Another cay in paradise

The doors to the homes in this part of the world are left unlocked, children enjoy going to school and even flamingos seem to be having a great time.

And where is this happy, contented place? Try the Bahamas archipelago, or the “Out Islands'', as they are called.

Unlike New Providence or the capital Nassau or Grand Bahama, with its free port and gaudy fast food chains, many of these cay islands are completely off the beaten tourist track.

Magnet for divers

Only about 30 of the low-lying 700 Bahama islands are inhabited. And there are also more than 2,000 coral reefs in the shallow waters, a magnet for sailors and divers alike.

One of the islands where people do live is Eleuthera. On the map, it looks like a giant seahorse with a very thin middle section.

The island is 180km long but about 3 to 4km wide. The narrowest section is a mere 10 metres across.

Eleuthera has three airports and there are regular international flights to Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

According to tourism director Glenda Johnson, there is an airport for every 100 hotel rooms on the island.

Simple pleasures

From the tiny settlement of Governor's Harbour, one of the oldest inhabited places on the island, with some handsome colonial houses, headmistress Karen Crean and 10-year-old Nigel are happy to show visitors around their school.

Nigel is surprised to hear that some children in Europe don't like going to school — but then, they don't live on a paradise island where pineapples and oranges ripen in the Caribbean sun.

These days, Eleuthera and the other cays attract those seeking tranquillity, a feeling of safety — thanks to the low crime rate — and the chance to sunbathe on pink beaches lined with coconut palms and slender casuarina trees.

“People appreciate that things move slower than usual here and that people have more time for each other,'' said Simon Worley, a 42-year-old Englishman on board the Sealink ferry plying between Eleuthera and Nassau.

Authentic ambience

The globetrotter and businessman said he could easily have afforded a flight but prefers the authentic atmosphere on board the ferry.

“I want to enjoy myself and, this way, I can get a four-hour cruise too.''

Small propeller aircraft fly to almost all the cays. Where there is no runway available, amphibious versions are set down on the waves.

Visitors might get cold feet when they disembark but will be impressed by the hospitality in these parts. It is not unusual for motorists to stop and offer pedestrians a lift to town.

Friends for life

For those who would like to get to know the locals better, there is a “people-to-people'' programme with almost 1,000 families participating.

These invite those who have registered beforehand at the tourist office to a sporting event or a stroll around the beautiful countryside.

“Many a tourist has made friends for life by being part of this scheme,'' said the programme's director Marilyn Johnson.

Go there ... Nassau

From the UAE

Delta flies six days a week via Atlanta.
Fare from Dh5,620

— Information courtesy:

The Holiday Lounge by Dnata.
Ph: 04 4298576

Information

Website: www.bahamas.de, www.bahamas.com

Keep in mind

Currency: The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the US dollar.

Both US and Bahamian dollars are accepted interchangeably everywhere on the islands. Most credit cards and travellers cheques in dollar denominations are accepted.

There are ATMs in Nassau and Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, Abaco, Exuma, Eleuthera and Harbour Island.

Clothing: Casual summer wear can be worn during the day any time of the year but ensure that you carry a jacket or a sweater for the cooler evenings from December to February.

Most hotels and restaurants require men to wear jackets in the evening, especially in more cosmopolitan areas such as Nassau and Freeport/Lucaya.

Beach clothing is considered inappropriate on streets and in churches, restaurants and casinos.

Away from beach or pool areas, you are expected to cover your bathing suit with shorts or a shirt.

In the more laid-back remote areas, however, the dress-code is more flexible.

Source: www.bahamas.com