Time flies....

"The days drift by
They don't have names
And none of the streets here look the same
And there are so many quiet places
And smilin' eyes to match the smilin' faces." - Jimmy Buffett

So I can't believe it's already been a week since I last posted. Time is really flying by. Well, it was definitely a busy week, well busy from Island standards. Let's see I interviewed dive shops, fixed the wireless internet in the house, started exercising (real exercise, not the Dorito arm curls), inquired about Spanish lessons, wiped out on my moped, bought a cell phone, gave someone directions, vowed to never drink again, drank again, played some poker and enjoyed the weather. Chock a block full of activities!

The only thing I haven't done yet is dive! But, as most of the locals don't dive I feel that I have achieved the level to which I can now say....

I am a Utilatarian!





Thanks to my Dear Gorgeous Aunt Mimi for this fantastic shirt!












So this week was all about settling in. I've done a lot of discovery, but now it's time to get into a bit of a routine. So I started looking at dive shops. I've narrowed it down to two and in true Jason style I can't decide. They both are very good shops with large followings, but one has NAUI and the other PADI. It's been a raging debate over which is better and I've put the question to several people and there really isn't a clear cut winner. So now it's just up to me to decide. Too bad I can't put a poll on here. Then everyone could vote :) Alton's Dive Shop (NAUI) or Cross Creek (PADI) - I have learned that NAUI is accepted almost everywhere around the world (except France I think) so that concern is put to rest. Tune in next time for the exciting conclusion... I know you are all on the edge of your seats, I can tell, it's a gift.

So one of the most difficult things about life on Utila are the restaurants. Most of them have very good food, so deciding on which one to eat at that night you would think is the problem. Nope, it's remembering which one is open which nights! Some are closed Friday and Saturday, others Sunday and Monday, still others are only open Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. I need a matrix calendar to figure out who's serving each night. Maybe I'll make one and post it next to the ferry dock. Considering I told this couple I met that RJ's was open on Sunday and they were staying on the clear opposite end of town... felt kinda bad. Anyway, speaking of RJ's - this is the other very popular BBQ place on the island. They open at 6:30 and if you don't get there by 6:45 you will be waiting for a table or squeezing in on someone else's table. Sorry the shot's out of focus I was sitting at this really wobbly table.






The next night sunset was amazing. I have a favorite spot to watch them from so you'll see the same vantage point in all the shots. Not to bore you with sunsets, but they are one of the main exports of Utila - picture perfect postcards. Here are a couple....



One of the best things about sailing is sitting in the harbor watching the sun set over the island. The harbor slowy getting darker, quieter, more peaceful.



Part of the town shuts down and the other half just gets started. It is a true cycle in the life of the island. Here is the Utila Princess (my ferry from the mainland) heading from the dock to it's overnight dock in preparation to do it all over again tomorrow.


And the local pubs turning on their lights and getting ready for the evening's festivities.



And the next day we all get up and do it all over again. But first, a stop at the bakery. Nothing gets a morning going like a cup of coffee, a cinnamon roll and a walnut raisin roll. Granted, the view isn't much, but it's a great way to start the day.


I do cook at home on occassion, but it's just so darn cheap to eat out that cooking for one doesn't make a whole lotta sense. Anyway, moving on... This is a new restaurant that opened up in the old Babalu space. They haven't gotten the new sign yet, but it will be called The Wooden Spoons.



The sign is relatively accurate, there is kool music, beer, pizza and a sunset deck. The natural aquarium.... hmmm, well, this sounds good. Wow, a natural aquarium - sounds exotic. Turns out they just didn't finish the dock and decided to put seats around it. There ya go folks, your Island Natural Aquarium.

Speaking of new places to check out I found this really great bar at the other end of town. Keep in mind, when I say bar, most of the bars are restaurants, but restaurants is not only long to type it isn't always the main attraction of the establishment. Establishment sounds too stuffy for Utila and is also really long to type, so we'll stick with bar. You know I mean bar/restaurant/establishment/kitchen/bbq joint/pizza place/etc... when I say bar. Ok? Cool. Moving on, so I found this great "bar" near Chepes Beach. It has a great dock that sits out and has sweeping views of the harbor and town. Very nice. I felt a little odd being there since I was reading my Jimmy Buffett book, "A Pirate Looks at Forty" and the bar is named, well what else would it be named...



The Driftwood Cafe at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel. So there I am sitting outside on the dock, enjoying the afternoon reading Jimmy Buffett at the Driftwood Cafe. This is kind of like the time Krissy and I went to Taco Bell, not really thinking much of it and when we got to the drive through window Gordy (our chihuahua) jumped onto her lap and poked his head out the window to the cashier. Not sure what the cashier was thinking at the time, but I'm sure it was, "Man, these folks are really big Taco Bell fans". Kind of like you don't wear the band's t-shirt to the band's concert. I never really got that. Why wouldn't you show your support for a band that you like by wearing their shirt to the concert? I mean, I wear my Red Sox shirt to the game to show my support... Who made up that rule? It makes zero sense to me. Anyway, I digress.

There is another spot that is just a must see and I photographed it today, but left the good camera at home so I'll go back and post more shots next time. The Jade Seahorse. This place is amazing. Rumor has it that this hotel/restaurant/bar was three years in the making. Decorated with bottles, flea market purchases, you name it, it's there. Here are two shots and I promise to get more. Even then the photo's can't do it justice. Walking around it felt like I was in an outdoor museum, the noise from the road dissapeared, the surrounding air got cooler and it just seemed sureal. Looking at this picture again, it looks more like the flea market where he purchased everything rather than the great creation that is the Jade Seahorse.



Hey, we know that guy!



That's it for this week everyone. I hope you're all doing well and having a great winter! One last photo before I go. On my way to town yesterday this little guy was sunning himself on some abandoned concrete.



He looks comfy - wait, is he doing Upward Dog??

Until next time!