Pirates and Snapper and Slaves...Oh My!

We are learning there are many different people on the Island of Roatan who speak English....and not just the Expats and Retirees.  Both British and Spanish Empires fought for and controlled Roatan since the 1700's.  It was in British control until 1982 when it became part of Honduras.  

Most people who were born here that are over 30 years old speak English and are bi-lingual.   A woman (my age) at church today helped me translate a few words that I didn't know and I complimented her on her English.  She said, "Oh, I was born here so I speak English."   This makes sense now that I know the history. The Hondurans who come over from the mainland don't speak English but many try to learn in order to work in the tourist industry.  

Just some more fun history facts - You could say that Roatan has quite an "Infamous" history.  After Christopher Columbus discovered Roatan on his fourth voyage, it is estimated by the mid 17^th century there were approximately 5,000 pirates living on Roatan and the Bay Islands.  Henry Morgan, Blackbeard, John Coxen, and Van Horn once ruled these shores and waters. It was the perfect hiding place for them to hijack Spanish cargo vessels en route to Europe that were loaded with loot.  Some nights I swear I've seen the ghost of the pirate ship The Black Pearl out beyond the reef.  ;-)  Also, many "rebellious" slaves were left here by the British when they proved to be too much to handle. 

Anyway, enough of the history lesson, we met some new friends!  Sonja and her kids have come over a couple of times and even brought over dinner too.   They speak English very well but it's with a heavy island accent......think "Jamaica mon".   This game of volleyball was so fun, as two of her boys on Dustin's team were SO excited and animated.  They were laughing and diving all over the place.

Ellie made fast friends with Mary who is 12 years old also!

Their beautiful crustacean creation in the sand.....

Sonja was born on the Island and has only gone to the mainland a few times, so she pretty much only knows the Island of Roatan.  She said she would LOVE the opportunity to go to the U.S. someday.

So, here's how the islanders pick and open a coconut....

This is the typical face of an islander...always smiling!

Thanks Sonja for the authentic Island dinner - Red beans, rice, and a Red Snapper soup.  Delicious!