Third stop, in as many days. Disembarked at about 9:30, to a warm and sunny day.
There were some souvenir shops around the ship and an area for taxis and minibuses.
It was a bit disorganised, so we decided to walk to the town. The security guard, who was operating the entry barrier, asked where we were going and told us that the beach was a half hour drive away. She added that there was a local beach, closed to an abandoned hotel but there were lots of sharks.
We made our way back to the taxi rank and I asked one of the attendants about a taxi to the beach. She was very abrupt and obviously annoyed that I had resisted her earlier attempts to herd us into a tatty minibus. Finally managed to get into an equally tatty minibus for a crowded ride to the beach – 20 dollars each, return.
Passed a number of abandoned hotels and houses on the way – apparently, due to previous hurricane damage – but buildings in much better state, as we approached our destination.
The beach was very nice, with white sands, clear blue sea and sun beds fronting bars. There was also a water park but it was deserted.
We walked along the shoreline and on our return journey, I asked the price of the sun beds – US$28, plus 16 for use of the beach. I said that was a bit steep and received a rude reply.
Walked further along and found a bar, where there was no charge for sunbeds, or use of the beach. Had a swim and ordered some barbecued chicken. The bar staff were very pleasant but unfortunately, the chicken wasn’t.
There was a very clean toilet block, where I was able to change out of my wet swimsuit. When I entered, there was another man – from Clitheroe, Lancashire and a passenger on our ship – who was doing the same thing. In the best men’s changing room fashion, I simply dropped my trunks and put on my shorts.
We sat with him and his wife on the return journey and he was intent on telling her about my brazen behaviour. Must be different in Clitheroe, or he was shocked by my bony rear – obviously not a Grammar School Boy. All done in a jocular manner but found out later that they were sequence dancers.
Some of our friends had walked to the local beach and had a swim. It was not until they got out that they saw the sharks. They showed us their pictures – at least four big ones.
Headmaster had mentioned that bad weather may mean that our planned stop in Bermuda may be cancelled. He confirmed this and we now have about 8 days at sea, before reaching the Azores. This is the fourth missed port, plus another half, if you count our late arrival to Fortaleza, in Brazil.
I think we went to that same bar and beach when we stayed in Nassau!