The Bahamas

After going to Jamaica, the next place I would like to go would be the Bahamas. It is an island country that consists of more than 700 islands, cays and inlets in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas were the site of Columbus's first landfall to the New World. I thought is was interesting that today over 90 percent of the population is descendants of slaves or free Africans. The Bahamas in Spanish is Baja mar which means the shallow waters or low tide. This name represents the area around the islands that consists of very shallow sea waters. If you are planning a trip to the Bahamas, the best time to go would be during the months of December and March. During the summer months is the hurricane seasons and these tropical storms greatly impact these islands. Tourism in the Bahamas accounts for over 60 percent of the countries income. Some events that I would like to attend in the Bahamas would be the Junkanoo. It is a street parade of dance, music and art and is held every Boxing day and New Years Day. Another thing I would like to do would be to visit Atlantis Paradise Island. It is a resort and waterpark located on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. One of the most well known rides in the called The Current. It is a mile long, 3 million gallon water ride that contains waves and artificial wave surges as well as fake steam and rapids throughout the ride. Also, at the resort there is the worlds largest air marine habitat. There is a series of aquariums located beneath the lobby of the Royal Towers. If you observe from the bottom floors, you are also able to view wreckage and debris from the Lost City of Atlantis. The neighboring island called the Blue Lagoon Island also has many forms of marine and wildlife. The Blue Lagoon contains a zoo filled with monkeys, peacocks, turkeys, parrots and iguanas in a paradise garden. This island goes by the more common name of Treasure Island. The island also underwent a multi million dollar expansion to enlarge the dolphin habitat that tourists can view and visit.