Barack Obama became president of the USA, and the whole world, and Bequia today. There was a Big Party of Americans at a fancy new beach bar with a Big TV, but we missed it (long story). Instead, we ended up in a few neighborhood spots with small TVs, and smaller, but no less enthusiastic crowds. Here are just a few memories…

• In the bookstore, where there are maybe 3 American magazines (most likely dated November), Obama was on virtually every cover.
• On the streets, spontaneous cheering was erupting wherever people gather.
• In the Sailor’s Bar, the owner’s daughter came home from school and watched with wide-eyed curiosity.

• In Coco’s Place, a handful of salty Yachties were mostly speechless, but leapt often to their feet, wiped many a tear, and became instant soul-mates.

Thanks to Jesper (breakaway kid) for this great photo.)

• Coco himself seemed emotionally entranced by the event.

• An elderly couple, probably expats, sauntered down the street grinning. She held a big bunch of red, white & blue balloons.
• A young, dressed-up native woman stood on a corner yelling about “Obama!”. When we stopped near her, she stuck her head in our car, said “Where you from?” And gave us big love.
• “Obama” was the one word clearly heard all day long and the morning after, no matter how unrecognizable the patios or how thick the Creole.

The future is upon us. The hard work has begun. I’m far away from my homeland, but proud to be an American.