Where the angels live

I found peace in the most dangerous city of the world

Honduras

victoria gomis

Last summer I travelled with my soul mate to one of the poorest countries in Latin America: Honduras. The main purpose of my trip was to spend two weeks with my partner’s aunt who runs a shelter with nine homeless children. Before going there I knew only that it was one of the most insecure countries in the world and when I arrived at the airport I understood why. What I did not know at the time was that this trip would help me find my inner self. Nine curious little creatures surrounded me, interrogating me with questions trying to understand whom this new person was coming into their home. I was terrified from the first moment I stepped into Tegucigalpa. Unpaved and chaotic roads are lined with beggars and food stalls while the smell of petrol permeates the air. The centre of the capital was neglected but I had a weird feeling that this place had so much more to discover beneath this initial grimy layer.

 

The Valley of the Angels

The beauty among the weeds

I was right. I uncovered a hidden world through these children. They showed me the greatness of Honduras that does not appear at first sight. Their house was situated between mountains, in the middle of a valley. The beauty of waking up every morning at 7am with the birds singing and children laughing made each day unusual. Being a city girl, I’m used to the loud hustle and bustle of a lively city like London. However, the security guards stood at the entrance of a KFC with tommy guns terrified me. How could I be frightened when the kids seemed so carefree there? I stood paralysed by the scene until the kids came and grabbed my hand to drag me over to play with them.

The local street market was the most authentic place to visit. There was water sold in plastic bags and a variety of colourful fruits I had never seen. These small details gave a glimpse of a totally different style of living and culture that made me feel like an awestruck child.

Essential amenities such as water safety, lighting and electricity cables are rudimentary in comparison to the developed world. Everyday life is not easy in a country where basic needs such as health, education and security are not on the agenda. However, what caught my attention was the friendliness and simplicity of the people. After the first two hours there I no longer felt that I was in a strange land with foreign people. I believe that a piece of me stayed there.