topless jeeps.
Our guide, a beautifully muscular guy called Chad, was
not only striking but also smart. His love for his home was
palpable. And his passionate recital of the history of Black
Bahamians, a history of colonialism and neo-colonialism,
¢HEAP TRAVEL
of slavery and continuing disenfranchisement and a resil-
ient people who continue to assert their independence,
By Donna Owens
touched a chord with the largely African-American group.
His tour included a visit with world renowned sculptor and
Worried that gas prices and the economy will give you
artist Antonius Roberts, who is spearheading a movement
the summer blues instead of a summer vacation this
of Bahamian artists to create art that shies away from the
season?
decades-long clichés of a happy-go-lucky people cavort-

ing merrily in an island
Don’t fret just yet, say experts. There are options for
paradise, and instead por-
savvy travelers looking to have fun this summer with-
trays the ongo- ing struggle
out breaking the bank.
of a people seeking to

reclaim their cultural and
“More people are vacationing in the States, instead of
national iden- tity.
going abroad,” says Sarika Chawla, managing editor
Chad’s knowledge
for Peter Greenberg Worldwide, which hosts a travel
of the island— its geology,
Web site, petergreenberg.com. Greenberg is the well-
its history, its flora and
known travel guru who appears on NBC’s Today
fauna—was expansive.
show.
At Lucayan National

Park, home of the world’s
For instance, says Chawla, attendance is up at
longest under- water sys-
America’s national parks. “There are plenty of great
tems of lime- stone caves,
experiences to be had in the States.”
I listened intently as

he explained how the
For those who wish to travel by car, she and other
natural formations were created. As we explored one of
experts suggest researching destinations nation-
those caverns, I could understand why the now-extinct
wide that are offering rebates that can be used
Lucayans buried their dead there. It was like a natural sanc-
towards gas. Cities like Philadelphia have done this.
tuary; steeped in silence and bathed in a soft glow from
Nationally, one good source to try, she says, is www.
sunlight that filtered in through the small opening before
bedandbreakfast.com.
disappearing into the mysterious deep of the underground

pool.
For travelers who are flying, Chawla recommends
I continued to be amazed as we kayaked along the Gold
handy websites such as www.farecompare.com and
Rock Creek, a pristine mangrove environment, where birds
www.airfarewatchdog.com which she says “tracks the
and marine life thrived; and indulged in the beauty of Gold
best deals.”
Rock Beach where gilded-white sands and pale blue waters

created a picture of paradise. And that was only a glimpse
Last but not least, there’s “bundling,” which allows
of the possibilities—hiking and biking tours, horseback
one to combine rental car, hotel and airfare in a pack-
riding and boating all offer opportunities to explore the
age deal. “Typically, these deals can be found online,”
island’s extensive eco-system.
she says.
While the nature and heritage tour had satisfied my mind
and spirit, however, back at the Westin, an opportunity of
a more sensual nature beckoned—a 25,000-square-foot,
Continued on pg. 44
A publication of the Afro-American Newspapers Trends 19
SUMMER TRENDS.indd 19 6/3/08 9:08:15 PM
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