2/16 Bahamas (video)

2/16/08: Saturday
Today was our last full day on the island. And we intended to make it a relaxing day at the resort. No real agenda, just beach time and pool time. We accomplished just that! This was the best day we had weather-wise.

I noticed that the number of people at the affiliated resorts had also drastically increased. I learned that evening that Michael Jordan’s celebrity invitational golf tournament was starting up Monday. There did appear to be some basketball players roaming around with their families.

So what did we do… Beach, Kiddie Pool, and Lazy River. We decided to visit the one part of the resort that we hadn’t spent much time at. This is the original resort. Merv Griffin’s RIU (Resorts International) Coral Towers. The exterior architecture is dated, like that of the 70’s. And it’s not quite as nice as the newer facilities, but it’s still great. And the kiddie pool we found was perfect. It wasn’t crowded at all. A little sanctuary for us to hang out with the kids. For lunch we went to the Cave take-out. A little fast-food type restaurant situated inside a cave next to a pool. Finally, I tried my conch-fritters. I’m sure these are nowhere near as good as the one’s at the fish-fry place. But they were good. I’d definitely try them again.

Later that afternoon, Traci and I tried to head over to the big Kiddie pool by the Mayan tower, however, we found out that it was closed due to some kid pooping in the pool. That was very unfortunate. Though we found some small waterslides for Kylie try out. So we got some video of Kylie on her first waterslide. Initially she didn’t know what to make of it, she’d been on slides before, but not a waterslide. When she got off, her smile was ear to ear teeth chattering and all.

Later that evening, Heather came with me to pick up my Bahamas Starbucks mug. Those that know me well know that I collect Starbucks mugs from their city collection. On our way back to Johnny Rockets for a… you guessed it… Malted shake, there was some street dancers bringing the audience into the action. One girl was dancing with a young boy.. maybe 13? Maybe his dad pushed him out there. But she was shaking her hips to the music and the boy was embarrassed but enjoying himself. Shortly after I said to Heather, you should go out there (I was kidding), one of the shirtless male dancers came by and grabbed Heather. To his surprise she was mucho preggo, and I was able to capture the moment for posterity.

Again, sorry for the rotated pictures. Traci and Kylie in the sand.

wading in the surf.

Kylie likes it when we bob up and down with the incoming waves.

This is the kiddie pool area... Poseidon's pool.

Getting our feet wet.

Video clip of me taking Kylie through the water jets.

The floating lobster and crab are fun to sit and play on, plus they are very colorful.

Kylie and Melina sitting on the lobster.

We took a short field trip to the shark tunnel and aquarium. (there are lots of shark tanks at the Atlantis). This one is one is near the rope bridge. You don't get a sense of scale, but this fish was large... by the looks Kylie's head could probably fit in it's mouth.

Here we are looking at it... and it looking back at us trying to determine if it can eat us.

Kylie's first waterslide experience.

Heather dancing with the shirtless Bahamian dude mentioned above.

2/15 Bahamas

2/15/08: Friday
By today, I think we all started to feel like our vacation was too close to being over. As part of our stay at the Harborside Resort we agreed to do a timeshare (aka vacation ownership) presentation. For sitting through the presentation we received a $75 voucher towards our Atlantis Bill. We did the presentation on Wednesday the 13th. Traci and I were surprisingly interested. We now know most of the benefits of ownership. The Harborside Resort is one of the most expensive timeshares in the Starwood Network, but the deal was good in terms of bonus Starpoints for buying. One thing I appreciate is that it is a no-pressure sales environment (at least it’s supposed to be). Knowing that we were interested, they offered to let us take some time to think about it. We did, and almost thought we could pull it off, but the reality sunk in that we simply couldn’t afford it right now.

Instead they offered us the “explorer” package. This is the same offer that gets extended to friends and family we refer. 6 days, 5 nights for around $2600 (peak season Week 1-17). I spent my morning taking care of this paperwork for Traci and I. While the rest of them headed over to the beach. It wasn’t until I finished the paper work and headed over to the beach that the torrential rain began. So, needless to say I got soaked looking for all of them (who fled the beach for cover from the rain). I, on the other-hand was soaked head to toe. Not that big of a deal in a warm tropical climate.

One of the mornings. Tony and Heather went to the resort next door. The Land’or Sea Resort for breakfast… and instead got their timeshare pitch. Out of the deal, they got a dinner voucher a the Blue Lagoon restaurant. So this is where we went that night. The Land’or sea resort is dated… it’s from the 70’s and is in need of an overhaul which they are planning. But the owner won’t sell out even though he is not part of the “Atlantis” resort. He’s just in the front yard.

The restaurant is up on the 3rd floor, and with the way the staff is dressed you’d think this was a 5-star restaurant. The service was good enough, and the food was more like 3-star relative to the surroundings. I did try the Lobster-tail and it was very good. Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy my meal. It was just not what you’d expect.

Afterwards we headed over to the Atlantis Marina Village… home of Johnny Rockets and a Haggen-Daaz ice cream shop. All week long we had been indulging in either fancy ice cream sundae’s or Malted Shakes from Johnny Rockets. Traci was really digging the Cookies and Cream malted shake with extra malt powder.

Just after coming out with our Ice cream we discovered the Atlantis village Junkanoo parade. Junkanoo is actually a national festival sometime in June, but every Friday and Saturday night they have a parade here. It’s pretty cool and exciting and definitely creates a festive atmosphere!

Killing time in the afternoon. (Everytime I see this photo I can't help but laugh).

You can see how wet it was... and this is them waiting for me and staying dry.

On our way to dinner. One nice thing about staying at the Atlantis... is that you don't need a car. It is a destination resort. You come, and you pretty much stay.

The Domino's Pizza delivery truck. It's like a "SmartTruck".

Kylie at dinner, she must have been excited about something.

Tony, Melina, and Heather.

Us.

The Junkanoo parade.

One of the gals posing for pictures with people.

Auntie Heather, and Cousin Melina.

Some of the palm trees have these little snails in them. I've never really seen a snail in a tree?

Auntie Traci and Melina.

2/14 Bahamas

2/14/08: Thursday
Another beautiful day on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Again, we hopped on the shuttle bus for some fun in the sun. My one goal for today was to get some photos of Tony and I on the speed slide. That thing is tons of fun. Next time, Traci will get to try it when she’s not pregnant.

Traci and I offered to babysit Melina tonight so Heather and Tony could have a night out by themselves. They made the jaunt to the local Fish Fry on the main island. I don’t think they tried the Conch Fritters (that was one of my other objectives). They enjoyed themselves. The food off the resort island is cheap in comparison. Afterwards they spent some time in the casino (remember, gambling is for entertainment and not for investment purposes).

While at home, Traci made some Mac and cheese for dinner for the kids. And we watched Finding Nemo. Both Melina and Kylie did well watching the movie and made it most of the way through. When they get into something on TV they don’t blink.

Looking back at the Royal Towers from across the Lagoon.

Kylie having fun playing in the sand.

Sorry this picture is tilted. It is the famed Mayan temple speed slide aptly named "Leap of Faith." There is a very cool flash video on the Atlantis website that shows off their waterpark. http://www.atlantis.com/water/aquaventure.aspx

That's me making the plunge. In this case, I feel like you fly past the shark tube so fast that you don't even realize what happened.. other than the fact that it was exhilerating.

This is the slower paced Serpent innertube ride. I was able to get Traci to ride this one with me as a double. It's a meandering serpentine slide inside the tower that discharges you in this rectangular shark tube. Their is a viewing area here that you can watch the sharks and the passers by.

Here's a good shot of the Royal towers. We took a walk around the property with Kylie and Melina while Tony and Heather were out.

This is a shot of the Harborside resort by the pool. Despite it's contrast to the look of the rest of Atlantis. These timeshares are very nice, and the property has a nice feel to it.

Catching the sunset from the point.


"cheese everyone"

2/13 Bahamas part 2 (video)

This is one of my favorite video clips from the trip. This Manta Ray is huge. Maybe 8 feet across, and it just swims the tank so effortlessly.

A walk along the beach.

Family footprints in the sand. Can you guess who's feet are who's?

Dinner at Bimini Road. (Bimini Road is allegedly the fabled road to lost city of Atlantis).

What's left of my fish carcass, I mean Red Snapper.

2/13 Bahamas part 1

2/13/08: Wednesday
In the morning we spent our time at the Harborside Resort pool. With it being a bit cooler today and the wind blowing. The pool water felt a bit chilly. We were pretty much the only ones in the pool. There was a handful of people around the pool deck, but only sunbathing. I found it amusing that the lifeguards had jackets, hoodies, and sweatpants on to stay warm. This was clearly cold weather to them (between 70-80).

After Kylie had her nap, we headed back over to the Atlantis to go swim in the lagoon before everything shuts down (which is 5pm this time of year). The lagoon water is actually warmer than the Harborside pool. We also took a stroll on the beach to check it out. It’s very quiet after 5pm, the beach conditions were much better than the first day we were here.

Tonight we decided to give Bimini Road a try. It’s one of the main restaurants in the Atlantis Village. The restaurant always has live music on the porch playing music for the passers by and the bar patrons. There was lots of seafood to choose from. I felt a little adventurous and decided to try the deep fried red snapper. It was a bit of an adventure (eyeballs and all), but overall was good. The dirty rice was good too.

Melina walking on water.

Braving the frigid pool. (Kylie's inflatable has gotten some mileage between Kauai, Cancun, and here).

Playing in the lagoon. I like this photo.

Momma and Kylie.

2/12 Bahamas

2/12/08: Tuesday
Today was the first day that we all went to the Atlantis Resort to hang out. We found a spot near “The Current” an innertube river ride. And set up camp for the day. It’s tough to find life jackets for toddlers, but we managed to find some. Kylie had her first water ride experience today. We rode the current together with her mostly sitting on my belly. She was so intrigued by what was going on. She didn’t seem fearful, but rather enjoyed the experience… even when we got to the part with the wave machine that propels you through the current. I know from our time in the ocean at various beaches that she likes the up and down rolling motion of the waves…. I do too!

Melina and Kylie also had fun just playing with the innertubes. We were in sight of the kid’s play tower, but I think Kylie was a year or two too young to play with the bigger kids. She’d need serious supervision.


Heading down the current.

Afterwards, just playing in the pool. I later found a smaller life vest for Kylie.

It was a nice day... especially compared to the weather back home in Portland.

Waiting for the shuttle bus back to the Harborside Resort at their new "residences" at Atlantis.

2/11 - 2/12

Bathtime together. there's a funny story here. Traci filled up the bathtub for their bath and thought it'd be fun to turn on the jets... well one of the jets was aimed more upwards and shot out across the room, another sprayed Melina in the face. I heard recently that she doesn't like jetted tubs anymore.

Melina and her innertube.

Cousins finding amusement.

Checking out the water before going for a ride.

2/11 Bahamas

2/11/08: Monday
Heather Tony and Melina ventured out for some Groceries. After they returned we made a trip to the Harborside Resort pool and played until the kids got tired. We had some food poolside, but it left something to be desired compared to our experience at the Westin Cancun. The situation must be different in the Atlantis backard?

Tony and I made our maiden trip to explore the many waterslides of the Atlantis while Melina and Kylie were napping. We discovered the Power Tower and all it’s many inner tube slides, as well as The Abyss (an enclosed speed slide that dumps you in a cavern). Before heading back, I was able to talk Tony into trying out the famous Speed slide on the Mayan tower… it drops you through a tube in a shark filled pool. Sorry no pictures of this stuff today.

For Dinner tonight, we chose to give Anthony’s Grill a try. The food was okay. It was definitely more expensive than Johnny Rockets, but not by much. The highlight was the live music featuring a lone guitar player playing mostly well known songs, but at much slower Bahamian tempo (call it jazz). Initially, it was kind of annoying trying to identify the song, but after awhile and hearing more familiar songs I really began to appreciate this guy. Though no one else was applauding, our table would make the effort to show him some appreciation. It’s got to be hard to play when you don’t get audience feedback.


Sisters and cousins.

Post nap on the patio. The weather sure is nice (compared to Portland).

Finding amusement at the dinner table. One thing Traci is really good at is packing her "bag of tricks" in the diaper bag. There is always an assortment of toys. Here Kylie and Melina are playing with one of the new "classic" toys... the "Slinky".

And as you can see, having a good time at Anthony's Grill.