January 2, 2004
Nassau

Second day of the new year. Yesterday, I biked around town with the folding bike. Over the bridge, overviewing the whole Harbour, the cruise ships and fishermen, all the sailboats. Far down in the distance I saw our boat looking so small compared to all this others. The bridge lead to Paradise Island where all the hotels are. I talked to some natives and then rode the bike to the entrance of the hotel, where all the taxis pick up the VIPs. As if my little bike would be a Mercedes I gave it to the waiters for care and explored the inside. Amazing halls of luxury stuffed and crowded with attractions and all kinds of entertainment, colorful, astounding. A complete different world. Aquariums with sharks, casinos, shops.

Among all these people I walked with my dirty shorts and sweaty shirt on. It didn't bother me at all. I walked like a prince and felt like the king of the Island. Somehow, somewhere these days, my inner constitution has changed. I feel good about myself. I feel loved. I feel missed.

The first time I feel better than I look like.

I found a new awareness, a new perspective of myself in this universe. How I love to ride around on my little bike among these multitudes of diverse people. Through the streets, through the colors. If someone would ask me, I'd just say: I'm not a tourist, I'm a traveler.

Yesterday, we went to a pub having a great time checking out the Bahamian beer, called Kalik. As a German I have to say it is a rather disgusting beverage, strange it got so famous around here.

This is gonna be a year of joy, I heard. A good year. I'm eager to live. With this rather personal note I wish you all the very best year. Life is good.

(J)