I’ve never been to a place that was “tropical” before but the Bahamas were definitely so. Palm trees, sunny temperatures (unless it’s a hurricane day!), coconut drinks, sunglasses and crystal clear blue waters alongside the white, powdery sand.
The beaches in the Bahamas are certainly different from the pebble-like, rocky shores in the south of France or along the Italian Riveria and definitely different from the harder sands in Southern California. I was amazed at the powdery-like substance that this particular sand was made from. My best friend, Lexi, and I had two days of fun in the Bahamas, starting with our first port of call: Nassau. We decided to ditch the crowds heading to the overly touristy Atlantis resort and explore a hidden, quieter treasure of Nassau.
Nassau, although gritty, dirty and a bit congested with locals selling their shells and sponges to the amounts of cruise-ship vacationers, was surprisingly charming. If you hike past the flooded stores, straw markets, and kiosk booths of gaudy jewelry and colorful straw “Bahamas” bags, you’ll find a long stretch of road and cars driving up the mountain. Take a 15 minute hike up and you’ll come across a hidden gem that you’ll want to revisit!
GrayCliff
A histórical mansion dating back from 1740, explore inside and you’ll discover 20 elegantly appointed living quarters named after women. The mansion smells like an antique: ancient, musty, and full of history. Travel on back through the palm trees and tropical shrubs and you’ll see this stunning beauty. Lexi and I had a typical “girls” vacation day of lounging on fancy beach chairs, dipping in the colorful-tiled pool, and sipping tropical cocktails filled with real coconut water that the local bartender got from an actual tree! Aside from the drinks, it all cost nothing. And only the locals know of this hidden treasure. GreyCliff is such a unique find, and it only requires a bit of exploring and venturing off the beaten path.
We hung out with turtles and giant orange fish and discovered beautiful statues, colorful fuzzy plants and singing birds that danced with the strangest and silliest of moves.
Eat Above the Island
Next we hit up the charming Athena Cafe: home to the most authentic Greek food I’ve ever had in my life! (And I grew up on Hummus and Spanakopita.) Lexi led the way up through a little alley, up a set of concrete stairs with little coconuts decorating each edge of the steps, and rang the giant, gold bell where she introduced me to her friend and server at Athena. We enjoyed our plates of pita and hummus and took in the peaceful sounds and views of the lush pal trees swaying in the skies around us. Below us was a flow of bustling people, a constant stream of chatter and attempts to sell trinkets, coconuts and touristy merchandise. Colorful flags and colors surrounded us high above the little island, as
Nassau, although gritty and run down, is incredibly beautiful and like a hidden tropical paradise when you discover the charming areas past the tourist markets. I now know why the locals call this island home.
Free-spirit, author, astrocartographer and all around creative in love with documenting the simple joys of life. I am passionate about noticing light and truth around me and reflecting it back to others.
A gorgeously designed hardcover coffee table book with Helena's photographs from around the globe, this practical how-to guide includes everything needed to live a slow, simplified life. For anyone who's ever felt the pressure to do more, be more, achieve more and feels the desire to let go of the busy go-go-go energy of a time we're living in, this book is for you. Free yourself by living slow.
free yourself
Lead from Your Soul & Live Slow
FROM ME to you
Get my (Travel) Postcards.
Join my free email newsletter to receive encouragement, astrocartography tips and inspiration from my travels on the road.