by Linda Laughter, guest blogger
I can get enough of this beautiful island in the Caribbean, especially when it is snowing at home! This is our third visit and it gives us a chance to escape, see friends and do a few water color studies for fun.
In September of 2019, Freeport, Grand Bahama and surrounding islands were hit by a Category 5 hurricane. Dorian was the most intense tropical storm on record to strike this paradise. Even the Freeport International Airport was under 6’ of water. It is now open to a limited capacity, but no worries, the island people are making it work!
We visited some of our favorite places. The Garden of the Groves with its 12-acre botanical garden featuring the flora of the Bahamas is open with all its beauty, surviving the storm.
Visiting the Lucaya Open Straw Market with all the color and wonderful people is open. A lot of tourist souvenirs. I was able to find a sun dress and great straw hat.
A new outing was to the West End where we met a true Bahamian who will sell you lobster, he caught the day before. Conch is a real treat also; I have never eaten it anywhere else. There a mounds of harvested Conch shells along the shoreline. We ate lunch at the Tiki Bar at Old Bahama Bay Resort. We had to have the fried Conch served by a lovely local woman. The views of the crystal sea and beach were amazing. This resort also caters to folks who can travel by water to the US. It is the shortest distance, and the marina is full of yachts of every size.
We also visited Saint Mary Magdalene Church that was consecrated in 1893. So lovely set among the palm trees at the west end.
The tourists are now returning to this wonderful place, helping the economy. We of course went snorkeling; the reefs are moving rainbows with thousands of brilliantly colored sea life. We also bought fresh red snapper from the local fish monger. Restaurants are fun but grilling our fresh purchases in the villa was the best!
We are fortunate to have friends on the island, but there are many wonderful resorts. Large Cruise ships make this one of their best destinations.
You will want to come back many times too!
Linda is a retired interior designer who lives with her husband Don in Cascade, MI. She loves enjoying her family, friends, art, and travel.
Live is a blessing – Enjoy!
