The sound of bass runs deep in foot-tapping rhythm. Leaning against the nostalgic late 70s rusty red Mercury Cougar, a couple of gals wearing bandanas and smoking a Camel, have the engine turned off and the music cranked up. “I love this song!”, one of them squeals in between lyrics, body swaying in motion. “The 70s rule!”, the other responds making the peace sign with her right hand. The fisherman on the dock looks over and nods his head, reminding himself to make sure he gets his grandson back home before the crowd turns into a mob scene.
This is where they come at the end of the day. Some to fish, others to unwind, and a few to stir up trouble. The sun is setting true west of Nawiliwili Harbor casting ghostly shadows on the gigantic cruise ship nestled in port for the night. From time to time loitering gets a little out of hand on the strip as evidenced by a make-shift grave marker along the sea wall. An empty bottle of Jack Daniels, nicotine stained cigarette butts, and a shrunken deflated condom affirm it. Police make an effort to control the area for neighboring residents, but are stretched pretty thin between patrolling the harbor, checking bar traffic, and overzealous cruise-ship tourists. Everybody wants to have a good time.
It’s an age-old dilemma. Without exception, every town has had to deal with it at some point or another. Whether it’s the parking lot at the mall, or cruising the downtown strip, people gather for socialization. The only difference on this tropical island, in the middle of the Pacific, is the backdrop is gorgeous and the sunsets are breathtaking. The fishing’s not bad either.
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