Bahamas :: essays research papers

While on vacation on The Disney Cruise, I, along with my family took a tour by boat to a small resort island. As we approached, I was awestruck by its beauty. I knew this was going to be fun, but had no idea that this place would be forever etched in my mind. Two natives dressed in brightly colored tropical shirts, white pants and shoes greeted us at the dock. They were also wearing smiles just as bright. They escorted us to an open-air type restaurant with a thatched roof that was actually attached to the pier at which we docked The restaurant had a casual atmosphere that made us feel very comfortable. The food was served buffet style, with an elegant array of Bahamian and American cuisine. The entertainment during and after the buffet was delightful. A ten minute introduction to the Bahamian culture was followed by an intriguing native dance, performed by a man dressed in an authentic looking costume consisting of only a rawhide g-string with a short apron front. His sandals had leather cords winding halfway up his legs. This dance depicted a story of a hunter and his prey. A woman who was also in costume narrated it. Brightly dressed Bahamian men were beating drums and banging sticks providing the sound effects for the story. This was truly a great beginning to a wonderful afternoon. Behind the restaurant was a private beach area, accessible by walking trails only. We walked one of these trails, observing the brightly colored tropical plants and trees that flourished on this well maintained terrain. A beautiful lagoon added to the splendor, and when we reached the end, a lookout provided a panoramic view of the entire bay. What a breathtaking sight! There was a bar here, and after a cool drink we decided to head back. We took a different trail back that brought us right to the sands. In front of us, about 150 feet was the beach. It was 90 degrees and the Bahamian sun made the sand hot under our feet. However, a gentle breeze kept us comfortable otherwise. On the beach we rented a cabana, which is little more than a thatched umbrella, table and beach chairs, and a hammock. There, we sat and enjoyed one of those big tropical drinks that have fruit on the edge of the glass and a small umbrella of its own.