That had to be the easiest trip we've ever made to Roatan. The US has really relaxed the security rules at airports, so there's no taking off shoes, no emptying pockets, no laptops out, no belts off, etc. The security lines just fly, not that it really mattered because there were never many in line. The morning shuttle from the hotel was much better, and because we had boarding passes and no checked luggage, we were basically through in five minutes, so much for being there two hours early. Immigration took a few minutes longer in Roatan, but still not bad. Spotted our luggage already on the other side of the scanner, the guy with the rental car had already plucked our bags off and had taken them through. I was half expecting them to be loaded in the trunk of the car when we got there, but bottom line was that they were there. Put our carry on through the scanner but noticed the guy watching was busy texting someone, so they flew through with no issues.....
Joseph was waiting for us but he had someone else there to do the car rental paperwork, which was a little unusual. Turns out someone put a rock through the radiator of our car, overheated the motor, and blew the engine. So he called someone, and they had another car for us. Something like a Hyundai Elentra or something like that. Pretty new and in really good shape. We ran up to Bulk Gourmet, had sandwiches in their new bistro (nice setup they have now), and picked up the case of wine that was pre-ordered. Another half mile up the road to the bulk beer depot for a crate of Port Royal. If I'm reading my receipt right it was 455 lempiras (about $23) for the beer and 73 lemps for the bottle deposit. Will not have to pay the deposit part next time. Another half mile up the road for gas, where they gave me 21 lempiras to the dollar, which is the best rate I've ever seen, it's usually 19 or 20 if you're lucky. Stopped at Eldons on the way back for some rum, which was 283 lemps for 1 litre of 4 year old Flor de Cana. That worked out to $16 or 17, with a couple of litres of coke, far better than the duty free in Houston. Glen, there is Amaretto available at both Eldons and Bulk Gourmet, both around $28 and I think that was a full litre too.
Passed Nanci and her crew near Sundowners while we were driving to Half Moon resort. Got our room, changed clothes, and met them for a few beer at Sundowners, then supper at the Thai place, which was enjoyed by everyone. Had a good fun time with them, they've been here about ten days and are full of funny stories, despite some rainy weather. Both Gerry and Nanci are scheduled for their first real dive tomorrow. Nanci has a little more confidence in her success than Gerry, but he's committed to give it a try.
Not sure what we're doing tomorrow, apart from walkingup the beach to see what our rental house really looks like. Might stop at Luna Beach for introductions at the dive shop, it's not the same one that Nanci et al are using, but for the convenience I'll probably stick with them.
Sorry, no day 1 pictures. Suitcases are strewn about and all the camera gear is buried in there. Will dig out the little point and shoot tomorrow. Big changes in West End with the concrete street. You can actually gawk around and look at things while you walk now instead of watching where your next step is going to go. Lots of changes to business names and locations, and several big new docks out in the water.
Posted with Blogsy
No comments:
Post a Comment