kites

You need three things. One - an old soda bottle. Two- a plastic bag and three- a string. And that’s it- you have a kite.

The streets of Cofradia are now filled with kites. People young and old (well, mostly young) are constructing kites out of plastic bags. The bottom of the bag is used as the main part of the kite and the edges of the same plastic bag are used to make the tassels that dangle off the kite. The string is tied around the soda bottle and when the wind pick ups- that plastic bag can soar.

As you walk through the dusty streets, these make-shift kites color the skies. They weave through the low-hanging electric wires and land in muddy puddles. They are simple and beautiful creations, providing endless amusement for many Honduran youth.

As I see them soar through the skies, I am constantly reminded of the incredible story of Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I haven’t seen any races yet, as Hosseini beautifully portrays in his book, but with the craftsmanship of these bags, it is a most definite possibility.

It gives a whole new meaning to a plastic bag, huh?