Roatán and About: A Recycled Mayor

By Don Pearly

Roatán has a recycled mayor. The Honorable Julio Galindo has returned to the office of Mayor of Roatán and brings with him years of experience in community service, including that of Mayor of Roatán. Never tiring, never stopping, this man is off island, back on island, off again and always taking with him the glad tidings and positive attitude of his beloved Roatán. Every tourist show I've attended, Mr. Galindo has been there ahead of me. I do not think there has been a single program on the island on which Mayor Galindo has not either advised or taken the lead.

From pleasant tourist tasks to hard core crime issues, you can always count on Mayor Galindo having an opinion, and he is never hesitant to express himself and jump right in with both hands. Right now, it is said that he is in the middle of obtaining funding for the Mudd-Hole Road project that has been so very long in coming. We bid farewell to Mayor Jackson and we know he will always be available for advice and encouragement, as he too is a well-established permanent resident of Roatán.

What Do They Miss
We asked a family who lived in the Caribbean for eighteen years what they missed the most about their temporary home. The first item was the wonderful tropical sun almost every single day of their lives. Ohhh yes, sometimes it did get boring, perfect weather followed by perfect weather almost wishing for a hurricane or two. But when it is gone and you are digging your way out of five foot of fluffy snow, that sunshine sure sounds good.

Next was the easy access to the beautiful ocean. The inviting beaches, the choice of shallow entry or surf time on any one of a hundred beaches. The warm water and the multitude of water sports from Jet Ski to fishing boats or being pulled mercilessly behind a speed boat on a big banana looking thinggie.

Food was high on the missing items. At any time of the day or night, summer winter or fall you could find fresh sea food served in or to take-out. Shrimp, lobster, Grouper, Yellow Tail or that famous “catch-of-the Day” that you never knew what it really was. The to die for Stone Crab found primarily at Gio's.

Then there was that Latino flavor that was always available. Tacos, enchiladas, empanadas, flautas, burritos, fajitas, tamales, Grenaches or tostados. Now when ordering in the Caribbean, do not dare expect to get what Taco Bell has taught you to ask for. Everything is totally different down here, but not only good, but radically more gooder.

The street vendors with their burned corn cobs, their shish kabob known lovingly as Pinchos and tortillas full of great stuffing. Then there are the tamales usually reserved for special occasions. Have you heard the tale of the “Mudos?” I have explained this before but once more for the new comers, a Mudo is tamale with absolutely no meat in the middle. Most have a generous mound of pork or chicken or beef surrounded by the cornmeal but a Mudo is all cornmeal. It is randomly smuggled into the plate with the rest of the tamales and the unfortunate person who gets it must beg the Tamale God for some goodies. I guess you had to be there, but it is fun especially when it is wrapped around a Manyanita which is a wake-up knock at about 3 in the morning followed by a group of carolers singing happy birthday or Happy Mother’s Day or Merry Christmas.

Should a recipient get snippy at being awakened by pots and pans being clanged together, the crowd has some eye opening moves to get him or her in the proper mood.

Now dear readers, before you use all the words in this article, check the speling please. ... Come on down. (3/6/10) (photo courtesy Internet)