Wednesday, January 28, 2015

    It was back to the music school today, but an hour earlier.  Gina had to help with the screening auditions for next year’s class and had to be there by 7:30 a.m.  After getting the building open, she left to do the screenings and I stayed to practice for an hour.  Then I waited for her for another hour.  When we were finally ready to practice together, she could not play her viola.  One of the strings had been getting worn and had started to fray.  After the first six measures of playing, it finally reached the point of no return and was so badly frayed that it was cutting her finger and she just couldn’t play. 

    When she orders things from the U.S. it takes at least two months to get them here.  She did not know where to get another string in Tegucigalpa but started making phone calls to people she thought might help her out.  Long story shorter, we were directed to a place right down in the heart of the city that might have one.  We were on the right street, but there was no address and we drove forever looking for “Axcess.”  After several false tries and turns, we finally found it.  At first the clerk said he didn’t have any viola strings, but did look again and found one—only one!!  Hooray!  So she bought it and we were on our way.  We had to pick up her children from her husband who brought them in his car and met us en route back to the temple. 

    It was a long morning with so much driving in the crowded city streets.  We passed two accidents where cars had rear-ended each other.  There are almost no stoplights and cars enter and exit by honking—or not—and nosing their way in front of someone whenever they think they can make it.  It reminded me of a cattle drive where the animals are driven together into a narrowing area like a chute—you could reach a hand out of either car window and shake hands with your neighbor.  It is a wonder that people get to and from their destinations in one piece day after day.  Shopping downtown, even for necessities, seems a nightmare and would keep me home and doing without!!  Except at the mall, the stores are small and the fronts are covered with bars and grids with only small spaces from which to do business.  Armed guards are everywhere and parking is difficult. 

    We made it back to my apartment with just enough time for me to hurry and get ready for the shift at the temple. 

    It’s time for sleep.  Good night, everyone!  Sending love your way-