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Tag Archives: Bahamas

A Collection of Blog Posts from 2014

29 December 201421 July 2024

What a great year for travel!  Here are some of my adventure blog posts for 2014:

ASIA:

Philippines

Arriving to the Mission by Tuk-Tuk

Pre-School and Pampering at Naomi’s Heart

Haircuts for the Amazing Women at the Mission

CARIBBEAN AND PORTS OF CALL: 

Antigua

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Bahamas

Freeport, Grand Bahama

Barbados

Malibu Beach, Barbados

Belize, Honduras and Mexico:  Altun Ha

Altun Ha Mayan Ruins

Costa Rica:  A Photographic Review

Gorgeous Beaches in Costa Rica

Jamaica:  Dunn’s River Falls

Climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Mexico: Cozumel

Downtown Cozumel, Mexico

Hurricane Gilbert

The Massive Destruction of Hurricane Gilbert to the Yucatan Peninsula in 1988

EUROPE:  

Italy:  Venice

1 D2 Watching the Sunrise at St. Mark's Square

A Morning Stroll Through Venice

Monaco

0928 Castle of Eze

Views from the Perfume Factory

UNITED STATES:

United States, Arizona:  Jerome Historic State Park

Hotel at Jerome State Park

Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park

Petrified Wood

United States, Arizona:  Sedona

Sedona Colors, 1999

The gorgeous rocks of Sedona

United States, California:  San Francisco

Alcatraz Island

+020903 Approaching Alcatraz Island

Approaching Alcatraz Island

United States, Florida:  Cypress Gardens

Enjoying the Beautiful Grounds

United States, Florida:  Key West

Beautiful Sunset from Mallory Square, Key West

United States, Florida:  Walt Disney World

The Magic Kingdom

United States, Hawaii:  Diamond Head

The Hike is Worth the View

United States, Hawaii:  Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona Memorial

United States, Hawaii:  Hanauma Bay

Amazing View of Hanauma Bay

United States, Hawaii:  Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Exploring Hawaii’s Volcanoe National Park

Hawaiian Luau

Enjoying the Luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Epic Kauai Experience

The Gorgeous Landscape of Kauai

United States, Illinois:  Chicago

Chicago Fountain, Illinois

United States, Louisiana: New Orleans

Jackson Square, New Orleans

United States, Michigan:  Hale

Arriving in Michigan – The Start of our Vacation

United States, Michigan, Hale: 1st Day of Vacation

The View from Our Vacation Rental

United States:  Michigan

Mackinac Island

4 110721 Macinaw city harbor from ferry

Shepler’s Ferry

5 Approaching Mackinac Island

A View of the Grand Hotel from the Ferry

6 48 Mackinac Island Harbor

Mackinac Island Harbor

8 110721 Joy and Bikes at Mackinac Island

Bike Rentals on Mackinac Island

10 110721 Amazing Flowers at Mackinac

Beautiful Flowers in the Shopping District of Mackinac Island

13 54 Horse Carriage of Grand Hotel

Transportation to the Grand Hotel

United States, North Carolina:  Bodie Island

Bodie Island Lighthouse, Outer Banks

Bodie Island Lighthouse

United States, North Carolina:  Carolina Beach

Choosing our Campsite

Currituck Heritage Park, Corolla

Currituck Heritage Lighthouse

United States, Ohio:  Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail

Exploring the Gorge

United States, Ohio: Eagle Sighting at Highbanks

DSC_1117

Spending the Afternoon Searching for Eaglets

United States, Ohio: Marietta

Road Trip to Marietta

United States, Ohio:  Living Word Outdoor Drama

11 DSC_0233

The Resurrection of Jesus

United States, Ohio:  Renaissance Festival 

100-img_4612

Strolling the Medieval Town During the Festival

United States, Ohio:  Battelle Darby Creek

DSC_1082

A Lovely Winter Hike

United States, Ohio:  Living Word Outdoor Drama

Living Word Outdoor Drama

United States Ohio Christmas:

Columbus: Alum Creek Lights

Drive Thru Christmas Lights

United States: Rhode Island:  Cliff Walk

Chanler Entrance 1

The Chanler in Newport

United States:  Sioux Falls, South Dakota

My First Buffalo Sighting

United States, South Dakota: Needles Drive

The Needle

United States, South Dakota: Sylvan Lake

DSC_0287

Beautiful Reflections off of Sylvan Lake

United States, South Dakota:  Custer Park

Custer Park’s Wildlife Drive

United States, South Dakota:  Yellowstone

Where the Buffalo Roam

United States, South Dakota:  Yellowstone

A First Impression of Yellowstone

6-dsc_0508

The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

United States, Texas:  Galveston

Todd Shipyards, Galveston

United States, Wyoming: Yellowstone

The Grand Lodge at Yellowstone

 

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Freeport, Bahamas: A Welcome Change in Itinerary

5 March 201431 August 2024

Updated December 24, 2019

Hurricane Gilbert stunned the port towns of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen in 1988.  Due to the devastating damage, our ship’s itinerary quickly changed to include the Bahamian ports of Nassau and Freeport over the next couple of months.

Our first stop was Freeport, located on Grand Bahama Island.  This port offered many of the same amenities as our Yucatan Peninsula ports, so it was a perfect choice.   It was such a great stop for visitors who were interested in watersports, sightseeing, shopping and dining.

Recent Hurricane Dorian, touching down in the Bahamas on August 24, 2019, was one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Bahamas in over 65 years.  Information provided throughout this post may require updating due to the recent event, so check for updated information online.

+International Bazaar, Freeport, Bahamas

Since the early days of cruise vacations, the islands of the Bahamas have been a popular destination.  During my days of working with the cruise lines, Freeport was a shopper’s paradise and offered a variety of activities in addition to its international restaurants.

One of Freeport’s most popular shopping plazas was the International Bazaar consistently bustling with  tourists.  I was surprised to learn that today, the Bazaar has become a ghost town, with limited shopping and dining, quite different than my past experience.  Much of the change has been attributed to a history of hurricanes that have left the island in need of repair.  A new shopping area has been developed near downtown Freeport and is much more visitor-friendly.  For shoppers who are into haggling for a deal, check out the straw market to practice your bartering skills for souvenirs and merchandise.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

+International Bazaar, India

The bazaar, in keeping with the international theme, was divided into sections based on countries of the world.   The architecture of each designated location included France, America, the Orient and Scandinavia.  It remains one of the oldest shopping regions on the island.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

+Bavarian Beer Garden, Bahamas

In front of the International Bazaar was the Bavarian Beer Garden which provided a wide range of lunch and dinner items.   Continuing the tradition today, the menu highlights the following options:  Conch salad, crab salad, fried chicken, lobster and French fries.  With the best prices in the Bazaar, they also offer deals on tropical cocktails.  Outdoor seating is perfect for people watching and enjoying the sunshine.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.+Bahamas 700 Islands, Freeport

Outside of the International Bazaar is a brightly colored directional sign that shows the distance from Freeport to popular worldwide destinations.   It was the first time I had ever seen anything like it, so I thought it clever to know how far I was from some of the other islands as well as major cities including, New York:  1015 miles, Bimini: 53 miles, Montreal:  1323 miles and San Salvador:  285 miles.

UPDATE:  The International Bazaar has closed due to the latest Hurricane Dorian, August 24, 2019.

+Princess Casino, Bahamas

A nearby attraction to the International Bazaar and Straw Market was the Bahamas Princess Resort and Casino.  Built in the 1970’s the resort was later named the Bahamia Royal Oasis Resort.  Sitting on close to 1,000 acres, which included a hotel with pools and casino, the property eventually closed due to hurricane and tropical storm damage.

The most recent information regarding the property came from a 2010 news story which reported that there was a fire at the Princess Towers, which started on the 7th floor.

+Port Lucaya, Bahamas

Another shopping area is the Port Lucaya marketplace and seems today to be much more popular than the International Bazaar.   Activities from this port include scuba and snorkeling, boat tours and rentals, as well as an opportunity to swim with dolphins  There is a shopping mall nearby which includes a drugstore and offers duty free deals on perfume and watches.  If you are searching for cheaper prices for alcohol, your best bet is to head downtown.

UPDATE:  Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

+Shopping in the Bahamas

In the Port Lucaya shopping area, you can also find restaurants, but downtown is where you will find Bahamian local dishes and fast food restaurants such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

UPDATE:  Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

+Port Lucaya Lighthouse, Bahamas

While in Port Lucaya, stop by to see the lighthouse.  It has since been painted with red and white stripes and visible from the shopping area.

The town of Freeport has not been without its own natural disasters over the years.  And although they have faced many challenges, they have worked together to make a huge comeback in the tourism industry.  It was just a matter of time.  I look forward to returning again soon to see how things have changed since my last visit to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas.

UPDATE:  Port Lucaya reopened on October 18, 2019 after closing due to Hurricane Dorian.

Have you visited a port that has been affected by tropical storms and hurricanes? Have you since had an opportunity to see its restoration?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the Comments Section below and wishing you many  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more informatio

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Key West, Florida – Looking Back on My First Visit in 1989

15 January 201431 August 2024

What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions Key West? The gorgeous sunsets at Mallory Square?  The tenacious pub crawlers along Duval Street or the eclectic festivities that give the island its signature flair?

I didn’t know what to expect on my first visit to Key West.  I was only 19 years old working on a cruise ship and it was the first stop on our itinerary before traveling to Cozumel.   My fellow pursers guaranteed that I would love Key West, but I could not have imagined how many memories I would make here.  This magical place seemed more like a Caribbean island than a Florida port of call.

There was so much to learn about Key West that summer.  I booked a lobster dive, visited the Treasures of the Atocha museum and watched Jimmy Buffett perform at a local bar.  Rich with history and a unique culture unto its own, it is no doubt,  Key West is unlike any other place I have ever visited in the US.

Originally given the Spanish name Cayo Hueso (Bone Cay), Key West was once a settlement of the Calusa people, an Indian tribe known for their fierce, war-like disposition.   The English, mispronouncing the name, would later call it “Key West”.

The island was also a popular hideout for pirates who attacked Spanish treasure ships sailing from the Caribbean to Spain.

By 1912, the coral islands of the Keys would become accessible by rail with the completion of Henry Flagler’s railroad. Damaged by hurricane winds in 1935, the rail line was abandoned and replaced by the 123-mile Overseas Highway.
000 Key West - Most Southern PointTouring the island by trolley was my favorite way to explore the island.  The open-air tram made its way through town, stopping at several historical landmarks.

I remember how excited I was to reach one of Key West’s most popular sites, the Southernmost Point of the Continental U.S.   Standing at the corner of South and Whitehead Streets, I was surprised to learn I was closer to Cuba than Miami.  This cute little bouy-like structure attracted visitors from all over the world and the line for a photo was worth the wait.

At the top of the monument, there is a reference to Key West as “The Conch Republic.” The trolley guide explained that on April 23rd, 1982, the island seceded from the mainland with the desire to establish itself as its own country.  The events leading to this decision began when US border patrol set up a checkpoint at the entrance to Key West.  This border stop infuriated residents when a 17-mile traffic jam occurred and began to interrupt Key West’s tourism industry.  When the government refused to listen, Mayor Wardlow decided to declare war on the United States.  Within one minute, he quickly surrendered and applied for foreign aid in the amount of one billion dollars.   This publicity stunt resulted in the US government agreeing to remove the inspection station and life in Key West went back to normal.

For the conchs of Key West, the 1982 Conch Republic secession is celebrated each year with a ten-day festival taking place around April 23rd. Among the festivities are a Pirate’s Ball, the Conch Crawl and a Musical that reenacts the events of the secession.

Hemingway House, Key West

I caught the next trolley from the Southernmost Point and disembarked at the Ernest Hemingway Home.   The beautifully restored two-story home is located at 907 Whitehead, across from the Key West Lighthouse.  Hemingway wrote many of his great novels here from 1931 to 1939 including “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”, “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber”, “Green Hills of Africa” and “To Have and Have Not”.

I enjoyed a tour of Hemingway’s home, the property and his inspirational studio overlooking the pool.  Following the guided tour, I opted to take a second stroll of the home to explore the gardens of hibiscus, jasmine and gardenias.

One of the highlights of my visit was watching the Hemingway’s cats lounging among the lush tropical plants outside.  Descendants of Hemingway’s beloved polydactyl (many toes) cat Snowball, the nearly fifty felines have taken up residence in this luxurious estate.

The Bull - Key West

My final ride on the trolley returned me to Duval Street.  A popular hub of restaurants, bars, shops and museums, cruise ship passengers could participate in the “Duval Pub Crawl” with a stop at the Bull and Whistle.  Known as the “oldest Open Air Bar in Old Town Key West”, it is located on the corner of Duval and Caroline Street.  The Bull, located on the ground level, showcases a beautifully hand-painted mural, paying homage to a number of the island’s influencers.   Yankee Jack has been entertaining patrons of the Bull with his performance of “On the Walls of the Bull”.

The Whistle is the bar upstairs providing great views of Duval Street and the opportunity to shoot a few games of pool.  The Garden of Eden is the bar located on the third floor for visitors interested in a clothes optional environment.

Joe at The Bull in Key West

Before leaving the Bull and Whistle, I begged one of my colleagues to pose next to “The Bull” on Caroline Street.

000 Duval Walk, Key West

Duval Street is just over a mile long running north and south of the island.  The most well-known bars of Key West include Sloppy Joe’s, Rick’s Bar Key West, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Cafe, Irish Kevin’s,  Captain Tony’s and Hog’s Breath Saloon.

Each year, Sloppy Joe’s pays homage to famous author Ernest Hemingway by staging its annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest.

000, Beautiful Sunset in Key West

My day in Key West had come to a close but I had one more attraction to experience.  I had arrived at Mallory Square with plenty of time to enjoy the live entertainment and secure a pier-side seat to watch the spectacular sunset.  The plaza was bustling with arts and crafts stands, food carts and street performers.  I waited in anticipation as sailboats glided by and catamarans drifted off into the horizon.  I took several photos of this unforgettable moment and looked forward to experiencing it again on my return.

What is one of the most memorable sunsets that you have seen in your travels?   I would love to hear about it!   Tell me about your experience or recommendations for places to visit in the comments section below!   Many thanks for reading my post about Key West and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Southernmost Point
At the corner of South and Whitehead Streets
Key West, FL 33040

  • Admission Fee:  Free
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Tips for Your Visit: The trolleys drive by The Southernmost Point and a drop off location for the shuttle is nearby. There may be a line to wait to take your photo at the buoy.

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
907 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL  33040
Phone:  305 294 1136

  • Admission Fee:  Adults, $13 and Children, $6,  group rates may apply (12 or more)
  • Guided Tour:  Admission includes a 30-minute guided tour
  • Hours:  9AM to 5PM, 365 days per year, including ALL holidays
  • Tips for Your Visit:  The museum is home to many cats and may affect those with cat allergies.

Mallory Square
Address:
400 Wall Street
Key West, FL  33040

  • Cost:  Free
  • Hours:  Open 24/7;  best time to visit is during sunset
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Arrive early because the square fills up with spectators who are visiting to watch the sunset.  Festivities begin 2 hours before sunset.

Where to Stay:

Heron House
512 Simonton Street
Key West, Florida 33040
Toll Free Number:  800 294 1644

I absolutely loved this property with the accommodations surrounding the pool.  The plants and foliage are thick and provided much appreciated privacy during our visit!  The rooms were spacious and there was a complimentary breakfast provided each morning!

Where to Eat:

There are so many colorful restaurants with a variety of cuisine in Key West that selecting one place is incredibly difficult.  Because I have a love for Cuban Sandwiches and Oysters, here are my two recommendations:

Half Shell Raw Bar
Waterfront dining
231 Margaret Street – 305 294 7496

Oysters, oysters and more oysters!  Food & Wine Magazine voted the restaurant “Best Local Oysters.”  I ordered a half dozen lightly steamed oysters with hot sauce and crackers along with an order of the conch fritters appetizer which included six fritters served with cocktail sauce.

What to Eat:

  • Key West pink shrimp – said to be sweeter than other shrimp
  • Conch – a tough, hardy mollusk usually cooked as fritters
  • Seafood  – snapper, grouper and lobster
  • Key Lime Pie – a tangy, creamy dessert made from key limes

Where to Drink:

The Bull and Whistle
On the corner of Duval and Caroline Streets
Key West, FL  33040
Phone:  305.296.4545

  • Hours:  10AM to 4PM, daily
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Note that the rooftop bar, the Garden of Eden is clothing optional.  Check out the website for coupons before you visit.

Cuban Coffee Queen (two locations)
284 Margaret Street – 305 292 4747
5 Key Lime Square – 305 294 7787

I started with a Cafe con Leche, the strong Bucci coffee with steamed milk.  I loved the Cuban Mix sandwich because it was the closest to an authentic Cuban sandwich with a side of black beans.  Save room for Key West’s famous Key Lime pie!

What to Read:  

  • Ernest Hemingway books
  • Jimmy Buffet:  The Key West Years, by Tom Corcoran
  • Hemingway’s Girl, by Erica Robuck
  • The Best Key West Trivia Book Ever! by David L. Sloan

Photo Guide for Key West: 

  • 801 Bourbon Bar (cabaret and karaoke) for interesting characters
  • Duval Street for the drinking crowds and colorful shops
  • Higgs Beach Pier, for amazing sunrises
  • Mallory Square, especially at sunset
  • San Carlos Institute for Cuban history
  • Smather’s Beach for long exposures during the day
  • The Strand, after dark for the neon lights
  • The Tropic Cinema, at night for the neon lights

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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