IS Bimini a Run down dump?

[Katiusha]

Originally Posted by Ram

Yes its true- My thoughts are= I was a bit surprised how run down everything is-garbage everywhere and broken down homes all over the place -it’s not the Greek Islands that’s for sure-
It’s been 10 years since I was in the Bahamas and I forgot what it was like- It does have its good points as mentioned in this thread, it does somehow have its charm!

+1.

The Med has its plus points, like fresh food, culture, history, crystal clear waters.

Bahamas has its plus points, like splendid marine life and fishing, less people, less boats than the Med (of course, depends on the locations).

Go further south to mid Exumas north of Georgetown to non-designated anchorages chosen with an eye to the weather, or south islands and sounds. Andros could also be added to the list. Imho, that's where most of Bahamas' magic lies... and where less people are. Outside Georgetown, of course.

You'll find that locals further south change as well - closer knit communities, people looking after their islands, including cleaning up most of the garbage, less emphasis on milking the cruisers (though even the biggest Bahamas enterpreneurs have nothing on people from some regions of the Med ) - more of what you'd expect from a more or less self-sufficient island settlements.

And still, imho, there's nothing like snorkeling through an aquarium before breakfast each morning.

[Cheechako]

uhhh...... did someone think it wasnt? :>) It struck me as a fishing/party pit..... which was fine with me as I didnt intend to stay there long and enjoyed the bar!

[Surveyor]

They do have to weather numerous hurricanes and other storms. That may have something to do with the ambiance. They are poor too.

You are going to be really disappointed when and if you ever visit the South Pacific islands, SE Asia or any Latin American country. You are also not going to be treated very well there when it is obvious that you look down your nose at the people who happily live there.

Not directed at anyone in particular.

[Katiusha]

Originally Posted by Surveyor

They do have to weather numerous hurricanes and other storms. That may have something to do with the ambiance. They are poor too.

You are going to be really disappointed when and if you ever visit the South Pacific islands, SE Asia or any Latin American country. You are also not going to be treated very well there when it is obvious that you look down your nose at the people who happily live there.

Not directed at anyone in particular.

We've been to some poor communities, most recently here, in Turkey, in the north-east - the region where there are plenty of earthquakes and a lot of villages have to be frequently rebuilt (I would think similar to a direct hit by a hurricane). Sure, people living in those villages are poor. But they take care of their places, even if just temporary - everything is spotless clean, lovingly arranged, and you can see that they try to make the best of what they've got.

Other places, where people come from all over Turkey to make a quick buck lira euro are not so taken care of. There's garbage everywhere [outside of tourist areas], buildings and surroundings are not taken care of, etc.

It's not so much a factor of money as a factor of caring about where you live.

[Ram]

Originally Posted by Surveyor

They do have to weather numerous hurricanes and other storms. That may have something to do with the ambiance. They are poor too.

You are going to be really disappointed when and if you ever visit the South Pacific islands, SE Asia or any Latin American country. You are also not going to be treated very well there when it is obvious that you look down your nose at the people who happily live there.

Not directed at anyone in particular.

Reading comprehension is not your strongest point, but that’s ok, none of us are perfect - I said the people were very nice - fact is I don’t look down on anyone & I consider all people as my equals , it matters not if people are rich in material things or not –or they chose to live in garbage, that is not what makes up the man, we are all brothers on this planet and I respect all beings !

That said, I have lived in SE Asia for 2 years and different islands in the Crib for 2 years, 2 winters in Africa -so before you make judgments about people you know nothing about , take a moment to "think and perhaps reread before putting your mouth in gear"

One of the things I’ve done Is ran a live aboard dive Charter biz from Palm Beach to the Bahamas, mostly the Abacos for about 10 years , and made more than 100 trips with customers there until I went to the Med the last 6 years-So I do know a little of what I’m talking about-
Bimini is one of the few islands in the Bahamas I never visited until this week, I’m going to be starting up chartering in the Bahamas again ,so when I looked at Bimini I have to wonder will people pay me $5-10,000 a week to sail there? This is why I started this thread to find out if there is anything other than the Sea around Bimini worth visiting-

My conclusion is= for my people the only real draw to this area that I can see is swimming with the wild spotted dolphin, this brings people there, and for this I may wind up stopping here a night or 2-

[bobconnie]

If ya think Bimini is run down ! Try going to a Carniaval Cruise line town in Mexico calle Progresso LOL talk about run down LOL and this company takes peaple there to site see LOL heck any (I hate this term) 3 world country is bound to be a little messey by your standards !! I personaly think any town in the Caribe, is better then Miami, or Lauderdale !! but then we are easy pleased! a little sun, water, sand and maybe fresh fish and we are in heaven LOL just our 2 cents

[Tingum]

Unfortunately the charm of old Bimini is gone! Now it is turning into gated condo world!

[Free Agent]

Originally Posted by dennisjay

I also just got back from Bimini. The Bahamas is a third-would country and that's part of its charm. We found Bimini a fascinating place to explore with locals who were warm and inviting.

Perhaps a cruise ship docking in a resort town is more of your liking.

If I ever come in the forum and talk of taking a cruise would you all invite me to the bar and kick me in the ass?
The next 2 round will be on me BTW.

Floating shopping malls.

[ReMetau]

Originally Posted by Ram

My conclusion is= for my people the only real draw to this area that I can see is swimming with the wild spotted dolphin, this brings people there, and for this I may wind up stopping here a night or 2-

And the fishing, diving, people, etc.. I guess it just depends on what your clientele are looking for. I like it. It's better than concrete jungles and condo galore. I prefer the Exumas over Bimini any time, but usually Bimini is due to its closeness to the US.

[Katiusha]

Originally Posted by Ram

This is why I started this thread to find out if there is anything other than the Sea around Bimini worth visiting-

My conclusion is= for my people the only real draw to this area that I can see is swimming with the wild spotted dolphin, this brings people there, and for this I may wind up stopping here a night or 2-

You could also put the whole Hemingway spin on it as he lived there for 2 years... though the hotel where he lived burnt down in 2006.

[jeffknox]

We are currently vacationing in Belize for two weeks. San Pedro is dusty ,loud and and hopelessly touresty but we love it. After only three days here Cherri looks at me and says "you know I could live here." Really, why I asked. She said look at all the shops and restaurants. Mom and pops owned by folks that you can get to know. Indeed after just a few days we already know some on a first name basis. If we came here with stuffy gringo attitudes of superiority I can see where you might describe it as has been in the OP. But IMHO travelling abroad is all about subordinating your life back in "the world" to the local experience. I do have to admit we make friends easily and are always ready to experience something new so it might be easier for us but I think this is the essence of appreciating other cultures.

[jzk]

I like the rundown dumpiness of Bimini. And the beautiful water. If you want a little more luxury, go to Lucaya. That is what is so awesome about the Bahamas. There is a little of everything. One day you can be having a campfire on a deserted island, and the next you can be in the midst of a shipload of cruise tourists at little shops, then go to the casino, then if it is your thing go to the luxury resort/restaurant.

[susanna reiter]

Originally Posted by CaptForce

We've met kind, honest and generous people throughout the Bahamas and the Caribbean. We have more concerns about locking cables on our dinghy and bicycles in South Florida, but we've met pleasant people there too!

I was in Biscayne Bay/Dinner Key Marina for two weeks recently and during that short time, I knew of three dingys and one car allegedly stolen.....everyone cable locks their dingy on the dingy dock.

[Jane.Joy]

Yes, Bimini IS a run down dump. Just back from the Bahamas - spent three months in the Abacos and one night in Bimini. Not enough time in the Abacos; too much time in Bimini. Bimini has a weird sport-fisher vibe that we didn't appreciate.

[Surveyor]

Originally Posted by Ram

Reading comprehension is not your strongest point, but that’s ok, none of us are perfect - I said the people were very nice - fact is I don’t look down on anyone & I consider all people as my equals , it matters not if people are rich in material things or not –or they chose to live in garbage, that is not what makes up the man, we are all brothers on this planet and I respect all beings !

That said, I have lived in SE Asia for 2 years and different islands in the Crib for 2 years, 2 winters in Africa -so before you make judgments about people you know nothing about , take a moment to "think and perhaps reread before putting your mouth in gear"

One of the things I’ve done Is ran a live aboard dive Charter biz from Palm Beach to the Bahamas, mostly the Abacos for about 10 years , and made more than 100 trips with customers there until I went to the Med the last 6 years-So I do know a little of what I’m talking about-
Bimini is one of the few islands in the Bahamas I never visited until this week, I’m going to be starting up chartering in the Bahamas again ,so when I looked at Bimini I have to wonder will people pay me $5-10,000 a week to sail there? This is why I started this thread to find out if there is anything other than the Sea around Bimini worth visiting-

My conclusion is= for my people the only real draw to this area that I can see is swimming with the wild spotted dolphin, this brings people there, and for this I may wind up stopping here a night or 2-

Please accept my apologies. I did not mean "you" as in you Ram but rather anyone reading. I even stated that at the end of my comment. Again, I am sorry that it appears to you, Ram, that I was trying to slam you in any way. That was not my intention. I wish you well in your future endeavors.