You in Da Bahamas Now Baby!

After being in The Bahamas (officially known as "Da Bahamas") for the last 2 weeks, we've come to appreciate this gorgeous area and all that it has to offer.  There are some unique aspects to the culture and the daily life here.

The Bahamians are a kind and gentle people, not to mention extremely friendly. The majority will openly wave and greet you regardless of how they are travelling - by golf-cart, truck or foot.   Children dressed in their school uniforms are extremely polite and respectful.

Varo (L) and cousin PJ (R) enjoy a dip on the weekend as mom looks on

The food is amazing.  Tons of fish - grouper, snapper and mahi-mahi.  Conch is king though, and like Bubbas Gump shrimp, you can make it anyway you want:  raw in conch salad, steamed, boiled, conch chowder, fried, breaded, conch fritters, and so on.  Cracked conch and fries is the most popular dish.



Uncle Lionel prepares conch salad on the dock



 Boaters are extremely friendly too - everyone helps out one another.  Here, Scott is providing an anchor consultation to a fellow Canadian boater.  With high winds, you  need to make sure your anchor is set properly in the sand and not barely holding in the weeds.

Any chance to try some waterskiing!

The main mode of transportation on the smaller islands is the golf cart - they are everywhere.  They're also on the other side of the street.  Bahamians drive British-style on the left side.  So, you need to remember to look RIGHT when you cross the street.

Fancy golf cart -  must be Trump's

Parking lot of rental golf carts

Phone and cellular service is quite expensive, so for the first time in our adventure, our iPhone and Blackberry are turned off.  Needed to go old-school with a calling card to reach family and friends.

Yes, that's Scott using a PAY phone

Of course, the highlight is the amazing scenary that the islands offer.  In addition to the glorious sunrises and sunsets, the amazing water and sky colors are heartstopping at times.



Endless water and sky.