STOP is an acronym for Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, and Proceed Mindfully. This was the name of the article I was reading in a two week old New Yorker magazine while flying on a prop jet to the island of Great Exuma. Me and my spouse eagerly anticipated the fanfare upon arrival. We have traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and, not knowing much about the island of Exuma our first time, w
e expected the same greeting of previous Caribbean vacations. You know, the mass hysteria to deplane, the long lines of Customs and Immigration, and the chaos of catching your transport (whether taxi, bus, or boat) to your resort. Oh yes, and the rum punch and steel band that greets you upon arrival. If you are looking for that in Exuma, you've picked the wrong island. Exuma has many paths to choose from though. You can experience a beautiful all inclusive or a magnificent resort or a charming old Caribbean lodge. Your choice. And it's all really good. We chose the path of a small home on the beach. That was five years ago. We still feel Exuma's warm embrace today. She reached out and refused to let go. The Exuma's are a chain of many islands that have undoubtedly some of the most stunning beaches, landscapes, and all around beauty that we have encountered. It is truly an undiscovered paradise with a beautiful heart. So we took the plunge and purchased a small piece of beachfront paradise. I hope you will follow us on this journey as we build our home to share with you and experience for yourself the beauty and peacefulness of the Exuma's. So S.T.O.P.!!! Really, try it!!! And then STOP in Exuma and catch your breath. Peace and Exuma love----Sand Nickels
