Exploring the Village of Staniel Cay

4-30-09 Yesterday I tried to send my blogs but only got some pictures through of a dive trip. I will have to wait to get to Black Point on Friday to try again.SOOO much to say and SOOO many pictures I don't know where to start. Yesterday we rented a golf cart with Rick and Lynnie from Rickshaw and explored the villageof Staniel Cay. Our first stop was the bread store. Titta Emil's Bahamian bread store is not really a store. As you can see from the picture, the store is herkitchen. Things are done a little differently in the Islands. Today she had white, coconut, and cinnrais. (not enough room to print cinnamon raisin on the sign) We bought one of each and they are wonderful. Next stop was the Pink Pearl Super Market. It wasn't what you would call a Super Market. It was about the size of an average living room and had a little of this and very little of that. It is hard to describe, so I will let the pictures do that. Things are done a little differently in the Islands. The next stop was the Blue Super Market. It had a little more of this and a little more of that, but not much more. We did buy a "log" of French butter, a dozen eggs, a case of soda, and a book for a total of 68.20. I wouldn't want to have to buy too many provisions here in the Islands. We tried to pick up our mail at the Post Office because the mail boat comes in on Wednesday, but the boat is going to be a day late, and besides, after threetries during their posted hours, it was closed. Thing are done a little different here in the Islands. Are you starting to get the picture of how things are a little different in the Islands? It is called the Island way of life on Island time, Mon. I love it! The people are wonderful and it is one of the most beautiful places in the world and you need to understand Island time. After visiting a few more places in the Village we headed out to explore the outer parts of the Island. Just when you thought things coulden't get any more beautiful, it fools you. The only thing that makes this trip more beautiful is to do it with my best friend and the love of my life, Stephanie. Pinch me, I must be dreaming. We did find ice cream in one of the store and that was a real treat that we haven't had in some time. (YUMMMM) Today we are going to Pig Beach, and yes, pigs do swim, and feed them our scraps, and then go explore the underwater world of Thunderball Cave.
September Song (Off to feed the pigs, the four legged kind) out
Bob
Stephanie here - Actually, we bought some cereal at the Blue Store. Then we went to Isles General Store on South Staniel. The posted hours are 8-12 and 1:30 -5. It was 1:45 when we arrived. They weren't open. So off we went to tour the island. Got back to Isles about 2:45, not open. Went off to find Berkie to see if his wife was around. (They own the store - and seemingly everything else on Staniel. Berkie's the preacher at the church, and the dockmaster, and sells real estate - you get the picture) She was at the government office paying bills, should be back in 10 minutes. Back to Isles, no Vivien. Long story short, eventually we found someone to open for us. Then bought the $68.20 worth. Trying to pay by credit card is another VERY long story. I guess that's why everyone says to bring a lot of cash with you.No matter - it's gorgeous here, and I'm not sure I ever want to go home.
Note to Aurora - The moorings at Cambridge are great - and they're looking for volunteers to collect the fees. Free mooring if you do. Check at Warderick Wells for more info. Hope we'll catch up with you on our way out - your way in.
We are off to assist in the transfer of 2 of the Gypsies back to the States - we will miss them more than we can say. We love you guys - and know we'll catch up with you somewhere along the way. Safe travels - fair skies and keep the wind at your backs!