Traveling: Why Did it Take Us So Long to Visit The Bahamas!

Gwen Pierce, trying on a Junkanoo Headdress. — Me – Gwen Pierce, wearing a Junkanoo Headdress.

I’m not quite sure why it took us, meaning my family and I, so long to visit the Bahamas?

We’ve certainly enjoyed our travels to other parts of the Caribbean including: Cayman Islands, Cancún, Cozumel and Jamaica, but for some odd reason the Bahamas, was never on our travel agenda.

Thank God we took the advice from a wonderful couple out of Atlanta, that we met on one of our trips, who encouraged us to give the Atlantis resort in Nassau a try. They continued to convince us by saying, “It’s much better than here. The Bahamas will be a trip that you will never forget.”

The “here” that they were referring to (I won’t name) was pretty darn good! That being said, we were sold and I’m here to say, that our new friends were absolutely right!

For starters, nice people combined with amazing hospitality and rich culture is truly what makes a trip unforgettable.

And the Bahamas had both.

Our trip was truly a refreshing experience. From the moment we cleared customs, and headed over to ground transportation to catch our first taxi to our resort, the Bahamian people went over an beyond the call of duty. In fact, without ever mentioning a word, our driver and every other driver who came after her, throughout the duration of our trip, gave us a tour complete with an education on the Island.

Apparently, it’s customary for taxi drivers to act as tour guides. At least, that’s the way it is in the Bahamas.

Check out our rich and colorful experience on the island of Nassau!

Side note: Before you head over to the gorgeous and extremely hospitable Island of Nassau, we suggest that you carefully evaluate your budget. Taxi rides and gratuity’s add up.

Every driver mentioned Junkanoo. Junkanoo is the colorful extravaganza that’s believed to be developed from the days of slavery. The influx of Loyalists in the late 18th Century brought many enslaved people who were given three days off at Christmas, which they celebrated by singing and dancing in colorful masks. In Nassau, it officially takes place the day after Christmas, December 26. Note: We were there in early December and were fortunate enough to catch a practice. Wow!

A must see is the Queen Victoria’s Staircase. Named after the Queen for her role in the abolition of slavery in the Bahamas. Sixty Five steps carved out of solid limestones by slaves in the late 18th century, between 1793 and 1794. It is reported that slaves were forced to cut through rocks with axes and other sharp hand tools.

When I saw this, the first thought that came to mind: Psychedelic Shack

A must stop is at DA Fish Fry! It is located just a few minutes outside of down town Nassau in between there and Cable Beach. This is a great spot to try some local food, like the famous Conch Salad and Conch Fritters. — A must stop is at DA Fish Fry! Row of restaurants located just a few minutes outside of down town Nassau in between there and Cable Beach. This is a great spot to try some local food, like the famous Bahamian Conch Salad, Conch Fritters and, Guava Duff.

The Cove at the Atlantis was, posh, swanky and so much fun!

Landscape Gardeners at The Atlantis, showed of their amazing gardening skills during the holidays.

Keith Walker

January 7, 2014 at 9:03 pm

Wow Gwen, you make me want to change our travel plans. Unfortunately we already have purchased the tickets. The photos that you took are beautiful! I know where we’re going next year!

Thanks for sharing.