Roatan Vortex© – It Pulls You in and You Never Want to Leave

When I lived on Roatan, I would take a stroll on the beach every morning, walking along the water’s edge, feeling the warm sand squish between my toes, the salty Caribbean Sea lapping at my ankles while… I swatted away the sand fleas! Yes, paradise has its downsides too.

The other thing I would do while on these morning jaunts was rescue starfish. I don’t know the technicalities of why it happens, but I would encounter a few (or more) starfish washed up on the beach. I’d pick them up, marvel at their unique beauty, wade out to slightly deeper water (not too deep mind you, my fear of water kicks in once the water line gets above my waist) and return the starfish to their home; surely saving them from being eaten by a passing bird or drying out in the intense heat emitting from the sun.

Was I making a difference? With each starfish I returned to the sea, my mind would wander to the parable about this very endeavour. Could I rescue them all? Heck no! But I’m sure it made a difference to the ones I did; and knowing I’m not the only one with this mindset, so many starfish are being saved. I tried this once with Portuguese-man-of-war. That wasn’t quite as successful, actually, getting stung on my arms and legs was the deciding factor in only attempting that once. Sorry Portuguese-man-of-war you are on your own!

On Roatan there are many children who need assistance in all aspects of their lives. Can I make a difference for them all? Heck no! I toured one of the local schools with the idea to help one child by sponsoring her tuition, uniform, school supplies, and transportation to and from school. As it turned out she wasn’t able to attend classes at Luisa Trundle School, Coxen Hole. But while I was being shown around, an idea that I would have never thought of prior to the tour came to mind.

A very high percentage of the kids don’t have breakfast before they arrive for classes; the resources are limited in their homes, to the point that if they do have breakfast it may be their ONLY meal of the day. Could I ensure the children who attend Luisa Trundle School start their lessons with a healthy meal in their tummies—an essential tool for learning?

YES!!! The Roatan Vortex Breakfast Program launched July 9th 2011 (in Honduras, the school term is February – November) with the assistance of Val -Familias Saludables and the school administration and staff. At first the children were hesitant to take what was offered—they had never encountered breakfast waiting for them when they arrived at school before. Oh but they got the hang of it pretty quick!

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Musings from a Breakfast Program

Mathew (age six): “Mom hurry up and get me dressed, I have to go to the Breakfast Program!”

Mathew’s mom: “And school!”

Mathew: “Oh yeah, that too.”

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I had the opportunity to share the ongoing success of the Roatan Vortex Breakfast Program when I attended the Conference on Honduras where I gave a presentation: What did you have for breakfast today? I also posted another story when I visited Roatan the end of February: Two Weeks on Roatan. And as a direct result of that visit I shot and edited (please turn up the volume on your computer… my editing skills are limited) a video showing the children having breakfast!

CastleMuse is proud to sponsor the Roatan Vortex Breakfast Program and while the website is still under construction a banner is displayed linking back to this story.

Thing is though, just as my ability to rescue a significant number of starfish on my own is not possible, neither can I alone ensure the longevity of the breakfast program. I am proud to have got the ball rolling and, to-date, I have been the sole financial contributor. And while I bask in the joy it brings me to see the positive impact it is having on the development of these children—it is time for me to share that sensation—so if you’d like to wade into the Caribbean Sea with me (figuratively not literally) and get involved, here are some examples of how much of a difference your support can make.

• A donation of $10 will cover the cost of 15 dozen eggs (I know! Val’s real good at getting deals.)

• $25 will buy eight large boxes of Raisin Bran; 120 servings of cereal—enough for all the kids for one day (currently 117 children in the program.)

• For $50 a one week supply for all the children (560 servings) of fresh, local fruit (bananas, oranges, watermelon, mangoes) can be purchased.

• $100 could ensure that for two weeks all the kids will have a serving of fresh milk.

If you are able to contribute monthly:
• $10 a month equals TWO kids having a complete breakfast every school day of the month.

• $20 a month will feed FOUR kids each and every week for the month

• $30 a month can ensure SIX children each month are starting their day right!

The Roatan Vortex Breakfast Program is now affiliated with the The Dawn Land Foundation a not-for-profit org registered with the Canadian Government. Please remember even $5 can make a huge difference… REALLY!!!
If donations exceed covering the cost of the Breakfast Program, a mid-morning snack will be introduced and we can be ready for next year as well. Together we can make a difference!

Donate HERE: The Dawn Land Foundation Be sure to specify that your donation is for the Roatan Vortex Breakfast Program. Tax receipts will be issued upon request.

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Musings from a Breakfast Program

One of our grade six students, one of those bright boys always in trouble, has become the programs best friend. He is there every morning early to put out the table or help pour milk; he eats his whole day’s calories at breakfast. He has gone from being quite aggressive to hugging me (Val) and telling me he loves me. Hmm, I guess it’s true—the way to a boy’s heart is through his stomach.

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Spread the word… please!

The more people who hear about the Roatan Vortex Breakfast Program the better. Please share far and wide!

No wait… that already exists. Good thing I created the Roatan Vortex Forum instead.

Now, so far I am the only member (compared to the Wrestling Forum which has over 170,000 members and close to 5 million posts) but hey, you’ve got to start somewhere.

There are forums out there that include discussions about Roatan, so why the Roatan Vortex Forum?

Some are geared toward vacationing on Roatan, or at least sub-categories are: Trip Advisor. Others focus on the life of an Expat Abroad: Expat Forum, again, you have to search for a sub-category specific to Roatan (good luck finding Roatan.) And then there are those that are for a community of people who share a common interest: Diving forums.

The time has come to pull them together in one really simple, easy to use, minimal rules (don’t even like the word), location.

Visitors, Newbies (recently moved to Roatan), Expats: Roatan SME’s (Subject Matter Experts) unite! Let’s talk about Roatan!!!

Who Can Post?
Everyone! Just remember to keep it about Roatan—except for the “Just Because” category. You will have to register to contribute; if you’d rather not add your two cents worth, you are still welcome as a Guest and can peruse the forum all you want.

This is where I’m supposed to give you the rules of posting, but, you’ll know if what you posted wasn’t acceptable (rude, crude, nasty, or possible infringement of copy-right material etc.) because as the Moderator, I’ll delete it.

Questions? Don’t be shy, ask away!
So it’s happening… the Roatan Vortex is pulling you here! You are very excited, but wait… Where should you stay? What about the snorkelling and diving? Will you see Seahorses? Dining options? Transportation? What cruise port will you arrive at (there’s more than one?) And the ever popular: are there bugs, is it safe, and will it rain when I’m there? Go ahead ask all you want! The more specific and the less likely a crystal ball is needed to answer, the more responses you will get.

Write a review! We want to hear all about it… really!
You visited Roatan, and had a blast! Be sure to share with everyone; what you saw, where you stayed, and how much fun you had!!! If something wasn’t to your satisfaction we want to know about that too.

Roatan SME’s and Newbies, you know best!
Living on Roatan? Want to share a great place to dine, a business that we should know about? Tell us all about it. Feel free to share your Roatan businesses and links here too.

Please note: Specific details or names of individuals involved; surrounding dissatisfaction are best shared via direct email contact, rather than on this forum (sorry, another rule.)

Coming soon: There will be a handy dandy form for sharing your Roatan experience; in the meantime just tell us all about it right here!

Roatan – Home Sweet Home
So you want to move to Roatan, great idea! I’m sure you have questions: What are the educational options for my kids? Can I buy lactose free milk? Can I bring my pets? What about volunteering? The sample questions I have included are pretty vague… remember, the more specific, the more answers you’ll get.
And if you’ve made the move to Roatan, you can answer some of them. You’ve already started sharing on “The Insider’s Guide for Moving to Roatan” which if any of your suggestions are used in the soon to be released book: your reward is my undying gratitude… only!

Just Because!
Do you ever wonder why? I have questions about those truly important things in life; what’s in marshmallows that make them taste like—well—marshmallows? Are hermit crabs born with a starter shell? Why are there speed bumps on bumpy roads? And why the heck can’t I snap my fingers?

Sometimes I just want to know; what was your favourite toy when you were a kid? What makes you smile? The name of a book that you think I might enjoy?

This is the place to ask and answer those important questions. You can even talk about wrestling here… if you really want to!

There are obvious benefits to living on the Island of Roatan: The tropical climate, jungle foliage climbing to the highest peaks, sugar soft white beaches, all surrounded by the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Then there are the less obvious benefits that come to light when you hang out here for a while—they too are worthy of recognition! What started out as a list of Roatan Vortex things that pulled me in, transformed into—Drum roll please!

The Roatan Vortex… An insider’s view of day to day life… on a Caribbean Island was born!

A celebration of those everyday moments that make living on Roatan extra special! From an insider’s point of view, you too will experience: Watching the sun set while watching the moon rise ***** Not having to know how to drive to get a driver’s license ***** An afternoon nap is encouraged ***** Mangoes, lots of mangoes ***** No worries it will snow in October or April ***** Talking to a gecko in the kitchen ***** The art of eating ice cream on Roatan ***** and more!

77 tidbits of information that only an insider would know. With the bonus of 13 FULL stories that delve a little deeper into the Roatan Vortex experience!

The Roatan Vortex… An insider’s view of day to day life… on a Caribbean Island is now available to order at Lulu and in a few weeks will also be available from Amazon–they need a little extra time to get the cataloging done–I think they operate on “Island time.”

The Roatan Vortex… An insider’s view of day to day life… on a Caribbean Island will be available for purchase on Roatan too! I’m in the process of having books shipped in–but, I know Roatan is on “Island time!” I’ll keep you updated as to when The Roatan Vortex… An insider’s view of day to day life… on a Caribbean Island will be here and where you can purchase your copy.

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Roatan Vortex now on Facebook too! New friends always welcomed!

Just CLICK here: Roatan Vortex | Create Your Badge

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And be sure to listen to the Roatan Vortex Show, every Saturday starting at 10 AM Roatan Time (CST) on 101.1FM Roatan Radio Live streaming around the world!

If you are currently on Roatan be sure to come out this Sunday (January 30) to the Grand opening of the new studio on Half Moon Bay, next to Sundowner’s, West End, from 1-5 PM. Meet the DJ’s, hear some great music, hang out on the beach, and okay… maybe stick around to catch a perfect sunset too!

Will wonders never cease… my checked luggage made it too! Mind you, a bottle of a favourite hot sauce (that isn’t available on Roatan) and containers of shampoo & conditioner that were in my bag at the Harlingen Airport had to be left behind. I was 5lbs over the weight limit—and wasn’t prepared to pay an extra $50 to bring them with me—oh well.

Home Sweet Home!

From the moment I stepped off the plane—my Roatan way of life greeted me with open arms. Although overcast and excessively windy, my skin was thanking me as it started soaking in the moist, Caribbean sea-salt tinged air, and my exposed, flip-flopped toes, weren’t cringing, anticipating biting arctic blasts, like the ones that visited Texas (from Canada) regularly during the 5-1/2 weeks I was there.

I didn’t get much done towards settling back in on the day I arrived home thanks to the power outage while I was unpacking, courtesy of the high winds taking a few tree branches down. That’s okay though, a good dose of “slow down the pace, now that I’m back on Roatan” is always welcome. Besides, the only priority is reconnecting with friends.

Mona and Baby were looking for some undivided attention from me too!

Friday evening, first up, the Blue Parrot just a short stroll from home, for Captain Ron’s send-off party… he has to go to the States for a while, I’m confident he’ll be back… he always comes back to Roatan. So many friends were there, most of my time was spent saying hello to each and every one! From there, off to Besos in West End. Besos is a fairly new restaurant & lounge that I had not had the pleasure of visiting before I went to Texas. When you come to visit Roatan (or if you are already here) you are definitely going to want to check this place out! The food, service, and atmosphere are divine!

Saturday afternoon, time to head to Cocolobo where good friends brought the main-course and the rest of us contributed appetizers and sides. Sushi, curried chicken, fab salad, BBQ wings, and more. Again, time spent reconnecting with friends, and making new ones too!

Sunday afternoon (beach day),the sun made its first appearance since my return… perfect timing! Hanging out at Tita’s Seahorse Beach Bar & Restaurant at Sueno Del Mar was great fun. (click on pic to enlarge)

Baby Genevieve… that’s right, her name is Genevieve (since she lived in the condo below me after she was born, and I shot her first official “welcome to the world” pictures, I’m thinking we’re like kin.)

From there a stroll to the other end of West End with my girlfriends (we stopped to greet many friends along the way) to Sundowners, where Sunday Football had the place packed with even more friends.

How lucky am I to be a member of the Roatan Global Village!

And one more bit of Roatan life to share. While at Sundowners it was also a great time to check out the new 101.1 FM Roatan Radio broadcast booth, where the Roatan Vortex Show will be coming to you live (streaming around the world) starting this Saturday, Jan 22, 10 to 11 AM (CST), with your host—me—DJ Genevieve!

It’s been a while, but I’m baaaaack!

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This story can also be read at Honduras Weekly retitled, “Roatan Homecoming”

Since coming to Roatan, Honduras, it’s become a regular occurrence to get an email or skype call that goes something like this:

“Some friends of mine are coming to Roatan for the first time. I told them I KNOW someone who’s there. Would you mind giving them some inside info on the Island, and maybe meet with them while they are there?”

The most recent time this happened, it involved a group of people coming from Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. With great enthusiasm I fired off emails answering questions and making suggestions of what to do and see when they got here.

This photo courtesy of Chris Hill, taken under the Sundancer Dock, 2009
High on their list was good snorkelling sites. In particular they wanted to see seahorses. Well, I’m not a snorkeler, but I’ve witness people rave about seeing seahorses below the dock in Sandy Bay. I excitedly invited them to come over.

It was a few months later when they arrived to Roatan, and in the meantime I had completely forgotten what I had promised. When the van showed up, everyone climbed out, (sunburnt, but content) with looks of anticipation on their faces, and snorkel gear in hand. As we walked to the dock, one of the visitors was adjusting his underwater camera.

“Can’t wait to take a picture of a seahorse,” he said.

Uh-oh, what had I promised. Ever since I got pulled in by the Roatan Vortex I can’t seem to help it. I blurt out more than I should. What if there are no seahorses today? When was the last time one was spotted below the dock? I silently fretted while they prepared to enter the water. They might be disappointed and it would be my fault.

I watched them descend the ladder…I waited…and waited.

“I got it!” The visitor with the camera excitedly exclaimed, scrambling back on to the dock. He set his camera to playback mode, and turned the screen to my direction.

There it was—while snorkelling under the dock—he had snapped a photo of a beautiful, healthy seahorse!

Thank You, Roatan. You never let me down!

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This story can also be found at Honduras Weekly, I Promised Them Seahorses