Port of Call: Honduras

As a child, my imagination was enraptured by Central and South America. These lands seemed like uncharted territories, brimming with adventures. Within these exotic realms lay dense jungles concealing elusive creatures and resilient people who had adapted to flourish in extraordinary environments. From the soaring heights of the Andean peaks to the lush mysteries of the rainforests and the arid embrace of certain deserts, these regions held a magnetic pull on my wanderlust-stricken soul. The pictures I saw of these places did nothing the quell the desire to visit them.

My journey to this enigmatic part of the world began when I turned thirty and took a voyage to Peru, an experience that only whetted my appetite for more. However, Central America remained an elusive treasure, beckoning me from afar. It was only this year, as part of my annual birthday pilgrimage, that I embarked on a seafaring adventure bound for the heart of Central America. The cruise I booked had its course set for the beguiling destinations of Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel.

Honduras, a nation of profound historical significance, welcomed me with open arms. Its unique heritage bore the imprint of British influence, with English being the primary language, followed closely by a Creole tongue and Spanish. The Creole dialect exhibited such close kinship with English that, with attentive ears, one could discern the whispered echoes of its linguistic heritage. My voyage brought me to the Honduran haven of Roatán, a pristine isle inhabited by a modest population of roughly 10,000, predominantly sustained by the nurturing bosom of tourism. This idyllic sanctuary is teaming with individuals who formerly called the United States home and now reside in this glorious island.

Enrolled in an excursion artfully curated by the cruise ship, I joined a mesmerizing Monkey, Sloth, and Macaw odyssey. This expedition promised up-close encounters with these captivating creatures. While the prospect of entering a monkey cage gave me pause, I did opt to embrace the experience of holding a sloth. It was here that I held a sloth, an encounter that charmed me to the core. The sloth, christened "Cid," embodied everything I had imagined – a gentle, unhurried creature with a countenance that could melt the coldest of hearts. Our guide, a gentleman by the name of Isaac, adeptly wielded a smartphone, expertly assisting me in capturing selfies with this delightful companion.

Our visit also unveiled the White Nose Coati, an intriguing blend of raccoon and anteater traits. In Central America, they often emulate the mischief-making antics of raccoons, foraging through garbage and causing a ruckus. Personally, I found them rather endearing, though admittedly, I clung to a sliver of trepidation, akin to my uneasiness around raccoons back home.

Following our memorable encounter with sloths, monkeys, and macaws, we embarked on a bus ride to explore an iguana sanctuary. This small haven serves as a shelter for thousands of iguanas, many of whom had been nursed back to health after injuries. While these iguanas are vegetarians, they harbor a mischievous streak, capable of nipping unwary fingers during feeding. Yet, a spiky-backed intruder, an iguana of a different breed, dared to infiltrate the sanctuary. Swiftly, the vigilant workers expelled this rogue, for such creatures were known to turn predatory, those iguanas are meat eaters.

Concluding our captivating tour, we found ourselves in a charming shopping enclave known as the Macaw Market. Here, we delighted in delectable chocolate, and I, of course, couldn't resist the temptation to procure some for myself. This particular cocoa confection was a testament to the island's bounty, crafted with care and comprised of a mere four ingredients—all grown and harvested locally. It was a fitting finale to an expedition that had awakened my senses to the captivating essence of Central America