Day 1
It's eight in the morning and the sun is making it's way up into the sky. I'm already warm, sweaty, and sitting on the soft sand of Half Moon Bay. Kyle is calling out for me to join him in the blue and turquoise water, but for the moment I am at peace.
It's eight in the morning and already the locals are making their way around; setting up shops, opening doors, going from here to there at an intensely leisurely pace. The taxis pass back and forth on the one main road in West End, a sandy road full of water-filled potholes. They honk once at each tourist they see, hoping for a customer.
It's eight in the morning on the island of Roatan in the country of Honduras.
I can't imagine anywhere I'd rather be.
Banana Pancakes at Rudy's
On a sandy road in a sandy town, we come across one day
A little place called Rudy´s next to Georphi´s Hideaway
Amidst the caged bird screeches and the stray dogs at our feet
We find an empty spot to sit our weary bones and eat
Cowering in the shade, for even 8am is hot
Patiently we wait for our menus to be brought
Jugo de naranja, for my mouth is parched and dry
Panqueques de banano is the meal that I will try
We watch the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea
I contemplate my life as well as the nearby coconut tree
The waitress brings my orange juice and I quickly take a sip
It´s warm and sultry sweet taste lingers on my lip
I revel at the taste of juice not made from concentrate
And make a mental note that I should not forget this date
My boyfriend clears his throat and, looking up, I finally see
It´s my banana pancakes coming straight away to me
I´d tell you how they taste like heaven or Mom´s apple pie
But I´m going to eat them now and so I say goodbye.
At the Marley-blasting Jammin - late afternoon with sweet drinks and even sweeter company.
7 June 2009
Sunday
What a long, fantastic, exciting day. We woke early to the sun already in the sky. After a quick dip in the bay and Rudy´s for breakfast, I got down to business. I made the necessary arrangements with the appropriate people and it was made official. I start my PADI Open-Water Certification course tomorrow morning. I´m going to learn to scuba dive. I can barely contain my excitement!
We spent the long hot day at West Bay, the beautiful stretch of beach encumbered by pricey resorts. After renting snorkel gear from an old man along the way, we headed west to the very edge of the beach. I had heard that this is the spot for snorkeling. I was not let down. Donning mask, snorkel and the ever-attractive fins, I waddled backward into the deeper water and laid myself down into the cool crispness of the sea. Turning onto my belly, I put snorkel in mouth and took my first glimpse into the underwater world.
The reef lie just beyond the shore and, with a couple powerful kicks of the fins, we were looking into it. I was overwhelmed by each and every fish and creature of the sea that I encountered. I found myseld giggling at the pure joy and wonder of the scene before me. Too many fish and I knew none of their names. We even saw a turtle! Definitely the highlight of the afternoon for me, and it only makes me that much more excited for diving.
After snorkeling and a few colorful cocktails, we took a water taxi back to West End and eventually to a romantic dinner at a delicious Thai restaurant. We were seated on a dock over the water, talking and eating over candlelight. The cherry on my sunday.
June 9 2009
Day 4
There is something about the underwater world that both fascinates and intimidates. From the boat, I look out and see only a body of water. Looking down, I can make out the sandy bottom in some spots and the darker coral areas taking up the rest. My instructor Dan tells us that we will be going down to 40 feet on this, my first open water dive. Upon rolling backward into the water, Todd (the only other student) and I do our buddy checks, most easily remembered by 'Bruce Willis Ruins All Films'. Everything checks out and we ascend into the abyss.
There's no way to describe scuba diving to someone who's never been. The dull quiet in contrast to the immense sound of your breathing. The dancing of the sunlight around you mixed with the dullness of the colors.
We reach a sandy patch on the bottom and Dan asks by signalling if we're okay. We are and he motions us to follow him. Away we float toward the reef. The next 48 minutes were the most magical 48 minutes of my life. From gigantic Caribbean Lobsters to small Christmas Tree Worms; Pederson Cleaner Shrimp, Flamingo Tongue, Trumpet Fish, Split-Crown Feather Dusters, French Angel Fish (so much bigger than I expected), and even a Hawksbill Turtle!
I want to cry from how breath-taking it all is.
48 minutes of pure wonder.
Finally we make it to our destination, the quaint little town of Rio Dulce. We grab a quick bite, then hop in a boat that takes us to our lodging for the night, Casa Perico.
The following morning we are off again. This time, we travel by boat. Though our boat ride down the lovely Rio Dulce is overhyped in our Lonely Planet guidebook, there is one spot that I find absolutely adorable, and am so inclined to take a picture. Floating through a lovely field of green lily pads adorned with beautiful white flowers (i suppose lilies? haha), we docked at the small shacks where we were given a small break to get out, stretch our legs and, of course, spend our plentiful tourist money.
I want to move my body to the garifuna/reggae beat that pumps through the streets of Livingston. I sit on the deck just outside our bedroom at the Hotel Rio Dulce, watching the people walk past on the principal calle. I don't even mind the barbie sheets on one of our saggy, smelly, bed bug-ridden beds. It's all part of the adventure, and I love it. 
What else do I love? Tapado Garifuna, a delicious stew made from two small crabs, multiple shrimp, a whole fish, coconut milk and plantain. So incredibly delicious!
