Random Things I Didn’t Know About Island Life
After 25 years of visiting Staniel Cay—sometimes for long stretches—before I first began to REALLY “Live Like a Local,” I thought I had a good handle on the ins and outs of island living. Silly, I suppose, since there’s always something new to learn in any venture. At the very least, I thought I understood how tough the ever-present elements of salt, sun, sand, and humidity were on materials.
NOPE.
I’ve had plenty of island life surprises—some small, some big, and some things I’d just never considered before.
Like these:
“Stainless Steel” means what it says. It stains less, but it is not rust-proof in the way I took for granted in the States. Even my best kitchen knives bear rust spots here and there. And the cute silver soap caddies I initially brought? They had to go—turns out they leave rust rings on the counters.
Elastic is a goner. Waistbands, swimsuits, you name it—elastic just doesn’t last. The worst casualties? Underwear and bikinis. They stretch and stretch… until they’re completely useless.
Basic hair conditioner won’t cut it. My long hair needs backup in the shower: a bottle of heavy duty detangler sits next to the shampoo in the shower to battle the wind snarls–especially after a day on the boat.
Golf carts don’t have gas gauges. As a teenager, my dad drilled it into me: Never let your gas tank drop below a quarter full. Turns out, I didn’t realize how much I relied on that little gauge. For the first time in my life, I ran out of gas. Sorry, Dad. At least I could walk home! (Now, more carts are electric and do have a battery gauge.)
Rainbows often dazzle us. I swear I see more rainbows on Staniel Cay than I ever did in the States. I suppose it’s the vast expanse of reflective water, bright sunshine and frequent little rain showers (sprys). No matter the reason, I love them!
Men & Public Urination. Men (yes, I’m generalizing, sorry!) pee in the bush way more often than I would have imagined—even when a real toilet is not that far away. I’m sure this stems from generations of no bathrooms existing when they were out in the real bush or on the water. Even these days, on a construction site for example, no Port-O-Johns are set up - they do not exist as an option. So, ya do what ya gotta do!
Practical skills > book smarts. Although I will always and forever be a strong proponent of education, book learning pales in comparison to the value of mechanical, electrical, carpenter and all ’round handy-man skills that are called for nearly every day in island life. (And don’t even get me started on cooking!)
Forget steel wool—scrubbing a scorched pan with sand in the salty sea works far better. (See what I mean about the cooking theme!?)
Propane ranges trump electric. Even when the power goes out (with unfortunate frequency), I can still cook dinner since my stove uses propane gas. Cooking by flashlight and candles! And, thankfully, a backup generator these days! (More cooking theme!)
Restaurant Dining is Rare. As you may have discerned, I cook way more now than I ever did before. Back in my Stateside days as a professional woman working very long hours, I rarely cooked–lots of ordering in or going out to eat. But Livin’ Like a Local on Staniel Cay? Even though the restaurants are great, we don’t have the same wide swath of options, and honestly, eating at home is just more the thing to do—especially now that I actually have time to do it. Thankfully, with all the practice, my skills have improved… so I’m not trotting down to the beach to scrub scorched pans (much) anymore, ha!
Most soaps won’t bubble in saltwater. Except for one. When the fresh water supply isn’t working and I have to take a sea bath, or wash dishes on a boat, I lather up with the one and only Joy dishwashing soap.
I’m an even better floater in summer. Warm water and extra-salty summer seas make for prime buoyancy.
Beautiful sunsets are not a rare treat. They happen spectacularly almost every single day – and I appreciate every one of them.
