Machetes... again

Thanks to our experiences abroad we did not flinch when we encountered our first Haitian walking down the street with a machete. We were quick to recognize him as a gardener. Long time blog followers might remember the trepidation we related with identical sidewalk passings in Panama.

A small contingent of Haitians lives on Russell Island in some very third-world style huts. They walk or bike over to Spanish Wells to work, some as gardeners. There do seem to be a few shared power mowers in circulation, as I will occasionally spot a Haitian on a bicycle or motor scooter pulling a lawn mower behind him; however, much of the work involves tree and shrub trimming and the machete is a fine tool for that.

They all seem polite and not a one has failed to offer a greeting in passing. I guess this island is an improvement over where they are originally from. De Anne, on her morning bike ride to Russell Island spots them congregating at a public spigot with their five gallon containers. Clean water might be considered a step up.

Just because you live in a plywood shack doesn't mean you can't have a great view.

The bridge from Russell Island. Sometimes you can hitch a ride.

(I know, poor picture quality, but you get the idea)