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Best of the Bahamas

Edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

These days it seems like summer is winding down as soon as it begins, but it's never too late to take a well-deserved vacation.  Only 55 miles from the coast of Florida, the Bahamas offer everything a vacation spot should, plus some unique extras.  Take, for example, the festivals and activities hosted throughout the summer that will immerse any visitor into the cultural fabric of this tropical paradise.

Smith's Point Fish Fry

All Summer
The Wednesday night "Fish Fry" at Smith's Point is a unique cultural and dining experience. It was started a number of years ago by the residents of that small town, just outside of Lucaya, to help raise funds for their church. It has become so popular that similar fish fries are now held throughout Grand Bahama and the other Islands of The Bahamas.  The Fish Fry is an excellent opportunity to get better acquainted with both the native fish and local residents. We're sure you'll enjoy both!

Mini "Crab Fest"

All Summer
The indigenous "land-crab" (primarily native to Andros island) is the main attraction at the "Mini Crab Fest."  Mr. Oscar Porter, the proprietor and a descendant of Andros, proudly serves up dishes like Andros Boiled Crab & Dough with Cassava, Andros Crab Soup and Andros Stuffed Crab. Accompaniments are their famous "Gully Wash" (a concoction of green coconut juice, sweetened milk and gin) and the music of a native Rake & Scrape band. Be sure to get there early, as these delicacies often sell out quickly!

Grand Bahama Summer Junkanoo Festival

Jun 10 - Jul 29 2005
Likened to Mardi Gras or Carnivale, this annual Heritage Tourism event brings together artists from all communities on the island to share their talents with Grand Bahamians and visitors alike. Local and national entertainers perform, along with the Bahamas Dance Theatre and local Junkanoo groups. Cultural displays demonstrate how to plait sisal and crack conch. Special Grand Bahamian dishes are served, including a 'fish fry' experience. There are also treats for children, such as games, popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones.  The festival is held every Friday, 5:30 - 10:00 p.m., near the Torii Gate at the International Bazaar.

All Andros & Berry Island Regatta

July 15-17 2005
This annual "test" decides who in the area earns bragging rights for being the best at sloop racing.

Goombay Summer Festival - Marsh Harbour

Jun 17 - Aug 26 2005
Goombay is the rhythm of Bahamian music and is also the name of the Bahamian native festival. It captures several elements of the culture on a single stage for a dramatic one-night experience over several weeks of the summer. It is but a glimpse inside the cultural experience, featuring native music, food, dance, arts and crafts.  Join the Bahamians in an evening of culture as they celebrate the diverse heritage of the Abacos.  The location for the Festivities will be in Marsh Harbour at the Goombay Park and the dates for such events are as follows:

July 15, 2005 - Goombay Festival
July 29, 2005 - International Night
August 12, 2005 - Goombay Festival
August 26, 2005- Down Home Night Family

Annual Grand Bahama Conchman Triathlon

Nov 5 2005
Some 200-plus sports enthusiasts gather in Freeport/Lucaya for a grueling 0.5 mile (1 k) swim, 20 mile (25 k) bike ride and 3.5 mile (5 k) run.  Start time is 8:00 a.m.; location is Taino Beach. For amateurs only.

For more exciting things to do in the Bahamas, see www.bahamas.com

Great Guidebooks

A TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE JEWISH CARIBBEAN AND SOUTH AMERICAN
By Ben G. Frank
A practical, anecdotal, and adventurous journey through historic Jewish Caribbean and South America including Kosher restaurants, cafes, synagogues, and museums, plus cultural and heritage sites.

Fodor’s  04 Caribbean
Where to stay and eat for all budgets
Good shopping sections
www.fodors.com

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CARIBBEAN
From the Arawak and Carib to the Present
By Jan Rogozinski
A Plume Book
www.penguinputnam.com

INSIGHT GUIDES Caribbean Cruises
Langenscheidt Publishers
www.insightguides.com

Get a taste of the Caribbean

McKennas Guide to Caribbean Beers
All the Islands, All the Brews
By Mark McKenna
Parrot Publishing
www.caribbeanbeer.com
parrotpublishing@aol.com

TORTUGA RUM FEVER & Caribbean Party Cookbook
Recipes from the Sol
By Barbara Currie Dailey
Island Fever Press, LTD.

WALKERSWOOD CARIBBEAN KITCHEN
By Virginia Burke
www.walkerswood.com

Many tastes of the Bahamas & Culinary Influences of the Caribbean
By Lady Darling
Scrumptious and easy. Formal dinners to everyday cooking
Caribbean Productions

Speak Like a Native

HIDE THIS SPANISH BOOK
Berlitz
The cover gives this warning: Highly inflammatory text inside, so not open near Spanish teachers, not for classroom use. Inside, you will find the lingo on sex—before, during and after, and fashion trends and styles.
www.berlitzbooks.com/hidethisbook.htm

Enjoy Caribbean Music

Caribbean Playgound
Putumayo Kids
www.Putumayokids.com
Caribbean Neo Folk Singer Songwriter Asheba specializes in children’s music. Two of his great Cd’s are-
Go Itsy
No More Monkeys
www.asheba.net

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