During winter, I often catch myself daydreaming about warm places. Wishing I was laying on a beach with a pina colada in my hand. It helps me get through the darkness.
The other night I woke up from a dream about Andros, Bahamas. I know it sounds kind of random, but I traveled there in 2008 for a two-week long marine biology field course. It marked the end of my undergrad. Tough, I know.
We spent two weeks exploring the 2300 square-mile island, taking in its beauty and studying its natural history. The first week was spent snorkelling the variety of habitats between the beach and the reef, exploring the tidal creeks and examining the blue holes and pine barrens, while the second week was devoted to individual research projects. We were welcomed with open arms from the people that call Andros home, sharing meals and stories with them.
It was such an amazing experience that I promised myself one day I would go back. I would return once again to swim in the blue holes, to dive the barrier reef and to relax with my toes in the sand and a pina colada in my hand. It's been almost 5 years and so far I have only returned in my dreams. One day, it will happen. I will make sure it happens.
Andros is the largest island in the Bahamas and the least explored and developed. There are no large resorts, only family-run inns and lodges, and you can drive the entire island in a day. It's beauty is breathtaking, and it is even featured as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die". With its many mangroves, blue holes, hidden beaches, creeks and the third largest barrier reef, no wonder Andros is called the Bahamas' natural wonder.
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| Research station. |
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| Examining the critters found in our nets. |
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| My research project consisted of checking nets in the water every 3 hours for 48 hours. Yes, I was tired. |
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| The whole class jumping in a blue hole. |
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| Celebrating the end of a wonderful four years. |
Of all the places I've been in the Caribbean, Andros was the one that stole a piece of my heart. Maybe when Steve and I are able to take our honeymoon, we can make our way to Andros, Bahamas.
Have you ever visited a place that will stay with you forever?
that place truly embodies PARADISE! i want to go! usually one associates the bahamas with commercialized tourism...but this place looks so much better and authentic :)
ReplyDeletei have visited many places that stick with me :) most are in eastern europe