I am really excited to share our recent experiences from our trip to (Atlantis) in the Bahamas. It was an absolutely gorgeous place located on Paradise Island, just outside of Nassau. This was a special treat for my wife and I, as neither of us had ever been outside of the United States. We were completely blown away by the beauty of the island. From the soft, sandy beaches to the sparkling blue water, we were greeted with breathtaking scenery around each and every turn. This is truly a captivating destination, restrained only by it’s own natural splendor.
We stayed in one of the resort hotels called The Royal Towers. The view from our balcony was absolutely amazing! The pictures on their website definitely did not do it justice. Once we had settled into our rooms, we headed down to one of the many beaches located within a short walk from the lobby. There were so many to choose from that we literally hung out on a different beach each day that we were there. And with everything from paddle boating to para sailing, there was something to do for everyone. The 2008 NBA Players Association was having its Annual Summer Meeting while we were there. We actually saw P.J. Brown and Derek Fisher in the lobby and in the pool areas, so that was very cool.
Although we did not opt for para sailing, we did manage to find a great alternative, snorkeling! We found a great off-shore excursion offering a half-day sail to a private island where they let you snorkel at your own leisure. My wife was like a fish in water, while I drank approximately thirteen gallons of brine. Anyway, this was our first time snorkeling, as well as our first time being out on a catamaran. While we did not have any encounters with sharks, I did have a frightening experience with the bow ladder, which gives “easy access” in and out of the water. You may laugh, but try climbing a wet ladder, while wearing flippers and welding helmet, and you will see my point.
While back on the resort, we decided to go and see what all of the hubbub was about with this thing they call the “Leap of Faith”. It’s only a water slide, right? Well, it may only be a water slide, but it has its name for a reason. It begins with a 60-ft. almost-vertical drop from the top of the Temple, through a tunnel submerged in a shark-filled lagoon, and ends feet-first into a small pool at the bottom of the Temple – What a rush! And guess what, my wife took the leap! She was awesome on this thing. I am just glad she did not lose her bathing suit during the “leap.
Speaking of bathing suits, there was one really hilarious moment on the trip. Well, at least I thought it was hilarious. We got up to eat breakfast one morning and could not decide where to eat. We wandered aimlessly through the hotel and finally saw a great breakfast place. We were both beginning to get grouchy because we had not eaten and it was almost 10 o’clock. I was dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and Kristy was dressed in a bathing suit, as we were planning to head out afterwards. We finally get into the restaurant and the lady tells us that my wife was not dressed appropriately and would have to adorn a t-shirt before being allowed in. Here was the dilemma. The hotel room was at least a twenty minute walk back through the lobby. There was however, a clothing store near the restaurant, which of course was charging “resort” prices for everything inside. We decided to give in to our hunger and we bought Kristy a t-shirt so that we could finally eat. She was not happy, to say the least.
All in all, this was a great trip. We really had a blast at Atlantis and are planning another island vacation for next year. Let us know if you have any recommendations for a great island getaway. I am working on more articles, so check back often for updates. Thanks for reading.
