Beach Tuesday - 🌴

We went to the beach today.  And yes, it is Tuesday so we had Beach Tuesday this week.  Woohoo! With excessive heat, and lots of sun, as well as having entertained on the previous Sundays, we just really wanted some time to relax and enjoy this tropical playground. The beach at West End was calling and we responded.  

The thing about a Tuesday trip to West End's beautiful sandy beach is that Tuesday is one of three cruise ship days this week. Local people going to this beach are not exactly welcomed with open arms. Cruise ship day is  money-making day. If you aren't prepared to pay for a little patch on the sand, you should move along. But, we didn't. We were kindly encouraged to settle our beach towels "over near the coconut tree".  So we did. 

We arrived bright and early, at least an hour before any buses with tourists arrived. Already, the beach had the 
appearance of "ready". Parades of lounge chairs were lined up in readiness for that first bus. Gaggles of giggling teen boys (really - I'm not exaggerating - gaggles and giggling!) scuffled with each other as they held their batons of bracelets in preparation for their first victim. Waiters poised at the entrances to outdoor restaurants while the coconut-water-in-the-coconut-shell man tucked colourful cocktail umbrellas into his coconuts.  All was ready. 

Meanwhile, Larry and I, along with a few other young sweethearts (insert winky face!) casually reclined on our frayed beach towels. We both snorkelled - separately - someone has to stay with the "stuff" when you're out under a coconut tree with a bunch of giggling teen boys just over there. Larry's new snorkel vest keeps him up off the coral. Yay! (He should have gotten one years ago.) We delighted in seeing such diversity of sea life. The morning sun enhanced the colours as the fish went about finding their morning meal. I was wondering if they too were preparing for the rush of tourists?

And then - the beach was full! The animation of the people called out to us and we joined the beach walkers. What struck us was the number of people who walked the beach in an effort to provide tourists with a complete beach  experience. We are particularly sensitive to those who make their living - feed their families - by walking the beach. We have always applauded all who work - all work is honourable. So, while there were many people working the beach, we couldn't help but be pleased to see several people we visit making the effort. 

There is much argument about licensing beach workers. Beach workers are supposed to go to the mayor's office and apply for a licence to sell. At times, the local police publically shame those without licences by gathering them into an area, shout at them, and even hustle a few off to - somewhere. There is a minimal expense for this licence. Those who do not have one say there are no licences available at this time. Maybe this is right, or maybe not. On the other hand, - really?!? Licences for someone to show some initiative and walk up and down the beach for several hours in the heat (heat!!) of the day to make a few dollars to buy rice and beans for their family???!!

Whatever is right - we were pleased to see so many working - with, or without a

licence. Surprisingly, we did not sit for hair braiding, or massage! However, I did come home with two bracelets. One bracelet I purchased from a young dad we know. (BTW - the cost was $5)  The other was given to me by a young girl because she likes me and was surprised to see me.  And she is generous and loving.  

And, I really think that being a little more generous and loving toward anyone who is working would be a good thing. Really, the money is not going to something sleazy or illegal. For most of the tourists on the beach today, several hundred dollars had been spent on the cruise ship experience. Another $5 wouldn't break the bank. But, it would make such a difference to these hard workers. (ok, off the soap box).

Larry is starting to add suggestions for this blog. He thinks I'm not going to finish before Tuesday is over so I'll have to say "yesterday was Beach Tuesday." He is also suggesting jokes - so, it would be a good time for me to wrap this up with a few pictures. Do you think it would be too decadent for us to also enjoy a beach day on Sunday this week too? Probably would be a good idea. 

Frances - licenced masseuse, and long-time friend

Mavel - student masseuse, hairbraider,
and generous friend

My new bracelet from a loving friend