The Bahamas — Postcard of Heaven
We went to the so-called Exumas, a 120-mile chain of 365 cays that are part of the Bahamas embracing in whole 700 islands. Those looking for secluded beaches and starry skies won’t get disappointed. But if you want to find giant sea stars or get acquainted with wild swimming pigs than you better go by boat.
“ Swimming pigs and giant seastars or only two miracles of a not ending list of treasures”
The combination of empty, bleach white sand beaches and the bright turquoise colored water get your first attention. The sand feels like powdered sugar beyond your feets. Each gentle wave of this perrier-clear water beckons brings new treasures along. You can admire hundreds of colorful fishes like tangs, sergeant majors or parrot fishes, sea turtles or Barracuda, just to name some. They are everywhere. The 176 square mile Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is an enormous open aquarium with healthy coral reefs where you find all sorts of species. Dolphins, sharks and sting rays are as well around but nothing to be
scared. As this area had never been fished, you can see what the ocean looked like before humanity. Here you find the stromatolites, a blue-green Reef-Forming algae, the oldest living evidence of life on Earth. Orange buoys are marking best snorkel and diving areas. You’ll find plenty of empty beaches, beautiful trails on the islands and the one or another small local restaurant with homemade food. The interior of the restaurants is more than basic, but they are all outdoor, beachfront with the most beautiful views on earth. And the food is really fresh and homemade. The “Chefs” are Bahamian mums cooking as they would cook for their families. You just feel like at home. You get a grouper or a lobster for 25 to 30 bugs. Which is even for US people, not the cheapest deal but a fortune for the Bahamians.
Besides the nature of beauty, there exists a community of happy and relaxed Bahamian. They aren’t rich there. Most of the homes look like run-down shacks, some with poorly covered holes in their roofs, broken windows or something else rotten. Agreed, surrounded by paradise. Which is no paradise if you don’t know it better, right? For the most of them, the rest of the world is civilization. That’s their perspective.
You feel that money is not the most determining factor. It is a community that knows each other and is supporting each other. You are part of the family. One of the captains explained to me that he is the running maid and that he keeps the ball rolling. The kitchen ladies call each other sisters. The landscapers get supported by someone taking care of their barbecue. They are relaxed but encouraged to do a good job. Very receptive and friendly people. Round about 4000 people are living in the Exumas. In contrast the luxury tourist homes and resorts. Hopefully they remain as they currently are and won’t let tourism take away their values and strong community.
