Marsh Harbour, Abacos Bahamas

Marina and resort on Marsh Harbour. Small island. Locals are friendly. Service is good. The conch salad and fritters are awesome. Nice to not be hit with low end, chatchey wares that only desperate shopping tourists buy. Plenty of beach wear and swim suits but tasteful and few. The island is definelty laid back. People that are there are often flying in and meeting boats or they have brought the boats in for extended stays. The fishing tournaments bring a flurry of activity. All good. I've never seen so much testosterone in one place and not see major problems. They all listen and commiserate over the "one that got away" And share the celebration over the great catch. Waters were great. Not lots of kids but a great place for them. Thankfully no US fast food chains that the young ones require. Probably why there are so few. Mine would have starved there! I am soooo going back. For me it was closer than the Seychelles and it had a touch of that feel. I did not attempt to snorkel there so I can not speak about the fish there that I saw in the Seychelles either. Loved Boat Harbour.

The taxis are mini vans for the most part. Many women are the taxi drivers. When you get into the airport they are parked right outside the one small building at Marsh Harbour. I was extremely hesitant to get into a taxi by myself as a woman traveling alone so I invited some executives that were flying in for some R and R and going to the same location. Easy to over hear. I needn't have worried. I would have been safe alone. Better safe than sorry. I made some brief acquaintances and saw them several times over the next week. It is a flat $10 to ride from the airport to that harbour. They don't hassle you and hustle on the streets either. I guess I just had to many bad taxi experiences which is why it is a topic for me. Warning in Cairo! Beware the taxi drivers. I almost had to start an international incident and involve the police to save myself. I guess being a pale non covered Muslim was not a good thing! I am nervous if I don't know the area. Now you do. Taxi's are good and from my brief experience and from what I hear, safe.

I am a total romantic. I went alone but met my friend there. It was good. Cuddling back into the night air on the bow of the boat at midnight, wine in hand and a warm chest to lean into.... How dreamy? The air was breezey and the stars were sparkling all over the sky. OH YEAH! The sunsets with a glass of champagne were sweet with a little kiss on the back of the neck. Everything about the slowness, being totally relaxed and carefree made even shopping for that nights tidbits at the grocery store romantic. Walking hand in hand to a quiet dinner on the water was stimulating. Watching the minglers play the colorful dance of courtship and linger as they paired off into the night, that could be a song. The true romance that is part of love was missing but maybe next time!

Does no playstation, movie shows, cell phones and no car cruising sound like the worst nightmare of your teenager? It would be mine. But..... I've never been one to indulge what they really like, ha, ha. I take them to places like Greece, Turkey, China and the Caymans. They are forced to scuba dive and walk empty beaches. Try new foods and meet interesting people that don't like the same things they don't like. On Boat Harbour I saw the other lonesome kids come strolling up in their little dingy's and pick up other forlorn teens. They boat off to a little cove and talk about how their parents are controlling them and not allowing them any independence. They leisurely make their ways to their own tables with their new friends in misery at the prearranged quiet restaurant. They watch their parents and family members act so unlike they do at home with no work or stress. Their moms is having fun!!! She is dancing and laughing at the silliest jokes. The teens are allowed to help with the boat chores, cleaning, tying up, launching, securing the cabins. What pain!!! I can't wait to take my teen and pre teen there to have a miserable time!