Bahamas - July 2005
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The first thing to say about the Bahamas, specifically where we were (Our Lucaya
resort near Freeport), is that it was very much like being in south Florida…
except that the predominant language was English.
The Westin hotel at Our Lucaya was very nice, with a lovely segmented pool
including swim-up bar and “infinity edge” which makes it appear that the pool
continues out into the ocean. We were advised before the trip to skip the hotel
food and instead walk across the street to the Lucaya Marketplace, where there
is a wide variety of affordable restaurants and shops. A pleasant surprise was
that the area does not attempt to gouge the tourists – good food at good prices,
including cans of soda and bottled water for only one dollar each. Heck, you go
out to a Brave’s game and you’ll likely have to shell out $3.50 for a bottle of
water.
Day 1 – Sunday
An uneventful flight and 20 minute cab ride brought us to the Westin hotel
around noon. Since our room was not yet ready, we headed across the street to
the Lucaya Marketplace for a bite to eat. First try was Cally’s, one of several
casual Greek restaurants in town. Breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and
hash-browns for $4.75
A little strolling around, and then back to the hotel. We checked into our
room, put on swimwear, and headed down to the pool to get that first nice layer
of sunburn. After baking in the sun for a few hours, back up to the room to
shower and change, and across the street for dinner.
This being our first trip to the Bahamas, and our first evening meal, we
wanted to get the flavor of the islands, so we chose the China Café. Good
“standard” Chinese food, but HOT HOT HOT! And I don’t mean spicy. You would have
thought we were in the kitchen eating right off the stove! Maybe it was just
that food takes longer to cool when it’s 120 degrees outside (seemed like it
anyway).
Day 2 – Monday
Up early, we stopped by the tour desk and booked a few activities. We had
just enough time to grab some breakfast (Cally’s again) and then hopped on a
catamaran sailboat for sailing and snorkeling. Nice coral reef with a bunch of
fishies, but very shallow. Got a little nervous at times when it seemed we might
scrape our legs on the coral. Very pretty though, and plenty of time in the
water.
Grabbed a sandwich at Subway (yes, more authentic Caribbean fare) and then
back to the pool.
Walked around the Marketplace looking for a spot for dinner, and settled on
Seaview Bar and Lounge with a view of the marina. Again, the food was served
very hot! Must be something in the air. Conch fritters for an appetizer…
finally, something you don’t usually find on the menu around here.
As this was the 4th of July, we hoped we might see some fireworks. Several
people told us that, yes, there would be fireworks, but the descriptions and
locations seemed rather vague. Alas, we heard a few pops, but didn’t see
anything.
Stopped in the casino (part of the Our Lucaya resort) and played a little
video poker.
Day 3 – Tuesday
Up way too early (by Don’s standards) as we had to be at UNEXSO by 9:00 am to
go swimming with dolphins. Very excited! Munched on a bagel and then hopped on
the boat (along with 10 other people) for a 20 minute ride to the lagoon. The
dolphin trainer who greeted us was knowledgeable and friendly. She walked us
over to the area where we would swim, and explained what to do, and what not to
do. After donning swim-fins, the first 5 of us slipped into the water.
It was very cool to have the dolphin, Taino (pronounced TAY-noh) come up to be petted. She would swim along
side, and dive under the water with us. The trainer then showed us some “learned
behaviors”: flapping her fins, spinning around or splashing water back and forth
with each person individually. We also each got a kiss and a hug.
Tracy and I were lucky to be in the first group, as Taino, who is pregnant,
got a little finicky and swam off for 5 to 10 minutes while the second group was
in the water. It was very fun, but naturally we all would have loved to have
more time.
We took the video camera on the trip with us, but did not bring it along for
the dolphin swim. Why not, you ask? Good question! We had run into someone the
day before who was wearing a UNEXSO shirt, and asked her if she worked there.
She said yes, so Tracy asked if we could bring cameras. The girl said no cameras
were allowed, so we left the video camera in the room. This may have been a
miscommunication, as she might have thought we meant underwater cameras to take
in while we swam. We were very tempted to book another dolphin swim, just to get
it on video, but decided it was a little too costly. Ah well…
Swimming with the dolphins is highly recommended! And, bring all of your
cameras… the other folks in your group will be glad to shoot pictures or video
while you’re in the water, and you’ll be happy to reciprocate… and you’ll be
glad you did.
Lunch was at The Pub at Port Lucaya, and then back to the pool.
Dinner at Caribbean Café – yes, actual local food. Steak and seafood combo
platter for two. Pretty good! A little more video poker, and to bed. Don watched
an interesting movie on HBO titled “The Girl in the Café” but fell asleep about
2/3 of the way through. Just like at home!
Day 4 – Wednesday
We had booked a “sunset dinner cruise” for the evening, so we decided to
spend some time at the pool before eating a late breakfast / early lunch. Tracy
went down and grabbed a couple chairs under an umbrella (we’ve gotten pretty
roasted by now) and we spent the morning reading with occasional dips in the
pool. Across the street again for food, this time at Zorba’s, another Greek
restaurant.
After lunch we rented a half-hour on a wave-runner. Tracy was at the controls
for the first 10 minutes or so, and then we swapped places. Fun, but a little
exhausting, as the water was kind of rough. Back to our umbrella and books.
The dinner cruise was on a big double-decker party boat. We had debated the
two options: appetizers only (lower deck) or steak and lobster dinner (upper
deck). Against our better judgment, we chose the dinner. An extra $35- each, and
definitely NOT worth it. It was the most money we spent on food the entire trip,
and turned out to be our least favorite meal. The appetizers they had downstairs
looked tastier. Another “Ah well…” We did, however, have some nice conversation
with our table-mates. The cruise ended with an interesting and a bit comical
“show” by a roller-skating limbo guy.
Another little bit of video poker in the casino, and time for bed.
Day 5 – Thursday
Another early start at the pool, where we nabbed the same chairs and umbrella
(close to the pool, but with a good view of the ocean). We headed to breakfast
at Zorba’s, after which we stopped in the bookstore as Don had finished his book
and needed another. We were feeling rather worn-out, so no other activities
today… just relaxing and enjoying the time off.
Dinner was Domino's Pizza and Wings – figured that was a good way to say
goodbye to the islands. HBO was showing that movie again, so Don got to see the
end of the story.
Day 6 – Friday
Off to the airport, and back home to our puppies (whom we missed terribly). A
patient of Tracy’s house-sat / dog-sat for us. Sweet 20-year old girl by the name of
Emily that Tracy has known since she was three. Thanks Emily!
All-in-all we had a very nice vacation. Five days was plenty… although, if we
went with a group of people a couple more days might be in order. We’d recommend
this destination, including the Westin, and may return. Nice, short 1 ½ hour
flight from Atlanta; no currency exchange; English speaking; plenty to do.
But, it’s also nice to be back home…
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