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"Beyond the Horizon: A Bahamian Odyssey from Natural Charms to Hidden Delights"

Hey there, and welcome to my blog! I hope that this New Year has met you in good spirits and endless possibilities. Whether you're a loyal subscriber or a newcomer to this digital space, I'm thrilled to have you here as I share a new chapter of exploration, discovery, and a mix of Dolly-isms. Now, what is a Dolly-ism? HAHA!! These are quirky sayings or colloquiums that I have picked up throughout my life that make me a humble blogger and a clever wordsmith at the same time. LOL!!


On a recent trip to the island of Nassau, I had the opportunity to engage a family member in deep conversation about the natural resources of the Bahamas. I’m truly amazed at how these resources, from the mesmerizing beaches to the diverse marine life, play a vital role in shaping not just the breathtaking scenery but also the very essence of Bahamian culture and lifestyle. From the islands' lush history to the entrepreneurial spirit behind cultivating organic tea products, this journey promises to reveal hidden delights and disclose secrets that often elude the notice of unsuspecting tourists. So, get ready for an adventure that transcends the ordinary, taking a deep dive into the heart of the Bahamas.

Welcome to the captivating realm of Bahama Land, where azure horizons beckon and the natural allure of stunning beaches and marine life intertwines with the fabric of daily life and cultural richness. As we explore this Bahamian experience, guided by the echoes of old-fashioned remedies like Bush tea and the distinctive traditions that define the country's identity, we invite you to venture "Beyond the Horizon." *This post is written in a Q&A format between me (BB) & the interviewee (LP)*


BB: #1 How does the natural environment of the Bahamas, including its beautiful beaches and marine life, influence the daily lives and cultural activities of the locals?

LP: Bahamians are influenced by our natural resources, such as our beautiful people. The Bahamas has a unique kind of people. Our culture is unique and distinct because as a country we stand on what we were taught as kids. Our traditions are important and valued, such as old-fashioned Bahamian remedies Bush tea, or bush medicine as we would call it. Still to this day we drink teas and believe in natural remedies for healing the body.


BB: #2 Speaking of the natural environment, what made you decide to cultivate and sell organic tea products? 

LP: After working in the tourist industry for so many years, I grew to love sharing information about my Bahama land (as we would call it). Coming to know the rich history of the islands, our Bush medicines or bush tea remedies truly is a gift and a blessing. I realized that the body can be healed via natural means and not just by prescribed medication. Having known this it made me seek ways on how I could share our Bahama land to the world and that so many people needed what we had to offer them naturally.


BB: #3 Are there any annual celebrations or gatherings that hold special significance for the Bahamian community?  

LP: Bahamians as a people look forward to celebrating our independence. This is a chance to show our pride and independence as a free nation to the world. Another one of our proud celebrations is our Goombay festival that is held during the summer in the month of June and July. We gather for Bahamian food drinks and play our real Bohemian music and, of course, the people. Junkanoo is also a grand time for us where we would go downtown, or Bay Street as we call it, with the rhythm of cowbells, goatskin drums, and whistles.  We display costumes of different array with beautiful colors depicting a theme for each group to display with fun and entertainment on Bay Street.


BB: #4 So here's a fun question: Dish out the juiciest Bahamian secret that tourists are oblivious to. Is there a secret flamingo mating call that happens during the summer, or is there an underground coconut black market we should know about? LOL.

LP: Well, if the secret must be known, we as a people believe in a higher power (IKR) as some people would say, but we believe in God. We trust that God would keep us safe in this archipelago of islands where we believe God lives. Our faith in God is culturally fundamental so you can say that's our coconut Black market. HAHA.


BB: #5 Imagine you’re stranded on a Bahamian outer island, there are no others in sight, and you need to survive for at least 30 days. If you had to choose 1 traditional Bahamian dish for survival, what would it be? (*the picture below is conch salad*)

LP: That is a real hard one because we have so much unique dishes to choose from.  Boiled fish, stew conch, peas and grits, baked macaroni, coleslaw, and chicken souse just to name a few.  But I think I would go big or go home. I would choose peas and rice, baked macaroni, steam snapper with coleslaw and a nice tall glass of switcher (is what we call it, but everyone else calls it lemonade).



I don’t know about you, but her last response was so vivid in my mind that my mouth started watering. IJS. Imagine the solitude of being stranded on a Bahamian outer island and those food survival choices. A feast comprising peas and rice, baked macaroni, steam snapper, coleslaw, and a refreshing glass of switcher encapsulates the essence of Bahamian culinary delights. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me, where natural charms meet hidden delights, and every word has been a step deeper into the heart of the Bahamas. Until our next adventure, here's to the spirit of exploration, discovery, and the vibrant culture of Bahama Land!


If this content managed to paint a grin on your face or set your wanderlust on fire, why not toss a virtual coffee my way? Your support keeps me caffeinated and fueled to create more awesome content just for you. Blessings! (CashApp or PayPal donation)☕






2 Comments


Guest
Feb 04

I want to try some Conch salad....

Looking Good Dolly Lama ... Looking Good!!

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Biz3b
Feb 04
Replying to

It will change your life🤓. Thanks for reading the post 🤗

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