Holiday Season is Upon Us

Hello Everyone,

We hope all is going well for you and your families.  We're getting lots of inquiries how Holidays are celebrated down here.  Did we have a Thankgiving?  What are our plans for Christmas and New Years?

Well, Bob had asked me back in September if I wanted to get off the island during "rainy" season.  Rainy season kicks off off mid October thru end of January. We had no idea what to expect during "rainy" season but I do know that I love rain & therefore wanted to be here to experience the climate change & to celebrate the Holidays island style.   There's no doubt that we miss our families during this season but we'll stay in touch.

Honduras does not celebrate Halloween or Thanksgiving.  Both are Americano traditions.  I really enjoy Halloween but didn't miss it too much this year especially since there wasn't anything to remind what I was missing.

Now Thanksgiving is celebrated by a few local islanders.  Lots of Islanders have lived in the States at some point in their lives or their family heritage is linked somehow to the States.  So, they have carried the tradition down here.  Turkeys are available at the local grocer but just to be absolutely sure you get one; it's best to order ahead of time.  Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE to participate in.  It's always about family and friends gathering and enjoying a feast of fabulous foods.  With the approval of the Pullums (owners of this wonderful island) we hosted our 1st Island Thanksgiving.   We kept it very simple by making it a Potluck Luncheon.  No, I didn't have the honors of cooking the turkey.  Al & Geri stepped up and insisted they bring the birds, dressing and gravy.   Let me tell ya...It was one of the best turkeys we've had; not to mention the dressing and gravy were over the top.

The party kicked off at 10:30 a.m.  We live on an island where there are no cars.  Everyone travels by boat and most prefer to be home before dark; so most parties start and end early.  The guest list had started out small but ended up with 30 guests.  A few sailboaters had recently set anchor and they too wanted to be part of the celebration.  I can't say no to that.   We had so much food and it was wonderful to taste other's creations.  We have some fabulous cooks on the island.  Being the host & hostess we were; we're very sorry to say we have no pictures to display.   I know Bob & I made our way to the apartment numerous times to retrieve the camera but was always interrupted by something.  Just know we had such a great time.  We made some new friends and wish them safe sailings as they continue traveling south and our cravings for Thanksgiving traditions were met.

We're looking forward to our Christmas celebration.  Each year it is celebrated at Manati's amongst all the expats.  Bob & I have volunteered to help decorate the bar and bring Christmas cheer.  It too will be a potluck. 

New Years Eve & Day will be hosted by George & Ginger who own Clearwater Paradise resort.  Not sure how NYE works since most want to be home by dark but I do know they are opening up rooms at their resort for those wanting to stay to bring in the New Year. I'm assuming the real celebration will be New Year's Day.  We'll see how it goes.  Either way will be a good time.

And as far as "rainy" season... The end of October and the beginning of November we had 3-4 weeks of straight rain.  Fortunately we have lots of movies to watch since the heavy rain effects our satellite system.  The 2nd half of November has been absolutely beautiful.  We'll see what December holds for us.  

So, stay tuned!  I won't forget the camera.
Love to all and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas,
Bonnie & Bob