"In Paradise"

"01/07/2010"

Another early start (yet again!) as we set off in the early morning, blistering heat for the ferry.
You could tell that today was going to be an absolute scorcher.
We'd been told by some strange Aussie that the ferrys almost always sell out; even overbook and that we should get there much earlier than necessary. I'm one for being early, but he suggested a whole hour for our 9.30am ferry. He was also seriously pessimistic about our travel plans.

I guess I'm used to Aussies being upbeat all the time...oh well.
Talking of downbeat, the ferry journey started off as a rollercoaster ride, but turned into a crazy joyride. Not fun.
I was made to regret sitting in the sunshine, by catching my shoulders and neck and burning.
I definitely got a headache, making me feel really nausious. I thought I was going to hold off, but Roatan seemed much to far away.

Arrival on my tropical island was not that picture/video moment or screensaver shot as I was trying my very best not to throw up again. When I did look up and the ferry ordeal was over this haven of wonder greeted me. Beautiful blue waters, greenery, jungle areas and warm sun. All I wanted to do was jump into a bikini and enjoy the perfect setting.

I soon figured it was not going to be so easy as in order to get to the West End (this place exists in Roatan) we would have to pay a taxi fare of $5 per person as allegedly there was no bus. We ended up negotiating a taxi to Coxen Hole in what was a very squashed affair- us two, an Austraian and two French people and then wondered whether we could catch the so-called bus to the West End; its service could rival London's. The bus didn't materialise or rather we weren't patient enough to wait for it. Also we did have doubts on the location of our cash-strapped taxi driver had left us, so we hitched a ride all the way, costing us nothing, but a bumpy ride, and a few stares.

Roatan gets better and better as you discover more of it and West End did not disappoint. Crystal blue waters and coral awaited us in a busy town full of Westerners. When we found Chillis (our hostel), it was just set back from the beach in a tropical wilderness full of flowers, birds and butterflies. The log cabins were perfect for the location and we were definitely not concerned about being too warm as the fan was lovely and cool.

We spent the afternoon at the beach enjoying the heat of the sun and the beautiful sea and setting. In the evening we watched the sun set over the ocean, whilst sipping cocktails on the beach. Something that I've noticed about Roatan is how pristine it is and how they are trying to keep it this way. The alcohol licenses are only for the beach bars and you are only permitted to take bottles to specific areas. Likewise, the hostels all maintain an eco-friendly attitude. Such a wonderful mentality.

On the contrary, we ate at Cannibal Cafe...after sunset, enjoying delicious fajitas and a lovely cocktail. What a wonderful day.