The Bahamas

Yes, I am totally spoiled, and the day after my Ohio trip, Dave and I drove back to SLC to fly to the Bahamas for an anesthesia conference. ( I love his job!) We stayed at the Atlantis resort on Paradise, Island. There is no doubt that this place is a breathtaking view. Everything is very luxurious, and the ocean is so blue and clear. The first day we were there was sunny, so we spent it at the pool and trying out the various waterslides. Unfortunately, Dave had seminars to attend in the early evening. Little did we know, that would be the ONLY sun that we saw for 6 more days! AHHH!!! Not to sound ungrateful, but nothing is worse than rain and clouds when you are supposed to be on a SUNNY, tropical island! We found ways to entertain ourselves though. We toured all of the elaborate aquariums, saw several movies at the theater (the only FREE thing that resort offers), shopped in Nassau on the mainland, and made a few friends. We were so desparate that we even tried to sit by the pool while it sprinkled rain, just to be outside!
We both agree that the trip would have been different if the weather was nice, but we don't really recommend Atlantis as a family vacation spot. First of all, everything is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive...the rooms, the activities, and especially the FOOD. Dinners were at least $40 a plate, and even a plain hamburger (no fries included) cost $20. Needless to say, we split a lot of meals, and I think my pants do feel a bit looser! :) The thing that made us most mad was that they wanted to charge me $5 to pop my OWN bag of popcorn in their microwave! Are you serious!???? It took everything I had to be nice to the lady that told me that. Secondly, the service is mediochre at best. They charge gratuity automatically for everything, and nobody offers to do anything. Not once. Thirdly, the environment is not family oriented. If you like to drink, smoke, and gamble, this is the place for you, otherwise, you may become annoyed when you have to walk through the casino every time you want to go anywhere.
The slides are very fun, and the aquatic life was interesting to watch, but next vacation will be an all inclusive, more family oriented place, hopefully with some SUN! :) Luckily, on the last day, we sat in the sun for four hours before heading to the airport. We were glad to be home with mildly sunkissed cheeks.
Also, when we got back, we had treats for the kids. Maddy sat down at dinner and said, "Yeah, I love the Hamas." So cute! I am glad to be home and done traveling for awhile.