An unforgettable moment of magic in Honduras

I spent six of the most incredible weeks of my life in Honduras this summer. It is almost
impossible to decide which of the many experiences to include in this blog, ranging from heartwarming
to adrenaline-inducing. Instead, I will share with you the very first moment of magic – the
moment I realised this trip would enrich my knowledge of the world, connecting me to landscapes
and lifestyles I had never encountered before. This became clear to me almost immediately as we
drove up the mountain to reach the Cusuco cloud forest. From day one, I knew this would be a
hard place to leave.

Sitting in the back of a pick-up truck, this is how it feels to make contact with the jungle for the
very first time:

The truck begins to climb the windy, narrow and dusty roads. As you become acquainted with this
new world, you are filled with an excitement that grows at every turn. The smell of the thick jungle
foliage is entirely unique – a fragrant mixture of lemon and peppermint almost (which I later
learned is beautifully intensified by rainfall). There is a warm, golden glow and bright light
spontaneously streams through the vibrantly green canopy, dappling the forest floor. You pass
communities of colourful, close-packed houses and shacks, with hammocks, no windows and
huge families inside. A young mum can be seen sweeping, singing, and giggling with her
husband. Some kids stare, some smile, some wave, and some are too engrossed in their game of
football to notice. There are dogs, chickens, kittens, cows with huge Dumbo-like ears, horses and
donkeys roaming all around.

You bump along the road some more past a tiny, dreamy, pink church thrusted precariously on the
mountainside. A small, bright white Mary figure stands on the roof, staring down onto San Pedro
Sula. You have been driving up the steep road for some time now – the air is cooler and the city is
minuscule. It sparkles below as if you are seeing it from outer space. Even where the mountain
becomes incredibly remote there are still houses and rich flower gardens. Laundry hangs all
around like decorative bunting. Mopeds zoom by with families of three riding together, including
babies. Two boys smile at you from the top of a rickety, rusty truck, leaning over its front as it
speeds along the cliff edge. You finally make it to basecamp, but you are so in awe of the
surroundings that you almost wish the drive did not have to end.

For those who are considering a trip to the Honduran jungle, let this be a teaser for what is to
come if you sign up. Yet, no blog can truly prepare you for that first breathtaking drive – you will
just have to see it for yourself…

Photos by Eliza Kidd and Martin Meads