Cruising Part 1 of 4: Freeport, Bahamas

Due to the extended fog delay, the captain of the Carnival Magic decided to switch up our ports of call.  By doing this and reducing our time in each port, we were still able to visit all three scheduled locations.  

Our first port of call was Freeport, Bahamas.  This was the first time Melissa (our daughter) stepped foot on foreign soil.  What a wonderful introduction to international travel.  We took a guided tour of this beautiful island during our 30 minute bus ride to a private white sand beach.  Oh, what a beautiful, relaxing place!  The moment our toes sunk into the soft, warm sand and wiggled their way to the cool Atlantic waters - we were hooked. The sun shined brightly as the winds gently cooled our soon-to-be sunburned bodies (yes, we used sunscreen!).  
 

 

While on the beach, we heard the roar of jet skis, laughter and the unique sound of a conch shell being blown.  We couldn't resist making a deal and bringing home our very own conch shell along with a starfish.  

We also enjoyed a great visit with this family staying at the hotel as they escaped some of their Canadian winter. Camille was a joy as she fed her sandwich to the birds and explored the sand and water with the gentle guidance of her parents.  

We reluctantly left the fabulous and almost sacred space of the beach to go in search of lunch.  Melissa was brave, trying and loving the conch fritters!  But we were on a tightening schedule and wanted to get a bit of shopping done before time to head back to the ship. The Port Lucaya Marketplace was perfect.  We found a cover-up dress for Melissa and I got a lovely red gauze blouse.  Melissa also found a fun hat made of recycled cardboard by local cancer patients. Proceeds support their ministry and provide for care and research.  We took time to send my nephew a postcard for a school project.  Don't you love the mailbox!  

Before we re-boarded the ship, we enjoyed a few last minutes of island life. We decided to try a favorite local drink - coconut milk, coconut water and coconut rum - in a freshly opened coconut. A sip was enough as neither one of us were big fans. But carrying around a coconut with straws certainly added to the awesome experience.