Where do I begin with nothing incredible or bizarre to report just yet. Up to now in the blogs preceding this one I have kept busy at reflecting upon my "visceral" experience here in Roatan. Which seemed to progress something like this.
1. Initial reaction / culture shock
2. Naive yet genuine attempt at understanding social changes
3. Acceptance of knowing nothing about these people (Socrates would be pleased at this)
4. Further culture shock after accepting that I know nothing
5. Dengue fever scare
6. Frustration with constant barrage of Western influence
7. Got a back account
Steps, 8, 9 and ten are still in the works.
As of now it seems as though I'm floating through the streets in a world I don't belong in. There have been few Gringos who have come to this foreign world with intentions other than; "seeing some rad stuff down there."
So let's see... What rad stuff have I been doing?
I've learned to windsurf. Gone sailing on a handmade sail boat that is as old as my father. Seen a practically spontaneous airshow on a pristine beach. Met the President of Honduras. Met a man by the name of Don Julio is the REAL President of Honduras... In monetary terms of course. Flown on a seaplane around the Island, and managed to stay just as pale-white as when I left.
For some reason out here, all of this seems incredibly normal. Each day is just one more opportunity to experience yet another anomaly. The power goes out just about every day, as does the internet connection. The ATM'S don't work and the Alcalde (Mayor) has since initiated Marshall Law after ten p.m. in urban areas. There are now officially four (count em', 1 - 2 - 3 - 4) separate police and military entities patrolling the island at all times. Giving me the feeling that this place is less secure now than it was without them. This may sound ludicrous however it is widely known and accepted that the authoritarian forces here are far more corrupt than your common drug dealer (who most likely got his supply from the said authoritarians).
If I have learned anything for certain during my stay here it is this; often times the cliches in life can be quite convincing as a reality. Don't fight it.
However, pessimism aside, I really do enjoy it here. The pace of life reminds me of a small, sleepy Iowa town after taking a Valium. Nobody really keeps time or checks the weather because what's the point? The people are very hospitable and sometimes down right enjoyable. And I have found solace and confidence in the person I constantly pursue at being. My own, so called attempt at emulating some sort of idyllic creation of a man. Not really a pretend friend, but almost. I strive to be him. My almost pretend friend... who is just swell by the way.
And I hope to make you all proud,
my friends and family.
God bless you.