[BMW F22]

First off let me say that these vacations are not like those of European Delivery. These are for you to relax and enjoy the natural beauties that Mother Nature has to offer. Thus throughout this review you will not find many action-packed descriptions but more of a serene picture. We went with a lot of people and they all brought their own cameras so we took a boatload of pictures. Thus it took me a long, long time to sort through all the pictures and picked out some (key work: some) to post on here. We actually got back about 3 weeks ago. hehehe


Days 1 & 2: We left the house around 9:30 PM and arrived at the airport at about 10:05 or so. After dropping the family off my brother and I went to the Burlingame Parking Lot to well…park the car. We took the shuttle back to airport and met up with the rest of the group that will be traveling with us. After going through the security check point, we waited for a bit and boarded our Delta flight to Cincinnati, Kentucky. The flight there was about 4.5 hours. We had to wait another 4 for our connecting flight Nassau, Bahamas.

Since they didn’t provide dinner nor breakfast we bought some food at the airport. I bought some Subway turkey sandwiches for me and the fam. I must say, that was THE worst sandwich I’ve ever tasted in my life. Lol It had almost no taste and had I not been starved by Delta, I wouldn’t have eaten it. Those 4 hours went by rather quickly as we took naps, listened to music and played cards. We flew on a Delta Connection plane this time. It was smaller than the plane from SFO to CVG. We were only about 15 minutes or so away from our destination when there were forecasts of a thunderstorm. We did fly through some dark clouds. It was an interesting experience. You could see the water drops splashing all over the windows while the plane ascend and descend in the sky. The ride was a little bit harsh and bumpy. While it wasn’t scary, I was sure it got everyone’s adrenaline going. Even with the thunderstorm, we landed in Nassau safely and on time. After checking in with custom we got our luggage and headed out. The shuttle driver was waiting for us and took care of the luggage.

It was raining right when we boarded the bus. It rained pretty much for the rest of the night. There was also thunder that was so loud it was deafening. We checked into the hotel and went to our room(s) to take a little nap. When we awoke we were going to go out for dinner but it was still raining pretty hard outside. After talking with the group they decided to just eat something light that night. Then we walked around

Day 3: We left the hotel around 12 and took a taxi to downtown Nassau. We checked out the Straw Market and bought some souvenirs there. We walked around a bit and got some Starbucks and ice cream there. I noticed that although many stands had things in common, they were selling them at different prices. They do seem to have a cap on the lowest price they can sell a particular item for though. So if you’re heading to the Bahamas be sure to check out all the shops before buying something. My brother bought this wooden walking turtle for $5 at a stand when there were kids walking around selling them for a dollar each (lol we got some laughs out of that). At about 4 PM we headed back to the hotel. We rested for a bit and for ready for the welcome party that night. We went to the dig to see their collection of fish afterward. I have to say that it was the largest aquarium I’ve ever seen. It had all kinds of marine species in there. It was just simply spectacular.

[SteanLV]

looks like vegas lol

[bronco]

Nice! I went there a few years ago, and Paradise Island is the only place I would go, if I ever go back to the Bahamas.
Paradise Island - nice, civilized, clean, private (to some extent), the rest of Bahamas is CRAP!!!

[BMW F22]

Day 4: We went to the zoo and then a local market place afterward to get some fruit. Afterward I went with my uncle and siblings to get some Starbucks at the Marina Village. We then headed to a tours agent to get some information about an excursion. After getting back to the hotel we went swimming and had some fun on the slides. I went to the casino and hit up the blackjack tables that night.

Day 5: This was just a day to relax. We walked around the beach, the entire resort and the Marina Village. Later that night we went over to my uncle’s Presidential Suite for a Father’s Day celebration. His suite was right next to the beach. We saw people jet skiing, swimming, and just relaxing on the cool sand.

[BMW F22]

more...

[BMW F22]

Day 6: We got up a bit earlier today, got ready and met up with the rest of the fam in the lobby. At around 9 AM a lady came to pick us up for our excursion. After we’ve boarded the boat and everyone’s settled it, the anchored was pulled up and we headed out into the open sea. The first island we visited belonged to Eddie Murphy. It was sort of like a cul de sac island where it’s basically circular with an opening for boats entering and departing. Since it was a private island we couldn’t stop there. The next island we stopped by was smaller but very cool nonetheless. There was nothing but coconut trees and a little shack on it. The boat was anchored here and we were free to swim or just relax and soak in some sun; we were the only people there. After a little bit of swimming we picked some coconuts off the trees and enjoyed them on the boat. After about an hour or so we arrived at another, much larger island and spent most of the day there. Some of us went swimming, some just laid on the sand, and some stayed on the boat. My brother and uncle went to explore the island and found some fruit. I rushed to find my set of sandals and joined them. We asked one of the sailors and she told us that the fruit we picked was called “coco plum”.

A little later the captain told us to get out of the water because there were dark clouds nearby. Although they were heading toward the direction of the Atlantis Resort, it doesn’t hurt to be safe. We had lunch on the boat and some went sunbathing on the front deck. Some of my relatives went diving and saw some pretty cool fish. They were a bit adventurous and began doing summersaults into the water from the top of the boat. We threw some bread into the water to see the fish come up and snatch it away. They were very quick and abundant. On our way home we stopped by the Straw Market again to buy some more stuff.

Back at the hotel we had some rest and went to get some Quiznos; it’s never tasted so good. Later that night we went to the theaters to watch Catch & Release. I didn’t like it at all. I mean it was a decent movie but I’m more of an action/adventure movie kind of guy. The only reason why I watched it was because everyone was there and it was a little too early to be at the casino. Lol

[BMW F22]

Day 7: We took a little tour around the island and explored pretty much every point of interest here. We saw Oprah’s house, Michael Jordan’s crib, and also the largest and most stunning golf course on Paradise Island, the Ocean Club. The driver was cool enough to reserve the bus for us (and only us). He would drop us off at a point of interest so that we can take pictures while he picks up other people and take them places. Then by the time we’re done he’d be back waiting for us with an empty bus. Since we were a large group, we took up all the seats except for one.

We learned that the suite between the two buildings of the Royal Tower costs $2,500 a night and there’s a minimum of 6 nights. Holy crap that’s a boatload of money!! Those funny colored buildings are also pretty costly to rent/stay at. House in the Bahamas also cost a fortune (at least on Paradise Island). They range anywhere from about a mil all the way up to 8.5 millions +. After the tour we went back to the hotel where some of us went swimming and others rested. A few hours later walked across the bridge to Nassau and had dinner there. Some people went to a local restaurant while the rest ate at a sidewalk shop. I had the conch salad with some brown rice. It was pretty darn good if I may say so. The rest of the night is pretty much the same as previous nights: gambling, movie, chatting, and card games.

[just4kickz]

TURTLES!

[BMW F22]

Day 8: Since I stayed up until about 3 AM I couldn’t find the power to wake up and join the family for another island tour today. So here’s what I heard from them. They visited Anna Nicole Smith’s house and also that of James Bond- that’s right, 007’s home. They also visited the Queen’s staircase (forgot her name). They went to this one fort that’s pretty cool (from what I saw in the pictures). They even went to a fancy restaurant and had one heck of a lunch (without me!!!).

When they got back they rested for a bit and we headed over to Nassau for dinner. We tried out different foods and just kicked back for a little while. We also took some pictures with the locals. They were all very friendly- although some of them kept calling me Lee (Rush Hour). On the way back we stopped on the bridge and enjoyed the sunset. It was cool to see how the water was orange on one side and blue on the other side of the bridge.

[nusevad]

Lovely photos, make me wish i was on vacation...

[BMW F22]

more...

[BMW F22]

Day 9: Another lay back day for us- although to be fair you’re supposed to lay back on vacations. We took another small tour around the island and went back to enjoy the water one last time before heading home tomorrow morning. About 3 or 4 we went back to the hotel to rest for a bit before getting ready for the farewell dinner party. I was pretty much the last one to show up because I had to wait for everyone to finish using the bathroom. While dining we enjoyed whatever music the DJ put on. The music started out very slow at first and then picked up. After dinner the DJ started playing some very fast and upbeat songs and people started dancing. There were some slow dances in thrown in the mix as well. The party lasted until about 10 PM or so. Others went back to their rooms to sleep while my dad and I (along with some relatives) went gambling for one last time. I started winning all my money back but then lost all the winnings back again. Lol should have stopped while I was even. Eh well- all in good fun. Oh and I met Larry the Cable Guy while playing black jack. How cool was that?!?! Get ‘em done!!!


Some more photos...

[BMW F22]

Day 10: Everyone met in the lobby at around 10 or so. Our flight was leaving at 1:15 PM and we were suggested to be there a few hours before (per the guide). Thank goodness for the suggestion because that has got to be the most unorganized and inefficient airport I have ever been to. Check-in only took about 10 minutes or so which wasn’t bad- then came the security check point. They basically splitted us into two (2) lines that will get us to the same point. Firstwe got in this long line and stood there for about 5 minutes or so. Then we saw people starting to get into another, shorter line so we decided to follow them- it was a good decision. We were able to make it right on time. As for the people in the other line, they basically went around the room, outside and then back in again. It literally took a couple of hours just to get through the first security check point. One of the reasons being that nobody knew what they were doing and nobody communicated what they were doing. People were so pissed they started cussing and yelling at the staff. In the end we all made it on the plane on time.

After just a few hours of flying we landed in Atlanta, Georgia. At the waiting area the lady announced that they needed six (6) people to give up their seats for some compensation. We wanted to volunteer because it would mean $2400 in vouchers and we’d get to spend a night in Atlanta. In the end we decided it wasn’t worth it. My uncle and aunt then wanted to volunteer but then they no longer needed it (the people that needed the seats didn’t show up). My cousin did stay there a few days with her friends though. After another few hours of flight we were back in the Bay Area- home at last.


Last thought: we’ve been to Hawaii a few times, Cancun & Puerto Rico before but I must say that by far, this was our favorite vacation. It was fun and very relaxing. It wasn’t as expensive as what I’ve heard. Paradise Island is more expensive because it’s a tourist spot. However, once you’ve crossed the bridge to Nassau you’re in good hands- same quality food as that on Paradise Island but at much cheaper prices. I mean why spend $60 on a steak when you can have the exact same one in Nassau for $20? (which is what we pay at restaurants such as Apple Bee’s, Outback, etc.) Overall it was a wonderful vacation. The Bahamas are one of the places that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.


Some last pictures...

[SteanLV]

wow that place is freaken beautiful

[LEDZEP]

Columbus is looking a little light in the pantaloons there.... but of course he is standing in front of a pink building.


Very nice photos! Thanks for the needed diversion!

[Zeeman]

nice....but what is this thread doing on this site?

what if we all posted "some" of our vacation on this site.

Can't wait to see Canuklion's reaction to this one.

[Nikki]

Beautiful! Great photos.

[phantom330]

beautiful pictures, I went to Atlantis a few years back and I travel a lot, and it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!

[JmanE55]

Very nice pictures. Thanks for sharing.

[BoostedBMW]

Those are some great pics! I've been to Atlantis twice, it was one of my favorite vacations. Recently that place has gotten a little out of hand as far as pricing goes though, and last time I went there around three years ago the service really sucked. Its a beatiful place though.

[montreal_bimmer]

sick pics.... i need to get there... it's beautiful

[BlackLemon]

NIce....I was there in Feb.