Bahamas. I mean, really, what can I say about it that everyone doesn’t already know or think? It is absolutely paradise! What made this trip even more special was having my mother there to share in the experience. Her first trip overseas and first real vacation.
Atlantis is where we called home for a week. Everyday included mandatory lounging by the beach in a cabana. Rough life. We did get off the resort to experience some local culture, history and even your typical tourist excursions.
Pig Beach. When you get the chance to swim with pigs, you don’t hesitate. It was a a pretty long boat ride to get there. Even longer on the way back with rain showers that felt like hail. It was all worth it though. I mean, how often do you get to swim with pigs in the ocean?! They were pretty well trained to humans feeding them. You could even get them to sit for a carrot. Feeding iguanas was also an option. A stingray even came to check out the action! We saw a nurse shark come in close a few times also.
As you can imagine we saw a plethora of small islands. Some nicer than others and some owned by celebrities. This one pictured however has some cool history to it. It was the island where the beginning scene of Gilligan’s Island was filmed (so we were told).
One of the biggest thrills for me is learning about the history and the Bahamas has plenty. Being an antique junky, I have the urge to explore and experience the oldest areas and buildings. Typically, I don’t want them to be tourist attractions but rather hike and discover it on my own. Fort Charlotte fit the bill! Built in 1789 by Lord Dunmore and named in honor of the wife of King George III. It now overlooks where cruise ships dock. Absolutely loved this place!
Straw market is famous for tourists, especially the cruise ship crowds. Locals with their arts, crafts, trinkets and knock off designer bags. It is fun to walk through, negotiate on prices and experience, but don’t expect to find too many treasures there.
This was our second trip as a family to the Bahamas, in particular Atlantis, and if the future goes according to plan, won’t be our last. A destination and experience worth putting on your to-do list.