The Bahamas

The Bahamas, officially called the commonwealth of the Bahamas, is an independent, sovereign, English-speaking country consisting of two thousand cays ( coral reefs) and seven hundred islands that form an archipelago. (a group of many islands) It is located in the Atlantic Ocean southeast of the United States; north of Cuba, Hispaniola, Dominican Republic and Haiti, and the Carribean Sea, and north west of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

East Of Florida

The closest island to the United States is Bimini, lying approximately 100 miles east of Miami Florida. Bimimi is known as the gateway to the Bahamas. The Island of Abaco is to the east of Grand Bahama. The south easternmost island is Great Inagua. Other notable islands include the Bahamas' largest island, Andros Island, M Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, San Salvador, Acklins, Crooked Island, Exuma and Mayaguana. Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, lies on the island of New Providence.

Climate

The climate of the Bahamas is subtropical to tropical, and is moderately affected by the waters of the Gulf Stream, particularly in the winter. Conversely, this may prove dangerous in the summer and autumn, when hurricanes pass near or though the islands. While there has never been a freeze reported in the Bahamas, the temperature can fall nearer to the freezing point during Arctic outbreaks that affect nearby Florida

Bahama's Government

The Bahamas is a sovereign nation. Political and legal traditions closely follow those of the United Kingdom. The Bahamas is a member of the commonwealth of Nations. Constitutional safeguards include freedom of speech, press, worship, movement, and association. Although the Bahamas is not geographically located in the Caribbean, it is a member of he Caribbean Community.

Grass Root Culture

In the less developed outer islands, handicrafts include basketry made from palm fonds. This material, commonly called “straw”, is plaited into hats and bags that are popular tourist items. Regattas are important social events in many family island settlements. They usually feature one„ or more days of sailing by fashioned work boats, as well as an onshore festival. Some settlements have festivals associated with the traditional crop or food of that area, such as the “pineapple Fest” in Gregory Town, Eleuthera or the “Crab Fest” on Andros. Other significant traditions include story telling. Sailing and Track and field athletics are popular sports in the country. Football and rugby also have strong followings while American sports such as basketball, softball, baseball and American football are gaining popularity.

Sandals Resort At Nassau

The Sandals Resort being positioned on the beach front will present you with endless turquoise water beguiling your senses and inviting you to explore vibrant coral reefs beneath the surface in this quintessential island paradise. With its famed gaming establishments and ultra-luxurious shopping venues, as well as downtown Nassau's pastel pinks and blues and its bustling straw market, the Bahamas perfectly mingles the sultry island rhythm with a cosmopolitan sophistication to create the best of both worlds.

Best Of Old and News Worlds Meet In Nassau

The 330-year old city of Nassau displays many charming signs of its British Colonial heritage, from crisply clad, white-gloved policemen to the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guard at Government House. Yet, underneath the gentility of the Old World ambiance throbs a vibrant Caribbean pulse that colors and enlivens every aspect of this booming place. From quaint colonial architecture, bathed in pastel pinks and greens, to the lilting sounds of Bahamians conversing in the streets and from the proud traditions of the past to the incredibly vivid Junkanoo rhythm of modern times, Nassau opens wide a window to its colorful past, while also inviting everyone to enjoy the very best of Bahamian living.

Shopping In Style

Sophistication reigns supreme in the elegant stores-many of which you can also find on the streets of London, New York or Paris-that line Nassau's main thoroughfares. Copious duty free shopping only makes your experience more appealing. If you prefer something a little bit more in keeping with the Caribbean vibe, you're also very much in luck, since Nassau is home to the largest straw market in the entire region. Simply every item under the sun that can be fashioned from straw is available here and don't forget, it's always a good idea to bargain! Want a truly authentic Bahamian shopping experience? Then head on down to the market at Potter's Cay and join in with the throngs of natives as they select fresh produce, conch and fish. Whatever your purchasing pleasure, Nassau is sure to satisfy.


After A Day On The Beach Why Not a Walk In the Cool Of the Evening?

Once you’ve soaked in the sunshine, claimed your own idyllic stretch of shoreline and sipped, dined and relaxed the day away, maybe “ you’ll be in the mood for a walk with that one you love. Perhaps along the breach area enjoying the tranquility of the beach setting as the evening begins to fall. Or perhaps you'll choose an evening stroll through town stopping for a tropical fruit drink at a side walk care. If you've chosen to bring your children then it may prove to be a walk in the evening, with the Atlantic breeze bringing a taste of refreshing coolness as your children excitedly take in the wonder of Nassau's mixture of old and new with a touch of the old colonialism which is a site and experience available few other spots on the globe.

God bless you as you travel and enjoy His creation, and rub shoulders with those that merit His highest desire: the people of the world.