The Bahamas You Don't See

I never expected to see so much poverty and squalor
at such a prominent vacation destination

My 10 year anniversary was coming up and we decided that we had to do something special to mark the occasion. We (and by "We" I mean I) came up with the amazing idea of going on a cruise to the Bahamas. Never having been , we figured that this would be pretty damn memorable, and we were right. The cruise was all we could ask for and then some. Countless activities, clubs, casino, romantic dinners and beautiful sunsets, it was great. Little did I know that the most memorable part of the trip would be the 20 minute shuttle ride to the beach upon arrival at the Bahamas .

This was the very first thing I seen, within 3 minutes of being on the shuttle. This is the outskirts of the town of Freeport. There were miles and miles of these big storage containers with Buckeye written on a few of them. All I could think was "Hmmm, didn't expect this kind of greeting." At this point I was a little caught of guard, but I was pretty sure It would only be a few minutes and I would see the big resorts and Tiki bars on the beaches I was expecting. I was partially right, I guess...

I could not believe what I was seeing. "I'm glad we didn't decide to stay for a couple days, baby." I always try to crack a joke when emotions are getting the better of me, this time was no exception. I couldn't help but feeling sad for the poor people who lived here, but guilt was the forerunner. How dare I come to this poor, ravaged town and exploit the only thing these people have, the natural beauty of the island. It was almost ironic that nature seemed to be fighting back, one resort at a time. We weren't 10 minutes into the shuttle ride and I was wishing I would have just stayed on the boat.

"Maybe they just abandoned these hotels to relocate? Maybe..."

"What am I doing? What are we(Tourists) doing? Whats wrong with us?"

The more we drove the worst I felt. How can so many people come to this place, enjoy its beaches, and take a backseat while poverty destroys it. How can all the money that comes into this small group of islands not find its way, even if partially, to the people who've made this place beautiful. The more I thought about it the more emotional I got. There were several times I had to face out the window of the shuttle to keep my "manhood" intact with my wife. I couldn't believe the overwhelming disgust I felt. Not with this poverty stricken town, not with the poor people who lived here, but with the bus full of tourists and mostly with myself. I just felt like it was people like us that have caused this place to become what it is. I felt wrong.

"How could paradise feel so bad"

We finally had reached our original destination. After a 20 minute eternity, our slice of heaven had somehow transformed. Though not visible, this beach had became the symbol of everything that is wrong in the world. I spent the whole time at the beach with two new friends, guilt and shame. I tried to stop them from "raining on our parade", but I knew I wouldn't succeed, I still had the shuttle ride back.

Through all of this there is one thing for certain, I was right. My wife and I will never forget this day

As always I appreciate you taking the time to read my post. I hope
you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Thank you