Nassau, Bahamas was my pillow for two years..

Published by author Tracy Cyril on March 08th, 2020

I was blessed to have the University education opportunity in Nassau, Bahamas. University of the West Indies – Center for Hospitality and Tourism Management (UWI-CHTM) accepted me in their two year Tourism Management program and I was elated!

The journey began in September 2016 when I ventured to the unknown seas. Orientation went seamless, accommodation was decent, classes began fast and furious and Lecturers were determined to let us know that this train ride meant serious business and the settling in (cruise control) process was not part of the deal.

The Bahamas is a group of seven hundred (700) small islands, an estimate of thirty (30) of these islands are inhabited. Nassau being its capital and largest city. Bahamian culture is predominantly Caribbean but infused with more than a tad bit of American. The population is estimated at 400,000 with 85% of black ethnic make up. Climate is of tropical marine throughout the year.

Their famous meals include fried or seared grouper with grits, Johnny cakes, conch prepared in several ways, guava duff, run cake, souse, peas and rice, Bahama mama to name a few. Junkanoo, drums, calypso, rake n scrape are a real taste of Bahamian history and culture.

Bahamians are known as hospitable people however when you spend an extended period there that statement can be challenged. I had several not so warm and friendly encounters as a student. As a visitor you will most certainly get an invitation to church or to a resident home for family dinner so it would wise to accept and be on time.

Overall my experience as a student in Nassau, Bahamas was challenging; the cost of living on island is very expensive, the transportation system is not reliable and in order to explore on your limited free time you needed to make fast friends with locals. My school curriculum on the other hand was demanding but well worth it. The UWI-CHTM faculty was informative and supportive. The journey was life changing for me; create meaningful memories and made long term friendships.

I can totally see myself making a comfortable life in Nassau, Bahamas as a Travel and Tourism professional. The Tourism industry is on a continuous peak there and the beaches are gorgeous. Put the Bahamas on your travel list this year and experience for yourself hopefully we could compare notes.