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[[image]] FREEPORT,Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas--Here at the fascinating International Bazaar 65 exquisite shops carry the fine wares of some 50 countries from around the globe. The author Ernest Hemingway, who lived at Blue Marlin Cottage. Souvenirs of his stay are on display at the Compleat Angler, one of seven resorts, all of which rent individual fishing boats. According to legend, the fountain of youth is located on South Bimini while in the North, large hewn stone underwater formations are believed to be part of the lost continent of Atlantis. Transportation from North to South is by ferry: Chalks International Airways, a seaplane service, flies from Miami and Nassau. Exuma Settlements are few and far between in the Exuma Cays, a long slim chain of islands, 100 miles long, where uninhabited isles are numerous. Getting marooned is a popular pastime--simply pack a picnic lunch, get a boatman to ferry you across to a deserted island and tell him to go away until much, much later. A sailor's paradise, this exquisite cruising ground hosts the annual Family Island regatta at Elizabeth Harbour. The northern part of these islands, designated as the Exuma National Land and Sea Park, has a beautiful sea garden with reefs only 3 to 10 feet beneath the surface. Other noteworthy diving spots are the mysterious cave of Stocking Island and the Highborne Cay wreck, a privateer which hit a shallow reef in 1560 and now rests in 40 feet of water. Eight resorts are dotted throughout the chain. George Town airport has direct service to Nassau, Miami, Long Island and Crooked Island via Bahamasair. Eluthera This island of contrasts offers beautiful pink sand beaches, majestic cliffs, luxury resorts, quiet friendly villages, sheltered coves and white pounding surf. Eleuthera was the first permanent settlement in The Bahamas back is 1647 and the first true democracy in the western world. The original settlers, the "Eleutherian Adventurers" who came in search of religious freedom, named the island for the Greek word "eleuthera," meaning freedom. Some 37 resorts dot the island with excellent 18-hole golf courses at Cotton Bay Club and at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club. Divers will find the waters fascinating - the Six Shilling Channel is a maze of coral reefs, which trapped a few American Civil War blockade runners. There is also the famous "train wreck," an unlikely sight dating back to the sinking of a barge with a cargo of narrow-gauge cars bound for Cuba. Just off Eleuthera is popular Harbour island where Dunmore Town boasts numerous colonial style homes which are also part of the charm of Spanish Wells, where residents are proud of their loyalist ancestry. Eleuthera has three airports--all with direct service to Miami and Nassau. The Berry Islands There are some 30 islands in the Berry Island chain, each a tropical paradise. Right in the center is Little Harbour Cay, a place of green hills and coconut groves, one of the loveliest of the Berry Islands. Only Chub Cay has facilities to accommodate visitors. It boasts an 18 hole golf course, an 85 ship marina, good restaurants and all the usual water spots. Cat Island Completely unspoiled, Cat Island is 48 miles long but only one to four miles wide with some of the finest beaches in The Bahamas. A local boy made good is Sidney Poitier who used to live at Arthur's Town. Dotted around the island are attractions such as pre-Columbus Indian Caves near Port Howe, thatched roof villages and 200-year-old plantation ruins. There are four hotel resorts and an airport with service from Nassau. Long Island This island has colorful places with names such as "Deadman's Cay," "Hard Bargain" and "Burnt Ground" hinting at a colorful past when pirate ships ruled the waters. There are three resort hotels and two airports. San Salvador This island has the history honor of being the place where Columbus first set foot in the New World. Accommodations are available at Riding Rock Inn and Sea View Villas; the airport is at Cockburn Town. And More... Other Islands such as Inagua, Crooked Island and Acklins Island offer licensed accommodations and sports facilities. [[image]] NASSAU, The Bahamas--With gentle trade winds, you'll find nearly perfect boating in The Bahamas year round. People-to-People Program... Yes, some people want to spend their vacation on a deserted island but The Bahamas can also offer visitors an opportunity to meet people--local people. Visitors to New Providence and Grand Bahama can arrange to meet Bahamian residents by signing up for the program at their hotel. The Peopl-to-People [[People-to-People]] program, sponsored by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, introduces visitors to Bahamians who share similar interests or occupations. The program, which began in 1975, is free and is gaining in popularity every year. There are almost 1,000 volunteer hosts, giving visitors to The Bahamas an opportunity to learn about the people and their culture. Travel Information... A passport is not needed for U.S. citizens if the visit does not extend beyond three weeks. However, be sure to bring proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or a voter's registration card. It's Better in the Bahamas... This nation of 700 islands, blessed by warm bright sunshine, extends that golden warmth to you in welcome. In The Bahamas, there is variety beyond imagination - relaxed or active, exotic or romantic, peaceful or lively - or a combination of all! Find out, as almost 1.8 million visitors did last year, that "It's Better in The Bahamas!" [[image]] THE BAHAMAS - The crystal clear waters surrounding The Bahamas offer diving exploration and adventure second to none. [[image]] The Honourable Livingstone N. Coakley Minister of Tourism The Bahamas Dear Friend: As Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas, I'd like to be the first to welcome you to my country's People-To-People Programme. The Programme offers you a rare opportunity to enjoy an inside look at the rich culture and enchanting lifestyle of the Bahamian people. It's an informal, personal programme which enables you to make friends you'll treasure for a lifetime. If you'd like to participate, we'll bring you together with a Bahamian family in either Nassau or Freeport that shares your career interests...hobbies...or religion. We can introduce you to doctors and lawyers, engineers, shop keepers, fishermen, night club performers - or just about anyone else you're interested in getting to know better. You might join your new friends in a social or civic activity, religious service, sightseeing excursion, or a night on the town. It's easy to apply for the Programme. Just check the appropriate box on the enclosed card. I'll make sure you receive the additional information you need. We look forward to welcoming you soon, Sincerely, Livingstone N. Coakley 227
