Jul 23, 2003 01:53 AM
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(Updated Jul 23, 2003 04:32 AM)
I know I've written about the Bahamas before, but I just thought I'd have to write again about my trip last week.
Andros Island was our first stop this time. It is the biggest of all the Islands consisting of 2,300 square miles of swamps, cays, inlets, creeks, mangroves and beaches. It also has the 2nd largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere! This past week I finally took a shot at scuba diving.(One scary experience for me!) It was actually breathtaking. The water is so calm and clear you can see all the beautiful formations of coral, and all the beautiful colors of the tropical fish as well. To our surprise, we even got a close up look at some playful dolphins. What a treat. It did cost us $89.00 for 2 1/2 hours underwater...and well worth it.
The next day we hit Eleuthra Island, another pristine island only 110 miles in length. We took a ferry boat ride to the far end of the island and went to a small, quaint museum where we got a glimpse of all the island history and cultures. After that we went to a small pineapple plantation and got to see and taste some of the sweetest pineapples ever. We learned how pineapples grow, one at a time from each plant. We also purchased some pineapple products such as jelly and jam and dried sweet as sugar pineapple snacks.
3rd day we arrived in Freeport/Lucaya where we checked into the beautiful Royal Oasis Resort for the next 3 days.(The hotel used to be called The Princess, until it was taken over by the Holiday Inn corporation 5 years ago)
Here we not only got a great room, but it was in walking distance of the straw market, the International Bazaar and the Casino...(Where I happened to win $700.00!!!) All the shopping there at the Bazaar and the market is 100% duty and tax free! Also, don't forget to bring your bargaining skills with you. All prices are only asking prices and you can usually save a lot using your art of bargaining skills.
I sure did!
We also had 3 pool areas with a giant 4 story waterslide and hot tubs and jacuzzi's.
The hotel offered free shuttle service to the downtown area for more tax and duty free shopping and also to Xanadu beach where you can really relax in the sun lying on soft pink sand.
We ended each day with a delicious buffet dinner where we ate the freshest seafood and had the best dry-aged beef ever. Fresh veggies and fruit was heaped into beautiful colorful mountains and desserts....Ohhhhhhh sinful.
All in all we had a wonderful time. And I'm willing to bet I'll be going back again real soon!
The money exchange is exactly even with US dollars.
Cabs are very inexpensive and buses run frequently and are also very inexpensive
