< Index For This Issue >< Submit An Article >< Contact The Editor >

Paradise Island is a small spit of Bahamian earth in Nassau Harbor connected to the mainland of New Providence by two entry and exit bridges vaulting pastel condos, resorts, and marinas. Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is also the common name for all of New Providence. People say they’ll retire to Nassau; students come to Nassau to party and couples are wed here. The broader reality, imbued with the politics which has placed the Bahamas at the top of the Caribbean ladder of luxury, is hidden in the colonial homes fronted by rolling lawns or private beaches, in the new developments from Sandyport to Love Beach and Old Fort Bay.  The indigenous people live on the outskirts of downtown Nassau, expanding outward toward the interior of New Providence, in small cement or stucco houses, some with home businesses proffering family clothing or barbershop services. Yet it is Paradise Island that evokes a providential reality.  There is no sign of slums, poverty, or misery from this tropical perch.  As you drive the few miles of the isle, you'll observe that it is a hand-crafted jewel set in tourism's tiara to attract the visitors who enrich the Bahamian economy. The Bahamian dollar is fairly exchanged with the U.S. dollar.  There is even an Outback Steakhouse and KFC, on the Nassau side of the bridge, to satisfy American habits. Those who polish this jewel are discreet. The crews of landscapers work in subdued earth-tone garb, against which their high-blackness stands out less. The only indicator of their natural lifestyle is a posted warning: "no shirt, no shoes, no job". Even the taxi driver wore a suit, praised Jesus all over his bumper. There are hundreds of churches within range; photos of church ladies under fancy hats are legendary. This is, after all, New Providence, and there is much to be grateful for. The economy is the highest per capita in the Caribbean and people don’t seem embittered by hunger or exploitation. On the surface of things, they smile and promote the development which has brought them New York style and tourism galore. When asking for the 'must see' or 'must do' in Nassau, the universal response these days is "Atlantis". The Atlanteans, an advanced civilization whose laser and crystal science allowed them to rule their known world, eventually lost control of their tools, themselves, and that world. Their submerged continent is the fabric of fable. A South African hotel mogul has articulated his vision of Atlantis in a hotel, marina, shopping village, villa, enormous casino, and themed mega-complex. "The Dig”, a labyrinth of chambers, contains the "ruins" of ancient Atlantis, complete with "hieroglyphs" which tell the tale and murals that depict the lost civilization.  On your way to the marine habitat, you can bask in the magnificence of the gold dome ceiling or the map of the explorers.  Don’t worry—you need not go it alone.  My guide was an informed Bahamian with a science background and special training for this job.  He consistently referred me in great detail to the history, construction, and marine science involved in creating this unique ecosystem. The Dig exhibits include a recreation of a Georesonant Clock, a laboratory, a submarine room with diving suits and bells, and a navigation room.  The real and pretense intermingle:  a pump mechanism described as ancient really does oxygenate the water for the 50,000 sea creatures using natural tidal motion.  The attention to detail in presenting the "archaeological sites" is amplified with the real, attendant marine life, ranging from huge manta rays, sea turtles, moray eels, and barracuda to angelfish and bonefish. The Treasury Room, securing the records and scientific instruments prized by Atlantis, is guarded by piranhas.  There is still more marine life, sampling 200 species, living in exhibits and viewing locations appointed at several lagoons and tunnels. This marine habitat, one of the planet’s largest, uses 600 pounds of food per day!  Although many species are regional, the odds of encountering one while swimming on the Atlantis beach so close to shore are small. Any lingering fear of shark or barracuda bite can be allayed by choosing to plunge into the myriad pools which the hotel offers its guests.  There’s the river pool, eleven swimming areas, the 7 acre Paradise Lagoon for snorkeling and water sports, the Mayan temple water slides, waterfalls, and more--11 million gallons of water!  There are special activities designed to keep kids and teens interested.  It’s easy to be overwhelmed in light of the courtyard representation of the flying horses of Atlantis or the Pegasus Fountain. Those not lodged here can work off any stress in the evening at Joker’s Wild Comedy Club, a small venue which makes art of stand-up over cocktails or with food for the gourmand which abounds in gustatory diversity throughout the 35 restaurants and lounges. You can enjoy the local catch in Fathoms while observing the antics in the aquarium.  If you’ve a hankering for Italian, Asian, Bahamian, or even New York Deli, there’s a restaurant to satisfy.  If you want to keep the fantasy alive, try the truly unique Cave Grill to stay authentic to the interpretation of Atlantis’ reality.  The village area has casual dining at outdoor juice, ice cream, and café spots ideal for people watching and kid’s delight.  The celebrities who own property range from Oprah (owns a home down the road) to Michael Jordan (held his Golf Tournament down the road), Cedric the Entertainer (sure looked like him strolling through the casino) to Bill Clinton (glimpsed on a yacht in the Atlantis marina).  They all enjoy a place which is both glamorous and homey, proffering Bahamian honey, regional art, and haute couture. - Article Continued Below -

. House Swaps Worldwide Including House Swaps In The Caribbean .. Real Estate In The Caribbean See Current Real Estate Listings In The Caribbean -  Now In Our Real Estate Marketplace - Numerous real estate listings for Belize  with color photos - Beachfront bargains, Farms, Islands, Enclaves, Coast Property, Sale by Owner, Current Listings 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Also see Real Estate in Central America & Mexico Sell Your Property In The Caribbean ... Vacation Rentals Worldwide Including Vacation Rentals In The Caribbean . Retirement Planning for Offshore Living -  Retirement Planning for Offshore Living - Click Here - The advantages of outsourcing your retirement have never been better! Why not start a second "dream" career, or retire in a low cost, tropical country? Spend less than 25% of your present monthly budget while maintaining or even enhancing your lifestyle.  Say "goodbye" to your financial planner and her "advice" that you must accumulate at least $1,000,000 or more in liquid assets before you retire or leave your "day job". "Retirement Planning for Offshore Living" will become your personal coach and roadmap to "offshore living". Use the standards provided to identify, compare and analyze your optimal country and retirement or second career haven. Retirement Planning for Offshore Living

The Portable Professional - Earn A Living Worldwide - It is now possible to make a living from anywhere you can log on.  The technology is there and the opportunities are there.  Mark McMahon has written an eye-opening report on how to make a living worldwide.  Earn US Dollars and/or EUROS from wherever you are on the planet.  The options are limitless and the time is now.  Learn more about how to break free - learn how you can live your life like it belongs to you - Live Where You Want To Live! ~ Live How You Want To Live! ~ And Make Money Doing It! - Directory Of All Articles -Articles On Our Website - By country & by category - a list of thousands of articles on Living, Working, Investing & Traveling Overseas - Including  articles on International Real Estate in South America. Real Estate In The Caribbean - Real Estate In The Caribbean - Moving To The Caribbean ~ Living In The Caribbean  - Moving To The Caribbean ~ Living In The Caribbean - Relocation Resources On Mexico & Central America ~ Moving to Mexico and Central America - Real Estate In Mexico, Belize, Panama & Central America .. Easy Belize: How to Live, Retire, Work or Invest in Belize - Easy Belize: How to Live, Retire, Work or Invest in Belize - Belize - the laid back Caribbean country of Central America! It's a favorite of those seeking a calmer lifestyle in close proximity to the wonders of nature.  Like a un-planed 2x4 full of splinters, Belize is sturdy, rugged and full of sandfleas, but it also has it's share of beautiful islands, adventuresome spirits and rum soaked nights. It's the place we dreamed about as children.  A place where we could do what we wanted without being called in to wash up for dinner. It's a place where you need to know how to repair your own car and replace parts of your plumbing with bailing wire and tape. It's also a place where big brother isn't looking over your shoulder and you can set your own building codes or own a flock of chickens. It's a place where you can spend the day fishing without trying to keep up with the Jones's. It's also become one of the hottest expatriate destinations in Latin America. ...it's not for everyone, but it may be for you. If so, there's a new eBook that will take you to Belize and help you stay there.  .. Relocating to Costa Rica means having a good time - Retirement or just living in another country often presents new challenges for people because perhaps for the first time they are confronted with having a plethora of leisure time and the problem of what to do to with it.  As you will see throughout this report on Costa Rica that Costa Rica is wonderful place to live.  In addition to being relatively inexpensive there are many interesting activities to choose from.  As one of our American friends  referred to his busy life  in Costa Rica, “My days are so fulfilling, that each day in Costa Rica seems like a whole lifetime.” Now a report by Christopher Howard that covers everything you need to know about relocating to Costa Rica. Now available in PDF - Click Here to learn more about Costa Rica .

Although I enjoyed dabbling with luxury at Atlantis, my budget slated me for the affordable Paradise Island Harbor Resort.  This was my first “all-inclusive”, a label heretofore taboo to my adventuring tastes.  The hotel is situated on the waterfront with a view of the harbor and marina.  Each morning, over an extensive buffet breakfast which included fresh fruit and juice, grits and cereals, and omelets made to order, I watched the boats head out to other Bahamian islands with snorkelers, divers, and booze cruisers. The themed evening buffets at the Captain’s Table were piquant and varied:  Jamaican food, Mexican night, Asian dinner, and Texas barbeque in that many days.  The chef, trained in New York, was topnotch and interested in guest opinions.  I was able to use the free-form pool, swim up to Wahoo’s Pool Bar and Grille for my Bahama Mama or a “Pucker Up” mega-rum drink, and swim away. 

You can also order the ever-present conch fritters, burgers, and light fare and never miss a ray of sun!  This family hotel offers daily activities for both kids and adults.  I missed the limbo dance/fire show, but trios or solo artists playing island and pop music kept the beat nightly in the large lobby.  Those who didn’t dance could lounge in Spinnakers, the lobby pub.  The English couple played dominos here every night and I improved my ‘English” on the pool cue.  The many children seemed content to disappear into the supervised kids’ club and emerged happy.  The hotel staff were courteous and available for morning exercise or evening movies poolside and tennis lessons on the court.  For restful moments, I could stretch out on a hammock by the small beach and soak my sun-deprived New England skin.  The new guests from Scotland asked me how far the nearest large beach is…they were coming from -2 degree weather!  I tell them about Cabbage, a ten-minute walk away to the other side of this narrow isle.  Once you’ve crossed the roadways, dotted with small plazas of shops, you’ll observe signage, a broad sandy path to Cabbage Beach, miles of pristine, public white sand stretching toward Atlantis in one direction and infinity (seemingly) in another.  I can do my beach walk until I arrive at the "private…security will escort you out" signs. 

There is little difference in the real estate bordering the public and private sectors: size and distance from the coconut punch/bead/jet ski ride purveyors are the most noticeable. The swimming here is fantastic turquoise bliss; just watch out for the undertow.  Cabbage is one of the still-accessible, expansive, and relatively ‘pure’ beaches here.  The ‘mainland’ beaches have been affected by development.  The touted snorkeling at Love Beach is impossible because the area is now privatized.  The stretch at Cable Beach is dominated by guests of the resorts on the strip and vendors hawking hand-hewn trinkets and souvenirs. (You can do well here if you don’t respond to the flurry of vendors, take time to look and to barter. I did find a beautiful, roomy straw tote and a pair of shell earrings for $20 U.S.)   But Cabbage is what all the vista photos which lured you here have promised.  Planning to arrive mid-afternoon ensures more privacy and a glorious sunset.

Bahamian Hand Prints is definitely worth an excursion into town.  Although the shop is Paradise-chic, it is on the Nassau side of the bridge. (Bear left as you leave Paradise Island and look for the Outback Steakhouse which fronts the print store.) Still, you need to have money to spend on this distinctive line which is exported throughout the globe.   The clothing and handbags, produced in the traditional way, sport delicate reminders of island life--flora, fauna, boat scenes, the flamingo—in muted oceanic colors. Your clerk is also an artisan, so feel free to ask questions about the process which happens at the rear of the storefront.  Don’t forget to browse through the fabric rack --I found 2.5 yards of orchid print on closeout for a humble price!  You might also consider taking home delicacies from the Rum Cake Factory.  This bakery is downtown on Bay Street within walking distance of the Paradise Island bridges.  The original and flavored cakes are made with Don Lorenzo Rum and local spices.  There are even mini-cakes to sample, but they won’t suffice.  These cakes are truly scrumptious! 

When you venture off-Paradise, circumvent the hordes of cruise ship tourists downtown and follow West Bay Street to the Ardastra Gardens, Zoo, and Conservation Center. The 5.5 acres creates a home for 300 animals, birds, and reptiles. Many of them are endangered, so this intimate glimpse is special. The threatened Caribbean flamingo is not only thriving here, but also march in a daily show, led by the man in a flamingo hat who has devoted years to their training. That spectacle, along with the Lorry parrot feeding, is an interactive experience sure to amuse. I was surprised upon entering the sheep-and-goat petting pen without purchasing the handful of food. I had no quarters for the vending machine, yet ventured forth to pet the lamb. He moved away, but a bold goat advanced to nibble on my tropical-hued skirt! What a brush with nature! ...and where else can you see a Vietnamese pig lying down at the feet of Bahamian parrots? 

If you're hungry, head back down the hill to check out the famous Fish Fry across the way on West Bay St. The numerous shacks offer all manner of daily catch and popular conch dishes served up by locals. Your chances of rubbing elbows with stevedores and fisher folk while catching gossip are as good as the conch fritters:  the shacks are on the lip of a busy maritime industrial area.  If you feel adventurous after ‘refueling’, leave the Fish Fry and follow the shore a short distance north to the Bat Caves.  You might not want to enter these inhabited dens, but you can snap your photo sitting resplendent in the sun on a throne made entirely of shells. You can also follow West Bay in the opposite direction back toward town.  The Straw Market, also an amalgam of stalls, adjacent to downtown offers many affordable handcrafted items, art, botanical soaps. You can even have your hair-braided while enjoying a native musical ensemble!
...

How To Become A Permanent Resident Of Belize And Obtain A Belizean Passport - You Can Live In Belize - Also includes a complete section on gaining retirement status, including forms. The information in this report can lead to a Belizean passport. Getting residency can be a bureaucratic nightmare.  This report is written by Bill & Claire Gray, the authors of the Belize Retirement Guide : How to Live in a Tropical Paradise on $450 a Month pdf The Nicaragua Report - The Complete Report On Nicaragua - Real Estate Bargains & Colonial Ambiance In Nicaragua - The Central American sleeper is Nicaragua.  Some of the smartest investors in the world have recently bought real estate in Nicaragua.  After you read this report you'll understand why. Islands for $70,000 - coffee plantations at bargain basement prices, pristine beaches and beachfront land that is affordable.  Nicaragua has attracted many expatriates in recent years, and the low prices are not the only reason. Nicaragua is a pleasant place to live with some of the most beautiful colonial architecture in latin America. Over seventy-five pages of information; residency, real estate, laws, opportunities, caveats, cities, and a wide range of resources on the biggest bargain in Central America. pdf Retire In Mexico - Live Better For Less -Retire In Mexico - Live Better For Less - While there are some people who come to Mexico for a week’s vacation and end up living here for the next twenty years, most people adopt a more prudent course and do some homework first.  Dru Pearson is a person who did her homework and she is someone who knows about retirement in Mexico. While there may be a few expatriates scattered in a dozen villages throughout Mexico, most Americans and Canadians settle in one of five locations:  San Miguel de Allende, Mazatlan, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, or Lake Chapala. Dru Pearson visited all these areas before settling in Lake Chapala. Dru gives sound and thoughtful advice on retirement in Mexico. Everything from how to pick your location to Mexican paperwork is covered.  If you've ever considered retirement in Mexico please read this report first. It has the information that would otherwise take you months of frustration to acquire  Get a Job on a Luxury Cruise Ship - Quickly & Easily! - "Discover how you can Travel to the World's Most Exotic Places...having the Best Time of Your Life...and Get Paid for it!" - “Now is the best time in history to get a job on a cruise ship” - Get Paid to Travel the World Having the Best Time of Your Life! - “It’s almost the perfect job!” -  Get a Cruise Ship Job! - Click Here Careers In Yachting - A Unique Lifestyle Career - A Special Report -  How To Get A Yachting Job - Where to go to look for a yachting job. • Who to talk to get it. • Where to stay while searching for employment. • How to make ends meet until you find a job. • About and how to deal with crew agencies. • Extremely effective means of obtaining employment outside of agencies. • The ins and outs of interviewing. • The pros and cons of working on a charter yacht versus a private yacht. • Crewing as a couple. • Vital tips that will put you ahead of the pack. • Crucial mistakes not to make and much, much more.  eBooks for Expats - International Relocation Reports - Offshore Investment Reports - Reports On Offshore Real Estate, Moving Overseas,  and a wide range of subjects for those seeking to restart their lives overseas.  eBooks are a great idea.  Consider This: If, for example, you are trying to figure out how to move to Bolivia, buy a ranch, get residency and a passport; you won't find a standard book on how to go about accomplishing those ends at your local library.  You will here.  We have hundreds of great eBooks lined up and coming your way.  Diamond mining in Africa, play the European lottery, where the odds are ten times better than the USA, Homestead in Belize, Moving to Thailand, Working Worldwide from a lap...  our list of titles is growing daily.

..