I just returned from a vacation in Honduras. We spent eight days on the Caribbean Island of Roatan. I have been to the Caribbean many times but the beauty of it never fails to take my breath away. Just the vivid turquoise color of the ocean alone is stunning. I believe this is one reason the colors of the Caribbean are so bright; they must be because anything else in comparison to the water would simply look very dull. I want to share pictures of the colorful homes, and how the design is so different than ours, more for practically than design esthetic. For instance, the homes are built on stilts by the water to lessen the chance of termite damage, take advantage of the ocean breezes, and dry laundry under the house protected from the almost daily tropical rains. There is poverty in Honduras as you will see from the pictures, so let me tell you about the people first, and hopefully you gain a little of what I did in Honduras –perspective – and notice more of what they do have, rather than what they don’t.
The people are friendly, happy and full of joy. One waiter told me the Honduran people are so blessed because of their faith in God. It shows in abundance. They love to serve, from the waiters, vendors on the beach, tour guides, to the children – they ooze a relaxing happy go lucky attitude. I was fortunate to meet Stacy, a lady who has sold souvenirs on the beach since she was 11 years old. Despite the bright colorful flowing skirt she wore, we noticed her welcoming smile first. When she did not have something I was looking for she was only too happy to recommend her friend’s stall next door, and I heard her do that repeatedly. She was so willing and eager to share her business with her friend, even though as she admitted, business had been exceptionally bad during what was the slow season. We meet one little girl and her little brother who walked up and down the beach every day, selling necklaces and bracelets. She was eleven years old and her brother about six. She was a little salesman, knowing how to use her precious smile and negotiating the best deal she could. As I handed her brother the money, he stared at the $20.00 bill with a since of awe. At first I felt sorry for them, then I wondered when was the last time I felt so appreciative of everything I am given?
Many people we met had lived in the states, and had family and friends here. Yet, all had come home to the Island life in Honduras –saying the states were just too stressful. The Honduran people live a life of gratitude. They understand something I think we forget more often than we like to admit. Happiness is not found in things, it’s found within; within our faith, ourselves and each other.
Everyone loves design! Here is a paper plate holder decorating the light in our bungalow (not sure about the fire hazard aspect of it :-))
I just couldn’t help but share this one. This is me holding a three month old Howler Monkey named Hanna. It was love at first sight for both of us, but they wouldn’t let me bring her home (she cried when I gave her back to the trainer)
