Bahamas: June 2007

(since I didn't bring my MacBook-I wrote my entry long hand, transcribed here)
Okay, what can I say? I mean it's beenlike a dream ( a fantasy if you could substitute all the mass of odd humanity surrounding the main pool at the Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas). The iPod is playing Jimi Hendix's "All Along the Watchtower" into the seldom used 6" between my ears, effectively drowning out the noises of the screaming kids of rich, drunk Europeans, and the gratuitous "island party anthems" that can be heard via strategically placed outdoor speakers--you know, the tunes that the resort folks think that fat white tourists prefer: "Hot Hot Hot", non-Marley reggae, and, of course, the Macarena-- today is the last day of our trip. We arrived late on Monday. There was a reception for us with food and drinks. The big fun was to start Tuesday...

on my iPod: "Carry On" by CSNY
Kerry and I are here on an award trip from my company--and all these people, mostly strangers, make for an uberdiverse group. The mega-wealthy are mingles amongst the common-folk, the good Bahamians who work this giant property.

"Long December" by Counting Crows

Tuesday, we boarded the Seahorse II (a larger catameran) for a half-day snorkel-fest. We saw the typical Caribbean reef-life: urchins, coral, colorful fish... in the evening we went to Graycliff restaurant. It was incredibly decedant. The cigar roller was right there in the front lobby, rolling away...

Chris & Kristin

Half of our table

Todd and Dana

"Sister Golden Hair" by America

Wednesday, we took a ride to Rose Island on a 40' powerboat. It was run by High Seas Private Excursions.
It was the highlight of our trip. The High Seas crew was exceptional and very fun to talk to. Not to mention, their little bit of Rose Island is incredible. If you are asked to describe the perfect tropical place, this would be it. On the trip over, we zigged and zagged between the reef and the shallows. I could easily imagine the tall ships of the 18th century, pirate ships, sailing into the ports of these gorgeous islands.

That night was awards night... the whole group got together to celebrate their successes. Our group is the smallest, and we went through our celebration pretty quick. Our boss went through his four reps fast... and he forgot I had won this before, and they mispelled my name on all the trading cards ( a little extra something they handed out)... and it made for good fodder at the table.

As I sit by the pool, there is some sort of game being played. An alphabet game being led by one of the staff with a microphone and an incredibly joyful attitude. Thank God for my iPod...

"The Thrill is Gone" B.B. King

On Thursday I went and played golf at the Ocean Club.
There is something to be said for playing golf on the Caribbean... WOW! I was partnered up with two other award winners (Vincent and Dale) and the guest of an award winner, Carl Banks.

It rained and rained, but that kept the temp down. I shot my usual 100+, but it was a fun 100!

"Life on Mars" David Bowie

Our final event will be tonight at our "on your own dinner". We will be having dinner with Todd and Dana at the Bahamian Club, a restaurant on site. Then we get up, get on a bus, wait in line, and go home...

Kerry
Water Wheels

Original Gilligans Island

Giant Manta Ray