Alicetown, North Bimini Island

On Sunday, we took the ferry from South Bimini to North Bimini island and explored Alicetown.

Conch conch conch and more conch decorate the streets.

For lunch we popped into Island House, because it happened to be there on the street when we were hungry. It turned out to be an excellent decision.  It was a dark bar, lit only with the ambient light coming through windows and the open door. A few locals lined the bar stools and the bartender greeted us boisterously when we walked in.  The stereo was blasting Mariah Carey, and an old Jimmy Stewart western played on the TV behind the bar.

We asked the bartender what was on the menu, and he pointed us to a lovely Bahamian woman in scrubs and a hair net sitting at a booth.  She, the chef, listed the three options of the day.  We both chose fried fish, with the sides of the day: plantains and mac & cheese.  As we were finishing, the bartender came over to ask how it was. I exclaimed embarrassingly enthusiastically, that it was the best fish I'd ever had in my life.  He laughed loudly and replied "Dat's right, there's some soul food up inside fuckin' here."  (Try to read that with your best Bahamian accent.) It was amazing.

Below are pictures of local Bahamian beer. I've been drinking Kalik, which is a lot like Corona, only more flavorful, and yummier. The name is an onomatopoeia referring to the distinct rhythmic sound cowbells make; "Kalik Kalik". There aren't many cows in the Bahamas, but cow bells are rung during the annual Bahamian junkanoo festival symbolizing freedom and joy. I have not yet tried Bush Crack. I had a good time speculating about it's meaning, but eventually asked someone.  It is half of the Bahamian phrase "Bush crack man run."  "Bush crack" refers to a rustling in the bushes. A startling sound makes you run away.

MLK was here.  And he got a hair cut.

Hemingway was here...  a lot.  He also got a hair cut. 

We stumbled upon the Dolphin House, built over the last few decades by local historian Ashley Saunders. It was constructed by materials salvaged from local construction sites and the sea.  On the door it says, "A bridge between dolphin and human consciousness".  It isn't open on Sundays, so I never got to find out exactly what that meant.

Lovely sidewalks of Alicetown.