Weekend Part 1: Gracias and the Highlands

After a packed weekend there is no way to fit everything into a single post. The co-directors will trade off and write a bit about a few of the high points from the last few days. I'll start off with a post on the first leg of our mid-season break, Gracias and the Lenca highlands.

Friday morning was dedicated to entering notes, processing artifacts, and ceramic analysis. Once completed, we packed our bags, ate some lunch, and hit the road for the highlands. We climbed the mountain highway to the west of Jesus de Otoro and passed through La Esperanza. It's much cooler here and, because the highway turns into a dirt road, it has the feel of a frontier town.

The mountain road is relatively well maintained but can be quite rough at times. Luckily, there were no muddy patches or oncoming buses.

This is one of the most beautiful parts of Honduras. We believe that the best way to truly take in the view is from the back of a pickup truck. Dissuaded by a minor thunderstorm, all four students joined us in the cab of the truck for the last two hours of the drive.

We spent Friday night in the town of Gracias at our prefered hotel, Guancascos. It has a great view, lovely gardens, and a solid restaurant. On the other hand, it's anyone's guess whether you will have hot water in your shower. Given the cool mountain nights, you definitely want a room with working hot water. The students lucked out, the co-directors did not.

It also has hammocks strategically placed throughout the multi-level compound.

Today Gracias is a sleepy town, but in 1544 it briefly served as the Audencia for Central America. It is undergoing something of a cultural revival and there are numerous churches and parks that have been newly restored or are under renovation.

Rising above the hotel is El Castillo de San Cristobal. Built during the 19th century it offers one of the best views of the city.

View of Gracias from the hilltop fort.