Bahamas

January 18 & 19, 2009 Nassau, New Providence, the Bahamas
The 725 students are on board, and we have really begun the trip, heading out of Caribbean waters into the Atlantic crossing. The ambiance of the ship has changed dramatically with lots of young energy. Over 70% of the students are girls. The most students from any one campus come from the University of Colorado, and the most students from any state come from various California colleges. All in all, there are 235 colleges and universities represented.
We awoke on the 19th and raised our shade to a colorful scene: pastel and brightly colored building of Nassau. We learned how to disembark and all took a water taxi over to Paradise Island, which is touristy and rich. We saw the aquarium at the Atlantis Hotel where you wander through dark caves and see fish in among “shipwreck ruins.” I liked the mantas, and Barrett likes the moray eels. Although he doesn’t want to get close to the glass with big fish swimming by, he loves those eels!
Buses are called jitneys, and the cars drive on the left side. Ladies in the market called me “Honey” and sit in chairs while they sew and sell. In the grocery, the girls sit to do checkout. They must not get paid much because they have a tip jar. The police dress in white uniforms, and students have on white shirts and green slacks or skirts. Most of the people are tourists, and between meetings on the ship, we didn’t have much time to go far. I enjoyed walking through the straw market and talking to some of the ladies. We left Nassau at 1700 hours with hundreds of parents waving from dockside. It was festive!