BAHAMAS
The commonwealth of Bahamas prides itself of possessing globally acclaimed grandiose third biggest barrier reef, rich mangrove wetlands and strategically situated fishing area between Atlantic and Caribbean Sea; it abounds in tourist sight seeing places.
GEOGRAPHY
Bahamas, with 14,000 sq. km land mass, is a Caribbean country within West Indies; it is a collection of about 700 islands, and 2400 islets of varying dimensions. Only 30 among them are occupied by population. As a chain of atolls it is positioned in the North Atlantic Ocean and Greater Antilles; in its easterly direction 760 miles away is Florida City of USA, Cuba and Caribbean are northerly; the westerly end is closer to Caicos Islands. Towards the south is Haiti.
The topology of the island is stunted creating plateaus the maximum elevation is 63 meter on Mount Alvernia of Cat Islands.
Most islands are without river but there is abundance of fresh water lakes. The composition of the soil is limestone-rocky or wetland with coral residue and fine fertile topping. The north has plenty of timber whereas south hardwood. Salt and aragonite are found naturally. The strategic location gives it the advantage of transshipment.
CAPITAL
Among the populated islands the capital city Nassau is located on New Providence measuring 80 square miles by 207 square miles. It is a conspicuous commercial center.
The visitors frequent the Pirates of Nassau museum to know more on this interesting topic. The other museums like the Historical Society Museum, the Lighthouse museum are also crowd pullers. The tropical flowers can be seen at the Ardastra Gardens. Kids head for the zoo.
Other important islands are Abaco, Grand Bahamas a vital habitation; Andros the biggest among the islands, Eleuthera, Cat, Freeport, west end, Great Inagua, Rum Cay and Watling or the San Salvador.
CLIMATE
The island stretch into an expanse of 5400 square miles and the temperature variation is bound to happen. The east shore is susceptible to hurricanes and deluge between June and November. The island is on the hurricane belt. Hotels have guidelines regarding this; moreover they intimate the tourist in advance and refund total money in case of fowl weather. A consultation with travel agent prior to booking of tickets is advised.
The weather is annually subtropical and tropical marine. The Gulf Stream carries warm water and prevents freezing temperatures even during winters. The trade winds make it humid even though the temperature falls a few degrees. Tourist can travel light with summer clothing.
HISTORY
In earlier times the Spanish named the island ‘Baja Mar’ synonymous shallow seas. Another Lucayan utterance Bahamas conveys ‘colossal upper-central land’
It was then a settlement of the Lucayans Arawak Indians or Taino since the 7th century. The tribe perished because of disease, slavery and allied conditions in the next 25 years. Christopher Columbus reached here through sea route in 1492. The Spanish compelled the natives to serve at gold mining at Hispaniola and Cuba.
It was only in the 1647 that British made a base here for religious liberation. It was a settlement in 1782. The British colonized it in 1783. Several African reached the island as slave workers. In 18th century the island was notorious for pirate activities. In 1834 the British eradicated the custom of slavery.
Since 1964 the island were partially permitted freedom for self rule from Britain. It became a Commonwealth island in 1969; in 1973 it became an independent country. Tourism and international banking has given rich dividends to the country. It is today a very popular holiday resort.
Today it is constitutional parliamentary democracy with the queen at the helm.
THE PEOPLE
Bahamas has people of West African slave pedigree and white are from the line of ancestry of the English colonizers and religious liberators and plantation owners; they are British, Canadians or Americans. The vanity of name still exists. Religion is intrinsic in the mental make up. Most islands have church as majority of the population is Christian- Protestant, Roman Catholics, Baptist, and Anglican. The population comprises of African-Caribbean, European, Asian and Hispanic.
Bahamas legitimate language is English. Other languages used for communication is Creole and French.
TOURISM
You will never repent having visited Bahamas after you see the beautiful beaches specifically Ten Bay Beach, the Guana Beach as well as the Treasure Cay Beach with pinkish brown sand and white waves hitting the shores rhythmically, watch awe stuck the circular view of marine creatures at Crystal Cay or be overwhelmed by reef at Pleasure Reef or else explore Fort Mantagu and the many other islands at you pace, enjoy fishing with family and kids, or cruise on ship for a variety of sea experience on board.
The capital Nassau cruise takes a trip to the Old lighthouse and later in deeper waters climb down to the bottom of the ship and watch the sea in its natural format with multi hued creatures through the glass bottom.
Bahamas has wonderful choice of water sports and adventure. The industry is still not well controlled and administered by laws so safety is individual discretion. Self safety is at personal discretion.
Bananas inflated Boat ride is for leisure and adventure both; the size variation is there but life jackets are mandatory.
The Beach Parties is inclusive of day outing to some other island destination, eatables games and if possible exclusive snorkeling outings. Specific scuba snorkel diving outings are undertaken by companies with the necessary equipment for amateurs and professionals. It will take you to a world of ocean into reefs, blue holes, big and small fishes and the beautiful clear water.
Bicycle tours are nature exploration on bikes stopping at strategic places for bird watching or enjoying the surrounding beauty.
The Lucayan National Park at Grand Bahamas Island has unpredictable running water caves and pine palm growth along with tempting beaches. The water of the caves directly connects with the sea. In ancient times these were abode of the natives. Another path leads to the wetland vegetation chirping birds and unusual flora marine life.
The Parrot Jungle garden here abounds along with parrots in waterfalls, scented flowers, turtles, and water birds. In the vicinity is a small museum and cay. Many tourists enjoy diving and snorkeling here.
Bimini Island on the western tip of Bahamas bustles with life during tournaments of fishing. The seasoned divers still dive deep to search the remains of the rumored city of Atlantis.
Crooked island is a popular destination as charted planes can land here. It has ample fishing activities and an ancient lighthouse to see; otherwise it is a quite place.
The Long island has rich heritage of diving activities both for deep and shallow waters. Its beaches are pristine lined with mangrove. The ancient caves within the furious waves reach are a place to visit. The terrain changes throughout the island; some very good spots for scuba diving are located here.
ACCOMMODATION
A major tourist spot it is dotted with accommodation of all sizes and types. The hotels vary from single star to five stars all providing basic modern facilities to luxury add on. Business visitors and holiday makers are provides with holiday equipment’s on demand. Hotel staff is able to arrange outings with the help of operators. Along the beach innumerable lodging facilities with food are available. It is advisable to make advance booking to avoid disappointment.
Music
African music is an important part in the life of the natives. You will get to hear Goombay in the bars and eating joints. At some places it is accompanied with rhythmic dance with drum beats. Night life is interesting with the casino at in Nassau and Paradise Island.
Food
The sea food is deliciously cooked in a variety of ways specially Conch and crabs; it is made into curry, soups, and stew. The food is concluded with native desert of Guava Duff. Continental variety is easily available.
Shopping
For shopping there are many items beginning with the native traditional handicraft, cigarette, coins, and perfumes. Grand Bahamas’ International Bazaar is shoppers delight; for ethnic items Bahamas Art and craft Market is recommended. The straw market at Nassau is the best place to buy souvenirs.
Some islands may bear a deserted look but a delight to the adventurous. The hustle bustle on people is forever there in densely populated capital city Nassau and Grand Bahamas Island. Being a free makes it more attractive. The Out Islands are the ones with water sports activities.
Tourist release that time is falling short or coming to a stand still at moments of apprehensions, appreciation, or fear of the mighty ocean. Soon bewilderment gives way to surprise, calm and comforted happiness. Nature is like spirituality.
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