Having scooters on the Island of New Providence, Bahamas, allows you to escape the humdrum of the thousands of tourists that enter the city centre near the harbor. Most tourists head toward the Atlantis Paradise Island resort and waterpark located on Paradise Island, but if you prefer a more authentic and more affordable Bahamas experience, head west around the island and make your way toward the Clifton Heritage Park.
On our way there we paused at Jaw's Beach, where we swam in the most incredible turquoise waters snorkeled among hundreds of multicolored fish.
Traveling a few miles further brings you to the ruins of the old slave quarters, just above where the slave ships used to dock. "This particular spot was selected by Bahamian artist Antonius Roberts to create a historic memorial and a statement of his interest in conservation, preservation and transformation of the environment. The elegant female figures, originally trunks of unwanted Casuarina trees, were carved in place to 'mark the triumph of hope and determination to conserve our heritage.'”
From the carved faces we followed the path down the stone steps toward the turquoise waters below. The steps were carved out of the rock to use as pathway down to the ships, to secretly trade cotton out of site from the main harbor.
For the sculptor, sacred “encompasses all those things that should be left intact to bear witness to the significance of our cultural heritage.”
From here we made our way toward the Queen's Staircase. But wait for my next post.
“To the poet, to the philosopher, to the saint, all things are friendly and sacred, all events profitable, all days holy, all men divine.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson