Christmas (New Year’s) in the Caribbean
02 January 2014 | Moored-Bimini
Walking under one of the many coconut palms we heard Christmas Music. It made us think about the Jimmy Buffett song, “Christmas in the Caribbean”. Even thou it’s no longer Christmas it is the Bahamas and it is a holiday. So, don’t worry mon!
Here the New Year is rung in from the bells of the seven, count’em seven churches on the island. As the last bells ring faded, the fireworks started. The very large resort at the northern tip of the island put on a spectacular show. As one rocket’s display faded the early morning wind dragged the smoke in front of the next rocket giving it an almost blurred look to it all.
OK, we know what you’re thinking, New Year’s Eve + Midnight = Blurry vision. “Ya, we’ll buy THAT it was just the wind-NOT!
Another wonderful walk on the beach brought in another load of sea glass and a nicely vacated conch shell. We waded onto a small sand bar about 20 yards offshore were we shuffled along stirring up the rays as we walked.
New Year Day on a small island like Bimini is a spectator sport. First, all the locals know each other and after a few days here, it seems as if they know you too! Walking around town the “Hello’s” and “Good Morning’s” of yesterday were transformed into “”Happy New Year” today.
Soon the parade started. Was this the celebration, Junkanoo? No, it was just the marching band from one of the churches and several of the islands senior residents. Junkanoo came later, much later. The drums started around 2000 and the parade and festivities started around 2300, and went until? Dancing, singing, music, drums, and snores. Yup, Jeff was trying his best to stay in time with the music!
Today, the holiday is over and its back to work for us. We did some routine maintenance on the engine, aired the cushions, and pulled & cleaned the port screens. After all, cruising is doing boat projects in exotic ports!
More later,
US