bahamas report

check out the pictures here.

Our 4 day jaunt to paradise was in many ways better than expected. The location and facilities were beautiful, the people very friendly, and the crowds were sparse. The weather was warm and sunny, although the wind kicked into high gear on saturday and sunday. Too windy for sailing even (and of course far too windy for flyfishing). The fishing and snorkeling could have been a little better, but both served to remind me of all the good times we had in the ocean growing up (which wasn't very far away in fact). The food was of course excellent, although some of us had a bad experience or two. The guys came away as big fans of Kalik Gold (bahamian beer). Since my parents sprung for the all-inclusive package, I enjoyed more beer than I've had in the past couple months combined (which isn't as much as you may be thinking).

Michelle did rather well for the most part, although she had to take it slow due to the fibromyalgia rearing its head again. And she still had morning sickness, which in the end turned into more than just morning. But overall we enjoyed relaxing together and with the family, in what will most likely be our last hurrah before parenthood. We were anxious about the baby-on-the-way dynamic with my sister, but thankfully those fears turned out to be unfounded.

It was a bit odd to be in the bubble of the resort. It didn't feel all that carefully controlled, but in some ways it didn't feel quite right either. Perhaps the weirdness comes from knowing that all that stuff, no matter where you look, is there for us. We would wonder: are all these nice people being friendly because that's the way they are, or because they are paid to? Perhaps both. A few actual conversations we had with the staff showed them to be lively, smart, and friendly folks.

It's hard to believe I was eating cracked conch and downing a margarita by the water just 24 hours ago. And the temperature was about 40 degrees more than it is here. Back to "normal" life, which is a very good thing after a month of fun but hectic travels. The next thing to look forward to is the 2nd ultrasound and Michelle's tummy getting bigger and bigger.