Thursday -- Shopping

Today we decided to head over the bridge to town and do some souvenir shopping.  We hailed a taxi and ended up at "The Straw Market".  As I posted on my facebook . . . a thousand ladies all selling the same stuff.  Each one of them trying to bargain with you to buy their stuff.  At first it was a little overwelming but by the end, I as barganing like a pro. Ha ha ha.  Even got some Bahamian money to bring back home to the boys.  It was such a neat experience!

When we got back to the hotel, we met up with one of Stacey's friends that was staying in the Cove hotel next door and hung out at their beach the rest of the day.  We wanted to stay and watch the sunset, but this place shuts the beaches down at 6pm (trying to run everyone indoors to buy their stuff). 

We then went to the marina to have pizza and sit on the plaza to people watch.  There was an awesome parade of cartoon network characters that Mason would have loved to watch.  I made a video and hopefully I can upload it when I'm back home. 

And...... of course . . . there was the parade of "Oh my .... can you believe their last look in the mirror at their outfit was, yeah that's perfect" fashion show here in the Bahamas!!  ha ha ha.  I'll have to share some of that experience with you later as well.

Packing now and preparing to go home tomorrow.  It's been a wonderful experience but I really miss my family.  Anxious to get there and give them their "stuff"!!!

Wednesday - Horseback Riding!!

Today we got up early to go on a wonderful adventure of riding horses on the beach!!  A long time dream of mine.  When the car pulled up to get us, he (our guide "Duke") told us we would be the only two going!  How amazing it was to find out we would have a "Private" beach ride.  We went to the western side of the Island to Coral Harbor.  Believe it or not, the stables were in the suburban part of town.  We had to ride down a few streets to get to the trail.  But it was still a neat experience.  We got to taste some of the wild fruit growing along the trail (the horses tried it so I know it was ok).  When we finally got to the beach, it was such a breathtaking view, I almost forgot to take pictures!!  Since it was the two of us, Duke took a little longer taking pics for us using my camera and my phone and Stacey's phone.  I REALLY hated to leave that spot.  Miles and Miles of beach and not a single human being other than the three of us and "Bugs" (my horse), Sunny (Stacey's Horse) and Slim (Duke's Horse)  It was absolutely amazing.  The internet here is sporatic and makes it difficult to upload pictures so I'll post them when I get back.

Tuesday and Dolphin Cay . . .

Well, we started off the morning waking up early and laughing in bed about people and events . . . (could've been you -- ha ha ha).  Then went back to sleep for a while . . . that sucked . . . . then we went out for our adventure of the day . . . interacting with the dolphins.  We did the shallow water interaction where we were up to our waist in the water, petting and learning about dolphins.  It was very educational.  I learned that dolphins digest the entire fish they eat . . . bones and all.  I also learned that those darn wetsuits don't "compress" like I thought they would.  (Maybe they should've given me a smaller size).  Good thing we were in water up to our waist!!  Our dolphin was named Missy and she was prissy.  She splashed me in the face just after I gave her a kiss . . . Hmmmmm.  It was a neat experience though.....

After the dolphin experience, I went back to the room to drop off some stuff while Stacey went on to the  beach to get us a spot.  When I got there, she had got me a chair with a canopy that was broken.  She kept trying to get me to take one from someone else (found out later it did not belong to anyone so she was . . . hard to get out .. . . . right.) There were little side tables that we have been using but they were all taken too.  Then she decides to take a bathroom break.  On the way back, she spots a free table and snatches it up.  Still in the high of this great accomplishment, Stacey doesn't see that part of the sand on this beach is also make up of rock/coral and she rams her toes right into it (but she held on to that rare find of a table)..... and so now she thinks her toes are broken.  What do you think?

We have horseback riding to do tomorrow . . . I dunno how she's gonna do it . . .

Anyway, we then had dinner with Stacey's company.  They started us off with some kinda shredded greens lying next to stacked tomatoes and what looked like goat cheese or something.  I was starving so I ate it . . . NASTY.... but I was hungry so I ate some more... but not all....

Then came the second course . . . a crab cake.  I AM NOT a seafood eater and did not eat the crab cake.  Now I'm wishing I ate some more of that nasty salad.  Next..... a sorbet to "cleanse my palate".... WTH???  I had a Bahama Mama to do that!! ha ha ha  It was tangy and had a grapefruity taste to me.... grapefruit ice cream??? 

Finally the MEAL . . . until I saw lobster tail.  I wanted to scream. . . until I saw that there was a steak next to the lobster.  Whew!!  Satisfied at last . . . until I cut into the steak and it is not pink in the center but RED!!!  But you know what . . . I was hungry so I ate it.... I ate it ALL!!

After dinner they did a recognition thing that took WAY too long for a "guest" to listen too.  But Stacey went on stage and we clapped and she didn't fall with her broken toes.  Go Stacey!!  They said something about her accomplishments but I don't remember what they were because I was busy videoing the whole thing in case she fell.  Here's a pic with her and the president dude over her diabetes division, Dave somebody.

Congratulations for making the top percent in drug sales!!  How many people can say that and not go to jail???

Now I'm winding down the evening disappointed that this "wonderful" evening. Horseback riding tomorrow!!!  Yeee Hawww!!!

Prices . . .

Reeses Cup - 2.25

Can of Coke - 3.50

Chicken Breast dinner - 40.00

Ice cream cone - 12.00

If I get the chance to come back here, I'm stuffing my suitcase with candy bars and selling them out of my room for half price of the sundries store . . . might just pay for the vacation that way! ha ha ha

Day 2 Fun in the Sun . . .

Back to the beach this morning and it was just as beautiful today.  The people watching was a little better today.  Got some good laughs with my sis.  Decided to leave the beach at about 3 and get cleaned up to go to town across the harbor . . . only to find out that the "town" closes around 6pm.  I asked the lady at the help desk, "Ya mean they don't stay open til 10 or 11 like they do in the States? "  She kinda grins and says, "No Ma'am".  But I have to tell ya, this "Vegas style resort" is hoppin' all night. 

Well, Stacey and I decide to go to have pizza in the marina village.  We walk out the doors and get a view of the largest grouping of yachts I have EVER seen....

As we sit there and "dis" the rich yacht people, we also decided to start our own "fashion police" show....  Some that made the cut......

And let's not leave out the gentlemen . . .

Another enjoyable day!  ha ha

 

Night Life . . .

The lobby at night . . .

View of Atlantis from the beach . . .  notice the wild party on the beach to the right . . .

Things to do While sitting on the beach . . .

First and formost, have the cabana boy bring you something "fruity" to drink . . .

And then a good book. . .

Correct application of your sunblock is ABSOLUTELY necessary!!

No need for a life jacket . . .

add some AWESOME scenery . . .

At the Beach

Started off the morning sleeping in while Stacey had her massage.  We then took off to the beach.  Wasn't sure how to get there so we took a shuttle bus . . .  man these people drive like me!  I love it (except for driving on the wrong side of the road . . . feel like I'm gonna crash every corner we turn.)
Some beach pics:

From Airport to Atlantis . . .

Holy Cow!!  Could not get used to people driving on the wrong side of the road!!  lol

My first  view of the ocean after landing . . .

The "mulch" comprised of broken sea shells!!  Pretty in pink!!

Entrance to Atlantis . . . .





In Transit ...

Halfway there!!

Flight pics

This was on our trip from Charleston to Charlotte.

Landing in Charlotte. . . .

From Charlotte to THE BAHAMAS!!!!

Leaving the States!!!

Flying over the islands.....

A Pic of the engine for Mason!!

Landing in the Bahamas . . . . waiting to "shuttle" to the hotel.

A little R & R!!

I can't believe that I'm in the Bahamas . . . drinking my bahama mama!!!  Oh Yeah!!

Starting on a new and exciting adventure tomorrow morning bright and early.  Heading to Paradise Island in the Bahamas to spend a week with my sis.  I think I'm more excited than nervous about flying.  Or maybe it's the other way around.  I hate that I'll be leaving my family but I couldn't resist this opportunity. 

Well, I'll be posting daily on my adventures.  Keep checking for updates!!