G3SWH and DK7LX will be active from New Providence Island (IOTA NA-001), Bahamas 9 - 11 October 2014 as C6AYS.
They will be active on HF bands.
QSL via G3SWH.
New Providence Island Bahamas – A Bit of Paradise
The most populous island in the archipelago of the Bahamas, New Providence Island is the site of the capital city, Nassau. The island was originally named “Baja Mar” (or shallow waters) by the Spanish in the 14th century. In the 16th century a shipwreck survivor who attributed his survival to “divine providence” gave it the name providence. It was later named “New Providence” to distinguish it from another island with a similar name.
History and Culture
The first inhabitants of New Providence were Indian tribes, both native to the area and others who migrated to the island. They had set up a fairly prosperous society, but were systematically exterminated by the Spanish after the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. After Columbus left the island, the first Europeans to occupy the area arrived in 1666, and by 1670, over 900 people resided in Charles-Town, as Nassau was once called. A number of pirates came to call the city home, until the Spanish attacked and destroyed the city. By 1695, the town had been rebuilt, with a fort constructed to defend the island, and it was renamed Nassau. After another attack by the Spanish and the French, it was again abandoned and became overrun by pirates. King George I of England appointed a governor to the island and pirates were offered a pardon to give up their wicked ways.
In 1776 the Battle of Nassau occurred as American patriots attacked the British fort on the island over 2 days, March 3rd and 4th. They were after gunpowder and munitions, and though they only seized a portion of the stores (the British snuck the rest out under their noses), they captured the governor, who the British later ransomed. The Americans attacked again in 1778, but the Spanish captured the town in 1782 and returned it to the British after the end of the Revolutionary War.
A number of economic enterprises have been attempted in the Bahamas over the years. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries several cotton plantations were established by Americans. When that proved untenable, the settlers switched to sponge diving, then farming and fishing. Another business opportunity arose during the American Civil War, when the Confederate States dared to violate the embargo imposed by the Union to buy goods sold from the Bahamas. Another opportunity for a smuggling enterprise came when the United States government passed a law prohibiting the sale of alcohol in 1920. Smugglers began to run regularly between the Bahamas and the U.S. to slake the American thirst for alcohol.
Visitors to the island of New Providence can still see the remnants of settlements and plantations that have populated the island through the centuries. The descendants of those who were once brought to the Bahamas as slaves have now become masters of the island. Through centuries of economic ups and downs, New Providence now makes its living by entertaining visitors to its beautiful beaches, and there are many ways to enjoy its hospitality.
Tiger shark
Accommodations
- Compass Point Beach Resort – For a laid-back vacation in island style, try the Compass Point Beach Resort, with its brightly colored 2-story cottages and single cabanas. Simplicity at its finest with a true island feel, but with amenities like microwaves, small refrigerators, and Internet service. There are 18 residences spread over 1.5 acres, with sun terraces, an outdoor pool, restaurant, and spa.
- Sandals Royal Bahamian – For those who want all the amenities and luxury suites, The Sands Royal Bahamian is a great choice. Once a private club, this elegant resort features its own offshore island, fine restaurants, a full-service spa, and every luxury you could ask for. Some suites even have “river pool swim-up suites,” rooms that run parallel to the water so that guests can instantly jump in and go for a swim. Total luxury!
- Private Rental Properties – There are a number of private rentals available through travel sites such as Trip Advisor. These properties range in price from around $100 to $2000 per night, depending on the location and amenities provided. Some are condominiums, others privately-owned homes, and there are different size accommodations, from 1-bedroom condos to 5-bedroom homes. This can often be a preferable alternative to a hotel or resort.
Cuisine
- Matisse Café – For a late night romantic rendezvous, this quaint little nightspot is the perfect choice. Located on Bank Lane in Nassau, this cozy restaurant has an outdoor patio diners will enjoy and the seafood is fresh and delicious. Though the name of the restaurant is French, many of the dishes are Italian. Reviewers raved about the beef carpaccio, lobster salad, foie gras, pâté tureen, Chilean sea bass, and tiramisu.
- Bahamian Cooking’ Restaurant and Bar – Visitors who want to sample the local Bahamian cuisine will enjoy a meal at this truly Bahama-style bistro located at Trinity Place in Nassau. Diners who reviewed this restaurant praised the conch salad, conch fritters, grouper fingers, peas and rice, and crispy plantains.
- Blue Lagoon Seafood Restaurant – A romantic spot with a great view, this restaurant is located on Paradise Island, Nassau, and gets great reviews from diners. Don’t be put off by the careworn appearance of the old hotel in which the Blue Lagoon resides; the food more than justifies the trip. Reviewers especially enjoyed the lobster thermidor, escargots, conch chowder, stuffed grouper au gratin, and seafood brochette.
Visiting the Bahamas can be a fascinating experience. Tourists can imagine the life of the infamous Blackbeard (Edward Teach) as he and his crew of pirates caroused in the city of Nassau and used New Providence as their base of operations during the early 1700s. Visitors will find beautiful sea life and breathtaking beach views. Sail, snorkel, swim, hike, gamble, or just sit back and enjoy the lovely sea breezes. Whether you take a flight and stay in one of their luxury hotels, or take advantage of one of the array of cruises available to travelers all over the world, your visit to New Providence can be the time of your life and an experience to remember.
