Junkanoo!

But first ---  the high winds and heavy rain were over with by Saturday morning, but boy, the waves and rough sea were still present.  It will probably be Monday before we leave, waiting for the right wind and for the seas to calm.

Heather, Ken, Lois, Howard, and we all started the day with a walk to the northern end of the island.  First, Bailey Town, slightly more affluent than Alice Town, at the southern end of the island.

Then we made it to the very posh Bimini Bay Club at the far end of the island.

                                

On the way back we encountered a small herd of goats, roaming free in the street.  That seems to explain a little about the very strange "hamberger" meat that we got the first day...

We also saw how the palm trees produce fruit.  First, there is a large, brown, "leafy" pod.  Out of that comes a stalk with multiple smaller stalks, looking like some kind of octopus.  Then, a coconut is produced at the base of each of the small stalks.  Very interesting!

Folks here are getting in the spirit --- after all, this is Christmas week!!

At the Alice Town community center, some of the guys in the Junkanoo band were getting in a little early practice.  These drums are not steel drums but are made primarily from plastic bins.

We had dinner and waited till dusk, when the party began.  Junkanoo is a Bahamian celebration, usually seen on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1.  This "first anual" one was really for the children in the community.  The ones in Nassau and other larger cities are apparently real parties, a mix between Mardi Gras and Christmas celebrations.  The origional plan was to attract young people from all of the islands to help them meet and hopefully mix some of the families that are prominent on each island.
There was the usual children and church choirs singing carols, Santa giving each child a gift, a children's raffle (pretty nice stuff --- skateboards and a bike!).  And, of course, the lighting of the Christmas tree.

We noticed a fire at the back of the community center and went to investigate.  Seems the drums have to be dried out and the GOATSKIN tightened before a performance.  Those goats are multifunctional!!

The 10 cruisers at Junkanoo were certainly the exception, but we were warmly welcomed...

Then the Junkanoo parade!  The two settlements each have their own band and followers.  The noise!  oh, I wish I could have a video here!  It was great, loud, rhythmic beating of the drums, horns, and whistles, all in company with exuberant dancing.

 It was a lot of fun. I'm not sure it got me in a Christmas mood, but it sure created a festive mood! We 11 cruisers enjoyed it --- here's our group picture.