TJ's BuyRoatan.com Blog

Will My Cell Phone Work on Roatan?

Staying in touch with family and friends while on a vacation can be rewarding… and many peeps ask me whether their phone from home can be used to "call home".  Here's the skinny… as well as a look at West Bay Beach during Christmas 2010...

 

Merry Christmas from the Beaches of Roatan!

On this Christmas Eve, let us consider the greatest gift of all: the gift of eternal life. And let us give thanks for the tremendous sacrifice of love. Jesus came that we might have life, and then He laid down His own life for us. The Peace Child was sacrificed that we may have peace with God. What could possibly make Christmas merrier?  MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!  Have a safe and phenomenal holiday!!!

 

Roatan's Cheapo Mechanics Rock!

More times than I'd care to admit, vehicles require servicing here in the Tropics… It's almost like the harsh elements are far worse on your car's health here than anywhere else I've been on the planet. And when you need them fixed, serviced or put back into working order.. there's no better place than the small backyard mechanics that Honduras is famous for...

 

Be Prepared for Power Outages During Xmas on Roatan!

Every year it's the same… flashing lights, full hotels, busy streets and bars… Christmas time packs the Island with tourists, returning home-owners and visiting friends and family.  And Christmas on Roatan also brings power shortages… and here's why...

 

Give a Gift this Christmas to Roatan's Kids!

Help make this year the very Merriest yet for Roatan's kids!!  If you're coming down for the holidays to the Bay Islands, here's a simple way you can put a smile on the face AND in the heart of some very special children that need your love...

 

Time to Buy? 2010 vs 2009 Roatan Property Stats Revealed!

It's always interesting when someone asks me about our real estate market here.  Well after 13 years of selling properties here, few have sold as much, or have the experience that I do and believe me…. EXPERIENCE is what you want working for you here.  Timing is everything and today, I want to show you the Roatan MLS STATISTICS that tell a very interesting story…. one that you need to pay attention to if you're contemplating a purchase in the near future…

 

Beware of Roatan's Drivers - A Whole New Set of Rules!

Considering renting a car while on vacation here in the Bay Islands?  Think again!!  "Owning the Road" takes on a completely different meaning here!  You need to see first hand what you're up against!!  BE WARNED!!!! 

 

Roatan's Less Fortunate Need Your Support!

Just like back home where you live… go a few miles off the beaten track and you'll find individuals and families barely scraping by with very, very little.  Roatan is no different.  There are some very poor people living here and they can always use a helping hand!  Enter "CEPUDO and Food for the Poor"-- an NGO based out of San Pedro Sula which receives donations of all sorts… and distributes them to Honduras' less fortunate.  Our Bible Study group on Roatan was blessed with a truck load of goods from CEPUDO and last Saturday we distributed much needed food and clothing to about 100 families in need.  If you'd like to be a part of this, contact me by email [email protected] or bring something to donate down with you on your next visit.

 

Helping Hands Giving Back to Roatan Communities!

In any third world country there seems to be no end to the need for assistance whether that be financial or through body counts.  Roatan, being in Honduras, is on the radar screens of many NGO's who continually bring down food, clothing, medicines and other aid to the poor and needy. Communities and  Churches have a constant calling for volunteers to help organize, teach, repair or lead in their respective areas.  Today, we saddle up and offer some much needed assistance to one particular Church in French Harbour, lending our time and resources...

 

Check out West End's Newest Night Spot - Besos!!

From time to time I like to see what's new on the island and Roatan seems to have a never ending supply of entrepreneurs trying their hand at the hospitality business.  Restaurants, clubs and tourist attractions seem to be popping up every week almost!!  Today, I check out one of West End's newest and nicest evening jaunts! Besos (which means Kiss in Spanish) promised to be different.. and they sure are….

 

Cheap Roatan Fixes - Small Appliance Repair Made Easy!

If it has a motor, suction, wires or cables… these guys can fix it!!  From vacuums  to wiper motors, blenders to weed-eaters I've had just about everything you can imagine break down here… and there's usually a guy somewhere on the island that can put it right!… ya just gotta ask around!

 

Cheap Sunglasses and Other Beach Buys...

Suntanning, walking or swimming on Roatan beaches makes you fair game for the beach vendors here. Everything from necklaces, t-shirts, hammocks and sunglasses can be purchased without ever separating yourself from that Margarita!  And especially if you're going to be swimming with them.. you'll want to buy some "disposable" cheap sunglasses….

 

Cell Phone Coverage on Roatan! No More Smoke Signals?

Oh sure, we may not have blistering fast internet, taxis who can drive properly, grocery stores who maintain stocked shelves… but we DO have great mobile phone coverage… even roaming!  Today, I explain a bit about what's available now in Honduras...

 

The Airport of San Pedro Sula - Connecting the Country!

If you're planning a trip to Roatan in the next few weeks, DIRECT flights are offered on the weekends until December, when mid-week flights commence once again.  So if you're traveling here mid-week right now, you may be using one of Honduras' other major airports and then then catching a commuter flight over to the islands.  Here's a look at San Pedro Sula's International Airport...

 

Sand Shifters… Richard, Nicole & Matthew Movin' Beach mon!

With every storm bringing high waves there's a phenomenon that affects Roatan's beaches as well… the "Sand Shifters".  Depending on the storm, the direction of the wind, the rise of the sea's surge and the time pummeling the shores, these storms and hurricanes actually move the sand literally from one end of the beach… to the other --more than ½ mile!!!  So if you're complaining about not enough sand in front of your condo… wait till the next storm blows through...

 

Storm Preparations in the Tropics…. Ya Just Never Know!

During Hurricane season, and especially when a storm is brewing nearby... one needs to be prepared for the worst here... just in case!  Even though we're not in the Hurricane belt here on Roatan, you just never know when Mother Nature is going to throw a twist into things.  This morning, we were walking on the beach under clear blue, sunny skies… and this afternoon, we're preparing for perhaps Tropical Storm Richard to pass through nearby us….

 

Rainy Season comes Early to Roatan!

Even though it's rained almost every day for the past 30 here in the Bay Islands, there's been pockets of that famous sunshine that makes Roatan simply incomparable!  Today, we awoke to a bright, clear tropical day…. and it's amazing!

 

Lichee's Cousin on Roatan - Tropical Delights in Season!

There's certainly an abundance of tropical fruits all year long on Roatan and as the seasons change, so does the selection.  Today, I showcase one of my fall favs….

 

Can I get the Stuff I Need on Roatan?

There are so many more choices now on Roatan for groceries, clothing and personal needs.. and it's getting better each week almost!!  But what about specialty items like contact lens solutions…. hmmm.

 

Weekend Weather in Roatan… Cooler Temps are Refreshing!

It may not be your cup of tea.. but here in Roatan, we islanders are welcoming the cooler weather brought on by first a tropical storm which passed us by, and then a "norther" which has been sitting on top of us for about 3 days now.  But what's it going to be like tomorrow and into next week??? Hhmmm….

 

Honduras' "3rd Age" Law Specifically for Seniors...

The "Ley de la Tercera Edad" (the Law of the Third Age) refers specifically to Seniors here in Honduras, whether they be nationals or foreigners.  The law stipulates discounts and courtesies for our aged residents and is something you'll want to know more about if you're over 60 and planning to visit or move to Roatan.

 

Roatan Weather Changes in the Blink of an Eye!

Often times people will ask me how long the bad weather, rain or wind may last.. and my answer is quite always the same.. "if you don't like the weather here… wait 30 mins".  Literally, I've seen it go from calm, clear and hot to stormy, downpour and windy in 10 minutes here in the Bay Islands!  Bad weather from elsewhere in the Caribbean can catch us off guard and often does… like today in fact!

 

Manana Doesn't Mean "Tomorrow"… it just Means "Not Today!"

Nearing 13 years of life on Roatan I've come to know a thing or two… and trust me, the language they are supposed to speak here… and the language they actually speak here are often quite different!  When they tell you Manana (which translates into "tomorrow") they really do not mean tomorrow 90% of the time.  You get used to it.  You find it amusing.  You start to do the same….. or you end up frustrated pretty darn quick! Today, I'm going to put that to the test…. check out the results!!

 

Hurricane Watches -- Just part of Life in the Tropics...

When I first arrived to Roatan in 1998, Honduras experienced the strongest and largest Hurricane to hit the western hemisphere in the past 100 years… Hurricane Mitch.  I still remember it… October 27th to be exact. And although Roatan is NOT generally in the Hurricane belt… we do, on occasion get a rouge storm that can rock our world.  And this time of year.. we're a watchin the weather… big time!!

 

The Cure for Island Fever… it's Real Peeps!

For quite some time I've been studying Islands and the phenomena called "island fever".  It affects many a rock dwellers and those living on the beautiful isle of Roatan are certainly not immune from it.  If you're planning a move here.. you need to watch this...

 

Can I OWN Property on Roatan? Honduras Mainland?

Unlike Mexico and some other Caribbean islands, you CAN own property in your name, fee simple here on Roatan.. but there are limits… LIMITS?  What does that mean?  What about title?  Title Insurance?  What if I want to buy acreage?  Today, I answer these questions.. and more!

 

It's Friday on Roatan! It's also September...

As another busy week comes to a close I wanted to show you what you're missing if you're not here.. and what's in store for you if you're on your way down this weekend!!  September is a great hot dry month on Roatan and the water is crystal clear!!

 

Roatan's Veterinarians… A First Hand Look!

So I had to take my German Shepherd, Picasso back to the Vet for her 2nd round of treatment for heartworm -- a potentially fatal disease that will eventually kill the animal… if they don't die first from the toxic treatment needed to kill off the disease.  And we do have some incredible Veterinarians here like Dr. Santiago Soto… a good friend and certainly one of the most respected doctors on Roatan!

 

UPDATE - Renos Done on the Blue Bahia Condo!!

For those of you who missed out on that $119k beachfront condo I featured a couple months ago here (it sold in 24 hours) I went back today to shoot the RENOS which are now completed and were part of the purchase price… WOW.. it really turned out nice!!! I have another one in there coming up soon so drop me a note if you are interested.. 

 

Job Opportunities Abound on Roatan!!

Calling all Entrepreneurs…  Roatan is prime and ready for your business!!  Not sure what to do?  Tourism is picking up and will continue to be the dominant income base here….give it some thought… or better yet.. watch this and get some ideas...