Our Last Bahamian Day!

Hi everyone!

              

We woke up today both saddened and excited—it was our final full day here in Eleuthera, yet we’d be heading to what Stan promised to be “the most beautiful beach in the world”. Before leaving, we fit in a quick soccer rematch at the marina (team Angelina vs. team Helen). Though both teams accidentally kicked the ball into their own goals on multiple occasions, the Helen's pulled off a second victory.

Caroline is ready to defend against Devlin on the pitch!

After the game, we began the long process of packing, and later headed to breakfast to enjoy cereal, bagels, and sweet potato bread. Finally, it was time to drive to Lighthouse Beach! On the way, we picked up Stan’s dog Jesse (a Bahamian “potcake” who was once a stray). Once we reached the beach, there was a 2.5-mile trek to the water. Some chose to withstand the beating sun and run the distance, while most walked.

Stan's dog Jesse looking out over the most beautiful beach in the world!

Upon cresting the final hill and getting our first glimpse of Lighthouse Beach, we were astounded. Crystal blue water crashed over the pink-sanded shores, and a few dozen feet from the sand rested multiple coral reefs teeming with fishes. To the right were huge limestone cliffs that we later climbed to take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking view.

The squad at the top of the cliffs!

For hours, we roamed the beach and coral reefs. Some snorkeled among barracuda and parrotfish, some helped to build our “Sandman” in honor of the Gates Mills snow day today, some read books on the shore, and some played Frisbee or walked down the beach with Jesse. There was a general aura of reflection and bittersweet emotions. Our relaxing day by the water brought back memories of the past 10 days, brought us closer together as a ‘family’, and helped us wrap up the trip.

Snorkeling the Lighthouse Beach reefs!

Our Snow Day 'Sandman!'

At about 3:00, we walked (or ran) back to the vans for our drive home. Once we returned, we initiated our “deep clean”: we swept and mopped our dorms and bathrooms, finished up personal packing, and washed the showers. We rewarded our hard work with a delicious dinner of rice, lionfish, and chickpeas.

After dinner, it was finally time for our long-awaited Secret Santa gift exchange! Under our casuarina tree lay handmade gifts carefully wrapped in sustainable wrapping paper (aka leaves, dorito bags, t-shirts, or whatever else we could find on the beach). Everyone was delighted to open personalized and creative packages, ranging from Aryeh’s hula skirt to Stan’s decorated conch shell to Michael’s painted sea biscuit.

Secret Santa gift exchange success!

Finally, we congregated around a campfire (below an incredible starlit sky and a red moon) to share our happiest memories of the trip and roast marshmallows with chocolate chip cookies. As the day came to a close, we found ourselves grateful for the incredible journey we’d finished, and inspired by what we had learned and experienced. We hope for safe travels tomorrow and are excited to reunite with family and friends.

Until then,

Ellen and Sarah