Thursday 23 October 2014

Final Thoughts

As I think about the overview of our trip this summer, I can't help but feel like both Jaclyn and I will be immersing ourselves into a culture that will open our eyes to the beauty in local culture.  Although we will be taking tours with guides, we want to establish relationships with the locals and ask them for help and for guidance.  More than anything Jaclyn and I want to take a break from the active, consumeristic, and political world we live in at home.  We want to become active participants in a culture that is built off of tradition, love, culture and history.

Our trip will be a balanced trip between culture, history, nightlife, relaxation and local adventures.  This dream vacation is more than just a vacation away from home, it is first step to seeing the world through a different lens.  Living in Canada and being in an academic paradigm 24/7, sometimes we forget the rest of the world and the diversity found beyond our limits.  It is time that I explore this diversity and find a comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.

George Town is a location that I will probably have time to visit one or two times in my life.  I need to take the opportunity while it's presented to me and I have the ability to.  Next summer, my graduation will take the majority of my summer along with work and moving away for post graduate education.  With this summer, I want to create memories and experience a culture that will shape my perspectives.  Hopefully one day, I will have the opportunity and privilege to visit distant island countries like the Bahamas.

What's interesting about this trip is the fact that this trip is neither for pleasure or business.  It cannot be divided into binaries.  This trip is my way of taking my free time and pursuing all my dreams in accomplishing the local experience.  I already regret not taking the opportunity to do these types of trips beforehand when I had the opportunity to visit many locations living in the Middle East, being in close proximity to the rest of the European world.  If I could go back in time and experience all the trips I went on, with this perspective, I would have been able to learn more about the countries, cities, and cultures, on a deeper level than just basic tourist destinations and all inclusive resorts.

To the Bahamas we go!

Wednesday 22 October 2014

Bowe Family Plantation

Since the Bahamian is rich with history and culture, Jaclyn and I have researched sites of historical significance to the islands.  The history site we chose to visit will be is the Bowe Family Plantation.

The plantation itself, in the past, was originally there to produce cotton.  The cotton plantation now lies in ruins.  The remains of the plantation remain standing and visitors and locals visit the plantation to see the structure and architecture of the house.  The kitchen and space quarters of the house remain standing.

Although Jaclyn does not usually participate in historical tours often, I have convinced her that this is worth seeing.  The history of a culture is forever embedded within the present and the future.  Bahamian history is no exemption to this.  When you can actually go back into history and witness tangible evidence of the past, it's worth seeing and exploring.







Tuesday 21 October 2014

Wednesday Night Fish Fry

After contacting Sailor Antonio Johnson from Island Boy Adventures, we have dialoged with him about his favourite local treats!  His reply was that The Fish Fry was a must.  He stated that the quality of the food is unmatchable  along with the flavourful Caribbean style food that will shock our taste buds.  Being a major fish lover myself, the thought of fresh lobster makes me already excited for the trip and all the amazing flavours we will experience while we are there!

Along with the food, we are excited to experience the atmosphere for the local along with meeting fellow vacationers and locals.  The great thing about the restaurant is that Charlie also offers take out!

A cultures cuisine is significant to understand and critically engage with because you can learn about the central values and will help both the locals and tourists to integrate themselves into a new culture.  Food taps into ones senses and I hope that Jaclyn and I will both vibe with the music, food, dance and traditions.

Recipes in cultures such as the Bahamian are passed down through tradition, family, word of mouth and culture.  I am thrilled that in just a few months, we will be able to experience the lifestyle and hopefully learn a few dishes from the locals.  Being Middle Eastern, I'm used to cooking with rich spices such as cumin, baharat, and cinnamon.  However, it will be great to cook and experiences tasting dishes that include spices such as allspice, ginger, chile peppers, jalapeƱo, and so on.

Two dishes in particular that I am excited to attempt during my visit in the Bahamas is Bahamian Bread Pudding and Guava Duff.

Recipes:
Bahamian Bread Pudding
-10 slices stale homemade bread
- 4-5 c. water (approx.)
- 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 c. sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
- 2/3 c. evaporated milk
- 1/2 c. raisins

Guava Duff
- 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine
- 1 c. sugar
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 c. guava pulp
- 1/2 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. ground clove
- 3 c. flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder

Bahamian Bread Pudding


Monday 20 October 2014

Swimming With PIGS

A group of pigs find their way in the seawater of the Exumas, frolicking around and showing off their aquatic skills!  From the mainland of Exuma, Jaclyn and I wish to take a boat excursion to visit the Pig Beach.  The cruise we researched takes us from Exuma to Staniel Cay from and then to Big Major Cay, where the swimming pigs are located.  This excision's memories will definitely last me a lifetime.  It's one thing to say that I swam with dolphins, sharks, or fish but pigs is a whole new level of excitement.

The history behind Pig Island is fascinating.  Long ago, a collective of sailors thought it would be good idea and resource to put pigs on an island for food reasons.  The sailors never came back to use their resources they developed, leaving the pigs behind to become a popularized aspect of the Bahamian culture and lifestyle.

Big Major Cay is uninhibited and secluded.  The only inhabitants are the 20 or so pigs that roam through the island and call it their own.  It will be a delight to experience such an astonishing thing!  Never will I be able to say again that I swam with a group of pigs!


Sunday 19 October 2014

Rake and Scrape

Since as long as I can remember, music and dance took me to another world.  Being raised in a middle eastern family, dance played a significant role in my upbringing along with music.  The most important aspect of music, is the culture in which sounds immerse from.  It is common in our media today that we mind mainstream music with melodies that can be traced back to cultures such as Bahamian, Middle Eastern and Latin feel.


Above are the excellent ratings received on TripAdvisor for Eddie Edgewater's Grill!


Eddie Edgewater's Grill located in George Town, Exuma is more than just a place to dine!  Monday nights are known for authentic rake 'n' shake music and dance.  The restaurant is turned into a dance hall where locals, vacationers and boaters gather to dance, sing, and embrace the culture.


Beaches In Paradise

The beaches truly seem like they are too good to be true.  With beautiful turquoise water and sand as white as snow, just simply glancing at photos of where I will be gives me the shivers.

Stocking Island, The Exumas

Our first destination in mind for our beach excisions is Stocking Island in The Exumas.  This breathtaking destination is accessible by boat!  The beach is beyond secluded with astonishing views, it will be magical spending hours on the beach relaxing.  The beach offers many natural attractions as well such as blue holes, underwater caves and coral graders.  



Paradise Beach, Paradise Island

This beach is connected to Nassau by two bridges.  The beach attracted Jaclyn and I right away as we researched the spectacular nightlife surrounding the beach itself.  With restaurants, clubs and bars connected to the beach itself, the night will take us from relaxing to a great party.  The beach itself has been known to be described as "Vegas in the Tropics" and with a title like that, we must check it out!  The beach can be accessed by boat or foot.




Thursday 16 October 2014

Junkanoo!

Let's party! The Jankanoo Bahamian festival is a tradition that unites the islands together.  Typically taking place over Christmas and New Years.  However, due to the wide spread in popularity and global acknowledgement, Junkanoo has manifested itself into a summer festival as well which has been introduced through June and July.  The festival is a time where locals and tourists come together to experience tradition and culture.  Blending of various different art forms such as visual, dance, music, and national entertainers, the Bahamian culture comes together to produce a joyous festival that takes over the streets.

This sensational festival takes place in the islands of Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, Eleuthera/Harbour Island, Bimini, The Exumas, and the Abacos.  I can't wait to dive into the culture and dance and feel the music of the island.  I hope to never forget the rush of the locals around me and the sensational dancers that Jaclyn and I have heard tremendous thing about.

Tickets from: www.carribtickets.com



Listed above are two other festivals that will occur during our stay on the island!  Eleuthera Pineapple Festival and the Bahamas Summer Boating Fling/Flotilla.  With Jaclyn's love for boats, I can't imagine in a trip without these festivals!

Monday 13 October 2014

Chat 'N' Chill

"No Shoes, Kick Back, and Relax"

The Chat 'N' Chill will be our first food excursion.  The beachside bar and grill, opened in 1998 by Kenneth Bowe.  His interest sparked when he realized that there are many needs of cruising yachtsmen.  A new lifestyle has developed in the Bahamas.  The baby boomer generation has left the comfort of their homes, bought sailboats and have made it their life goal to transition their life onto sea.  Bowe decided that since this is the case on the islands, he needed to create a home away from home for all of these adventurous individuals.

It will be absolutely beautiful witnessing over 600 boats stationed at the Elizabeth Habour and walk our way from the boat required to take by local boatmen to the Chat 'N' Chill.  The Chat 'N' Chill consists of a bar and grill, but also is for recreational use and activity.  With a beach volleyball court, bridge and dominoes, clean and comfortable bathrooms and full access to news channels and quality food, I can already tell, this Chat 'N' Chill will become a great home for us.  I can't wait to befriend the locals there who will hopefully tell us about new and upcoming events that will take place around the area for us to join in on.  



Chat 'N' Chill Website: http://chatnchill.com

Saturday 11 October 2014

Under The Sea!

It's finally time I get out of my comfort zone and embrace my inner little mermaid.  The Thunderball Grotto is going to be the first thing I tackle!  Jaclyn and I will be underwater cave diving in the Exuma Bahamas as our first water excision.  The inspiring location is just west of Staniel Cay in the Exumas chain.  Popularized in Hollywood movies such as James Bond, the Thunderball is a new perspective on the remarkable world under, sea life.

I can't wait to explore the mazes and underwater pathways which will lead to colourful fish, coral and natures most scenic sights.  I have been told my various individuals that in order to understand the full experience of underwater cave diving, you must take a moment to look up and admire the the magical skylight throughout the holes of the cave.  Both the sun and moon shines through the erosion which creates a glistening reflection through the water. The thunderball grotto can be consists of five entrances three of which are underwater and two which can be accessed by snorkelling.

Jaclyn and I will be touring this area with Exuma Water Sports tours.  Their half day ocean safari will take us through 75 little islands and provide us with a day of activity!

Exuma Water Sports Website: http://www.exumawatersports.com/index.htm





Straw Market!

The Straw Market will be the highlight of my trip and my fashion obsessed instincts can already feel it.  Located on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, this authentic Bahamian industry originated in the 1940's.  The craft itself is skillful beyond belief.  The work itself consists of plaiting, braiding and weaving.  These bags were initially created in the 40's to fit the bahamian lifestyle which required baskets to transport fruit and fish from where they were found back to the home.  This straw craft has grown in popularity since then and an entire market has been created on the island of Nassau to capture the beauty and essence of the craft.

These local delicacies more than anything are significant to me because it's a collective of local woman coming together and uniting due to the love of their craft.  As a woman studies student, I have learned many of the crafts that woman took over to support their family during a time when men focused on the public sphere.  Women were to stay in the private sphere and take care of the domestic duties.  What is interesting is that in many island lifestyles, the family settings have not altered.  Woman still focus on the crafts presented to them by a society where this is taught from one generation to another.

The great thing about shopping on the islands of the Exuma's is that all items can be bought in either U.S. or Bahamian currency.  The hours for the shops are from 8:00am to 8:00pm everyday.  Although this is great, it won't be great for my wallet!

Nassau Paradise Island Website: http://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/what-to-do/shopping/straw-market/





Friday 10 October 2014

Warderick Wells

The Warenrick Wells is an excursions I am highly anticipating.  It is the central point of activity on the islands.  The location itself is a relaxing, recreational site that provides locals and tourists with an idea of the ecosystems and the islands geographical location.  What excites me the most about this location is being able to see the rocky bluffs that surround me and the sand dunes.

Jaclyn and I discuss the many conversations we will have sitting at a certain notorious point on the island overlooking the harbour.  We promised each other that no longer how many hours it takes, we will sit at the deck and watch the tide transform.


The islands visitor centre is open from 9:00AM to 1:00PM along with trail guides that will lead us up to Boo Boo Hill so that we can whiteness the landscape on the eastern shore.  Although all these things are great, what I am most excited for is the 53' Sperm Whale skeleton which died after shallowing a plastic bag.  Saturday nights, happy hour occurs at the small tiki hut located on the beach.  This tradition allows hikers to walk from one end of the island to the other, and we hope to do this as well!


Jaclyn's most excited for Boo Boo Hill due to the tradition presented by the locals of the island.  At the highest point on the island, visitors bring a piece of driftwood with their boat name written on it.  This wood is presented to the gods as a tribute and blessing.



Let's Explore

Jaclyn and I have researched an island tour guide who will essentially take us on for the day and show us around the islands of the Exuma's.  His name is Antonio Johnson of Johnson's Getaway.  Captain Antonio provides professional services that include deep sea fishing, hand line fishing, diving/spearing, trips through the Exuma Cays, and so on, all on his private boat.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonsGetaway/timeline

Website: http://www.islandboyadventures.com


With Island Boy Adventures and with the help of Captain Evvie and Tonio, we play to swim with sea turtles, pet stingrays and discover the land under the water.  This is something I have never had the courage to do.  Growing up near the water in Dubai, I strayed away from all water activities due to a lack of confidence.  However, this is the trip that I want to change my outlook on new adventures.  It's therapeutic to think that in a few months I'll have the opportunity to discover new sides of myself and to see what I am capable of accomplishing.  My goal is to become comfortable with trying new things and experiences the moment fully.

Although exploring islands alone and on your own time seems like a fantastic idea, sometimes it's even more satisfying and educational to get the help of locals who have lived on the island their whole lives.  These two captains will be able to guide us through the many islands and teach us about Bahamian culture.

Sunday 5 October 2014

Peace & Plenty

Our accommodations for our two weeks in Bahamas is at the Peace and Plenty Bed & Breakfast.  The beauty of this hotel is the local ambiance, it's central location and it's placement next to the water so that we can enjoy activities provided by locals who team up with the hotel such as scuba diving and cave diving.  An important aspect of this bed and breakfast is that it is affordable.  With a 3.5 star rating on TripAdvisor, this hotel will accommodate to all of our needs for our stay in George Town, Bahamas.



Provided above is the hotel's last summer season specials.  With a double room for Jaclyn and I poolside we will split the price for accommodations.

Although there are several amenities within the bed and breakfast such as internet, Jaclyn and I have decided that this trip will be a way to escape all of the typical everyday media obsessed culture we live in, in Toronto.  This trip will encompass many natural and holistic activities such as yoga, meditation on the dock near the water, hiking up sand trails from inter channel waters to the open ocean areas.

Address: Queens Hwy, Mile Marker 1.2 West, P.O Box EX-29180, George Town, Great Exuma
Phone Number: 1 (242) 336-2251 (for reservations)




Saturday 4 October 2014

To & From

Flying from Toronto Pearson Airport to (GGT) Exuma International Airport, Jaclyn and I have a large selection of airlines to choose from which include Air Canada, American Eagle, Bahamasair, IBC Airways, Delta Connection, ExpressJet Airlines, SkyBahamas Airlines and United Express.

As a frequent AirCanada flier, I gravitated towards AirCanada's flights to George Town.  Although they only fly on sunday's, I was able to find a round trip ticket which compared to other prices and airlines was competitive!  The great thing about these tickets is that they have no stops, it's a direct flight both ways which will save us from the layover and expenses for overnights in Miami which seems to be the layover destination with most airlines that fly to George Town.  Round trip comes out to $558.44.  We will be departing Toronto Pearson on Sunday June 7th at 9:25AM and arriving in George Town at 1:00PM.  The returning flight will be two weeks later on Sunday June 21st at 2:00PM and arriving at Toronto Pearson at 5:30PM.





Friday 3 October 2014

The Plan

Living in Dubai growing up and visiting places around the world such as France, England, Lebanon, Turkey, Oman, Italy and Greece, I found myself surrounded around rich European and Middle Eastern culture.  I've always desired an excursion to a place like no other.  An island that I would be capable of diving into the local culture and experiencing things from an insider perspective.  My lifestyle growing up has not always been about nature and the beautiful gifts the world has presented to us.  I've always gravitated towards my comfort zones, which resulted in hotels, basic tours, and tourist excursions that had nothing to do with the local culture.  Pairing up with a dear friend of mine Jaclyn White on this trip will definelty allow me to learn about the world around me, mother nature and the beautiful and welcoming local people.  This summer, before starting work in New York CITY on June 28th, I plan on taking a leap of faith and travelling to an island that will allow me to get in touch with my inner self, George Town, Bahamas.

With a summer full of work, I will be able to collaborate with my parents and pay off the cost of the trip.  The plan is to set up a yard sale in Toronto with Jaclyn to make some extra cash to spend on excursions during our stay.  The plan so far is to leave on Sunday, June 7th, 2015 and to return two weeks later on Sunday, June 21st, 2015 which then gives me a week at home to recoup before heading to New York for work.


Wednesday 1 October 2014

References

























http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/02/e9/70/89/exuma-water-tours.jpg

http://www.tripadvisor.ca/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g147429-d147928-i49684068-Bowe_Family_Plantation-Great_Exuma_Out_Islands_Bahamas.html#49684135

http://www.bahamasfilm.com/nassau/images52006/NAU_0271.jpg

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigWkrvrE4vzWrft3UPO9r0kCGU-q-PMDH08pk_5ipUTd7w_yzzc4A6jg3hazvUf5hsrkz6397nJMcddQdRSq4RgO2FpnM7him0GkpNKHNWbLzEk2U0lAAmSekXUTZDoEukGPA4ivFmYgM/s1600/DSCN1916.JPG