Habitat for Humanity

Global Village – Santa Rosa de Copan 2012

Map of Honduras

Santa Rosa de Copan

Honduras & Facts (CONT’D)

Land Capital: Tegucigalpa Divisions: 18 provinces Size: 112,492 sq km. Terrain: Most of 75% of the country

are mountains and 25% are flats

People Population: 8 million Language: Spanish, Amerindian

dialects, Maya, Garifuna, Arab, English on Bay Islands.

Adult literacy rate: 70%

Religion: 70% Roman Catholic,

Protestant 30%, People:90%, mestizo or Amerindian

and other groups 10% Arab, whites. Population below poverty line: 60% Unemployment rate: 35%

Government Type of Government: Democratic

Constitutional Republic President: Porfirio Lobo ( Pepe) Currency: Lempira US$1.00=19 Lempira

Electricity Voltage: 110 volts

Weather: Tropical which means that constantly change and also depends of the altitude, pacific or north coast.

January to July 35° C, and 27° C from August to December.

Weather Honduras is the most mountainous country of

Central America, for that reason climate and temperatures are variable depending where you are located either in flat valleys (warm) or high on the mounts (Chill).

Rainy season May-November Dry Season December-April Rainy season is not that rainy Dry Season is not that dry.

Schedule DAY 1 – ( Jun 9th.... .Sat)

Arrive at San Pedro Sula Airport please book morning or Noon arrivals.

Rendezvous Wendy’s restaurant, please wear the T-Shirt,.

( If you don’t see the Habitat person right away Don’t Panic, I’ll be there )

Book morning or noon arrivals Travel to Santa Rosa de Copan 3hrs

DAY 2 – (Jun 10th.....sun).Orientation / Day Off OptionsA. Agua Escondida HikeB. Belen GualchoC. Gracias Lempira

DAY 3 – (Jun 11th..... Mon). Build cultural activity

DAY 4 – (Jun 12th....... Tue). Build. Cultural activity

DAY 5 – (Jun 13th......Wed) Build. Cultural activity.

DAY 6 – (Jun 14th.......Thu)• Build.

DAY 7 – (Jun 15th..... Fri).• Build and farewell

DAY 8 – (Jun 16th..... Sat).• Travel to Copan Ruins• Day off.

• DAY 10 – (Jun17th....Sun)• Fly home, please book noon or afternoon

departures.• 3hrs trip to the airport.

HousingHotel Addresses:

At Santa Rosa de Copan www.hotelsanjorge.4t.com

At Copan Ruins www.hotelmarinacopan.com ( Tentative)

Dos and Don’ts America is not a country is the name of the whole continent, please avoid

referring yourself as American if you are from the United States, we also have to change the way you say it, you may say "Soy Estaunidense " or just “I'm from the States” if from Canada “Soy Canadiense”.

Soccer: If you cheer the wrong team on the wrong bar could result in more than just a verbal rebuke.

Cheke: is a normal expression for Ok or good or even sure, using slang is well received by locals.

June 28th Coup D'état: Hondurans are divided about this matter so you’ll find people pro and con, is not recommendable to give a partial opinion about this, could be and issue since Hondurans are very passionate about the politic situation.

Remember to preface any request with the appropriate salutation, Buenos Dias ( Good morning) , Buenas Tardes (Good Afternoon) or Buenas Noches ( Good Evening) and use Usted (the formal term for you).

Some Hondurans speak 2 or even 3 languages, so don’t take for granted people do not understand what you are talking about.

Money Matters

Although US Dollars are generally taken everywhere, foreign currencies can be exchanged in banks and authorized bureaus. VISA, widely accepted. There may be difficulties in changing traveler's so do not bring them.

Change money right away when you go out of customs, or at the hotel is fine.

IMPORTANT: Most places will not accept bills larger than us$20 so bring lots of 5’s and maybe 10’s, those have to be in good mint conditions without ink marks or too old.

To have an idea about the cost or services, souvenirs, meals ..etc just divide the amount in 20 and you’ll got the average price in US$.

Please note that HFH does not pay for any alcoholic beverages, tours ..etc as an official trip expense.

Spending Money The amount of spending money you need really depends on what you plan to buy ( Souvenirs, tours, snacks).

The in-country coordinator suggests each team member carry $200 USD in cash in case of an emergency or R&R.

ATM machines are accessible in Honduras on big cities and should be used for those who do not want to carry a large amount of cash into the country.

Please check with your bank regarding the international ATM surcharge Traveler’s checks are not recommended to bring.

There will be a few options, as far as shopping is concerned during R&R and the evenings; however, most everything else is paid for via the trip / programmatic fee.

If you decide you need a break from anyone of the contracted meals, and decide to "eat out", you will be responsible for those optional expenses.

The best practice is to pay for your alcoholic drink when it is served.

Personal SafetyAlthough Honduras is a relatively safe country for travel, the host affiliate will takeadditional steps to ensure a safe and successful visit. It is prudent to observe the following:

Whenever possible, travel in groups; include a Spanish speaker Please do not go off by yourself without telling someone in the group; Keep your money and valuables in a safe place at all times Bring a money belt or travel pouch. Do not wear jewelry Do not wear expensive watches Do not expose yourself carrying expensive cameras or devices, plus is very common

people lost them as well. In public places watch your belongings and those of your teammates; don't expose

large quantities of folded bills, even if they are small denominations Leave extra money, credit cards, passports at the hotel safe box. Have what you plan on spending outside of your stash of money, before going

shopping. Don't run after a thief; you may get lost or end up in an area that is unsafe  Carry emergency contact information with you when you travel (i.e., hotel name and

address) Leave a travel itinerary with family/friends (back home) Notify me of any medical conditions you may have, so I can work with our host affiliate

to ensure the appropriate actions are taken Notify me and/or our host affiliate of any uncomfortable situations ASAP

Scan a copy of your passport and emergency contacts and send it to yourself on an email, in that case even you lost the hard copies you can print brand new.

FAQJust as a reflexion to avoid playing tourist while your visit, these are some funny questions andremarks volunteers sometimes do:

Q "Why there are no cats?“a. Looks like Hondurans prefer dogs, but certainly you’ll find cats as well.

Q"Is the ice ok?” "Is it purified water?“a. All the places we select for teams got purified water and ice.

Q "Luis is it going to rain today?“a. I might ask to the Mayan gods but certainly who knows, is a tropical country so expect rain and

sunny days.

Q "Luis at what time is it going to rain today?“a. Same as Above.

Q "Ohh!!!! is raining I wish someone told me to bring my rain jacket but nobody did, it was goingto rain"(Geess).a. Please come prepare to the work site Turn On the MacGyver Mode.

Q "Why there are lots of check points?“a. It will be common police stop cars random in the main road normally asking for drivers licencse or

car registration.

FAQ"Why there are so much poor people?”Honduras is one of the poorest countries of the continent, with a history of corruption military regimens

"Why there are "not" so much poor people?“Latin America is the most unequal region in the whole world, and Honduras got extreme high levels of economicand social inequality so it will be “common” to see people with nothing and next door a nice house.

"Ohh!! you got McDonalds too?“Franchises do not pay taxes in Honduras and are owned by middle or rich class of Palestinian families.

"How the chickens, hens and roosters  know which house to go?“Discovery channel time: For million of years of evolution develop the sense of territory in reptiles and birds, alsoChickens return where they are been fed and got a place to sleep too.

"Is it malaria everywhere?“Malaria is not everywhere but latent in all Latin America so caution need to be taken visit your local doctor.

"Do people take malaria medication?“There is no vaccination for Malaria and taking malaria medication for extended periods might affect the liver andcause several damage.

 "In my lonely planet guide says something different of what you said".Lonely Planet, Moon and Frommers are excellent reference but remember that locals known the real thing.

Travel Smart

Simple first aid kit / Travel size. Work gloves (1-2 pair).

Camera.Journal.Any required prescription drugs.and antibiotic.

Sharpie Marker. Toiletries (toothbrush, deodorant. .etc.). Zip Locks bags are extremely handy.

Poncho ( travel size). Mosquito repellent. Water bottle or canteen (purified water will

be available to fill it with).2 copies of your passport.

Microfiber towel. Rain jacket or fleece. ‘’Duck ‘’Tape *Towels and bedding will be provided by

the hotel and are NOT necessary to bring along

** It’s mandatory volunteers travel light just with Carry On, a backpack the better, for these following reasons:

1. We wont provide any support in case lost checked luggage is just between you and the airline.

Small room on the van for baggage.1. Loading and downloading the van is Easier &

Faster2. Time efficiency, save lot of time on the road.3. Keep the van in good mechanical conditions and

safety driving.4. Go Green, saving fuel.5. Laundry is available on Hotels.

Not Bring Tools: You can get them on a local hardware store and support the local economy plus is cheaper, sharp tools might not be a good idea to travel on your carry on.

Travel Smart

Clothes Long pants to protect from sun,

bugs, wire and rocks at the site or even chilly weather.

Easy Drying materials (Columbia or The North Face).

A light rain jacket and/or fleece for evenings.

The right Shoes: Bring work/hiking boots (broken

in) for the site construction, an comfortable pair of walking shoes, flip flops are not a good idea considering in case if rains and the mud.

Sun Protection You will need a hat with a brim, sunglasses,

and plenty of sun screen and lip balm with sun screen (+30).

Additional Supplies & Tips Bring a small travel size flashlight and

extra batteries, A money belt. Watch this video is hilarious and

educative http://vimeo.com/6387228 Check: www.onebag.com is really handy.

Check: http://www.aswetravel.com/how-to-travel-the-world-with-no-checkin-luggage/

Check: http://whatplug.info/from//

Organize everything on a Travel Toiletries Hanging Case or Zip Lock bag works too.

Luis’s Zen Packing list.

A backpack and small suitcase works and enough as carry on.

5 socks , light easy drying Patagonia. 1 pair of hiking Boots ( wear them at on the

plane), and one pair of sandals. 5 pair of underwear, easy drying too. 1 pair of jeans wear them at the plane. 2 convertible pants, Omni travel easy drying 5 shirts 1 pair of shorts Swimming suit 1 fleece or rain jacket ( wear it at the plane) 1 poncho ( travel size) 1 microfiber towel ( packtowel) 1 packable backpack Hand sanitizer towels Insect repellent and sun block, buy them once

you arrive to Honduras. Sharpie marker and “duck” tape rolled on the

same marker. Aluminum bottle Phrase book Travel size toilet paper Tiny flashlight A pen and journal.

Toiletries travel size pouch( tooth brush, paste..etc) try they meet the 3-1-1 criteria.

Travel size toilet paper Passport and emergency contacts travel pouch. Watch with alarm, (cheap one.) Medications ( put all in a zip lock). Brim hat Sun glasses bandana Couple of dry sacks for your laundry and your

clean cloth to separate odors into the backpack 15 liters is fine.

Scan copies of your passport and contacts and send it to yourself on an email, so you’ll have a virtual backup all the time.

Find travel gadgets and travel size on these links www.REI.com www.Altrec.com www.Tahoemountainsport.com www.Deuter.com www.backcountry.com

Insurance

Travel Insurance “Trip Cancellation” and/or expenses related

to “delayed” or “missed” flights are not covered

The cost of basic health and accident insurance covering expenses related to accidents and/or illnesses related to your participation in the project is included in your program fee

Medical Precautions

Remember the saying “BOIL IT, COOK IT, PEEL IT, or FORGET IT” and don’t forget to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an anti-bacterial cleanser. Purified water will be provided on the worksite

Please, carefully read the CDC Travelers’ Health advisory for Travelers to Central America (PROVIDED by HFH-GV) If it didn’t come in your welcome package, call the Global Village

Customer Service Desk at 1-800-422-4828 to obtain any missing documentation

Please talk with your health provider and/or health department resource person “early on” about the shots you need Some shots cannot be taken together, while others may need

several weeks in between Tetanus/Diphtheria booster and Hepatitis A and B immunizations

should be seriously considered

Travel Issues (CONT’D)

Honduras Coordinator: Luis Madrid. It will be our host or set a translator or assistant for

your team while we are in Honduras Personal phone (504) 9981-2165, also contact him

at luisen22000@yahoo.com.ar he got internet access 24/7

Please include Luis & GV ’s contact information with your tickets for emergency purposes.

Construction Information

Stages of Construction Process1. Earthwork and Grading2. Preparation of Trenches and Preparing Channels for

Foundations3. Construction of Column Forms Using Re-Bar for Reinforcing4. Leveling of Floors5. Filling with dirt6. Construction of Block Walls7. Installing the roof8. Setting of Sanitary Hook-Ups9. Electrical system

Mixing and pouring concrete goes on throughout the process. You can be sure to be involved in several of the above mentioned stages till number6, but not necessarily all of them. Team members are encouraged to

switch around throughout the project.

Construction Information (CONT’D)

Each HFH affiliate contracts with local masons and carpenters to lead the skilled and (our) unskilled labor.

The home owner is required to work ( a.k.a. perform sweat equity) or provide a volunteer to represent him/her and normally is preparing the foundation of the house.

Most HFH-GV team members are "unskilled" and can feel comfortable since most of the tasks won't require a developed skill; the masons help both the skilled and the unskilled.

The same is true for home owners  As you can imagine, homeowners are usually very happy to have help

The boring work is virtually non-existent, because most all experiences turn out to be rewarding in one form or fashion

Some of us will have an opportunity to learn a skill or two working right alongside a mason. 

We may start, work on a house in progress, complete a house or even renovate and existent house.

Rarely do we start a house that we finish in the short time we are there, but that can happen

IMPORTANT: We are not teaching the skilled masons how to do their jobs; they are teaching us.

Reminders Flights

You will also need to give an address in Honduras. You can provide the address of the country’s affiliate. Please keep $39.00 of Departure Taxes.

Loss Prevention As a final precaution against loss, carry extra copies of

flight information/tickets and your passport information page in your carry on baggage, but separate from the originals .

Good Tip, Scan copies of those documents and send a mail to yourself, so in case you lost the hard copies you can get them from the Internet.

Vocabulary Scaffolding – LOS ANDAMIOS Pliers – LOS ALICATES Tools – LAS HERRAMIENTAS Barrel – EL BARRIL Tape Measure – LA CINTA Metal Bar For Digging – LA BARRA Rebar Bending Tool – LAS GRIFAS Hole – El Oyo Plumb Bob – EL PLOMO Screen To Sift Sand – LA ZARANDA Side – EL LADO Concrete – Concreto. To Assemble – ARMAR To Nail – CLAVAR To Cut – CORTAR To Shovel – PALEAR To Hold or To Attach – PEGAR Hoe – EL AZADON Chisel – EL CINCEL        Other Useful Words – LAS OTRAS PALABRAS UTILES  Trowel (Non-Gardening) – LA CHUCHARA Bathroom – EL BANO Bucket or Pail – EL BALDE, LA CUBETA          Let’s Get To Work – VAMOS A TRABAJAR Wheelbarrow – LA CARRETILLA To Take A Drink Of Water – TOMAR AGUA Screwdriver – EL DESARMADOR Extension Cord – LA EXTENSION ELECTRICA Handsaw – EL SERRUCHO Electric Saw – LA SIERRA ELECTRICA Board, Plank – LA TABLA To Break - ROMPER

Cement – EL CEMENTO Filtered and Clean Sand – LA ARENA LAVADA

(Used for Mortar and Plaster) Lime – EL CAL Brick – EL LADRILLO Roof Tile – LA TEJA A Square Tile Placed Beneath The Roof Tile – EL

TEJUELON Nails – LOS CLAVOS Wood – LA MADERA Door – LA PUERTA Mortar – LA MEZCLA

(Used to Cement Bricks and/or Concrete Block to One Another)

Door Frame – EL MARCO Metal Frame For Window – EL BALANCIN Tar – EL ASFALTO Shovel – LA PALA Thank You – GRACIAS Axe – ACHA What’s Your Name? – ¿CÓMO SE LLAMA? Hammer – EL MARTILLO Home – LA CASA Wire – EL ALAMBRE Construction Materials – LOS MATERIALES PARA

CONSTRUCCIÓN  Water – EL AGUA Large Beam – LA VIGA To Stamp Down – APELMAZAR To Level Out – APLANAR Wrench – LA LLAVE End of an Object – El Extremo

Ambassadors The challenge for us as visitors to Honduras

is to respect the rights and beliefs of those we come in contact with

Your presence in Honduras will have an effect, whether good or bad

Don’t give gifts directly to the family, unless the gifts are candies, pencils etc., or something everyone can enjoy

You are welcome to donate work clothes, gloves, tools directly to the Affiliate Habitat Staff

In an effort to minimize negative effects please observe the following:

Do not wear revealing clothing Public displays of affection are frowned

upon Try to remain calm, as yelling or

getting upset or use passive aggressive talks does not solve problems in Honduras.

In an effort to minimize negative effects please observe the following (CONT’D):

Shaking hands is often expected as one enters a new group, and sometimes upon leaving that group

Remain aware and do the obvious With professionals, it is important to

use their title either with the family name or their full name (Doctora Rebecca Perez Castro)

Say please (“Por Favor“) and thank you (“Gracias“)

It cannot be overdone! Attitude is everything

Bring a good one Every morning, greet everyone!

"Buenos Dias" is all you need to remember to say

Add a name to it if you can

ENJOY THE TRIP!

MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMOR & FLEXIBILITY ON AND OFF THE WORKSITE

DON’T LET YOURSELF GET STRESSED OUT

THIS IS A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY