Have you ever been called by the sea? The sea is calling. The sea is calling. She is relentless, releasing the song of the siren, pulling you her way. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now and then, I fight the urge and take a wander into the forest, showing that there is more to life than the sea. For this month, I have let her have her way, sailing the sea since January 14th. I have been remiss in getting enough internet to power up a post, visiting private islands that are as remote as one can get but, diving right into the peaceful life in different ports. This day was an idyllic beach day, The vantage point that I was at gave me a full view of the near beach. It was the most perfect day I could have imagined. I hope all is well in your world!

Of course, what would a little island be if I didn't meander through a market or three? It is always an adventure when I try to find that thing that I am looking for. This time, I am looking with a few family members who aren't real shoppers. But, today, everyone is a shopper. Shopping first, then Denise is going to hunt down some conch stew. One of my favorite dishes! Have you ever tasted a conch? In case you were wondering, it is pronounced Konk.

Today is #MarketFriday initiated by Hive account@dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) Join me as we share our markets across the globe. I always look forward to seeing what you send me! It is amazing to see the different markets and cultures of our friends here on Hive.

A short stop for another day in Nassau, Bahamas, after taking a beach day on one of their private islands. There are about 700 islands that make up this archipelago. You know, the Bahamas. Tourism is down all over, so the crowds are not nearly what they used to be. It is truly a double-edged sword. Good for me because if you are looking to purchase things, the prices are better, Of course, this means that they will be getting less for their goods as they are paying more for them. To be honest, they are either really inexpensive or way overpriced, so I try not to barter too terribly much. If you want something, just pay up, unless you are feeling really ripped off.

This was like stepping into a secret world, you go through a gate and it opens up into narrow streets with markets linking the streets, the sidewalks - even vendors walking around, hawking their goods. It was a city inside of a city, no space wasted, although there was no actually crowding until I got to a small flea market. But, you got a bonus for putting up with the crowds. The prices were deeply discounted. So, you can have it your way, with or without the crowd.

I stopped seeing storefronts for a while, but, a sit-down market brought down the prices as they didn't have to pay the rent of a store or the price of a space under the tent. The young kids that were with us were fascinated with the carved animals. I have to say that they were more fascinated watching them carve right there as they are selling. The alligator was $9.00 which was a steal, and the shark was $10.00. Both had movable joints, so it was quite the deal.

Well, yes, please...except I am looking for some run for a gift and also some vanilla extract. Little gifts for a few people back home. I am actually going to wait until I get to Mexico for the vanilla. The extract is pure, well, I can get it there anyway. Many add Karo or sugar to theirs and that is not the kind I want. I am holding out for the pure. You can tell the
difference as the flavor from the pure vanilla extract is noticeably better than the cheaper vanilla extract. The proof is in the recipe! Try it!

I am not into collecting little cups of clocks or something that I don't really need. I would rather buy a teeshirt for someone, because who doesn't love a teeshirt? Especially if they are young. I even buy them for myself so I can wear them to bed. I buy a guy's tee and then it is big enough to wear as a nightgown. And soft because it is a teeshirt. Perfect gift for me. And only $5.00! What a deal.

Chilled coconut? I'm in! I took a video of the guy chopping them up. He wasn't doing a really good job, or I should say that they weren't pretty, but, it was still good. Sometimes looks don't matter that much. That and the fact that he was the most inexpensive. I am guessing he is the new guy in town and he is looking to make a name for himself. He has my vote!

They were selling Cuban Cigars at the store in the back. It used to be a big deal to be American and be able to buy a Cuban Cigar. Are they good? I have no idea, but, you couldn't buy one in the US, so they were very coveted. We always want what we cannot have, yes?

The shops were endless and it was good luck that we found this little alley of shops. I will bet there were about 200 shops. It was a great time that was had by all. We didn't buy the rum, because I forgot, I got all caught up in some of the shops and found that sleepshirt. Mission accomplished.

What?? Bangles? Two for $5.00??? Bangles for everyone! Step right up! Who could resist? It has been fun tonight, but, I need to post it before I lose it. I had that kind of luck last week! I am having a great time and I will be home next weekend, but, I finally found some internet. Many apologies for the lack of internet, but, my family was grateful. Not very loyal, are they? Thank you for coming along!

Please leave the link to your post here so it can easily be found by others. It helps you and me to have them in one place. Where else can you take such a quick trip around the globe? Thank you so much for joining us!! ❤

And just like that, this post is done. I hope you had a good time and learned a little something new. As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit, and just remember, #MarketFriday loves you! Thank you for supporting the challenge! Have a fabulous day! Cheers!!

As always, there must be flowers to color my world. #alwaysaflower As always, keep on singing that song!!... and just so you know, although much sun and shine were used up today, I can guarantee that there is still a little left in my heart. Have a fabulous day! And keep on Hiving! That never gets old! 💖

Denise #3.jfif

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Fridays are all about the #MarketFriday Challenge! Looking to take part in it? Here is how:

Rules of the Road to Join #MarketFriday!

Go to the market, or anywhere that you pay money for a service.
Take pictures! Be creative!
Tell us a little bit about the market or the event. What brought you there? What did you buy? How much did it cost? Was it expensive? Did it go up or down? I need something other than 50 pictures of the market.
Post the pictures. Of course, you should tell a little bit about the ones you post, it is too difficult to guess on some
Use the MarketFriday Community Platform to post (#hive-196308) This is not required but appreciated.
PLEASE Drop the link into the MarketFriday comment section so I can find it!!
Following me and reblogging the post would be appreciated, but not a rule, more vision for more views on the #MarketFriday posts!
You must put #MarketFriday by Hive account@dswigle somewhere on your post.