Long Island - ‘Island Life Sweet Aye’

LONG ISLAND

‘Island Life Sweet Aye’

By Bianca Major Photographs courtesy of Bianca Major

Dock of the Bay at North Long Island

Thrasher Bird Sitting On Fruits At Local Beach Bar “Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ comes Watching the ships roll in Then I watch ‘em roll away again, yeah I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh I’m just sittin’ on the dock of the bay Wastin’ time”

Vintage Bahamian Home with Kitchen and Chimney

Lyrics of the classic song, “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”, performed by the legendary Otis Redding, captures the essence of island living. No worries, no cares, just enjoying the moments of quiet serenity. Life moves differently down in these parts, the “good island life”. Time draws slower, nothing happens before its time or, in another sense, life on the islands is lived on “island time”.

Best island living tip … never ask about time, it’s either you arrive on time, or you get there, when you get there, which some may call, “fashionably late” – which we islanders live by. Need islanders to be on time for anything? Just mention the words “party”, “beer”, “rum”, or “food” and everyone files in like clockwork, not missing a hot minute. And with that said, “Da party dun!”

Best island living tip … never ask about time, it’s either you arrive on time, or you get there, when you get there, which some may call, “fashionably late” – which we islanders live by. Need islanders to be on time for anything? Just mention the words “party”, “beer”, “rum”, or “food” and everyone files in like clockwork, not missing a hot minute. And with that said, “Da party dun!”

That “sweet island life”, yep, the city folks can’t wait for a break to enjoy this lifestyle. Oh well, the cat’s out of the bag. One of The Bahamas’ best kept secret hideaways is Long Island, my favorite island!

We take island living to a whole new level here, and those who appreciate the country lifestyle can relate.

Family, community, church life, love for nature and the simple life, is what makes Long Island, H O M E.

Whether you are making Long Island your new home or if it has always been your “forever home”, you will certainly be welcomed with the peace, tranquillity and a feeling of a new lease on life, as the island life takes you into a dimension previously not experienced. “It’s as if you are on a different plane, as if time stands still,” said Bernadette Chenowith.

Warning: If you must return to your regularly scheduled, fast-paced life, withdrawals will be a tad bit rough.Island Time Is Hammock Time On A Local Beach

Most islanders start their day with a good cup of tea or mug of coffee, to get the juices flowing, followed by a hearty homemade breakfast, fresh bread or a hot grits dish with some tuna salad or a favourite breakfast sausage. No fast-food joints around here; it’s a mostly cook-your-own-food kind of vibe.

The usual workday consists of … well, that all depends on you, the work and what day of the week it is.

Some may consider sitting at the local beach bar, throwing back some refreshing gin and coconut water aka “Sky Juice” and getting a belly full of some fresh conch salad, a full day’s work. Hey, it’s your day and it’s your way.

On the regular, you will find the fisherman heading out to sea for a day or a few, for fishing, crawfishing, conching, sponging or deep-sea fishing. At the end of it all, they get to share their catch with family, friends and make a decent living while doing what they love. Whether it’s farming, fishing or hunting, the family bond is strong with the youngsters being taught by their elders and fathers how to farm, hunt, fish and navigate the seas.

Holiday breaks are mini vacations spent at home, but not in the house; rather, at your favourite beach spot, cay or secret hideaway with parents, kids, cousins, grandparents, the whole family, “the works”.

The epitome of family time is sitting around the campfire roasting marshmallows, making s’mores, grilling food and fish, telling stories, swimming, bodyboarding, water rafting, kite flying, and just enjoying life, the great outdoors.

Living that island life, night-time may find you “in da bush” or on the roadsides crabbing. Yes, crabbing, just as the crabs walk in droves, the people catch them in droves.

Sunday dinner will be a tasty and spectacular feast, as the drums roll for the dinner time chime. That crab n’ rice will be a showstopper, a must-try for the first timers. Along with grouper fish, while in season, battered and pan-fried, and fresh caught crawfish/lobster tail, infused with lemon garlic-herbed butter; enough to make you forget all your troubles and fill your belly.

There is never any shortage of good food to choose from as locals take pride in cooking. And be sure, they will have you coming to look for more.

Island sightseeing is a pleasure we all enjoy, whether you are driving “up” south or “down” north, you will eventually arrive at your destination. Making a few stops along the way to your favourite blue hole, like the famous Dean’s Blue Hole, the shrimp hole or swimming spots. We did say a few stops ... nothing like a good full day of bar hopping whilst living your best island life.

While on the journey, you might have taken time to pick your favourite fruits, like some fresh-picked bananas, cherries, coconuts, mangoes, oranges and watermelons to take a dip with you.

Minced Crawfish With White Rice And Native Pumpkin Conch Salad Sitting On the Bay in Long Island

Recipe for “Take A Dip”

The next time you go to the beach, we recommend that you take your fruits, preferably mango, pineapple, or watermelons (sliced), and dip in the ocean water, take a bite and enjoy. Tell me about it later.

While exploring, be sure to capture some of Long Island’s most beautiful scenery and your treasured moments. The sunsets are beyond breath-taking, and the night-time sky is perfect for stargazing. Sit out at the northside cliffs and watch the moonlight caress the indigo waves, whilst marvelling over the Milky Way, brushed across the night sky.

Bird watching, flamingo tracking, feeding the ducks, beach combing, treasure hunting, boat racing, and visiting historical sites, there is so much more Long Island has to offer. You may want to put in for a few more days off. Heck, just hand in your permanent relocation notice.

Thinking of making Long Island your future vacation destination, home away from home, or permanent place of relocation? Then, be prepared for a new type of living. Choose your luxury, go off the grid or have the best of both worlds. UA