Our Favorite Freeport Moments

We have exactly one week left in Freeport! This week will be filled with things like packing, running last minute errands and of course, Matt studing like crazy. While Freeport has had its fair share of ups and downs, it did serve as a tremendous learning and growing experience for us both. It wasn't exactly how either of us had anticipated spending our first few months as newlyweds, but it has prepared Matt and I for the next step in our journey as we are now preparing for Dominica.

Here's a look at some of the things we will remember about our time here in Freeport.

The gorgeous color of the water.

Favorite place on the island - Gold Rock Beach

Survived our first hurricane.

First seafood meal.

Beautiful roses from the husband.

Many weekends were spent here at Taino Beach.

Matt studying nearly every free minute.

Taino Beach Regatta

Learning to dislike cooking a little less.

Visiting the Freeport Inn where my mother stayed in 1975.

Sunday night grilling dinner with the Womack's

The wildfire!

Seeing all new types of wildlife.

And of course the Conch.

Flying on a turbo prop for the first time.

Getting used to new neighbors.

And of course, our famous lobster.

And the lobster hunters.

Crystal clear water

Gorgeous Taino Beach

Love Banana Bay.

Still love Banana Bay.

And some more love for Banana Bay.

First crab!

Gorgeous views

Awesome blue water.

White sand beaches.

And just have to put some more of Gold Rock Beach in here.

And I know this didn't happen in Freeport, but it's by the far the cutest thing I've ever seen. Or you that you will ever see either. And I got it while I was in Freeport. So it counts. My favorite!

Get Your Movie Popcorn Ready

Exciting day here in Freeport! Matt took his first quiz today. I think he was pleased with the results - and even more pleased to get it over with. Hopefully the nerves will be less and he can continue on and keep studying!

I've been trying to keep this blog fresh with new ideas along with updating you on Matt, myself and giving you a glimpse of our life down here. And I don't want you to get bored!

So.....I conned Matt in to recording his walk to campus and narrating for you as well with some general information about Freeport and our little neighborhood. It's a good way to see Freeport like we do. Now, just turn up your heat to 95 degrees and pump up the humidity to 85%, and you'll get the full experience!

Isn't Matt entertaining? I think my favorite part is when he says, "If you're nerdy like me...." 

You should also note this is the same trek we have to make when we get groceries. Imagine carrying bags of groceries home on that 12 minute walk. Jealous?

With Matt on campus all day, I was of course back at the apartment. At one point this afternoon, I heard this loud music outside our window which I thought was just the local nightclub next door testing out the sound system. But when I looked out, there was a pirate ship float strolling down Sunrise Highway. This is normal, right? So this evening, when I heard the music again, I got the camera and started taping. There isn't a zoom on my camera, so my apologies. But the music sounds great!

We aren't totally sure what the parade was for, but it was decorated with Bahamian flags and colors, so we're thinking it was the gold medal men's track relay team! Very cool to see either way!

So there's your bit of entertainment for the day!

Home sweet home in five more sleeps!

And Now We're Locals

As we are now all settled in, we took some time today to go out and explore as we are now 'locals.' It's funny to think that the majority of the people we see around the beaches and such are just on their vacation, and we get to say that we live here.

We had such a great time and really enjoyed ourselves. First thing this morning, Matt went in to get his computer configured and picked up a few additional grocery items. The grocery store (Soloman's) and campus is in the same area and about a five minute walk from Sunset. We tried our first Bahamian fresh fruit. Delicious! I can get used to this.

A Saturn or Donut Peach

Then, we had our first public bus experience! It was very easy. Basically, you go to the bus shack on the side of the road that's the direction you want to go and a bus (which is actually a van) will come by and pick you up. They don't have specific routes, so you just tell them where you're going and they'll take you. It's only about $1.25 per person for wherever you want to go. Very easy!

We took the bus to Port Lucaya. This is the main tourist area. All of the cruise ships port here as there is lots of shopping, a casino and beautiful beaches! The casino also has an ATM which is one of the best places to withdraw cash from what we've been told. We are typically using cash, as US dollars and Bahamian currency are accepted and treated near equal. For example, we purchased something with US dollars and received change mixed with both US dollars and Bahamian currency.

Port Lucaya

Casino

Since we are in the Bahamas, we felt it necessary to try the local flare. :) A true Bahama Mama. And it was tasty!

We ventured down to Port Lucaya Beach and enjoyed the beautiful water and views! The ocean water is about 82 degrees!

After the beach, we ventured into the Port Lucaya Marketplace to take a look around and grab a bite to eat. But look what I found first!

Mmm - Unsweetened Iced Green Tea. This is a Venti here which is closer to the Grande size at home. And it was about $3.25 to give you a bit of reference on the price difference.

This is the entrance to the Marketplace. They have several shops with local vendors. I could spend plenty of time in here!

So far, we are adjusting pretty well. Getting used to the heat is the biggest step. With the locals being so friendly and warm, it has been easy to feel welcome.

Some things I'm glad we packed!

• All of the toiletries - body wash, shampoo, contact solution, etc. We have been able to find nearly everything we packed, but it is MUCH more expensive down here. Completely worth the trip to buy everything ahead of time and pack all we could fit.
• Surge protectors - apparently the power goes out quite regularly. Good to have to protect computers, etc.
• Along with the power outages, flashlights - will need the flashlights!
• Filtered water bottles. It's amazing how much we are using these! I would recommend the CamelBak. We got them at Target.
• Dry fit clothing.
• Sunscreen. More specifically - sweatproof sunscreen

Overall, I think Matt and I did pretty well with the items we packed. It also helps I'll be going home in a few weeks so I can bring some more stuff down. :) One thing I will be sure to bring down are rolls of quarters so we can do laundry!

I'm sure there will be more things we will think of as we spend more time here. But that's all for now!

Welcome to Our Humble Abode

We are finally moved in and unpacked! We've had a bit of wait to get into our actual apartment since arriving in Freeport, but the landlord here at Sunset Lodge has been nothing but wonderful! 

Since our apartment wasn't ready, they put us in a spare apartment until we could move in. It was going to take a bit longer than planned to get into our original apartment, so they worked out it so we could switch apartments and move in to a different one. They even helped us move our luggage! Like I said, they have been nothing short of wonderful.

Since we didn't have a key and entrance to the security gate, we didn't get to do much sightseeing. We haven't even been to the beach yet! Needless to say, we are relieved to get all moved in and secured so we can get settled in and eventually venture out!

However, we did find a drug store, gas station and KFC all within walking distance. Woo! We tried the Bahama soda - Pretty good!

So this blog post will be mainly photos of our apartment for those of you who wish to see a brief tour.

Our Kitchen

Dining Room

 

Living Room

Don't let the couch fool you, it isn't near as comfortable as it looks.

 

Our balcony is off the living room!

 Second Bedroom/Office

 

Master Bedroom

Got to have our wedding photos up there!

And my sweet Emmy!

 Bathrooms

The other looks the same, so I didn't think you needed two photos. :)

Outside of Sunset

This was a random 'before' photo of the bedroom! Lots of clothes...

And here is our view.. Not too shabby!

Hope you enjoyed:) And hopefully we'll see you soon!