Ponderings

Remembering our adventures (with the help of lots of photos) is so much fun, and it's been quite a journey.  This is the first time we've visited both the Exumas and Abacos in the same trip, and we were surprised at the differences.  The people of the Exumas seem to be a little hesitant at first, but so very warm when they decide you're okay.  The hesitancy may be because of the old black/white issues, or it may be because so many tourists have misbehaved that they're suspicious.  The people of the Abacos, a little less hesitant but never quite warming up as much, are very British in demeanor and very polite.  The children both places, without exception, are so well behaved and well mannered.  They always look immaculate in their school uniforms, even at the end of the day (how do they DO that???), and whenever you see them they always say either good morning, good day, or good afternoon, followed by madam or sir.  The gentlemen and young men in the Abacos (especially in Marsh Harbour) say "my lady."  Sigh, swoon.  We sincerely hope tourists don't change these gentle people and their customs and habitat.  They may not have as much materially as some of us, but they're doing fine without it.  Both places are beautiful and we're delighted to have visited them, but our tastes tend more toward the more rustic Exuma Islands.  We definitely plan to return to the Exumas (come join us!), and would like to return as givers rather than takers; we plan to deliver more schoolbooks and would like to contribute in other ways (to be determined).