Nassau, Bahamas

For my 50th this year, I decided I wanted to go away for a long weekend to somewhere I'd not been before.  Couple of restrictions - it had to be within 1 three-hour flight.  We whittled it down to 2 choices.  Montreal or Nassau.  Eventually the choice was made after a cold January day.  We needed some sun and warmth, so Nassau it is.

We gave the boys 2 days off school and took a direct flight to the Bahamas on Thursday morning.  From the moment we got off the plane, I knew we made the right choice.  A small delay in passport control (everyone needs to fill in a form - not just one for the whole family) we had a car service waiting to take us to the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar.  While the room wasn't ready, we changed into to swimwear and went for a wander around our home for the next 3 nights.  This place is nice.  And just what I'm looking for.

What then happened was we proceeded to switch between beach, pool and dinner for 3 days.  It was perfect!  Our first two nights meals were at The Sugar Factory and then The Pizza Lab.  

The only variation was on Saturday when we headed to the resorts Baha Bay  This water park was so much fun, even if we only rode the lazy river in between dragging the boys out of the wave pool.  Then after a hard day at the pool we officially celebrated my birthday at Marcus at Baha Mar.  We sat outside at this beautiful seafood and chophouse and had the most delicious meal, with my favorite people on the planet.  A great birthday meal, and a great way to finish the weekend. 

Here's to 50! (yikes).

View from our room

The Adult Pool

D, B, L & M at the beach

L, D, M & B out for dinner

D&M at Baha Bay

D, B, L & M on our way to Marcus @ Baha Mar

Harbour Island, Bahamas

My last full day on the island. But I want to stay. Actually it’s probably a good thing. I could get used to being lazy too easily.

We mucked around the house all morning and then decided to go in search of lunch at 12pm. On the way, Reggae decided that a buggy was required for the day, so we picked up one from the Royal Palm Hotel. We headed down to the dock and picked up a hamburger for lunch.

We drove over to Kim and Jason’s. They showed us through Elle’s place and Jason explained what he was doing in regards to renovations. He also took us to the block of land that Elle and Arki have just purchased and outlined what they are planning to do.

When we were done there Reggae, Marie, Kim and I went to the library to look through their photo exhibition. It showed pictures of locals in the 1960’s – 1980’s.

We went back to the house and down to the beach, after dropping Kim back at her place. We laid on the beach for ages, making the most of my last chance here. As usual, all was perfect on the beach.

Our next event was dinner. Cousin Suze, Jase, Kim, Kate, Marie, Reggae and I headed off in search of a meal and ended up at the Daiquiri Bar, where once again we got to feast on ribs. After dinner and a couple of beers we decided to head home. Little did I know Jase was psyched for big one.

Kate, Cousin Suze, Regs, Marbs, Kim, Jase & I @ The Daquiri Bar

Kim & Jason @ Daquiri Bar

My Bahamas Girls @ The Guest House

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Today is the ultimate lazy day. It’s fairly hot, so I opt to stay in the house in the cool instead of roasting on the beach. I only venture outside to hang out some washing late in the afternoon, after a day of scrabble, music and naps.

Dinner was once again packet pasta.

Amy called again tonight and we spoke for another hour, only stopping because the girls wanted to go out. We went to Willie’s, a bar not far from the house, where we watched Dwight’s band play. We had a few beers and the girls had a dance. Good fun. We ended up at home not long after midnight.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

I’m not feeling the greatest today. I don’t know why, but this is the second day I’ve had this headache and a have a pain in the stomach which is causing me grief.

I started the day late, as usual, and headed down to the beach for a swim.

Back up to the house for a late lunch before Suze, Reggae and I took Boppy and Felix for a walk through town to take some photos and to the Pirate Tree where, when the tide is out, a lone tree sticks out in the sand is apparently a source of hours of entertainment for Felix. Unfortunately, at the moment, the tide is in, so we’ll come back closer to sunset. We walked back to the house and head down to the beach for an afternoon swim.

Once back and refreshed we take the cart back to the Pirate Tree to take some photos of the sunset.

Pirate Tree As The Sun Sets

Dinner back at the house consists of chip sandwiches and noodles or pasta. The evening is spent around the table chatting, and is a relatively early evening for all.

The best news of the day is that Amy called and got to speak to her for an hour. I wish she was here – she’d love it. Maybe we’ll come back one time.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Once again the day started out slowly for the house after last night's shenanigans.

We got up, and dressed, and the 5 of us went to church. We went to the Lighthouse Church of God, which is like no other I have ever been to. There is no preaching, just singing and rejoicing. While we heard one passage from the bible from one of the choir girls, and community announcements from a lady, who also welcomed us as visitors to the church, the rest of the time was spent singing along with the choir and live band. An experience I hope never to forget.

After church we picked up some groceries and got a lift back to the house in time for a quick snack before we walked down to the harbor to meet Scotty, Jason and Kim as we are headed out for the afternoon on Scotty’s boat. After filling up with gas, Scotty took us to Ben Bay, which is on the northeast tip of Eleuthera. The 45 minute trip took us past the northern tip of Harbour Island, Jacob Island, Mann Island and Pierre’s Island, before getting out into the ocean around the northern tip of Eleuthera. We docked the boat just off the beach and were all straight in the water for a swim. We spent a few hours here either in the water, fishing, snorkeling, shell collecting or sun baking. I was so relaxed I didn’t want to come back.

Ben Bay, Eluethra, Bahamas

Me & Marbs @ Ben Bay

The ride home was a bit rough, so Jason and I had to be in the front of the boat to keep it stable. We were in sight of the Government Dock, when all of a sudden the outboard motor just stopped. We had run out of gas. We were still about 500 meters to the nearest pier, so Scotty and Jase got to the front and started pulling (luckily the water was only chest deep), the girls got out the back and were kicking, while I stood in the boat and rowed / pushed with a large stick. We did this for about 20 minutes until another boat came past with Scotty’s mates in it. They towed us to the nearest pier and took Scotty to get some more fuel. It took nearly an hour for him to return, and once back, ready to go, the engine still wouldn’t start – after a few attempts and adjustments the boat started and we cruised back into the main dock.

Out of Gas

We walked back up to the house, showered, and then started to prepare for dinner.

We decided that a BBQ on the beach was the go. David and India gave us some citronella lamps and we took a Webber, a table and some food down to the cabanas in front of Hibiscus Hill and cooked up a treat. Sausages, rissoles, tuna salad and potato bake – all too good. Kim, Jase, Reggae, Marie, Suze, Kate, Scotty, Money, Danard and I were all well fed and extremely exhausted. We packed everything up and were back in the house and in bed by 11pm. A great photo day – hope they all turn out.

Me, Marbs & Regs @ Pink Sands Beach

Looking Up To Hibiscus Hill

The Barbie, Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

The Crew Enjoying Dinner On The Beach

Harbour Island, Bahamas

When I woke up on Saturday morning, only Marbs and I where there – I have no idea where the others were. Marie and I decide for a walk along the beach – this time heading southwards. A lot of work is still being done at this end of the beach from the hurricane that tore through Harbor Island last September. Apparently it took 30 foot of frontage off the beach, so now residents are sand bagging their escarpments in the hope that it won’t happen again. If it does, some of the houses will not remain standing. It was good just having some one-on-one time with Marbs. I can’t believe it has been over 2 years since I last saw her – it seems like only last week. Typical of the Coasties – slip back into where we left off.

When we get back Kate and Reggae are home and, once again, the bulk of the day is spent either on the beach or hanging around the house. 

Our accommodations, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Dinner was again at our place, with Scotty and Suze coming over. We had hotdogs and conch fritters (which is like battered crab meat – deep fried)

After dinner we walked up to Gusty’s for another night out. On the walk up, David and India met us, and their friends gave us a lift. We met Kim and Jason and another fun night was had by all. Gusty’s quietened down, so we went to the Vichum where the festivities continued. While everyone kept going, Kim and I took to the table tennis for a bit of a laugh. We all piled into Money’s (a friend of Scotty’s) car for a lift home around 2am.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

A couple of seedy heads in the house this morning. Thankfully mine was not one of them.

We all slept in this morning and headed down to the beach near 12pm. Basically the afternoon was spent either at he beach or back at the house trying to escape the heat.

Me, Harbour Island, Bahamas

At 6.30pm Kate, Reggae and I went for a wander in search of food. We walked through Dunmore Town and along the harbor front, where everything had already closed. We ended up at Garfield’s, a pizza place not for from Gusty’s, where we had a huge pizza. It was so good.

The walk back home was pleasant, with the sun gone and with a slight breeze (and all down hill), it’s definitely a good time to be out for a walk.

Suze is babysitting tonight, as David and India have gone out, so we go over there to keep her company. The main house is really beautiful – stacked with books and photos – but still not a pinch on our place.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

We started today off with a walk north along the beach. The houses and resorts here on the water are amazing. Once again the weather is overcast, yet the water is still beautiful, so most of the day is spent on the beach.

We have a new arrival today. Kate, a friend of Suze’s from Nowra. She nannies for a family from New York, who arrive here on Monday. She is going to stay with us in the guesthouse until then.

Jason and Kim arrive for dinner at 8pm, and Suze arrives not long after with dinner. David and India’s housekeeper, Marissa, has cooked us a traditional Bahamian meal. We eat ribs, chicken broth, peas and rice and coleslaw. Absolutely delicious. All washed down with some of the local beer, Kahlik.

Reggae, Kate, Suze, Marbs, Kim & Jason @ Dinner

After dinner we pile into a couple of golf carts and head out to check out the nightlife. We start at Sea Grapes, which is just down the road. There is meant to be a band playing tonight, but when we arrive we are the only people there.

So back in the buggies and up to Gusty’s. This small club looks out over the bay and is perfect. With the half-moon reflecting off the water. The club is small and has a sand dance floor and when we arrive it is very dark and quiet – which is weird as this is meant to be THE spot on the island. The problem is there is a power failure, and until this is fixed people seem to be just content to drink in silence by the candlelight.

We run into a friend of Suze’s, Dwight, who states that the band is on at Sea Grapes - so back we go. On the way back we drop Jason off at his place (and see Elle’s house) as he has to work early in the morning. We arrive as the band starts its first song. Unfortunately by the second song the power has cut out and once again we are in complete darkness. This, however doesn’t stop the band who, with a set of bongos and two acoustic guitars, continue to play. Power is restored later in the evening and a DJ plays your standard club mix. We are kept in stitches by the antics of Reggae. I so wished I had a video camera. We managed top get back to the house at 3am after a fun night.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Today pretty well marks our days of laziness beginning. We head down to the beach after breakfast and stay in the water for ages. It is a beautiful day again, but the threat of rain looms in the distance.

Harbour Island Harbour, Bahamas

Main House From Guest House, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Beach Near Accommodations, Bahamas

We came back to the house for a late lunch and spend the afternoon taking it easy either is the hammock or in the house. I had a snooze while the girls took Felix and Amery aka Boppy (David and India’s sons) around the island in a golf cart. When they get back, we hang out and are visited by Kim and Jason, Suze’s friends from the island. Jason is overseeing the redecorating of Elle McPherson’s house that is further down the beach. We arrange for them to come and have dinner with us tomorrow night. Dinner tonight is burritos, with Suze and her man Scotty. Scotty is pretty quiet, but probably because the 4 of us overwhelm him. We were up until the early hours just hanging out.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

Went for a quick walk around the island in search of a phone, but to no avail. Apparently there is one near the Community Center that I’ll have to find later.

Checked out of my room at 11am and decided to hire a golf buggy for the afternoon to get a look around. The hotel let me leave my bag and camera behind while I drove around. Basically I drove all over the island checking out everything and looking for Cousin Suze’s place, Hibiscus Hill. The island was small enough that it only took 45 minutes to cover everything except a few dirt roads, which I didn’t think the cart could handle. I couldn’t find the house, so it must be off the beaten track.

I took the cart down past the school to the beach. Unbelievable! If possible I think the water here is clearer and more beautiful than the Whitsunday’s. I went in for a swim and then I laid on the beach – to see if I could drop down from bright white to light white. When it started getting cloudy, I went in search of lunch. I stopped at the Daiquiri Bar and had a meal there before continuing on my travels around the island.

I sat down by the harbor for a while and a storm kicked in, so I had no option but to sit in the cart to keep somewhat dry.

After the storm I did one more lap of the island before returning the cart to the hotel. I had to pick up my luggage as the office was closing in 15 minutes. I walked down to the harbor again and sat and waited for Reggae, Marie and Suze to arrive.

Regs & Marbs In The Bahamas

It was only an hour before they arrived and we caught the cab up to the house. Oh my God! You’ve got to see this place to believe it. The guesthouse of Hibiscus Hill is a 2 storey Gone-With-The-Wind looking house. This was topped off with a hammock out the front. From the top balcony you can see the beach in the east and the bay in the west. I’d even go as far as to say that it is nicer than the main house.

We are met by Cousin Suze and spend the next hour just in awe of our accommodation. Once we settled in, we went and met David and India (our hosts). Once Suze has finished work, time is spent with the 4 of us catching up.

Miami, FL to Harbour Island, Bahamas

Up in time to get ready and catch the buses back out to the airport. Once again, today is hot and extremely humid. I got to the airport with plenty of time to spare, checked in and made the most of the air conditioning.

The flight was on a small airplane – seating about 30 people – and took about an hour to get to Governor’s Harbor on Eleuthra Island. We had to get out here and go through customs before re-boarding our plane for the 10 minute flight to North Eleuthra. Once there, a cab took me to the pier, where I got a boat with 4 others for the 15 minute crossing to Harbour Island. Another 2 minute cab ride took me to Royal Palm Hotel, where I am booked for the night. For some unknown reason I have been upgraded to a deluxe room, which puts me in a cottage down the road. The place was a small 1 bedroom place with air conditioning in the bedroom. Thank Christ! It is so hot and humid here that breathing makes you sweat.

I head out for a wander around the island with camera in hand. I walked through all the beautiful, small houses along the bay on the western side of the island and along the beach on the east. The beach is awesome, the finest sand, the clearest water and a perfect temperature. Can’t wait for a swim tomorrow.

Got back to the cottage at 7pm after picking up some nibblies for dinner. Had the door open and all the fans on full blast, as I put the television on and watched the sunset, rainfall and darkness arrive. Am in the Bahamas.