Adiós

One of many differences between Spanish culture in Spain and in Central America (in particular, Honduras), is the use of the word "adios". In Spain they don't use it, in Honduras they do. But what I always found really neat in Honduras was how they use it.

In Honduras, "adios" is used as a greeting, as a goodbye, and just a thing to say in passing. This was always encouraging for me, because "adios" is used to literally say: "go with God", or "God be with you". It is a way for people to communicate love and encouragement in a word. Strangers will say it to you in passing on the street, instead of quietly averting their eyes when walking past, as they seem to do in North America. It is so much more meaningful to me than a hasty "hello" or "goodbye", and I like it because it can mean either one. This is why my last post from Chapter 1 of my travels this year, has to be entitled "Adios"; because the fact that I'm leaving does not mean that it is a final goodbye.

It is not a "goodbye", it is not a "hello", it is just a well-wishing to all back in Cofradia, and a notice that I hope the people I met there can continually meet God in all they do everyday. Dear Grade 3 and all Cofradians: God be with you, see you soon.

Peace.