. I was not ready for this. There is BK, KFC, DKD, Mickey D`s, Churchies, Subway, and the list goes on and on. According to good information there was once an IN n OUT here!! I find this hard to believe. But you name it and you have it here. I visited two malls that were exact replicas of some back home.
Going around the city was exciting. I reminded myself of my cat who is very eager to go outside but once outside freezes in surprise of being outside and then rushes back inside our house. And he does this over and over. Yeah, that`s how it was. You become braver and braver. I began by not wanting to leave the hotel but eager to visit the city. Then I walked out to the street infront of the hotel, then a block and rushed back. Taxis got me far away from the hotel, but I went from the hotel door to into a taxi and out at to the door at the other location. No real street walking for me, at least not until my cousins arrived. They took me places. Erick, Danny and Fer were great guides. Fer was street wise, Danny gave us the political scoop of things and Erick drove us to places of interest he thought we could not miss while here in Tegus. Out of all drivers that took us places here, he was the best. Here you have to show your intentions and demand attention as you drive around and everybody knew when we were coming. Even San Pedranos told me that they would never drive in this capital.
I`m just rambling now. We are leaving for San Pedro soon. Tegus I will certainly see you again, thanks for the baptismal by fire....