Angels are used to express realities beyond materialism, where kindness and love are important and essential, in the paintings of Claudine Milla. (Photo by Alejandra Flores Bermudez.)

By ALEJANDRA FLORES BERMUDEZ

Special to Honduras This Week

On the banks of the Choluteca River in downtown Tegucigalpa lies Barrio Abajo with its historical structures and houses where the years of coming and going of families still echo in their halls. In one of those houses with a terra cota colored facade lives a young girl with a special talent and personal history.

Claudine Milla lives in this house with five dogs, several turtles, a hamster, and a cat, along with her mother and grandmother. She struggles in her wheelchair everyday, receiving physiotherapy, and she has undergone various operations. Claudine was born prematurely, at 6 months of age, and since her lungs had not formed properly, her brain did not receive enough oxygen. As a result, she has brain paralysis.

I entered the house and Claudine, accompanied by barking dogs, greeted me. She has a vivid sense of humor and a sweetness pours out in all her expressions. The 24-year-old plays a bit of piano but basically her passion is painting.

We go near her pictures and she explains that each one has a special meaning. The colors are bright, full of life and you can observe many paintings of animals and angels.

When asked her how this love for art was born she said, "It's a passion. I wouldn't know how to explain it because I have always loved to paint. What I like best about art is that you are free to use your imagination, fantasy. I develop a lot of themes in my art but mostly they are imaginary. I paint imaginary scenes of medieval times, of Egypt, of the Maya, of angels, princes and princesses..."

It seemed a little sentimental, but I dared ask Claudine if in a certain way she did not feel nostalgia for the kindness of people; as if nowadays people have become harder in their feelings toward others because of the hardships of life, unemployment, city life and so much materialism in the world.

Claudine answered that there are many values and virtues to learn in humankind's history, that man should explore himself more. "I think that every person has the ability to build his or her own world. Everyone has his own world deep within him or herself. I close my eyes sometimes, listen to music and start to feel in colors, fantasies, ideas, mysteries. One should spend more time with oneself and appreciate what one has. The human being is such a perfect creation. We shouldn't destroy ourselves or the planet."

Exploring her paintings, I saw a large one of two ladies with a moose and a squirrel. A lady is standing feeding the moose and the other one is kneeling. Claudine explained that one represents wisdom and the other one tenderness. I also observed three horses galloping through some ruins with trees, and the artist explained that it is an abandoned temple where horses run free and nature reigns and it represents liberty, harmony and security.

Claudine Milla and her pet dog Bijoux.

She also explores maternal love within figures of animals like bears and bear cubs protected in a cave with a view of a river and waterfall, expanding a sense of protection and security.

After seeing this painting, I ask Claudine about her mother and grandmother, with whom she lives. "My mother and grandmother have been very important; they have been like a motor which has made me act and react. When I was little I had many difficulties. No one believed I would overcome many of my physical disabilities. But they always helped me, believing in me and motivating me. I'm now at the National Teaching University studying special education. I was studying through the distance program, but I'm going to attend daily now, I'm fully capable...

"We all have a seed inside of us. You just have to help it grow... If I am able to struggle and overcome, how is it that others with less problems than I cannot. Everyone can."

Finally, we observe a vivid painting with two angels. "They represent brotherhood," she told me. "Brotherhood should exist without prejudice. It doesn't matter if you're black, white, brown or yellow, or what religion you profess, your way of thinking. We are all brothers and God does not wish us to fight."

Indeed, to have such imagination as to live within angels, bear cubs, horses, and nature is a blessing. I think Claudine really has built her own world, even though she has to put more effort in every gesture she makes, to grab the paintbrushes, move it over the canvas. You can feel and really see it is a passion. Each combination of colors, the love she places as she draws each line, many things that normally are easy for most people are a ritual for Claudine, a ceremony where she celebrates life, harmony and union in her universe.

Honduras canta al amor, (Honduras sings of love), Homenaje a Serafina Milla (Homage to Serafina Milla) and Danzas Folkloricas Hondurenas (Honduran Folk Dances) are the titles of the first three compact disks edited and produced by the Ministry of Culture. The new CDs were presented last May at the Manuel Bonilla National Theater in Tegucigalpa in a ceremony attended by government authorities, the media and special guests.

The production Honduras canta al amor is a compilation of Honduran romantic music written by such talented national authors as Leonzo Lopez Fiallos, Rodolfo Bonilla, Alberto Valladares and Gilberto Zelaya and featuring the voices of Moises Canelo, Lesbia Karina Nasser, Julieta Bonilla and Romeo Irias Federico Ramirez.

In Homenaje a Serafina Milla, listeners will find musical arrangements by Tony Sierra. It gathers the works of renowned composer Serafina Milla, who wrote unforgettable songs like El Tartamudo, Acete pa' aca, La Gotita, and Na Facunda.

Danzas Folkloricas Hondurenas is a recording of the autochthonous sounds of popular folk dances compiled by the late Rafael Manzanares.

The ceremony included a performance of music group Tribu Lenca, which presented its latest production. The artists recently came back from a successful tour in the United States.

For more information about the new CDs, call Magda Argentina Erazo at Tel. (504) 236-9738, 236-7439, e-mail: <compc@sdnhon.org.hn>.

By CIARAN O'NUANAIN

Special to Honduras This Week

"Buiti Binagui," I said, and the congregation of about 50 replied back with delight, "Buiti Binagui" (Good Morning).

"Now it's your turn to say good morning in my language, I informed them, and carefully pronounced the Irish words, "Dia Dhuit." The 50 black faces replied back, saying more or less "Dia Dhuit."

It was Holy Week, and although I live in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, I had volunteered to celebrate the week with the Garifuna community of Santa Fe, on the Atlantic Coast.

The Garifuna people consider themselves as a distinct cultural group from the rest of Honduras. It all began in 1655 when two Spanish ships carrying slaves from Africa sunk off the island of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. They settled down in the island, intermingling with the native Carib Indians, and in the coming years were joined by other blacks fleeing from slavery in the neighboring isles. They were soon to become numerous and prosperous.

In 1763, the English arrived on the island and in 1797 decided to expel all the black caribs to the Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. After a few miserable months on the island, they begged the Spaniards to come and rescue them and on April 12 of the same year they arrived in Honduras. Their population is now about 100,000 in Honduras alone.

We begin the Mass and the members of the choir started singing accompanied by drums, and the congregation joined in with gusto, swaying in rhythm with the music, except for a few Spanish speakers at the back of the church. I decided to join in the swaying. This way of celebrating the liturgy was new to me. In Spanish-speaking communities, the preferred instrument is the guitar but here it was percussion instruments of all sorts, especially drums, whose beating was pervasive throughout the week I was here.

They were going to read the scriptures in Spanish, when it occurred to me to ask them whether they had a bible in Garifuna. "Yes," they answered, and showed me a bible that seemed to me, as a foreigner, to contain only gibberish. "Well, I'd prefer you'd read the lessons in your own language. It is we who have to adapt to your culture and not the other way around," I said for the benefits of the Spanish speakers glaring up from the congregation.

I started the homily and told them that I was sorry I was not able to say it in their own language, but a glare is understood in any language and that's what I had to do when one of the drummers started beating down with his stick, the thongs that held the drum head taut. In Spanish-speaking communities, the problem is with musicians strumming guitars.

However, it was at the exchange of the sign of peace that the Mass really came to life and the people for the first time started singing in Garifuna. When they started singing in their own language, their emotions sprung to the surface and they broke into dancing. But they didn't dance from the torso, as we do in Europe or the United States, but from the hips as they often do in Latin America! The atmosphere became volatile and euphoric and I reluctantly allowed myself be led into the mood of the moment. Afterward, when I commented with one of the leaders that I thought that moment was the climax of their celebration, she answered in the affirmative, explaining that when they are dancing, that is the moment when they feel nearer to God.

At the end of the Mass the mood was that of joy and contentment, the sort of mood that's brought about by catharsis or a release of the emotions. I remembered then what someone once told me, "We in the First World know how to enjoy, but we have forgotten how to celebrate..."

Later I was invited to a meal which I was to eat many times during the week. It consisted of fish, plantain, rice, manioc and cassava bread. "Do you eat any beans," I asked, and I was haughtily informed that only the people up in the mountain cultivated beans.

A small boy called Jefferson sat down at the table beside me and started scrutinizing me closely. It must have been the first time he had seen a "gringo" close at hand.

"How are you Jefferson," I inquired. "My name is Hefferson," he corrects me, and it was then I realized that "J" in Spanish is pronounced like a "H" in English.

He blurts out with amazement, "You've got eyes like a cat."

"Oh then," I said teasingly. "You think I'm a cat."

"No," he denies, and pointing to his own eyes with his finger to make sure I understood, he explains, "Your eyes are green surrounded by white, whereas a cats are surrounded by another color."

I asked him what else he noticed about my face, and he pointed to the red color on my forehead and chin. I felt that at that moment Hefferson was about to burst out laughing! The Garifuna people are lucky not to suffer from sunburn.

On Easter Sunday I bade the people farewell. During the week, the color of their skin lost importance for me and I got to know them as human beings. I could now understand better why some of my relatives and friends who work in Africa love its people.

TRIGUEROS PAINTING EXHIBIT -- THROUGH MAY -- The Hotel Copantl Sula in San Pedro Sula is host to an exhibit of paintings by Samuel Trigueros titled En el principio.

CHIQUI DURON PAINTING EXHIBIT -- THROUGH JUNE 2 -- The Honduran Institute of Hispanic Culture (IHCH) in Col. Lomas del Guijarro in Tegucigalpa is presenting an exhibit of paintings by national artist Chiqui Duron. More information at 232-5578.

PERMANENT EXHIBIT -- The Mujeres en las Artes association has an exhibit of paintings, silk screenings and drawings titled Mujer en Blanco y Negro by Carolina Kiersten Medina. More information at 221-0697.

HONDURAN RELIGIOUS ART -- The Year 2000 Commission and the Committee of Cultural Centers are sponsoring an exhibit titled Religious Art in Honduras, at the National Art Gallery. More information at 237-9884, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JAZZ CONCERT -- MAY 31, JUNE 2, 3, 4 -- The U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Culture and the Honduran Institute of Interamerican Culture (IHCH) are sponsoring four concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors: The Matt Ray Trio. The first show will take place at the Manuel Bonilla National Theater in Tegucigalpa at 7:30 p.m., admission is Lps. 50; Lps. 25 for students with ID and senior citizens (formal dress). On June 2, the group will be performing at the El Zamorano auditorium from 7 p.m., admission is free. On June 3, the artists will perform at the La Ceiba's Maria Regina auditorium at 7:30 p.m., admission is Lps. 30. The last concert will be on June 4 at the Centro Cultural Sampedrano at 7:30 p.m., admission is Lps. 80, students with ID and senior citizens pay Lps. 50. Tickets are available at Metromedia, Friday's and Palacio de la Musica in Multiplaza Mall, INFOP, IHCI and at the Manuel Bonilla theater. More information at 222-0703.

CLASSICAL MUSIC CONCERT -- MAY 31, JUNE 1 -- The San Pedro Sula Chamber Orchestra will perform Vivaldis' four seasons. The concert, which will be directed by Jose Iglesia Carnot of Cuba and include the performance of international violinist Hector David, will take place at the Victoriano Lopez Music School auditorium at 8 p.m. Admission is Lps. 80, students with ID pay Lps. 50.

THE READING CORNER -- SATURDAYS -- The Museum of History and Anthropology of San Pedro Sula offers parents and children the possibility of sharing a fun, educational time by reading and interpreting children stories, every Saturday afternoon . The tales to be read today are El arbol de oro (The golden tree) and El arroyo que hablaba (The creek that could speak). More information at 557-1798.

WOMEN JOURNALISM -- JUNE 8 -- The Honduran Institute of Interamerican Culture (IHCI) on Comayaguela's Calle Real will sponsor a lecture by journalist Magda Argentina Erazo titled The role of women in journalism. It will take place at 7 p.m at IHCI's art gallery. Admission is free. More information at 222-0703.

ART CLASSES -- SATURDAYS -- Sara and William Swetcharnik offer art classes Saturdays. For more information, email <swetcharnik@hood.edu>.

CHILDREN ART WORKSHOPS -- THROUGH AUGUST 5 -- The Mujeres en las Artes "Leticia de Oyuela" association is offering the art course "A world of colors" for children aged 8 to 9, Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is Lps. 600. More information at 221-0697.

DANCE, GUITAR & PAINTING COURSES -- The Honduran Institute of Hispanic Culture (IHCH) invites the public to learn the Sevillana Spanish dance, Wednesdays and Fridays. IHCH also offers guitar and paintings courses. More information at 232-5578 from 10 to 5 p.m.

ART, LEARNING & TUTORING FOR CHILDREN -- The Art and Education Center, BONAMPAK, at the Plaza Millennium offers hourly art courses for children ages 6 to 12. Hourly reading courses and tutoring services for children ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 12 are available. More information at 222-5487.

FLOWER FESTIVAL -- THROUGH MAY -- The community of Lepaterique, in Francisco Morazan department, is holding its traditional flower festival.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL -- JUNE 12-16 -- The Union Christian Church will hold a Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon for ages 1st- 6th grade, and from 1 to 3 p.m. for ages 7th-8th grade. The cut off is 50 children. Registration is open to the public. The program will deal with World Missions and is in English. To register ahead, please call 232-3386. Formal registration will be on June 12 at 8 a.m. at Union Church, in Lomas del Guijarro in Tegucigalpa.

CULTURAL SUNDAYS -- THROUGH JUNE -- The organizers of the Juniana Fair in San Pedro Sula announced the inauguration of Children's Cultural Sundays on June 4 at 9 a.m. The event will take place at the Benito Juarez plaza, where kids can enjoy and learn by playing traditional games or watching puppets. There will be handicraft and national book exhibits for grown-ups.

REPTILE CENTER -- The first Rehabilitation Center for Reptiles and Amphibians (PCHRERA) is open to the public, who can observe and touch live snakes, turtles, lizards and crocodiles. The center is located in the Col. Godoy, 30 meters on the road toward Colonia Lomas de Toncontin or IPM, first street on the right, the third house.

CLUBS

FAMILIES ANONYMOUS -- Families Anonymous (FA) meetings are held every Tuesday evening at the Union Church at 7:30 p.m. Call Eileen for more information at 239-9779 or 239-9778.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS -- Al-Anon helps the relatives and friends of problem drinkers. Groups meet weekly in Colonia Alameda (Saturday afternoons) and Colonia Loarque (Sunday evenings). For more information, contact Amanda at 239-2698 (Spanish) or Margaret at 226-6576 (English).

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS -- Having problems with drugs, alcohol? Meetings are held in Spanish every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Colonia Palermo, Ave. Juan Manuel Galvez, 1 calle # 1836. For more information, call Ricardo at 991-9417 or 232-8989.

By W. E. GUTMAN

TEGUCIGALPA -- Meet Santos Ortiz Banegas, a teenager endowed with the eagle eye and creative flair of a seasoned computer graphics pro. He joined the staff of HTW as an errand boy in 1996. Four years later, he now designs most of the newspaper's advertisements.

Born in the capital, 18-year-old Santos has a sixth grade education. Self-taught, inquisitive and eager to learn, he took an immediate interest in computers -- a calling that HTW was mindful to nurture.

"Computers are like magic," Santos says, childlike wonder animating his eyes. "When I'm in front a terminal, I'm never bored. Hours seem like minutes."

In addition to advertisements, Santos, who knows no English, sometimes helps out in article layouts and other visual aids.

Looking to the future, Santos, who admits he has yet a lot to learn, dreams of owning and running an advertising agency "dedicated to national reconstruction and the advancement of democracy."

Meanwhile, he explains, "working for an important medium such as Honduras This Week offers uncommon challenges and opportunities for self-enhancement."

ART EXHIBIT -- THROUGH MAY 25 -- The Contemporary Visual Arts Center of the Mujeres en las Artes Association (CAVMUA), the Centro Cultural Sampedrano (CCS), the Honduran Institute of Interamerican Culture (IHCI) and the Cultural Centers Committee are sponsoring the exhibit Leyendo una Historia de Mujeres, Nury Reyna de Toffe (Reading a women's story, Nury Reyna de Toffe), at the CCS. Alejandra Paredes, Frida Handal, Marta Tejada and Carolina Kriesten are some of the national artists participating in the event. More information at 236-7281.

FUND RAISING PAINTING EXHIBIT -- THROUGH MAY -- The National Volleyball Federation is holding a expo-sale of paintings by outstanding Honduran artists at the National Art Gallery located next to the National Congress in Tegucigalpa. Funds will be used to finance the participation of the national volleyball team at international competitions.

PAINTING EXHIBIT -- MAY 18 -- The Hotel Copantl Sula in San Pedro Sula will host an exhibit of paintings by Samuel Trigueros titled En el principio, to be inaugurated at 7 p.m.

PERMANENT EXHIBIT -- The Mujeres en las Artes association has an exhibit of paintings, silk screenings and drawings titled Mujer en Blanco y Negro by Carolina Kiersten Medina. More information at 221-0697.

HONDURAN RELIGIOUS ART -- The Year 2000 Commission and the Committee of Cultural Centers are sponsoring an exhibit titled Religious Art in Honduras, which is taking place at the National Art Gallery. For more information, call 237-9884, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

IBEROAMERICANO MUSIC -- EVERY SUNDAY -- Radio Honduras at 101.3 FM, 880 AM plays its Pentagrama Iberoamericano program from 2 to 4 p.m. National artists give talks from 4 to 5 p.m. If you would like to come to the program, call Felipe Acosta at 232-1402.

JUANA PAVON RECITAL -- MAY 26 -- The Mujeres en las Artes (MUA) association will sponsor a recital by Honduran poet Juana Pavon at the MUA's facilities in Col. Reforma, Tegucigalpa at 7 p.m. Guest artists will be Emilio Alvarez, Alex Palencia and Encuentros. Admission is Lps. 50. More information at 221-0697.

THE READING CORNER -- SATURDAYS -- The Museum of History and Anthropology of San Pedro Sula offers parents and children the possibility to share a fun, educational time by reading and interpreting children stories, every Saturday afternoon. Admission is free. More information at 557-1798.

CHILDREN ART WORKSHOPS -- MAY 13 - AUGUST 5 -- The Mujeres en las Artes "Leticia de Oyuela" association is offering the art course "A world of colors" for children aged 8 to 9, Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is Lps. 600. More information at 221-0697.

ENGLISH TEACHERS CONFERENCE -- MAY 25-27 -- The Francisco Morazan National Teaching University (UPN) and the U.S. Embassy will sponsor the first Annual Conference for Teachers of English titled "Challenges in the New Millennium" to take place at the UPN facilities in Tegucigalpa. Different publishing companies will also be present. Admission is Lps. 300. More information with Gloria Ulloa of Clarissa Milla at 238-1817, 239-0490.

DANCE AND GUITAR COURSES -- The Honduran Institute of Hispanic Culture (IHCH) invites the public to learn the Sevillana Spanish dance. Courses are offered on Wednesdays for adults and on Fridays for children. IHCH also offers guitar courses on Tuesdays. More information at 232-5578 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PAINTING COURSES -- WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS -- IHCH offers painting courses for adults Thursdays and Saturdays, and for children Wednesdays and Saturdays. More information at 232-5578 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ART, LEARNING & TUTORING FOR CHILDREN -- The Art and Education Center, BONAMPAK, at the Plaza Millennium offers hourly art courses for children ages 6 to 12. Hourly reading courses for children ages 4 to 6 and 7 to 12 are being held as well. Tutoring services are also available. Call 222-5487 for more information.

FLOWER FESTIVAL -- THROUGH MAY -- The residents of the community of Lepaterique, in Francisco Morazan department, are holding their traditional flower festival this month.

FUN COUNTRY DAY -- MAY 28 -- The La Florida touristic center in Valle de Angeles, Francisco Morazan, invites the public to enjoy traditional games, pinatas, clowns, disguises, magic shows, contests and other fun activities. More information at 766-2121.

CLUBS

FAMILIES ANONYMOUS -- Families Anonymous (FA) meetings are held every Tuesday evening at the Union Church at 7:30 p.m. Call Eileen for more information at 239-9779 or 239-9778.

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUPS -- Al-Anon helps the relatives and friends of problem drinkers. Groups meet weekly in Colonia Alameda (Saturday afternoons) and Colonia Loarque (Sunday evenings). For more information, contact Amanda at 239-2698 (Spanish) or Margaret at 226-6576 (English).

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS -- Having problems with drugs, alcohol? Meetings are held in Spanish every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Colonia Palermo, Ave. Juan Manuel Galvez, 1 calle # 1836. For more information, call Ricardo at 991-9417 or 232-8989.

ENGLISH SPEAKING WOMEN'S CLUB -- The ESWC invites all English-speaking women to its teas held the second Thursday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the Hotel Honduras Maya in Tegucigalpa.

MUSEO DE HISTORIA REPUBLICANA

The Museum of Republican History is located at the Villa Roy building in Tegucigalpa's Barrio Buenos Aries. It is open 8:30 to 3:30, Tuesdays through Sundays and features portraits, paraphernalia, and other interesting items from past presidents. Admission is Lps. 20 for non-resident foreigners and Lps. 10 for Hondurans and Central Americans. For more information, call 222-3470 or 222-1468.

CENTRAL BANK MUSEUM

The Central Bank of Honduras located at the Comayaguela annex building is open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. It has a permanent coin and painting exhibit. For special presentations, call the Emision y Tesoreria department at 237-2270 (-78), ext. 2117 (-2120). [CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.]

NATIONAL ART GALLERY

The Galeria Nacional de Arte features rock art, pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial paintings, religious art and a wide selection of 20th century Honduran painters. The gallery is located at the Plaza de la Merced in downtown Tegucigalpa. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10-2 p.m. Admission is Lps. 10 for adults, Lps. 5 for senior citizens, Lps. 3 for students and Lps. 1 for children accompanied by adults.

IGUANA FARM

The Biosfera Ecocentro Iguana Farm in Colonia La Joya invites the public to come and learn everything about iguanas. Admission is Lps. 5 for adults, Lps. 3 for children. The facility is open every day (except Wednesday) from 9 to 5. For more information, call 230-6346.

COMAYAGUA MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Located in the city of Comayagua, two hours north of Tegucigalpa, the Comayagua Museum of Archaeology is in the building that served as the seat of government in the 19th century. Exhibits include prehistoric fossils, cave art, ceramics, and objects used by indigenous cultures during the pre-Colombian era. The museum, which also has a small library, is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

COMAYAGUA RELIGIOUS MUSEUM

Located in the Casa Cural in front of Comayagua's cathedral, this museum features religious paintings and objects dating back to the 16th century. Hours are 8-12 and 2-4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. For more information, contact Leonardo Letona at 772-0348.

LA PAZ HOUSE OF CULTURE

The La Paz Casa de la Cultura is located in downtown La Paz. It features an attractive exhibit of the Lenca handicrafts and culture. It is open Mondays through Sundays.

SPS MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY

The Museo de Antropologia e Historia de San Pedro Sula features exhibits on the development of Sula Valley, from 1500 B.C. to the middle of this century. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is Lps. 10 for adults, Lps. 5 for students and children under 12, and Lps. 2 for senior citizens. For more information, call 557-1496/557-1798 or fax 557-1874.

MUSEUM OF NATURE OF SAN PEDRO SULA

Sponsored and managed by the Fundacion Ecologista H.R. Pastor Fasquelle, this new museum was inaugurated last December in its current location at the Biocentro on 3 Avenida and 9 Calle Noroeste. It has 24 exhibits on the environment, natural resources and biology of Honduras. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays. Admission is Lps 5 for students from public schools and Lps. 10.00 for everyone else.

YUSCARAN HOUSE OF CULTURE

Yuscaran's Casa de la Cultura is located at the former Casa Fortin in downtown Yuscaran, El Paraiso department, just 45 km from Tegucigalpa on the road to Danli. It is open Mondays through Saturdays.

PECH CULTURAL CENTER

The Pech have built a small house in El Carbon, Olancho to display their modern handicrafts. An exhibit of archaeological finds in the area is planned. You can ask to see the collection and/or get a tour of a Post Classic era fortified site. The Pech Cultural Center also offers medicinal plant tours, nature hikes, Pech dinners, etc. There is no admission fee to the cultural center. Hours: If you ask, they will open it.

COPAN ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Located in the village of Copan Ruinas, Copan department, the museum exhibits a splendid assortment of Mayan pieces that have been found in the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park just 1 km away.

LA PUENTE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Featuring a sizeable collection of Mayan handicrafts and photographs as well as a room with Japanese antique ceramics, this museum is located at the El Puente Archaeological Site, about an hour's drive from Copan Ruinas.

MAYAN SEPULTURAS MUSEUM

Inaugurated in 1996, this is the premier Mayan museum in the Mundo Maya, featuring the finest examples of Copan's tombs, sculptures and architecture. Located at the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park, the museum is open Monday through Sunday.

LANCETILLA BOTANICAL GARDENS

Located 2 kilometers from Tela on the Atlantic coast highway, the gardens feature one of the largest collections of tropical and subtropical plants, shrubs and trees in all Latin America. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mondays through Sundays. There is an admission charge.

BUTTERFLY AND INSECT MUSEUM

Thousands of butterflies and insects from Honduras and 18 other countries are on display in La Ceiba' private Butterfly and Insect Museum. It is located in Colonia El Sauce, 2nd etapa, casa G-12. Visiting hours are 8-12 and 2-5, Monday through Saturday. The museum is closed Wednesday afternoon. Fees are Lps. 15 for adults and Lps. 10 for students. Tel. 442-2874, e-mail: rlehman@ns.gbm.hn

TRUJILLO RUFINO GALAN MUSEUM

A private museum which has a memorabilia section, old chairs, anchors, silverware, beds of famous people locally. There is an industrial archaeology section on how lights, axes, stoves, sewing machines, typewriters have changed over time. They have a good collection of Garifuna handicrafts and the best collection

of NE Honduras archaeological pieces -- all unmarked. A written guide to the museum is available at the Trujillo Tourism Office in English and Spanish. The museum is open 8 to 4, closing for lunch. Adults Lps. 20, children Lps. 10. Located on Calle 18 de Mayo, next to the Crystales River and the famous "piscina" or pool, about a 15-minute walk out of town.

CARAMBOLA BOTANICAL GARDENS

The private Carambola Botanical Gardens and Nature Trails is located in Sandy Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands. A wide variety of exotic plants is featured here, including "Roatan's most extensive orchid collection." It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 445-1117 and ask for Bill or Irma Brady.

BAY ISLANDS MUSEUM