Paradise Island: The Jewel of Nassau

• HelloHey there
  [Hey der]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [See ya lay-ta]
• YesYeah man
  [Yeh man]
• NoNah man
  [Nah man]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [Pleez/No problum]
• Thank youThanks
  [Tanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/Sorry
  [Pah-dun me/Saw-ree]
• How are you?How you doin'?
  [How yu doin'?]
• Fine. And you?Irie. You good?
  [I-ree. Yu gud?]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [Yu speak Ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI don't know what you say
  [I don know what yu say]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLemme see da menu, please
  [Lem-ee see da menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat no meat
  [I don eat no meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI wanna pay now, please
  [I wan-nuh pay now, please]

• Help!Help!
  [Help!]
• Go away!Go 'way!
  [Go 'way!]
• Call the Police!Call the Police!
  [Call the Police!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
• I'm lostI lost
  [I lost]
• I'm illI sick
  [I sick]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wan-nuh buy...]
• I'm just lookingI just lookin'
  [I just lookin']
• How much is it?How much dis cost?
  [How much dis cost?]
• That's too expensiveDat too much money
  [Dat too much mon-ey]
• Can you lower the price?Can yu make it cheaper?
  [Can yu make it chee-pah?]

• What time is it?What time it be?
  [What time it bee?]
• It's one o'clockIt one o'clock
  [It one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half ten
  [Half ten]
• MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
• YesterdayYestaday
  [Yes-ta-day]
• TodayToday
  [Today]
• TomorrowTamarraw
  [Tah-mar-raw]
• 1One
  [Wun]
• 2Two
  [Too]
• 3Tree
  [Tree]
• 4Fo'
  [Fo']
• 5Five
  [Fiv]
• 6Six
  [Six]
• 7Seven
  [Sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [Ate]
• 9Nine
  [Nine]
• 10Ten
  [Ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where dat be...?
  [Where dat bee...?]
• What's the address?What de address be?
  [What de address bee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can yu show me (on de map)?
  [Can yu show me (on de map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When de next (bus) come?
  [When de next (bus) come?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

Before European contact, Paradise Island was inhabited by the Lucayan Taíno people, who thrived on the natural resources of the island. They engaged in fishing, agriculture, and trade with neighboring islands. Their presence is evidenced by archaeological findings, including shell middens and artifacts, which provide insight into their daily lives and cultural practices.

In the 17th century, with the arrival of European settlers, Paradise Island became known as Hog Island. The British established control over the Bahamas, and the island was utilized primarily for agriculture and livestock. The introduction of plantations marked a shift in the island's economic focus, leading to the displacement of the indigenous population.

In the mid-20th century, Paradise Island underwent significant transformation when it was purchased by a group of developers, including the prominent American businessman Harry O. H. Kahn. This marked the beginning of its development into a resort destination, leading to the construction of the Paradise Island Hotel & Casino in 1960, which set the stage for the island's emergence as a major tourism hub.

The opening of the Atlantis Resort in 1994 was a pivotal moment for Paradise Island, establishing it as a premier vacation destination. The resort's extensive amenities, including a water park, marine habitat, and celebrity chef restaurants, attracted visitors from around the globe, significantly impacting the local economy and the cultural landscape of Nassau and the surrounding areas.

Today, Paradise Island represents a blend of Bahamian culture and international influences. The island hosts a variety of events celebrating Bahamian music, art, and cuisine, including Junkanoo parades and cultural festivals. Its close proximity to Nassau allows for easy access to the capital's rich history, making it a vital part of the broader narrative of The Bahamas.

Paradise Island is easily accessible from Nassau, which is connected by a bridge. Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Paradise Island from other neighborhoods in Nassau. Alternatively, you can use local buses that stop near the bridge or hire a private car. The journey typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.

Paradise Island is relatively small and can be explored on foot. However, taxis are easily available for longer distances or if you wish to visit specific attractions. Bicycles can also be rented from local shops for those who prefer cycling. Note that public transportation is limited on the island itself, so plan accordingly.

Paradise Island is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s advisable to stay vigilant, especially at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings. While violent crime is not common, petty theft may occur, particularly in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Local hospitals and clinics provide medical services, but it's advisable to have travel insurance for comprehensive coverage. For non-emergency health issues, pharmacies are available on the island.

Fashion: Do wear light, breathable clothing appropriate for the tropical climate. Don't wear swimwear away from the beach or pool areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. If visiting a place of worship, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be polite and courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't use your phone loudly in public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a 'hello.' Avoid being overly familiar at first. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local cuisine and try the conch fritters. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Paradise Island like a local, visit the fish fry at Arawak Cay to enjoy authentic Bahamian food. Engage with locals at the beach and ask for recommendations on hidden gems. For a quieter experience, explore the less-traveled areas of the island, such as the scenic paths around the golf course. Don’t miss out on watching the sunset from the beaches, a favorite pastime for residents.