South Caicos
Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Thu 17 Mar 2011 22:41
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Exploring South
Caicos
 We had lunch and went ashore to
wander around South Caicos. The guide book we have, was last edited in 2002, so
we thought the details may be way out of date, it was just as if time had stood
still. The hurricane damage is there, the same shops (three) the same friendly
people. The author had said this was his most favourite island, his boat was
damaged in forty knot winds and when he went ashore the people came to his
rescue, sharing what they had and making do for repairs. We felt a warmth about
us, although the wind whistles across this flat island. We saw men sitting in
the shade playing dominos, children playing ball on a dusty building plot and
everyone driving really slowly. A conch fisherman filleting his catch while his
wife looked on cradling their baby, laughing and chatting. Houses with pallets
for gates to keep the asses out. We were shocked when what we saw as houses fit
for the final of this years 'One Careful Owner', complete with boarded windows,
we heard music, chatter and singing. A real finalist, we saw a lady knocking to
hail her neighbour for a chat. The thing that tickled Bear was seeing Cats
Eyes down the middle of the roads.
                The first really notable building we
came across was St George's Anglican Church, bell hanging on a bit of wood held in place by rope.
Unlocked and inviting, the entry slope had wrought iron edging more suited to
stairs, but they did the job at their jaunty angle. The only 'grave' in the yard
was a simple memorial to the fallen of the two World Wars. There was a quiet
dignity about this little place of worship. The Sacristy just inside the door
was open, showing just a few vestments. The Bibles, few and tatty, the well worn
hymnals and the small crib figures awaiting Christmas - all very moving after
visiting the opulent cathedrals we have. Most striking though was the crucifix -
Jesus carved as a black man. Whatever, this felt like a really holy
place.
           The next place that caught our
attention was the cricket pitch, complete with
pavillion
           I took a shine to the Bible Study Hall
but Bear fancied Customs and Immigration
    Where a hotel used
to stand, complete with pool and terrace, now just gone
 There had been a
delivery today, everyone was busy watching the fork-lift
driver
 We didn't investigate what went on in
the Faithwack Bookstore. Intimate Woman Supplies and
More.........It was for the best.....
      We both loved the supermarket,
which sold everything, including the kitchen sink. Boat bits hung over the
centre, household to the side. My Baygon mossie coils were available at $3.00, I
am used to paying 95 cents. We bought a loaf, two croissants at $2.25 each, a
tin of Spam (cos I felt I had to) at $4.50, total $14.50. The dearest loaf I
have ever bought - Venice prices. I said no to the Pigs Feet at $6.95. Ohhhhh
    On our way back to Baby Beez we couldn't help taking pictures if
the etiquette signs. We as cruisers try to live by the motto - Take only Pictures,
Leave only Footprints. We did think the Leave Only Bubbles was good on the Coral
Etiquette, but the winning comment was .......never remove any critters from
their habitat. Well, as we pulled away somewhat saddened and humbled at the hard
life these islanders have, but impressed at their happiness - we do believe the
UK has abandoned them a a bit. I thought Sal on the Cape Verde Islands had
flirted with me to vote the whole place a 'One Careful Owner'. I think South
Caicos has seduced me. So with
Bears approval.........................
ALL IN ALL THE ONE CAREFUL OWNER
ISLAND
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