Blog

4 - 6 November : Exhausted Exuma

Hurricane & Flooding

Trippin'.
So Hurricane Noel rained on our parade. Even though Nassau was left unharmed, the Exumas was a completely different story. Apparently, everyone that was suppose to be on the trip back home were notified of the cancellation of the trip, but since we were in the Bahamas already and had no internet or phone access, we did not get the message. So we boarded our flight to the Exumas and was completely flabbergasted. The entire island was practically under water. Once at the Four Season, we were given the news that the trip was canceled. There were 4 others who made it to the Exumas as part of the Palm group, the two event planners and a couple from Brazil. Still shocked, we couldn't believe our trip was cut short. We did stay the night so we intend to get the full Four Seasons treatment. We ordered room service-- burger and fries! By far the best fries ever.. EVER!
Since the water was contaminated we couldn't swim at all. Instead, we walked the Four Seasons ground and it was both romantic and eerie being the only ones there. We're so glad we decided to come out early because we did get to have our Bahamas experience after all.

Check out this view from our bus ride to the Four Seasons. We had to take a bus because it was the only mode of transportation that can drive through the flood waters.

What's better, everyone, including us, received a cash value in lieu of the trip since it was canceled for good. So not only did we get our Bahamian paradise trip but we also got paid out. How much you ask? Let's just say we're taking a 12 day Mediterranean cruise in 2009. All was not lost.

Sleeping: Four Seasons at Emerald Bay, Queen's Highway, tel: 242 336 6800.

More Photos.

1 - 4 November : Paradise Island

Dolphins & Rum Cake

Trippin'.
How freaked out were we when we found out that the Bahamas was hit hard with a recent hurricane. Fortunate for us, when we arrived to Nassau, it was fine. So this is not part of Gerard's free trip but we couldn't go all this way to the Bahamas and not go to Atlantis on Paradise Island. We decided to fly out a few days early to Nassau before heading over to The Exumas to meet up with the rest of the group.
We decided to stay at Paradise Harbour the first day, about a 15 minute walk to Atlantis, and Atlantis the second day. This way, we could save some money on the hotel but still be able to enjoy wandering around the Atlantis premises. Unfortunately, if you're not a guest, you are not allowed to wander around the outside facilities of Atlantis. Buggers! We had their ridiculously expensive and less than mediocre buffet the first night but since we couldn't walk around, we wandered back to our hotel for a midnight swim in the pool.

Bahamian hospitality is top notch-- the friendliest people you will ever meet. The next day, we were able to check in to Atlantis but before checking in, we took a Dolphin Encounter excursion. While we didn't actually swim with dolphins, we got to play with them which is good enough for me. After check in, we headed out to the pools immediately. We hit all the water rides and even got in some swimming lessons for Gerard.

Sleeping: 1) Paradise Harbour & Marina, 2) Atlantis. Tip-- Must stay on Atlantis premises in order to use their water rides and facilities.
Eating: The Lagoon Bar & Grill inside Atlantis on Paradise Island. Best gazpacho ever!
Activity: Swim with dolphins with Dolphin Encounters.

More Photos.

View full gallery here.