My family recently visited Paradise Island, which is one of the over 700 islands making up the beautiful Bahamas. We had no idea that they had over 700 islands and some that are uninhabited. This was an ideal family vacation- summer, sun and lots of fun. I don’t know who was more excited- my daughters or my husband. We stayed at the Atlantis Royal Towers and signed on for the all-inclusive package which came highly recommended for a family a four. Or as the booking agent told us, well it’s up to you but know that the Bahamas is an island and everything is imported and last time I was there a gallon of milk was about $9. This was enough to convince us to sign on to an inclusive package and make our vacation hassle and worry free.
If you have never visited the Bahamas or the Atlantis Resorts, I highly recommend it. This resort has thought of nearly everything to do. Our family screamed our way through exhilarating water rides and snorkeled in the tropical fish filled warm ocean. Every day was an adventure and by the end of the night the girls were exhausted!!
We ventured into the town market and visited the Straw Market to get souvenirs. This was a great experience for the girls to see Bahamians making goods out of straw. My daughters purchased some purses that a nice Bahamian lady customized with their name right on the spot. As we chatted with her I asked what I always ask when traveling- what’s your favorite local dish. She quickly responded as many other Bahamians responded throughout our trip- green peas and rice. I will redevelop this recipe so you can bring a little Bahamian cuisine to your home.
Bahamian cuisine naturally often includes seafood. The conch (‘konk’), a large sea snail, which is eaten raw as ceviche or can be cooked. The main Bahamian staple is green peas and rice made with browning sauce. The peas are usually green but can also include whatever legumes are on hand. Bahamian drinks include Sky Juice which can be evaporated milk, gin, sugar, nutmeg and coconut water but really seems to be coconut water and pretty much any alcohol!
Maybe next time we’ll island hop and enjoy the pink beaches, play with dolphins, and swim with the pigs in Exuma.