Lamar and I just came from a trip to the Bahamas where we truly had an eye opening experience. Before this trip, our only experience in the Bahamas was a brief period onshore when our cruise ship docked there. But what we discovered this week is that we really did not have an opportunity to experience the breadth of the Bahamian experience on that short cruise excursion.
During this trip, I had the opportunity to discover the true beauty of the Bahamas. We spent several days touring the islands, getting to know the people, and learning about the rich history and customs. It was an experience that allowed me to fall in love all over again.
I fell in love with the people!
Anita Johnson-Patty, General Manager – Communications at Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, says:
“Bahamas’ greatest asset is it’s people.”
And after having the pleasure of spending time with many Bahamians, I would have to wholeheartedly agree.
Through the People-to-People program we were paired with Bahamian ambassadors who showed us the authentic culture and way of life in the Bahamas. We had dinner at the home of our host ambassador with several other ambassadors and family members.
We enjoyed authentic Bahamian cuisine that was prepared by our host’s mother and friends that included: conch fritters and baked crab for appetizers. Cabbage, fried grouper, crab and grits, Bahamian style chicken, beans and rice, and spicy mac and cheese for dinner. And for dessert, we had guava cake, pineapple tarts and coconut tarts.
“The dinner was scrumptious! I even tried to get that cabbage recipe, but mama was not letting go of her cooking secrets.”
We started the evening with appetizers on the patio where I was given a tour of the back yard and learned about all of the fruits and vegetables that Bahamians grow in their backyards. During dinner, we discussed politics (as they just elected a new government). We talked about our kids. And we learned so much about the islands and the culture.
It was truly a pleasure to meet people that were so nice and welcoming and that truly have a love for their country.
Oh and did I tell you that we had a local celebrity to travel with us during the entire trip. Yes, our limo driver and owner of Romeo’s Executive Limousine, Romeo Farrington was the man around town. Everywhere we went, we heard: “Hi Romeo.”
Romeo has been driving limos and taxis for over 50 years! He has driven countless celebrities and dignitaries and has even had small parts in 3 movies. It was such an honor talk to Mr. Romeo during the trip and to hear about Bahamian history and about all of his celebrity clients.
I fell in love with the history!
One of the highlights of my trips was our visit to the Junkanoo Museum. Junkanoo which is celebrated on December 25 and New Years Day, is a major cultural festival and a celebration of life and freedom. The Bahamians start the party/parade at 1 am wearing elaborate costumes made of paper and making music with cowbells and goat skin drums.
“If you’re ever in the Bahamas, you must add a visit to the Junkanoo Museum to your itinerary.”
Mrs. Arlene Nash Ferguson, founder of the museum, has been celebrating Junkanoo since she was 4 years old and has a deep passion for ensuring that this tradition lives on. You can almost feel the rhythm of the celebration as she passionately describes the history of Junkanoo. And before you leave, she will have you shaking a cow bell or beating a drum and wishing that you too could participate in Junkanoo.
I fell in love with the food!
I am not a foodie so my description of just how delicious the food was is not going to do it justice. But I had to opportunity to taste many Bahamian dishes: conch fritters (prepared several different ways), guava cake, grouper prepared several different ways, and the freshest lobster and fried shrimp you ever want to eat!!!
“Even the fried chicken has an extra kick to it as it was seasoned Bahamian style. You need to stay in the Bahamas, at least for a week just so that you can taste all of the delicious food!”
And on Friday night, we had dinner at a Fish Fry restaurant in the Arawak Cay area. I ate the most delicious fried snapper that I have ever tasted!! Hands down. Many people in our party didn’t order the fried fish because it came with the head on. But I am a country girl from the Tidewater area of VA. I grew up with relatives that caught the fish, cleaned it and fried it with the head on. They totally missed out!!!
I fell in love with Lamar”...all over again!!
When I was surrounded by such beauty, I couldn’t help but be thankful to God for all of my blessings and for just being able to have the experience. It made me think of how blessed I was to have my family and my loving husband. When we are on vacation, Lamar’s “sweetie-pieness” kicks into full gear.
Without the pressures of everyday life on our shoulders, our level of intimacy and affection increased. A vacation in The Island of the Bahamas is perfect for a romantic getaway. While there we took every opportunity to reconnect and enjoy each other.
BMWK Family – Check back with us all week as we provide you with details and pictures from our amazing vacation in The Islands of the Bahamas. Have you ever vacationed in the Bahamas? If yes, which Island did you go to? Have you ever fallen in love in the Bahamas? Do you and your spouse becoming more loving when you are on vacation?
Disclosure: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism invited us on this media tour and covered all of our expenses for the trip. However, all of the views and opinions expressed in this post are all our own.