After studying Spanish for four years I decided that 2011 was the year to try an "immersion" type program. As I'm determined to become fluent I figured this was the next step. My decision to go to Copan Ruinas, Honduras was made after much research on the internet, countless hours reading personal reviews from other travelers and wanna be students that have made similar such trips.
Why Copan Ruinas and where is it?
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Copan Ruinas is a municipality in the Honduran Department of Copan. It is located in the western part of Honduras, about 12km's from the Guatemalan border. Until I began researching Spanish schools I knew very little about Honduras and had never heard of Copan Ruinas.
I had thought at first that I would choose a school in Antigua, Guatemala having been there briefly for a day while on a cruise with Brent (husband). It's a stunning town but the more I researched, I realized that there are over 80 schools in Antigua. It seems that hearing English in the plaza's, restaurants and bars etc could be quite common and I knew this was not the experience I wanted so kept on looking.
I stumbled across several reviews for two schools in Copan Ruinas. The town, population of about 6000, seems to offer everything I want. With Mayan ruins nearby the town does cater for tourists. It appears to have some restaurants, internet cafe and hotels. That being said, there still seems to be the need to have to speak Spanish with the locals as many just don't speak English. I'll write more about Copan itself when I'm there as I'll be able to speak from first hand experience. The reviews for both schools are excellent and I don't think I could have gone wrong in choosing either. Finally though, I selected the Guacamaya School (http://www.guacamaya.com/). Some very recent and great reviews cemented my decision.
I fly out February 5th, 2011 on American Airlines to San Pedro Sula, Honduras via Miami. If things go according to plan I will be met at the airport by someone from the Casa El Meson B&B. I have arranged transport to the B&B, dinner, breakfast and a ride to the bus station for the next day. After a night at the Casa El Meson B&B (found courtesy of Trip Advisor, (http://www.casaelmeson.com/) I will board the Hedman Alas tourist bus for the 3 1/2 hour ride to Copan.
I should make it to Copan by about 2pm. Ellen Finn from Project School Supplies (http://www.projectschoolsupplies.org/) has offered to meet me at the bus station and take me to my host family. More on Ellen and the wonderful work she does once I am there.
Next.....packing!
