Not lost in Atlantis

 "Either never, or very seldom, do the quiet actions in life appear to be better than the quick and energetic ones."

Plato

It was wonderful to return to the "laid back land" of the Bahamas and arriving on a boat way larger than last time seemed an incredible luxury.  This island nation has to be one of my favorite places in the world.  Maybe its because I readily relate to the English, African and America cultures that have blended here amongst the golden sands and palm trees. 

Nassau, Paradise Island, Bahamas

Nassau was our first stop and the home port for our ship, "Adventure of the Seas".  I had prebooked a shore excursion for the water park and had successfully managed to keep the tickets safe.  Did this mean Atlantis was not lost?

 Atlantis

As we shuttled away from the port, I viewed with smiling familiarity the slightly run down colorful clapboard houses.  These homes morphed into perfect 'Disneyfied' replicas once we drove within the perimeter of Atlantis Resort. We followed the immaculately manicured lawns further into vacation land.  Continuing on foot we were guided through the casino and out into the magical world of Atlantis.

Paradise Lagoon

The man made lagoon mystically lapped against the shores of several hotels and in the distance a Mayan Tower loomed into view.  I suddenly experienced a strong sense of déja vu and was transported back almost 20 years to Sun City in Africa.  Little wonder I made the visual connection considering both places were the concept of Sol Kerzner, South African hotelier.

Lagoon Bar and Grill

In mythology, the Greek Gods bequeathed the fabled isle to Poseidon.  His son, Atlas, was made king of the island and the surrounding body of water - the Atlantic Ocean.  After earthquake and flood the island was said to have vanished beneath the sea. Modern day Atlantis also has it's legends.  The Bridge Suite in the Royal Tower's is fabled to cost $25,000 per night with a four night minimum.  Luckily I only had to pay for an overpriced locker for the day.

Chlorine waterfalls

The kids were in chlorine heaven and between plunging down slides they surged around on the not so lazy river.  They even managed to talk me into to taking a "Leap of Faith".  I  certainly underwent a religious experience when I dropped 60 feet straight down a perspex tunnel through a shark infested pool.

Long ago I heard of Sol’s famed tunnel that took you under the ocean to walk with sharks, fish and all manner of sea creatures.

It turned out to be somewhat of an anticlimax for me and I couldn’t help notice the build up of algae on the Perspex.

Perhaps I had waited too long to savor the delights Sol had on offer and Atlantis had aged conversely to my expectations.

Atlantis Beach

Tiring of the man made channels of the lazy river I went in search of access to the beach and the feel of salt water against my skin. Its not that the grass is always greener in the Bahamas, but the water is definitely bluer.  Along the way we channeled through the lunch queue and I ordered conch fritters in rebellion against the fast food mindset of this make believe world of Atlantis. I wanted to taste something completely Bahamian.

Watching the seagulls free in their flight I was drawn to walk to the end of the beach away from the mass tourism and took a moment of introspection.

Gazing seaward, I dreamt a dream of sailing a smaller boat while worrying about the time and getting back on board the big ship before it sailed without us.

We barely had time to grab an icecream before we had to head back to our floating home and discover what kind of creature was waiting for us in our cabin.

Creature from the laundry lagoon