The Karaoke Queen and I arrived in Nassau, Bahamas this morning at about 7 a.m. A brilliant sunrise, as the Carnival Valor steamed past the lighthouse on the breakwater. That’s the Atlantis resort shadowed in the background. Only a year and a half ago, Myrna and I visited the Grand Island. Who would have thought that my life would change so dramatically?
We disembarked from the ship at about 9 a.m. to take a quick tour of the shops in Nassau. The onboard internet café wanted 75 cents an minute for access… 45 bucks an hour! They’ve got to be kidding. So, the Karaoke Queen and I searched for internet shops in town and quickly found a couple that charge only 10 cents a minute.
Of course, we’ve been eating and eating and eating. The cafeteria is always open. Yesterday, we sat down to a dinner of Satay Chicken, tilapia and tiger shrimp. And after we toured the town, we returned to the ship for a yoga session.
The Harley shop in Nassau exists only to sell paraphernalia... t-shirts, hats, etc. One Sportster sits in the front window. Import taxes are too high, and personal income too low to justify a dealership that actually sells bikes.
Finally, a new tattoo picture. A very nice one, indeed! I’d described it as a burning heart. The young lady who showed it to me introduced herself. As soon as I get back home, I’m going to design a business card so that I can give it to the young ladies who consent to being photographed.
Many Filipinos work on the cruise ships. Service jobs that offer travel appeal the romantic instincts of a Filipino. The Karaoke Queen often engages them in conversation in Tagalog or Cebuano. Whenever Filipinos meet it seems as if they must acknowledge one another and exchange notes on life in the great non-Filipino world. So many Filipinos travel the world that one of their favorite sayings is: “Last one off the islands, please turn off the lights.” (In fact, a young Filipino man is video-conferencing with his girlfriend back home on the PC next to me at the internet cafe.)
This afternoon, we’re renting a scooter to tour the island. This evening, we’ll dine with the Karaoke Queen’s extended family.
God bless you, Myrna! You are always on my mind.
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