Bahamas

 THE BAHAMAS

**//Activity//:** The Atlantis Blue Hole is greatly populated with dolphins. It is also a popular destination for scuba diving. The Atlantis Blue Hole has a depth of 85 meters and is 12 metres wide. The entrance is coral rimmed and has major tidal currents. The Blue Hole was proposed to the Bahamas Ministry as a marine reserve. It is located in Kemps Bay, South Andros Islands. //**Attraction:**// The Bahamas International Film Festival is a non-profitable organizagtion held annualy. It celebrates the local Bahemian community. International visitors will enjoy diverse films from aound the world. Famous celebrities, such as Johnny Depp, have been the host for this event. This event is held in Nassau. Fees start at $25-$50. The seats to this even are first come-first serve. //**Food:**// Conch is a local favorite fest of the Bahamas. Conch is a mollusk (shell fish like an oyster) that is a perennial local seafood favorite. Unlike the slimy oyster the meat of conch is firm and white. //Ingredients:// 1 ½ lb. conch, 1 oz. lemon juice, 2oz. flour, 3 eggs (Conch Fritters)

Guava duff is a delicious dessert that is made through a laborious process of folding the fruit into the dough and boiling and is served with a sauce. This meal is topped off with a large glass of ice cold "switcha" (lemon, sugar and water mixture) or beer. This desert is an all-time favorite of the islands. //Ingredients:// (Dough) 4 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 cups finely sliced guava (Guava Duff)

**//Nature Attraction://** Andros Island is a naturalist’s wonderland due to numerous deserted beaches, blue wholes, pine forests, mangrove marsh, and the carefully protected fresh water. The Tour For far Field Station in Blanket Sound, an international research facility, offers inland nature hikes and offshore expeditions. A nature hiking trail explores the island's flora and fauna medical plants. Guided nature walks, kayaking, and bird watching tours can be arranged through a great number of hotels. Small Hope Bay Lodge, also located on Andros Island, hosts several bird watching groups and nature hiking to a variety of locations in North and Central Andros throughout the year guided by professionals. Many people are not usually aware of the golden age of piracy in the Bahamas. Nassau, the capital city of the Bahamas, was at the base for the greatest concentration of pirates ever seen in the New World. Visiting the Pirates of Nassau Museum visitors are getting a piece of authentic Bahamian history.

**//Lodging://** 1. Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino Location- Cable Beach; The Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino, part of Cable Beach Resorts, is approximately five miles from Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) Price- $140.00 a night 2. Paradise Harbour Club and Marina Location: Paradise Island; Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) Price- $152.00

//**Currency:**// The Bahamas' unit of currency is the Bahamian dollar ($BSD) It is pegged to the U.S. dollar. Exchange Rate- 1 BSD= 1 $U.S

//**Weather/Climate:**// The trade winds blow throughout the islands, giving them warm weather year-round. The coldest winters average a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest time is from September through May, when the temperature averages 70-75 degrees. And during the rest of the year, there’s high humidity, with the temperature ranging from 80-90 degrees. At night, it generally drops by 5 to 7 degrees

**Museum:** Many people are not usually aware of the golden age of piracy in Bahamas. Nassau was at the base for the greatest concentration of pirates eve seen in the New World. Visiting the **Pirates of Nassau Museum** visitors are getting a piece of authentic Bahamian history. **Admission Fee:** $12.00 Adults (18 & Over) $6.00 Children (4-17) **Hours of operation:**Mon.–Sat.: 9 AM–5 PM*Sun.: 9 AM–Noon*