Roatan Insights © May 2002
News from the Honduras Bay Islands and North Coast
May 2002
By Pierre Renaldo, The Coastwatcher©

Progress at the Public Pier

It is truly becoming a reality. There is positive evidence of real progress at the expansion project of the Public Pier. The pile driving and formwork continue steadily and two redi-mix trucks plus the essential ingredients such as stockpiles of sand and gravel are in evidence including a batching plant to properly put it all together.

A small freighter has been delivering materials to the project weekly. Soon the cruise ship visitors will be walking on an enlarged pier. They will not be able to walk on our new sidewalks however, for two reasons.

1. Most of the sidewalks have not yet been poured, and:
2. The taxis, vans and busses are parked on the existing or not yet poured sidewalks since there have been no provisions for parking or sensible traffic control of any nature at the pier. It's just a normal Honduran free-for-all on the highways.

On cruise ship day(s) there is hardly one lane left open for though traffic. The new road is totally congested with vehicles parked on the shoulders sidewalks and anyplace else they can find to be in the big lineup of the week. The big kill is about to take place. Visions of instant (albeit very temporary) wealth are going through the minds of the taxi drivers. "Carumba!" they are thinking. "If I can get one tourista today I will not have to work until next week."

New Air Services

Let me caution you about getting too excited about this one. It is deja vue, and has happened a few times in the past and soon after the beginning came the abrupt end.

It would be wonderful if Roatan could be unburdened of TACA and their ilk. That's Grupo TACA, as they call themselves, which has probably (according to a survey of the local business community) been the greatest deterrent to the growth of tourism here, more than any other singular factor.

Their stranglehold has choked off many potential first time travelers to Honduras and the Bay Islands, due to the unrealistic air fares they have demanded. Many potential visitors have opted for other vacation Meccas in Mexico and other parts of the Caribbean and Central America that are serviced by more progressive air carriers.

I am told that the new administration is very centered on attracting tourists. However there has been no significant shift thus far that would indicate that they have made meaningful changes in existing policies or marketing strategy.

Years ago, Costa Rica took the lead in attracting tourism to Central America, by offering very affordable subsidized packages that even included first class hotel accommodations with their bargain air fares on LACSA, the national airline. Honduras seems reluctant to work out something that involves their participation in discounted tours to our prime vacation destinations.

Here are the names of two new air servers who will be providing (I hope) air freight and passenger services from Miami to Roatan originally, and with destinations to other cities in the continental U.S. to follow.

Passenger Services:
Sol Air, will offer $399 round trip air fare from Miami to Roatan. Service is supposed to start up in June or July of 2002. No advance purchase requirements. Just purchase tickets within two days of flight. Flight schedules, check in and gate facilities, phone numbers, not yet available.

Air Freight Services:
Roatan Air Services, once weekly from Miami to Roatan via Tegucigalpa, beginning in late June, 2002. Rates, office locations, phone numbers and flight schedules not yet available. I hope both of these new enterprises make it. They would fill a major gap in the transportation facilities serving Roatan and Honduras from the U.S. mainland. Now if we could only get a new telephone company.

Many of you have indicated your intentions of coming here to live, sooner or later. I am therefore going to outline some important things for you to consider when planning your move. These comments are excerpted from my book:

"HOW TO SURVIVE IN THIRD WORLD RETIREMENT:
THE HANDBOOK"

It is available as an e-book at www.roatanet.com/pierre/ , where you can review it.

I am going to list suggestions for things to do before you come to the islands to begin your new adventures in paradise. I may have mentioned some of these before, but repeating myself is worth it if I keep you from overlooking some essentials.

Hand Tools and Household Goods:

If you are thinking of having a garage sale so you don't have to bring a lot of things you can "just as easily get here," don't do it. You will be amazed at how difficult it is to get small hand tools and household gadgets here and how expensive they are. Besides, you can get a lot more money for that stuff here, at the Saturday yard sale at Casi Todo in Coxen Hole. If you have the room, bring it with you.

Appliances:

Bring all the appliances you may ever want. The choices here are silly, and the costs are far more that you will pay in the U.S. If your household goods are coming in duty free, include everything you will ever need. Bring a gas refrigerator/freezer if you can find one. Make sure the apertures are set for LP or what they refer to here as Butano (Butane). Bring a gas cooking system, like a bar-b-q grill with some gas burners to use during power outages, if your regular appliances are electric.

Vehicles:

The most popular vehicle in Honduras is the four door, 4x4 pick-up truck. It is the best of both worlds, equipped to carry passengers and things trucks carry. Diesel fuel is 30% less than gas here, and the Japanese vehicle parts are the most easily obtained at the parts companies in Honduras. Nissan and Toyota diesel trucks are the most common and sought.

You may use your tax exemption (retirement status residency) to purchase a vehicle here. You will find truck models in Honduras that are not distributed anywhere in the U.S. The four-door diesel truck is very common throughout Central America.

Generators:

If you are bringing a generator get one that burns diesel fuel.
Not only is it less expensive to operate but the diesel engines last much longer and require less maintenance. Make sure your generator will produce at least 10KW if you intend to use it for backup of household usage, such lighting circuits, refrigerators/freezers, TV and computers.

Cookware and Glassware:

Bring the things you really like. You will not find good quality cookware or glass and stemware in Honduras. Everything here is rinky-dink.

Window Coverings:

If you are having a house built, get your window sizes and order the window treatments in the U.S. The selections are very limited here and you will be Gringoed (gouged) on the prices.

Furniture:

Here is a category that has possibilities in Honduras, depending on what you want. Wood furniture is readily available here. You can have things made to your specifications in wood and wicker. If you want special fabrics for upholstered furniture, get it in the U.S. Be sure any bedding you bring is the type treated for mildew resistance. Roatan and the coastal areas are very humid atmospheres, so it is important that you bring fabrics that are resistant to high humidity conditions.

Fans:

All categories of fans are expensive here. Ventilating equipment made in Central America does not last. Bring everything with you. Ceiling fans with down rods, floor fans, oscillating fans, attic fans, whole house ventilators, and automatic roof ventilators. You will have to order this type equipment from the U.S. anyway and pay duty on it if you don't bring it with you under your exemptions. Be sure you include the automatic (barometric) opening louvers if you purchase any type wall mount exhaust fans and automatic thermostats for your mechanized roof ventilators.

Plastic Containers:

There is such a wonderful variety of plastic wares in the U.S. you should anticipate your needs for storage containers for every use you can imagine. You will need to store things like flour, sugar, salt, grains and pastas in airtight containers or these kinds of foods will deteriorate quickly in the humid tropical atmosphere. The screw top types are excellent for keeping pests out of your bulk foods.

Water Purification and Filters:

Most public water sources on Roatan have high salinity and mineral content. You will drink and cook with bottled water. If you will be using water from cisterns or public water, you may want some type of purification system for your sinks and icemakers. Reverse osmosis is the best. There are many small filter/purification systems or RO units that will fit under you kitchen sink. Whole house systems can be installed in tandem with your pump and pressure tank. Talk with Sears or Culligan and bring this very essential equipment with you. You will not find it here and you are extremely likely to need it.

I use the Britta filtration system for my cooking water. You can by the pitcher or the reservoir, depending on your requirements. There are several systems that fit on your kitchen faucet that are excellent. Remember, filtered water is not necessarily pure. If you are sensitive to changes in your water then you may need something more sophisticated to treat your drinking water.

Oil Lamps and Lanterns:

We have frequent power outages on the island. Be prepared. Oil lamps are an essential. You may need them for long periods so get the pressure types for general illumination, and the wick types
for individual rooms. Kerosene and lamp oil is available here but if you like the scented kind or the insect repellant additives then bring it with you. Insect repellant will never be wasted here.

Bush Boots and Hiking Shoes:

If you are going to explore and you like the out of doors, then you will want some good comfortable boots/shoes for your favorite outdoor activities. You may find them here but don't trust to luck. The varieties and supplies are very limited. It may take you many months to find what you like, and more than likely you will have to compromise if you do your shoe shopping in Honduras.

Swim Fins and Snorkel Gear:

These items are expensive everywhere, but even more so here. Most items are only available at dive resorts and they are pricey. My wife broke the heal strap on one of her fins and it cost over $7 for a new one. One! Make sure you bring several pairs of beach shoes, the type that you can wear in the water. They are essential for water and land activities around the beaches and reefs. The same applies for diver's boots.

Athletic Equipment and Sports Wear:

You are not likely to find it here unless it has something to do with soccer.
If you use special clothing or gear for your leisure activities, you should bring it with you.

Hobbies & Crafts:

I do not know of any hobby shops in Honduras. If you are into something that requires a supply of materials for your hobby, then bring an adequate supply along in your container(s).

On The Plus Side:

You can by prescription drugs here for much less than you pay in the U.S. and you do not need a prescription for many of them. There are excellent optical companies in La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula. Film for cameras and photo processing are best sought on the mainland. The photo processing on Roatan is very poor quality and very expensive. Wait until you go to the mainland. Bring a good supply of photographic film for your cameras. You will not find the kind of bargains for film here, like the two for one, and free film where you process.

You will find good deals on the streets for sun glasses, wristwatches, jewelry, pocket knives, tee shirts, hats, and just about any kind of trinkets and junk on the face of the earth. Your really good prices will be on the mainland. La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula are the best places to shop at the street stalls. Roatan is very tourist priced.

I love it here! My criticism of the people is not based in malice, but in empathy. Our cultural differences are massive, and although bad manners, ingratitude, indifference, and lack of social graces anger me, I truly like these people. They just do not know any better and we are trying our best to make them follow our example.

They are jealous of our ingenuity, yet they try to mimic the exact things they say they dislike about Americans. One day when we were at a party where some of the locals were guests, I heard an island woman exclaim, "It's amazing how you Gringos find a solution for everything. I've never seen any people equal to the Americans." She was complimenting our ability to cope and survive in situations where others flounder instantly.

But that's the American Way. That is how we are built, how we have been taught. We have the things that are lacking throughout these third world societies, education, native intelligence, logic, the will to succeed, and ambition. That is what sets us apart. We grow up in households with educated people. We have been educated in subliminal ways. We are exposed to ideas and thoughts of the educated, constantly, from the time we are born.

Our entire culture is based on thorough, long duration education. The importance of education is drummed into our minds from the time we begin to learn. It comes in loud and clear: "You will not go anywhere in your adult life without a great deal of education." A large percentage of Americans go to school for sixteen, twenty years, and some longer.

Our counterparts in Honduras finish six years of meager elementary school if they are lucky, then go on to 'higher education' in seventh and eighth grades, and from there it is on to 'college' for two to four years. Their 'college degree' takes less time than our high school diploma. Depending on our pursuits, when we finish high school, we go on to several more years of schooling.

We have the good fortune of something called native intelligence. It's what rubs off on us as little children because we are surrounded by educated people. We are immersed in an educated society, and we are exposed to elemental things from the time we can stand up. We begin our first reading lessons passing the products on the shelves in our supermarkets. A growing number of American children can read and write at beginning levels before they go to kindergarten.

Now let's look at the other side of the coin. Many Honduran children grow up in households and communities where there are few, if any, educated people. Many do not see the inside of a supermarket until they are adults. They are exposed to poverty and squalor from birth, with little education except for the Stone Age methods of survival learned by their parents. Nobody in the household can read or write. They have never been brought to light in fundamental polite behavior. They know nothing of the social graces and have no concept of respect for others. Their lifetime is stimulated by animal instincts more than common sense, or logic.

The boys enter the workplace at the age of twelve or sooner. The young girls begin having children at about the same age. Very young children having babies to care for, young mothers who still need a mother's care themselves. Often times these girls are impregnated by members of their own family. Consider what the future holds for them. Pity their children, because the outlook for the babies of babies is grim.

It will be a long road over many more generations before noticeable changes occur in Honduras. The parents have to be interested in education of their children and for the well being of the youth of this country. When schooling becomes an important social issue, there will be change for the better.

We have found our paradise in spite of the social ills, and the "unprincipled and unmotivated people without heart." We have imparted some human feelings and social graces in some of them. We have learned to look through or ignore shortcomings of others. My wife and other people on the island have placed many children in schools. Most of them would never have had a single day of schooling in their lives, otherwise. The much-maligned Gringos will make a difference.

We like many local people, and some of them are beginning to like us. We do not allow them to take advantage and we have convinced some that we are not people of unlimited wealth. We do not give, but make them earn and learn. We no longer chase them. If they do not show when they said they would, that is the end of them in our lives. I have no desire to chase adult people to give them a chance to earn money, and/or learn.

I do not extend a second invitation either. It is not unusual for local people to accept an invitation and then not show up. They never offer an apology or explanation. We just forget them.

There is still some racial tension in this country. The original settlers here were the blacks, the freed slaves that came to the Bay Islands and the North Coast of Honduras from other Caribbean islands, when they were emancipated. They were here first. This was their home. Then came the Hispanic people, who were resented by the blacks, because the blacks felt these intruders from the mainland were invading their homeland.

The tensions are evident. Many have deep individual resentments towards each other. But it is not a problem of nearly the magnitude that exists in the U.S. Our situation in this third world community is not explosive. There is no name-calling and threats, nobody is screaming epitaphs or crying about being a victim because his great grandfather was a slave. The are no giveaway social programs to pacify militants. We have no riots.

There is a kind of harmony among the races. They do not congregate in the same communities, but they are together in the workplace. Daily bread has more priority than prejudice.

One Final Reminder:

We are the minority here. Some people openly show disdain toward us. It comes with the territory. I ignore the prejudice to a point, just like the lack of manners, the absence of etiquette and the missing Golden Rule. I occasionally point out their ignorance and lack of class, especially when they muscle their way into lines ahead of me at the bank and grocery checkout.

Recently I was standing at the deli counter, waiting for the clerk who was ignoring me in favor of weighing each package from a basket of frozen chickens. I was the only person at the counter. At about the time I was going to commit murder with my bare hands and as the clerk finally turned toward me, grudgingly, a shrill voice rang out from over my shoulder. A female customer, Caucasian, stringy bleached blond hair, and not exactly slender, had yelled an order to the clerk, who immediately began to respond by accumulating the items she wanted.

Her attitude and countenance irritated me to the boiling point and I decided that she would not get away with her uncouth behavior. I turned and looked directly at her and asked, "Is that how it's done here? You just muscle your way ahead of a customer who was waiting since before you arrived and then holler out your order?"

"Well," she responded, "You could have done the same thing. All you had to do was call out what you wanted."

"We have been taught that it is rude to 'call out'," I responded. "There is something called class I'll bet you never heard of and something called manners and being polite, neither of which you seem to be aware. I have been waiting for service since before you got here." Then I yelled over to the clerk, "Hey, you! Give me three pounds of sauerkraut. I want to make a corsage out of it to plant on the front of this dame's dress, to go with her sourpuss disposition. And make it snappy, I'm in a hurry, ya hear?"

"Well," she snorted. "If that's the way you want to be . . . "

"I want to be just like you, doll-face. That's why I'm acting so obnoxious."

She turned and headed for the front door, leaving the clerk in a quandary about what to do with the 'yelled in' order of food for which he now had no customer. As she walked away, I gave her one more shot. I knew this one would really get to her. I yelled it out for everybody within earshot to hear.

"Did you notice your false eyelashes are on crooked?" (She was not wearing any.) Then I turned back to the hateful clerk. "Hey Buster, make that six pounds of sauerkraut. I want to see how you look in one of those corsages too."

I have never seen that woman again, but the deli clerk is much more attentive to me now when I shop at his counter.

The rave reviews continue for my latest novel in print. It is all about Roatan so if would like some insight into a tragic and terrifying part of our past, then read "IRONSHORE", the supernatural thriller, based on actual events that occurred on here not too many years ago.

You can review it at : www.1stbooks.com/bookview/9189 and place you order at bkorders@1stbooks.com

I have two other books in print with the same publisher. The book on construction, for people who know little or nothing about the subject is titled:

"How to Avoid the Pitfalls: Building Your Dream Home"
Just click: www.1stbooks.com/bookbview/8418 to review it and place your order as indicated above. This book is also available as an
e-book and "Red Dog Chronicles" The novel about All American Airways, the only airline in aviation history that picked up mail on the fly. There was a documentary about this company on the HISTORY CHANNEL, recently. www.1stbooks.com/bookview/6521

The trilogy on construction and retirement in a third world paradise is available in e-book format at www.roatanet.com. Essential reading if you ever plan to live/retire in a third world country.

____________________________________

Many of you have requested photos of my house that is for sale on Roatan. So I had a photographer come out to do some work with a digital camera. The files are to cumbersome and large to be included as part of this e-mail transmission. So if you are interested all you have to do is take the photo tour by clicking on "photo tour" at the end of the description of the house.

Pierre Renaldo Residence

Casa de la Sonrisa (House of the Smile)

The Jewel of the Cascade Coast (Costa Cascada, Ironshore)

Legal Description

Lot 4, West Rock Subdivision,
Principal Coast Road, Flowers Bay,
Roatan, Bay Islands, Republic de Honduras

Elements of the house and property

A unique home completely renovated by Pierre Renaldo, Mountain Coastal Construction, S.A.

Coastal Living at its best.

Three story wood frame (pressure treated framing lumber throughout) and concrete, single family residence. Three bedrooms. Three and one half baths. Victorian exterior, deluxe island style interior with pressure treated wood paneled walls.

Third (upper living) level consists of:

Large fully equipped kitchen, w/massive island cabinets, real butcher block top, solarium with 180 degree view of Ironshore Coast and on clear days the mountains, including Pico Bonito, on the North Coast of Honduras. Large bright living room, powder room (1/2 bath). All the foregoing have (continuous on all of third level) ceramic tile floors.

Vinyl double hung, tilt-in windows with full screens, that are easily washed from inside. The wonderful cooling sea breezes are constant, ceiling fans do the job on the rare occasions when there is little breeze. A very unique house with coastal charm and comfortable livability. You will think you are on the bridge of a ship.

Over 2000 square feet

Directly on the Caribbean Sea (over 300 feet of ocean frontage) with concrete stairs leading down to the water. On calm days you can snorkel or dive a living reef 10 meters off shore. When the sea is up you will see a spectacle unlike any other coastal area on Roatan, observe the sea geysers dance along the craggy shoreline. Incredible sunrises, breathtaking moonrises, night views of coastal sea action as the iridescent cresting waves captivate you with sight and sound. The starlit sky will enchant, the soft glow of lights at distant La Ceiba are visible on the southern horizon. There is a walkable natural shelf all along the Ironshore, where you can explore and even collect escargot.

Location! Location! Location!
Only 2-1/2 miles (4 km ) to West End or West Bay Beach, and shopping in Coxen Hole (the front door of Casa Warren's) via the coastal road, soon to be paved all the way. Public transportation into town (LPS 10, about 63 cents) is only a short walk (5 minutes) from the house.

The widow's walk is four and one half stories off the ground for observation, reading, meditating or napping in a hammock. Watch the spectacular sunrises while sipping your first cup of coffee. Always a breeze topside.

You can see the planes landing at the airport from up there, even at night. As aircraft approach, the runway lights intensify.

All shipping passes us daily (well offshore) so we know which coastal boats are in port. The commercial docks are 3 miles away in Coxen Hole so we have none of the noise or hustle and bustle to contend with. The cruise ships are so big you can almost reach out and touch them as they pass, silently. They are a thrilling sight when they make for the west at night.

Second Level:

Has two master-bedroom suites, each with private bath. There is a large central hall, with gas back-up cooking facility, small sun room for dining if desired, laundry room with combination washer/dryer, small covered front porch overlooking the park-like front yard where there exists a grove of seagrape trees that nearly surround the house. There is also a large open rear sun deck facing the wonderful seascapes and mainland views. Honduras pine flooring throughout second level. Master suite #1, has A/C in addition to fan. Master bath has tub/shower. 2nd master suite has bath w/ ceramic tile stall shower.

Ground Level:

Has two large locked storage rooms, equipment/electrical room, guest/maid quarters, with private bath and private entrance, ceramic tile floors with plenty of extra storage. Carport, plus off street parking, protected entrance, motion activated security lights, hose bib for car washing, sitting platform at head of stairs to the sea. There is a large natural spa (seats 4 adults comfortably) in the magma formation close to the concrete stairs that is constantly refreshed by sea water. A wonderful place to enjoy a cool drink on a hot day! We call it our Roman Pool.

Public water from Flowers Bay's new, sweet-water (salt free) well, plus 10,000 gallon cistern and rainwater collection. Excellent reliable, potable, year 'round water supply. 200 gallon freshwater backup reservoir, easily accessible at ground level any time, storm or shine. High profile location, with serene, quiet, privacy. See the house, coming in by air or sea.

High recovery electric hot water heater (American made) 105 gallon Fiberglas expansion tank for excellent water pressure to all levels. Jacuzzi jet pump with pressure switch insures constant water pressure on any level even with showers and faucets running at the same time on another level.

PRICED WELL BELOW REPRODUCTION COSTS FOR QUICK SALE

$156,900. U.S. Nicely furnished.

Terms: 25% deposit on signing Balance at closing. Cash or certified check in U.S. funds drawn on U.S. bank

Exclusive agent of sale:
Pierre Renaldo

Broker Participation Welcome

I am motivated! My wife Gloria is stable, in good health and is now awaiting the much needed kidney transplant. I need to be with her.

Phone: 011 + 504 445 1459
Fax: 011 + 504 445 1417
e-mail: elouis@globalnet.hn

U.S. Address:
RO-610 444 Brickell Ave. Suite #51
Miami, Florida 33131-2492

FOR A PHOTO TOUR OF THE HOUSE & ENVIRONS
Click on: http://www.roatanet.com/pierre/home/

__________________________

As of May 1, 2002 the exchange rate on Roatan was
$1 U.S. = 16.2656

Questions or comments?
elouis@globalnet.hn

Ciao
Pierre

By Pierre Renaldo, Mountain Coastal S.A,. General Contractors, Construction Management and Construction Consultants.