WRITTEN by JOHN MORRIS
Thankfully, we have a cure
As a former DJ on the radio, I hosted theme shows from time to time based on a particular subject like sunshine, rain, the sea, etc. One of my favorite subjects was islands.
You would be surprised how many songs have been written about islands… especially in the Caribbean.
Leon Russell and Jimmy Buffet wrote some of my favorites including Back to the Island and Island Fever. Both paint a picture of the idyllic life in a Caribbean paradise and the desire to pack it up and go… as many of us here on Roatan have done.
“Palm trees and views I can’t believe, why would I ever want to leave?” — Jimmy Buffett
But “island fever” also has another meaning, which is the desire to get off the island a bit, for a change in scenery and sometimes a mental adjustment.
Our real estate clients often ask if my wife and I ever get island fever after 10 years of living here. The answer is honestly, yes. This is not a bad thing and is to be expected. After all, it’s a great big world out there with plenty to see.
We carefully plan our getaways, scouring the Internet for the best airfares to whisk us away to where we desire to go. Often for us it is Europe, but many folks do not know that there are some pretty cool, quick and inexpensive getaways right across the ‘pond’… on the mainland of Honduras.
In 90 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by plane, you can be in La Ceiba, a quaint coastal town full of nooks and crannies to be explored.
You can find just about anything in town, from specialty shops to large stores like Walmart and Diunsa. The produce at the grocery stores is bountiful and fresh, and the protein selection surprisingly varied.
Second hand stores sell everything from clothes to furniture – brought down in containers from the USA – and the prices are so low, you will find yourself overbuying.
There are many restaurants to choose from, my favorite being Susanna’s Secret Garden (order the churrasco – it is wonderful!).
Twenty minutes out of town heading east, you will find Sambo Creek, a seacoast town where the Caribbean Sea resembles the Atlantic with its wide sandy beach and rolling waves.
At times you can even surf there. Be sure to check out the Diving Pelican, a charming B&B hosted by Tom and Gretchen – they serve some of the best food and margaritas in Honduras. Nearby hot springs are perfect for a day of relaxation.
Also just about 30 minutes from town is the Cangrejal River Valley in Pico Bonito National Park.
White water rafting, horseback riding, hiking and Jeep tours are just a few of the activities that await you. There are plenty of accommodation options including Omega Tours, Villas Pico Bonito and Casa Cangrejal for your jungle retreat.
The river people are friendly and helpful, and never at a loss for conversation. The valley boasts coffee and chocolate production as well as expansive mahogany plantations… all rated as some of the finest in the world.
History buffs can take a comfortable bus to Copan Ruinas, or Copan as it is known, near the Guatemalan border. Here you can visit the ancient Mayan Ruins which were built and inhabited between 400 and 800 AD then suddenly and inexplicably abandoned.
Again plenty of places to stay but it’s Twisted Tanyas for great food, drinks and of course her great stories. She’s also a wonderful resource for things to do and places to see in the area.
I am only briefly touching the tip of the iceberg here of where to go and what to see in this beautiful country. Honduras is a treasure chest of adventure… for little money.
So do not worry about getting island fever, we have your cure!
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