Gracias

 The town of Gracias, formerly known as Gracias a Dios, is an old, sleepy, little town surrounded by picturesque mountains. At one time in the early 1500s, it was the Spanish capitol for Central America. Here, the Spanish squashed the indigenous rebellion led by Limpira by offering him peace terms and then assassinating him. The basic Honduran currency is based upon the ¨limpira.¨

I visited Balneario Aguas,Termales. The locals in the bus insisted I must go there. I was reluctant because these are hot springs and I was already hot enough from the sun without getting up to my neck in hot water. But, it was wonderful. A canopy of trees covered with epiphytes shaded the pools. The temperature was just right--a little warmer than body temperature. And when I got out, the breeze in the shade felt cool

I also took a day trip to La Campa. I went in a three-wheel taxi (yes, Made in India). The town was 18 km away and it took an hour, about 10 mph along the bumpy road. The town has a new museum about the pottery of the Lenca people and plenty of pottery stores. The townspeople are very friendly and trying to promote tourism. There are a couple of hotels. The setting is very picturesque. It's not in the guide books. It would be a good place to hide away for awhile.

I visited Casa Galeano, a restored colonial house with gardens. It has interesting artifacts and an exhibit about the history of the area.

Getting There -- Took a micro bus from La Esperanza to Gracias. The road was very rough and took about four hours. I enjoyed talking with three people that lived in Gracias.

Lodging--I stayed at the Hotel Guancascos. It is a wonderful hotel. Clean, secure, tastefully designed, a lush garden, good restaurant and friendly staff, great view and centrally located.