The weather has been perfect with trade winds blowing, clouds coming and going and sun shining. We rarely had rain, which I guess is bad because they do need it here. Everyone said they wished they could get some of what was coming down in the US and causing all the flooding. When the sun comes out, it is really hot, but the clouds and the breeze made it perfect. Tanning ahead of time was a good idea for me, and I never burned, and never used sunscreen. Oh I did use it on scuba day and my eyes burned for several hours. The water was the perfect temperature, the sand like pink sugar, the beach in front of our house was deserted most of the time.
Spanish Wells is the perfect place to come if you want to relax and rest. Don't come if you want nightlife and night clubs. That kind of thing is not for us, but the 2 nights in Harbor Island were fun and we did go and have some drinks and a nice dinner. Shopping was also better there with more choices and cheaper things. Internet was spotty for the whole 2 weeks with the whole island being without for the first 2 days. Food choices are limited and food is expensive. A container ship comes in on Weds night with groceries. Hordes of Spanish Wellians descend on the food store Thursday morning and by afternoon the shelves and the produce is pretty well picked over. Actually hordes is misleading. The island only has 1700 residents total. The hordes are mostly a parking lot full of golf carts. That has been a kick for us, putting around in our golf cart. In the US we are very spoiled. We can go to the store and find fruits and veggies and every little thing we want. Not so in much of the world. We thought the trade off was worth it. We can do without the extras for 2 weeks in a paradise with a deserted beach, palm trees, and the bluest water I have ever seen. I can see why people come back time after time and then some stay permanently.
The people here in Spanish Wells have been very friendly, and strike up a conversation at the drop of a hat. Everyone gives a wave when driving by in the opposite direction in their golf carts. Our rental agent brought us fresh mangos and bananas that they picked off their trees. It really seems that there are not any race issues here. Blacks and whites are friendly and the laid back attitude seems to prevail in that too. It is refreshing to see people getting along without that silly stuff getting in the way. As a tourist I may not be seeing what is underneath, but it was so nice to have so many open, friendly people of every color. The people here are Christian, attend church faithfully in their Sunday best in their golf carts, and God comes up in conversation often. That is refreshing to say the least! Spanish Wellians have a funny accent that I can't place. It is not like anywhere else. Even the people in Harbor Island made a little fun of it. It's English, but what did it descend from? What would you give to stay in a place where no one locks their door when they leave, leaves keys in cars and there is only 1 policeman with nothing to do? That is Spanish Wells!
In conclusion...I discovered this place by accident when looking for a rental house. I knew nothing about the Bahamas, and it was the house that hooked me. I don't believe in coincidences...I think there are only God-cidences. I know that God helped me find this place which is about a perfect as it can get. I think we will be back....sooner or later! For right now, I am sad to leave and imagine living in a place like this. Tomorrow it is back to the land of watches, deadlines, stress, and hurry. I need to keep a slice of island time in my heart and mind permanently!
Is that Bill in the air? lol
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