travel

 

The are several types of fishing that can be experienced in the Bahamas.  A particularly unique one is Bone Fishing, or Salt-water Fly Fishing…  done in the shallows with all types of interesting ‘rules and recommendations’. For me, the most interesting part of the whole thing was that Bo (see below) could entertain himself for hours on end, with this pole in his hand, casting and recasting — but mainly just staring at the water and waiting for a Bonefish or two or three to swim by. Not once did he actually catch a fish, nor even get close to catching a fish (as far as I know), but apparently he had a great time just standing there and HOPING he would see one or — wait for it — CATCH one! Hhhmmmm. Is this a male thing?

Next post: Fishing in the Sea, from a boat, with Flocker, our local guide.

Dogs like bone fishing too! Maybe they have better luck?

The Flats are extremely beautiful… the ebbing tide changing the landscape hourly.

 

My suggestion? After a week or so, or two, or whatever… call Stuart. Maybe he knows where those Bonefish are hiding?  Of course, that’s what a girl would do. It’s akin to asking directions.

Harbour Island is known to the locals as BRILAND.  This word comes from the way English is spoken there… it’s not the English those in the “states” are familiar with… and at times it is almost impossible to understand. Bahamian English is a mixture of the British Queen’s diction, African influence and island dialect. The “h” is often dropped, so it sounds like “ouse” for “house” or “t’anks” for “thanks.”  The dialect and idioms were influenced by African slaves, English Puritans and other settlers. Because of this combination, you  hear a unique language found only in the Bahamas. Interestingly, most of the British who settled this area were Loyalists who were ousted from the newly-formed Republic after the English lost the American Revolution. Many of those men and their families had been in the Americas for decades and England was no longer home. They were offered homesites in nearby areas still controlled by the British, like the Bahamas. In fact, Harbour Island did not receive independence from Great Britian until 1973!

Therefore, if you say Harbour Island quickly and repeatedly, you can see how the blended words become “Briland.”

Enjoy my photos of this unique blended culture… bright colors, warm people, good food and lots of sunshine!

 My next post will be on fishing the local waters… stay tuned.