It is here in Roatan that our re-adjustment to civilization is kicking in. We've had cruisers' happy hours, cruisers' pizza nights, done laundry in machines (1st time since Sept!), splurged grocery shopping in a great store, then went clothes shopping.
This is all good news. We're making new friends, eating well (maybe a bit too well), have soft & fluffy clothes and towels, are able to buy bread, cereal and yogurt again instead of making it, and have new bathing suits.
Michele even found a nice yoga group for morning workouts on Fantasy Island (cue Ricardo Montalban). It was nice to share the exercise and have girl-time again. We are on Day 15 in a row - even the geese were impressed!
Despite all of this fun, there are mixed feelings for certain. After spending the previous month with no communication or news, we return only to learn about horrible events, bombings and shootings in our country.
The local situation appears even worse. Corruption makes its way here from the mainland and we learn that Honduras is one of the most dangerous countries in the world right now. Murder and violent crime underly everything, while overt extortion, land reclamation and customs acquisitions are a part of life for the islanders.
Upstanding businessmen undergo regular shake-downs by the Policia (with us as witnesses) and establishments like ACE Hardware, Bulk Gormet and others have bare shelves as Customs holds their shipments indefinitely. If it were only about money the shelves would be full again, but power reigns for now.
Sad and baffled, we secretly crave a return to our simple existence in remote islands. Of course there will be times when melancholy visits us. You really didn't think life on a boat is all pink umbrella drinks & beautiful sunsets did you?!
Exploring while here in French Harbor, we go visit the neighboring iguana farm.
The males bob their heads up & down in a dominating display and yes, these are well-fed park creatures. There are an estimated 3000 iguanas here and it's hard not to step on one!
There are also parrots, watusa, roosters and a proud tom turkey who poses for us, puffing out all of his feathers.
But our hearts are captured by Coco, the three-year old spider monkey who looks at us with intelligent, sweet eyes. She wants us to scratch her back, hold her tail and four-fingered hands. Not knowing what events took her away from nature, we at least take comfort in the fact that she's well cared for by owners who play pick-a-boo with her and tickle her feet.
