Sorry that it has been so long since my last blog entry… there isn’t exactly a ton of Internet coverage in this country. But let’s pick up where we left off with my last post; Bimini. We stayed in Bimini until December 28th, enjoying a lovely holiday with my friends on Sisu. My dad and I loved it there; the culture in the Bahamas is so incredibly different from anything I have experienced. People greet one another on the street with a jolly “Merry Christmas!” The atmosphere is so relaxed there, a far cry from the hustle and bustle of American life that I am so used to.
After our lovely stay in Bimini we sailed to Nassau, which was quite a long, monotonous journey. It’s about a 130-mile trip, which takes quite a long time when you travel at a whopping 8 mph. We spent the night anchored on the Banks, a large ‘ocean plateau’ on which you are out of sight of land but only floating in fifteen feet of water. It’s interesting to look out and only see water in all directions then look down and clearly see the sand passing by under the keel of your boat.
We arrived in Nassau tired and hungry. We anchored, cooked up a scrumptious pot of mac& cheese, and retired to bed by about 7:00 PM. The next morning we rowed across the busy Nassau harbor and tied up at the Green Parrot Restaurant dock. We walked up to the marina where Sisu was staying and spent the day traversing the city on a quest for Junkanoo tickets with them. (Junkanoo is a Bahamian music/dance/parade type activity that can be traced back to African traditions. We were looking for tickets for the 2:00 AM New Years Junkanoo parade, which was supposed to be quite the event.) After a day of riding around in busses and walking down lots and lots Nassau’s streets, we finally purchased tickets for the event.
Nassau is an interesting place. It’s kind of like the New York City of the Bahamas. It’s the dumping ground for tourists off of cruise ships, but it lacks that character and charm found elsewhere in the country. Nassau is very American. They speed down the streets and honk car horns constantly. They eat at KFC and shop at large grocery stores similar to what we have in America. I am currently sitting in a Starbucks eating an absurdly overpriced scone, just like I would be in America as I was desperate for WIFI. Most people that visit the Bahamas come to Nassau, but they really are missing out on the true Bahamas, the Bahamas where strangers are friendly and the speed limit is 15 mph on the main drag through town.
New Years Eve was spectacular. After another lovely day with the Sisu crowd, my father decided to get dock space at the marina in a slip right across from them (much to my delight.) After trying to sleep for a couple of hours, Jake, Rachel, and I had a midnight picnic on the dock as hundreds of fireworks burst from all corners of the sky. We feasted on brownies, whipped cream, and Goombay punch- a Bahamian soda that we all love passionately.
After that, our families ventured off towards the down town part of Nassau for Junkanoo. We had purchased nice seats in the bleachers for five dollars a pop, but we ended up spending the majority of the night standing up and dancing. It was fantastic. It is something you really have to see to believe. Thousands of people dance around town in the most indescribably ornate costumes your mind can fathom for over six hours. The costumes were very large and heavy and made of towering, colorful cardboard and crepe paper decorations. There were many different Junkanoo groups participating and competing against one another. My favorite group was the 'Valley Boys' who had a procession of 500 brilliantly outfitted dancers in African themed costumes. The music was wonderful, it was an experience I will never forget.
We got back to White Seal at about 9 AM and fell asleep for a few hours. I hauled myself out of bed an hour ago and went to shower at a neighboring marina. I am currently sitting in a Starbucks sipping an overpriced Frappachino and thoroughly enjoying having WIFI.
We aren't quite sure where we will be headed in the next few days, perhaps to Rose Island or somewhere else nearby. My mom will be coming back down to join us soon, we're really missing her!
I will upload pictures when I get the chance!
I am so glad you're there safely, Mary! I've been too shy to post until now, but I've been following you avidly and am now thrilled you made it. Of course you did - you guys have mad skills and know what you're doing. Annapolis was greatly dimmed when y'all left and thank you so much for blogging; I love it. I hope Meg is well and your travels continue to amaze you. Soak up a New Year ray of sun for us! Flo in Maryland.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are enjoying the blog, it's been a lot of fun to write. And feel free to comment/ email whenever, no need to feel shy! We are greatly enjoying our time in the Bahamas, we will definitely soak up some sun in your honor :)
ReplyDeleteWe look forward to stopping in Annapolis on our way North in the spring!
Happy New Year!