Christmas Trip: Nassau, Bahamas
- LoAroundTheGlobo
- Nov 25, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
December 2011
It was our annual Christmas vacation -- tropical, just like we like it. My family (Mom, Timmy, TK, Grandma, and my cousin, Andrew) and I spent about a week in the Bahamas. The week shaped up to be a relaxing tropical dream. We mostly lounged by the pool and enjoyed the waterpark slides at the resort. One of these slides goes right through a shark tank enclosure, which is thrilling and amazing all at once.
We stayed in a nearby hotel, but explored all around the Atlantis Resort, including the casinos, restaurants, and shops. One evening, we ventured into the town where we stumbled upon a Carnaval festival of sorts. We ate dinner in this shack down by the water, recommended by locals as the "best seafood spot in town." It did not disappoint. TK ordered fish and was hysterical when it arrived as a full bit -- head, bones, scales, and all. Other times we enjoyed dinner with gorgeous views overlooking the expansive blue waters or grubbed poolside and enjoyed frozen drinks under the palm trees.
One day, we meandered through the aquarium (which is part of the resort) and got to enjoy all the exotic fishies, vibrant jellies, and friendly creatures. We celebrated Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all together, exchanging small gifts (since it's hard to get in the typical Christmas spirit when you're wearing bikinis) and enjoying each other's company.
The whole trip seems like a blur. A happy, tranquil blur. However, one of the days was a day I'll never forget. Knowing my obsession with all things animals, my family gifted me an incredible day. I reported to the designated location at 7am and immediately jumped right into my adventures. My group and I spent the whole day learning and interacting with some pretty goofy creatures -- dolphins, sea lions, stingrays, and nurse sharks. We first ventured back into a restricted area where the sea lions swam, played, and lived. We posed with these funny, smart animals then cuddled them by their enclosures.
We then headed to go swimming with and kissing on the dolphins. It was a little intimidating at first, if I'm being honest. I jumped into this super deep, wide open area where the dolphins were splashing around. I know they're happy beings, but they're brilliant too, so I was careful to respect their power and intelligence. The photographer captured my pure joy as I swam around with some dolphins and got a smooch from one. After that, we ventured over towards the beach where we fed and played with the stingrays and nurse sharks. I donned a smile brighter than the Caribbean Sun all day long. At the end of a beautifully fulfilling vacation, we headed home -- from white sand beaches to snow, there was a totally different meaning to "White Christmas."
Gallery
To Do or Not To Do?
Don't get me wrong, we had an amazing trip and enjoyed the quality time that we spent together. Not thinking about or discussing work, school, or life's other stresses has a way of making a fabulous vacation regardless, but there are many other tropical destinations that may be more life-changing. This is a cool little place, sure, but it's dripping in cookie-cutter consumerism/tourism. I think other locales may be a better option for cultural experiences, which is why we travel after all, right?
Kommentare