June 1998
Intro
After successfully convincing the parents to take us to Canada for our family trip in 1996, I suggested Florida this year – Orlando, Cape Canaveral, Tampa, St. Petersburg… Disneyworld… and of course, my real hidden agenda, the Bahamas. At 19 years old, and with my sister at 23 – this was destined to be our last ‘family trip’ together. And after taking my first serious trip to China last year, did you think I would be
happy with just Florida? I think not.
I took out my map and showed my parents just how close the Bahamas were to Florida – “come on, it’s like right there!” Long story short, my manipulation negotiation skills prevailed, and I was soon booking us round trip flights to Nassau from Orlando.
Florida was great, sure, but the Bahamas were beautiful, with its azure waters, bright sand, and beautiful palm-fringed beaches. We explored the capital’s historic colonial centre, including the Bahamian building and Straw Market, and then headed off to Paradise Island to see the extravagant and just-opened Atlantis Paradise Island Hotel. After gazing at the opulent lobby, wandering around the hotel grounds, and visiting its amazing aquarium, the biggest highlight of the whole trip happened – we ran into Stevie Wonder! Which left me star-struck and, of course… ‘overjoyed’!
Journey Map
Featured Image
