Another of Robert Fullerton's awesome photographs of Paya Bay.
Friday, May 30, 2008
welcome to my roatan, lucy!
My close friend, colleague, and fellow adventurer, Lucy Escober, will soon be contributing to this blog. Strong, brilliant and courageous, Lucy is a diamond of a human.
Photo credit: Robert Fullerton
Thursday, May 29, 2008
the secret to happiness
Sometimes Universal Wisdom is found in the most unexpected places. I read the following in someone's online profile recently. Talk about a person who gets it!
Astonishing clarity. Cheers, rt9!
It's interesting how many people still believe that outside things will bring them happiness. Clothes, TV, cars, popularity, even a boyfriend...guys get depressed when they tell themselves they need these things, and don't aquire them all. I certainly used to! Then I found out that happiness truly does come from within...it's not just a cheesy saying. It's the secret to happiness! So, I just decided to stop desiring stuff and start liking myself unconditionally instead. That worked well...for awhile.
But, then I noticed something was still missing. I had a void to fill, and not with material goods, status, or the obligatory boyfriend. No, it had to be filled with meaning...a sense of purpose...living a good life and making good, healthy choices. So now I try to be the best guy I can, accept myself for the things I can't change, pursue meaningful adventures and activities, and ignore all the rest out there. I'm back in school. I also strive to make quality friends, because we humans do need to have soul connections. Quality friendships and relationships (boyfriends are fine if they happen, not because I need one) are based on mutual respect, similar values, and encouragement. There's lots of giving.
So, now I have few possessions, no TV, I'm not popular, and I've never been happier!!
Astonishing clarity. Cheers, rt9!
quotable quote
The strongest single factor in prosperity consciousness is self-esteem: believing you can do it, believing you deserve it, believing you will get it.
- Henry Gillies
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
quotable quote
Whether you think you can or think you can't — you are right.
- Henry Ford
One of my all-time favorite quotes. We humans tend to limit ourselves so much. The limitations are mostly the results of our flawed thinking. Many of us simply don't know there's a better way. As Auntie Mame put it so cleverly: "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death."
Learn a new perspective.
the good life
I've had the good fortune of having many extraordinary experiences so far in my life: multiple cruises on my best friend's 106ft luxury yacht in the Bahamas and the U.S. East Coast; zipping about the U.S. and Mexico on private jets; traveling to exotic locales around the world (Egypt, India, Russia, Turkey, Israel, the Greek Isles, France, Peru, and Brazil to name some). One could argue that my good fortune places me in the upper 2% of people on this planet. However, the simple bliss of enjoying a sunset at Secret Cove ranks right up there with my best "jet-setter" (as Mom calls them) experiences.
sea grapes
The arrival of summer also means the beginning of sea grape (Coccoloba uvifera) season. This year we plan to make jam from the organic fruit to serve in the restaurant while supplies last. Sea grape jam is yummy!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
quotable quote
In the moment that you carry this conviction...in that moment your dreams will become a reality.
- Robert Collier
coco plums
Mid May thru July the coco plum (Chrysobalanus icaco) trees around the property become loaded with fruit. The mild, fleshy fruits can be picked and eaten right off the trees.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
there is "the beaten path"...
and there is "off the beaten path"...
and — then — there is
Photo credit: Robert Fullerton
and — then — there is
Photo credit: Robert Fullerton
Friday, May 23, 2008
tribal beach party
As customary, the Garifunas put on an awesome show again last night for the beach party!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
photo of the month
This awesome photo of Buccaneer Landing at sunset was taken by Robert Fullerton of Colorado. Robert is a professional photographer (and friend) staying with us this week. Pictured (L-R) are Lucy, our wonderful new friend, Jasmine, and myself. Click on the image to see the larger version.
quotable quote
There is only one real sin and that is to persuade oneself that the second best is anything but the second best.
-Doris Lessing
I've learned to never settle. It invariably makes one unhappy in the long run. Instead, be the person you've been waiting for. The Universe will take care of delivering the bliss.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
white-crowned pigeon
A flock of threatened white-crowned pigeons (Patagioenas leucocephala) make their home at Paya Bay. The birds can be seen and heard in early morning before they head out on their daily foraging flights, and in the late afternoon when they return to roost. These very shy birds usually bolt at the first sight of a human. This male seemed curious about me and hung around long enough to for me to take several photos.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
tropical garden reserve
Get your nature fill in what is truly of the most beautiful areas of the property.
Monday, May 19, 2008
quotable quote
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses courage loses all.
- Cervantes
island wedding
This past Saturday a traditional island wedding was held at Paya Bay. As usually happens, a large portion of the local population descended on the resort to help this couple celebrate. It was a little chaotic, but the energy was good.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
lucy & mom
Two of the world's most amazing women are part of my life. I'm one lucky guy. (Apologies for the blurry photos - low light and didn't have my tripod with me)
My stunningly beautiful friend.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
show n tell
A guest shares photos from his diving experience. Part of the 'Magic of Paya Bay' is that guests usually become friends with other guests and the resort staff while staying here.
quotable quote
Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared.
- Eddie Rickenbacher
Friday, May 16, 2008
about last night
The Garifunas perform at the Thursday night "Tribal Beach Party" at Lil Bay Beach.
Two sources of good energy: a beach fire and an amazing new friend.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
quotable quote
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
berries galore
In May, many of the sea palms on the property are loaded down with white-skinned berries. These berries are a favorite food for the birds and iguanas, providing vital, life-sustaining liquids to their diets during this very dry time of the year.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
fresh herbs
Hardly surprising given our warm climate and lots of bright sunshine, the new organic herb garden has really taken off. The cooks are becoming more and more accustomed to collecting fresh herbs for preparing meals. I've already had several guests comment about the fresh flavors in salads and other dishes. We will soon expand the garden to include an even greater variety of yummy, flavorful herbs.
Monday, May 12, 2008
sunday afternoon chillout party
A nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon when the weather is nice, is to get a little party going on the cay in Buccaneer Landing. We jam some really nice chillout music from some of the world's best DJs. The little cay, with its cool cabanas, is an awesome place to spend a few special hours with friends old and new.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
simple pleasures
Probably one of the most ancient ways in which humans have entertained themselves, there is an undeniable exquisite pleasure in sitting by and observing the beautiful and intricate transformation of energy that occurs in a beach fire.
east end nightlife
There are a growing number of options for nightlife on Roatan's East End outside the resort. A good option for a Friday or Saturday night is Windsong Cafe in Punta Blanca. Owned and ran by Don, an expat from Wisconsin, Windsong attracts a loyal clientèle of expats who live in the area as well as visitors staying in nearby rentals. It's a fun place to have a few cocktails, meet new people, and enjoy some of Don's good American-style food.
Friday, May 9, 2008
the picacho challenge
Three more guests took me up on the Picacho Challenge (climbing the highest peak on Roatan, the 235 meter Picacho). The hike is a two hour commitment (one hour up, one hour down), but the views from the top and the sense of accomplishment are definitely worth it.
The guys take in the view after summiting.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
brasileiros bem-vindos!
Paya Bay is proud to welcome its first Brazilian guests. We hope many more of the beautiful and happy people from the land of carnival, soccer, and the Feijoada will visit us in the future.
Paya Bay orgulha-se de acolher os seus primeiros clientes brasileiros. Nós esperamos que muitas mais bonito e alegre do povo, da terra do carnaval, futebol, e na Feijoada irá visitar-nos no futuro.
quotable quote
Dont be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.
David Lloyd George
Former Prime Minister of England
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
lucky
Lucky gives me the "panther look" when I get close with my camera. Paya Bay's resident "bad boy" is covered in sand from chasing sand crabs on Lil Bay Beach.
paya bay wedding
Yesterday two of our guests had a beautiful sunset wedding on Lil Bay Beach. Because of its natural beauty and good energy, Paya Bay is a sought after location for weddings, renewal of vows, and commitment ceremonies.
After the ceremony the photographer took photos of the happy couple in the Virgin Tropical Garden Reserve.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
photo of the day
The underlit coconut trees around the main deck cast a soft, romantic light at night.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
quotable quote
It takes courage to push yourself to places that you have never been before...to test your limits...to break through barriers.
Unlike mean people, courageous people don't suck.
Friday, May 2, 2008
the good lord provides
or, as I prefer to put it, the Universe delivers.
When I left Atlanta to return to Roatan a little over a year ago, one of the things I knew I would miss the most was being near my awesome circle of friends in the ATL. They say 'friends are the family you choose,' and we are truly a close knit family of friends who love and look out for each other. While I know I will always have my Atlanta family, I now have the task of building the Roatan extension. And boy am I off to a great start!
I met Lucy on my very first evening back in Roatan. We hit it off immediately and have become fast friends. Lucy is an amazing woman: caring, sweet, intelligent, funny, and full of good energy. She joined the Paya Bay team in December as our Reservations Manager. She has quickly established herself as very focused, attentive, and efficient manager. But the best part of the deal is that I get to work with her everyday.
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