Who wouldn't like vacationing in the Bahamas? It is indeed a paradise on earth with its pristine beaches and rare flora. However, what is the meaning of “Bahamas” if there is any? Let us attempt to trace a bit of the history of the Bahamas. It was Columbus who first sighted these sparsely populated islands in the Atlantic Ocean. He uttered the term “bajamar” meaning “low tide” on sighting these islands.
However, after setting foot he learned he was met with resistance from the natives, the Lucayan Indians who were later enslaved. Today there is no trace of this race anywhere on this planet. With the passage of time these islands became a hideout for pirates who lured ships laden with merchandise by flashing lights that were mistaken for lighthouse signals. Some of these ships were later sunk somewhere Mid-sea, after the cargo was plundered. Notorious sea pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack were plying their trade on these shores. However this menace was short-lived as the Spanish troops destroyed the town of Nassau to teach a lesson to the pirates. Piracy raised its ugly head again and the King of England had to appoint Woodes Rogers as governor to restore order. Rogers, a reformed pirate himself was able to bring piracy under control. He had more than 10 score of these pirates to surrender to his amnesty offer. It was after a semblance of order was restored, that tourists and vacationers were attracted to this heaven on earth.
Getting there is pretty easy as most airlines operate direct flights to Nassau International Airport. There are many top rated hotels that promise a comfortable stay. There are a lot of interesting things you can do on your trip to make it a pleasant and memorable experience. You could check out Castaway Cay which is a 1000 acre island and you can have an exclusive cruise line get you there. There are serene beaches with separate areas reserved for family and areas exclusively for teens. A place called Serenity Bay is strictly for adults only. A typical day would consist of lazily swimming around with a bit of snorkeling to add to the fun. Your kids are simply going to love Scuttle's Cove and Monstro Point where you could rent floats, jet-skis and paddle boats. The teens could freak out playing volleyball, ping pong and tether ball and explore a bit of the marine life. There are trams to get you to Serenity Bay. Only people over 18 are allowed and it would be worth it to check out the exotic massage cabanas.
Special couples's massages are also available. A variety of food and drinks are available round the clock. You could visit the Blue Lagoon Island and have a great time swimming with dolphins, the friendliest creatures you could ever come across. You could also get a close up view of sea lions. Have an exciting adventure all by yourselves at the Exuma Cays which is just an hour away by boat. Get a close look at the starfish which are aplenty. Don't forget to include a tour to Freeport, West End and East End where you could indulge in biking, hiking and a bit of kayaking, and for people who are up to it diving at Owl's Hole and Ben's Cave should get the adrenaline flowing. A good time for the entire family is guaranteed when you visit the Bahamas. Make sure that you leave the ADT Security Systems on before you take off, so that there are no surprises when you get back from that well deserved vacation.
Martin Wynn
