A world away from the up-tempo lifestyle and commercialism of a place like Nassau, CAT ISLAND and SAN SALVADOR offer an isolated example of Bahamian life before the advent of modern tourism. Still retaining the traditional farming and agriculture of the old Bahamas, the islands have nonetheless experienced economic difficulties in recent years, with their young workers leaving for service jobs in New Providence and Grand Bahama and the population shrinking to new lows in the last few decades. Nevertheless, they both have considerable attractions for visitors, from splendid stretches of pink sand beaches , to exquisite snorkelling and diving, to intimate and comfortable lodges far from the bustle of more populated islands.