Jan 26, 2010

The Bahamas...General Information

THBAHAMAS
Life is meant to be lived.


You are about to find out why The Bahamas is the tropical paradise you’ve always dreamed of.
Maybe it’s the heritage of the people. Maybe it’s the degree of opportunities for adventure and seclusion.

Maybe it’s the number of islands which is 700 in total.  Whatever it is, as long as it’s truly Bahamian, it will make your dreams seem incredibly unimaginative. And that has to be a welcoming thought.

The Bahamas has a population of 305,000.

70% of the people live on New Providence Island (home of the capital city Nassau), which is only the eleventh largest island in The Bahamas.


The Bahamas has the clearest waters in the world with visibility of over 200 feet (61 meters). Pictures don't lie...
In The Bahamas they drive on the left, but most vehicles are left-hand drive.
Economy
The Bahamas is a stable, developing nation with an economy heavily dependent on tourism and offshore banking.  Steady growth in tourism receipts and a boom in construction of new hotels, resorts, and residences has led to solid GDP growth in recent years.  There is no income or corporate tax and no capital gains or inheritance tax in The Bahamas.  The legal tender is the Bahamian dollar (B$1), which is equivalent in value to the U.S. dollar.

The islands are full of flora and fauna.
The island of Eleuthera is a nature lover's paradise, and interesting flowers, birds, insects, wildlife and marine life can be seen almost everywhere.
Tropical flowers are in bloom year round.

Among the mammals that live off the coast of the Bahamas are the whale and the dolphin.  
 The Bahamas is a a mixture of many people all blending into one and making them one of the friendliest people you will encounter in this lifetime.... Some of their religious groups are Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, and Roman Catholic..and if you are ever in the mood to meet some of the friendliest people around just come for a visit. You will not be disappointed.  The smile on the little girl is typical of most living here...always happy...their motto......don't worry be happy!!

Weather and Climate in the Bahamas
Most of the Bahamas has sunshine approximately 310 days per year (averaging 8 hours per day, this is usually more in the summer, and less in the winter).

The Bahamas has a tropical maritime climate, which makes for generally year-round good weather. The Bahamas does not experience extremes of temperatures. In centrally situated New Providence, winter temperatures seldom fall much below 60F degrees and usually reach about 75F degrees in the day. In summer, temperatures usually fall to 78F degrees or less at night and seldom rise above 90F degrees during the day.


There are two seasons: summer (me pictured with the hat) which is from May thru September and winter (me pictured in white t-shirt) which is from October thru April. A Bahamian winter is usually the equivalent of summer at Lake Tahoe.
Average temperatures range from 84 deg. F during the summer and 75 deg. F in the winter...  be it winter or summer the climate is always comfortable....

English is the official language.


The best thing to do while in Eleuthera is nothing. Just rent a spot on the beach and tan....or you can swim, snorkel, surf and enjoy some of the finest diving anywhere, with exceptional dive facilities and unusual wrecks; admire and feed the fish or take a dip in the inland “Ocean Hole,” over 100 fathoms deep; explore fascinating sights and enjoy tasting the sweet and uniquely delicious Bahamian pineapples grown in Gregory Town.

Stargazing

Far from the city lights, the night sky over Eleuthera is a dazzling canopy of celestial splendour! The clear air and remote locations mean that literally millions of stars can typically be seen. Lie back in the sand and learn to identify the constellations.

Whatever you desire, Eleuthera has it all - spectacular beaches, great surf, tranquil coves, lush green forests, quaint historical settlements, and a relaxed, carefree atmosphere. You can do it all or do absolutely nothing.
Enjoy your freedom!


Eleuthera Sunset....


Arvid is a workaholic....there is no place other than Eleuthera where you will find him relaxed, carefree and yes......collecting shells

He is happiest who finds peace in his home.
until later....