Once a dangerous port
As our liner enters the dock at Mahogany we get a glimpse of a ship wreck. We should not be surprised since we are at the largest island in Honduras which is well known for its being in the periphery of the hurricane region. It seldom gets direct hits from the winds for they cross over other landmasses and islands before reaching Roatan.However,The tail end of the hurricanes do bring about periods of high winds and rains. It would have been riskier had we tendered in or come during the rainy season and had one of the big names in cruise liners, Carnival Corporation, not built the port which is for the most part operated by them, making it a popular spot for cruise ships visiting the western Caribbean.
Avoiding the popular thrills for real life
Roatan is famed for its tropical weather coral reefs, eco-adventures in lush jungles and its beaches. And, hear this. It's known for its sloths! Not being sloths and since we are and not interested in diving or tanning on the beaches we do what we do best. From the cruise centre it is a short walk to the city centre. It is a rainy day.
We are obviously in the centre of the town for we are at City Hall, in the capital town of Coxen Hole, its name in Spanish right about the entrance, for that is the first language of the 3 Bay Islands, one of which is Roatan. Spanish is the official language. We talk to a well built male who exits city hall and has a few minutes to spare. He is a school teacher. He apologises for the weather that has made it inconvenient for us to explore the town. He tells us that almost everybody speaks English.
And then there is an international bank and a church with beautiful stained glass windows.
Where's the energy and the vibes?
Granted, it's a rainy day. But people are going about the daily chores. The shops are open. We notice that the houses built closer to the shore are on stilts. A walk around the town leads us to a bust. I still haven't got the details about it. Still searching. A kind of war memorial. Then there is the children's playground abandoned on this wet day. Nice photo opportunity sitting on the hawksbill sea turtles.
Did we miss something?
As we get back to the cruise centre we see young mangrove shoots planted to protect the shore line from erosion and also to protect marine life. We didn't even think of walking over to the beach which is not far off. Its silky sands are not tempting enough.
Had we gone perhaps we might have come face to face with the likes of Richard Gere, Michael Douglas, and Cameron Diaz who frequent the island.
Story book and history
We are back at the cruise centre where we come face to face with a pirate instead. Not scary enough for it is after all a figure of a green parrot with a hooked nose, one set of talons gone, donning a pirate's hat, apparently squawking for attention. Reminds me of Captain James Cook of Peter Pan. Just next to is a pair of walk in boots. I'm certainly too small for the boots. And I do not belong in the pirate themed bar for I'm a teetotaller!
And then there's a large statue that could be a replica of a Mayan artifact with a detailed headdress and ceremonial robes? But roatan has a pre Colombian history. The inhabitants traded with the Mayan and hence . . . How do they tie up?There's a lot more to learn there!
Could we have done more?
The island is small and there appears to be a local bus station that plies the outskirts of Roatan. It would have been interesting to take those buses if anyone had been sure of a schedule for it will never do to miss the boat.
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