Nassau

School's out, stuff is in storage, time to make an escape. Destination? As touristy and kitschy as it is, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. Naturally we stayed as far off the beaten path as possible with AirB&B, in the house of a retired Welsh schoolteacher. A delightful week of steamed conch, swimming with locals (and the occasional mantee), jitney rides, snorkeling, books (finally!), and a whole lot of nothing.

Fun facts about the Bahamas:

1) The name "Bahamas" derives from the Spanish baja mar, meaning "low tide" or "shallow sea".

2) Nassau was once the capital of an 18th century Caribbean pirate empire, before it was retaken by the English.

3) New Providence was a safe haven for escaped slaves as well as a settlement destination for slaves carried on slave ships intercepted by the British navy in the early 19th century.

4) New Providence has some of the clearest water in the Bahamas due to its lack of rivers.

5) The hideous and dreadful Atlantis resort in Nassau employs over 7000 Bahamians.

6) 15% of the Bahamas' GDP derives from offshore banking.

Last night: Kaliks and Cubans!