We're back in paradise again ... Roatan Island, off the north coast of Honduras. (We think about Bayfield and Madeline Island often ... the main difference is the climate). We arrived by ferry (250 person capacity) last evening from La Ceiba. It was an hour and a quarter trip across the Caribbean Sea with barf bags distributed freely to those on board.
Luckily the ferry was set up like a movie theater and showed a Jackie Chan movie during the trip. That provided a vital focus point to keep attention off the swells. Nonetheless, people rushed for a bathroom and kids and adults alike made use of their plastic bag accessory. One crew member was stationed at the front of the boat and intently watched faces to discover where to go next to offer additional plastic bags and/or needed wiping up services. I think Frances and I have fairly strong stomachs but, truth be told, Jackie Chan may have saved us!
We found a wonderful lodging that's about a 10 minute walk from town along the beach. Cabins are perched atop a high embankment with stairs to the beach and a long dock. We rented snorkle equipment from Phillip, our host, and we plan to swim right off the shore this afternoon to see what sea life resides underneath the waters. On our deck we have our first hammock! We're told we'll be able to lie in it to watch the sunset! We already paid for four additional nights.
Of course, Roatan is one of the best spots in this country to sample malaria ... five different kinds on this island alone. We visited a butterfly and insect museum in La Ceiba two days ago and also found out about Chagas, a disease from biting insects that affects one-third of Honduran people. No known cure. It gets into the blood stream, attacks heart, liver, digestive tract, and kills within 10 to 20 years after infection, usually by heart attack.
We're staying on a plantation and hope to join Phillip on his venture to pick fruit for breakfast in the next day or two. We had lots of exotic possibilities this AM: a white sour fruit, a black (chocolate pudding-like) fruit, papaya, and watermelon. Frances wants to find out how the owners planted fruit trees in the preexisting tropical forest. There are horses, cows, and chickens here too. As a result, we had homemade cheese on fresh-baked bagels for breakfast this AM. A horse ride on the beach is an enticing possibility as well.
It's noon ... Time to shop for groceries, head back to our lodging, and hit the water. Adios, amigos.
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1 comment:
Stumbled upon your blog tonight and the memories of our own "vomet comet" ride from La Cieba came flooding back like it as yesterday, only we have Nacho Libre to thank. The movie could be considered a contributing factor. Those guys passing out the plastic bags and paper towels are awesome. My partner is no wimp but was in tears and sick the entire ride. What a trip that was. Anyway, we have a home on Roatan and will be there as of the 10th of Jan. You can check it out at Jiveshack.com and contact us if youre gonna be on the island, we'd love to show you around or answer any questions about the island! Happy travels.
Suzy from California
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