Vast World--Photograph by photographer Mark Robinson

I found coming to the entrance of Smoky Mountain Park, most humbling. However, long before I got to the official area, I could feel the vast space and a comforting isolation. This place was one of the homelands of the Cherokee Indians. How beautiful it is now and how breath taking it must have been then. Standing on the edge of the roadway you had to be careful not to slip on the wet leaves while trying to see the white water streams whipping below. This is truly a lovley place. The park is preserved beautifully and worth a visit.

One thing I noted most was the quiet. Living in a place like the Smokies your thoughts would have to be so clear. On the trail of tears the hardships I am sure were great but leaving such a beautiful place must have been devastating. There are so many high peaks standing as if they all grew up together. Mother nature watching as if noticing a naughty child. There are many who can tell you how high the elevations are,where the waterfalls are, and the great shopping in Gatlinburg. But I can only say the Smoky Mountains are like the ocean, they are a must see.

Concerts In the Park

Music in the park. Lots of coolers tents and lawn chairs. Picnic lunches and music in the air. Wow I see my neighbor and I give a wave ,and I think ,I have been too busy going about my world to stop and do much of anything in the way of a real hello. Perhaps there is some good in the too high price of gas. I am getting out locally more seeing other people getting out and enjoying what is closer to home. It is giving me a chance to donate some revenue to my own neighborhood. Traveling to parts unknown is great but chipping off a little piece of time and money for the home folk is something we can all do.

Experiencing Nassau

If you know nothing of Nassau you might be surprised by the lovely old world colors of the architecture. Your first glance is surprise. Stepping into Nassau is like stepping into a storybook

. You feel that ease that is Nassau. If you come by way of the harbor you will see Nassau’s famous Straw Market one of its primary attractions. The isles of the market are narrow and filled to the ceiling with straw bags and other crafts. Next door is a tourist watering hole known as Senior Frogs -- you might imagine it being a pirate's pub. It’s a place where you can cool your heels, have a drink and even do a conga, dance with friends and fellow patrons.

You go through customs and find the Bahamas is a tourist nation and you are treated officially nice. There are all kinds of things to do snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, golfing and the like. Lines of bus tours and taxis are close by the customs point. But if you can ride, a scooter is a great way to get around. You can even take the bridge across to Paradise Island.

The buildings in Nassau make you think of a European seaport in the 1700s, moving back in time, yet having all of the modern amenities. With the Federal district, Fort Charlotte with her moat, and Victoria’s staircase, Nassau speaks boldly of its ancestry. Nassau was headquarters for infamous pirates, such as Blackbeard and Calico Jack .Ship wrecks were a visible means of support. Of course this life style was certainly not approved of by the crown but had perhaps been a misunderstanding when the captains of ships were given permission to attack enemies while the English Navy was otherwise occupied.

The average summertime temperature is usually 33 degrees Celsius. During the winter, daytime temperatures hover between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius and rarely fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Nassau was originally called Charles Town and Paradise Island was called Hog Island. The largest group of the population lives in Nassau. The island is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide .Nassau is officially known as New Providence.

You will find the ferry boats to Paradise Island a few steps from Senior Frogs. Along the route their may be local vendors and musicians. The ferry boat can be taken to Paradise Island for 3 or so dollars. The trash talking alone is worth the price of a ticket, “uh huh, sho-nuff. You are given a tour while you are totally entertained by your ferryboat guide. This island that guards Nassau's harbor has lovely shops a casino and a great facility for viewing marine life.

What was once Hog Island has been truly transformed into a beautiful and adventurous place, Paradise Island is a treasure with its “Atlantis”, and a view designed for kings. "In 1670, King Charles II of England granted the island of the Bahamas to six noblemen called the Proprietors. These men brought British settlers from Bermuda to the island of New Providence (from the Dutch House of Orange)". So you see Nassau is a beautiful mixture of Old and New World experiences .Still today holding close to the commonwealth.

Nassau is often used for movies, has International shopping and of course casinos and great food. The locals speak of conch fritters, grouper fingers, peas n’ rice, and boiled fish. Just to give you a few dishes you can look forward to. It is a vacation the whole family will enjoy. Cool breezes hot sun and relaxation all spell Nassau.

If you know nothing of Nassau you might be surprised by the lovely old world colors of the architecture. Your first glance is surprise. Stepping into Nassau is like stepping into a storybook. You feel that ease that is Nassau. If you come by way of the harbor you will see Nassau’s famous Straw Market one of its primary attractions. The isles of the market are narrow and filled to the ceiling with straw bags and other crafts. Next door is a tourist watering hole known as Senior Frogs -- you might imagine it being a pirate's pub. It’s a place where you can cool your heels, have a drink and even do a conga, dance with friends and fellow patrons. You go through customs and find the Bahamas is a tourist nation and you are treated officially nice. There are all kinds of things to do: snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, golfing and the like. Lines of bus tours and taxis are close by the customs point. But if you can ride, a scooter is a great way to get around. You can even take the bridge across to Paradise Island. The buildings in Nassau make you think of a European seaport in the 1700s, moving back in time, yet having all of the modern amenities. With the Federal district, Fort Charlotte with her moat, and Victoria’s staircase, Nassau speaks boldly of its ancestry. Nassau was headquarters for infamous pirates, such as Blackbeard and Calico Jack .Ship wrecks were a visible means of support. Of course this life style was certainly not approved of by the crown but had perhaps been a misunderstanding when the captains of private ships were given permission to attack enemies while the English Navy was otherwise occupied. The average summertime temperature is usually 33 degrees Celsius. During the winter, daytime temperatures hover between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius and rarely fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Nassau was originally called Charles Town and Paradise Island was called Hog Island. The largest group of the population lives in Nassau. The island is 21 miles long and 7 miles wide .Nassau is officially known as New Providence. You will find the ferry boats to Paradise Island a few steps from Senior Frogs. Along the route their may be local vendors and musicians. The ferry boat can be taken to Paradise Island for 3 or so dollars. The trash talking alone is worth the price of a ticket, “uh huh, sho-nuff. You are given a tour while you are totally entertained by your ferryboat guide. This island that guards Nassau's harbor has lovely shops a casino and a great facility for viewing marine life. What was once Hog Island has been truly transformed into a beautiful and adventurous place, Paradise Island is a treasure with its “Atlantis”, and a view designed for kings. "In 1670, King Charles II of England granted the island of the Bahamas to six noblemen called the Proprietors. These men brought British settlers from Bermuda to the island of New Providence (from the Dutch House of Orange)". So you see Nassau is a beautiful mixture of Old and New World experiences .Still today holding close to the commonwealth. Nassau is often used for movies, has International shopping and of course casinos and great food. The locals speak of conch fritters, grouper fingers, peas n’ rice, and boiled fish. Just to give you a few dishes you can look forward to. It is a vacation the whole family will enjoy. Cool breezes hot sun and relaxation all spell Nassau.

Traveling in the Big Apple,trying hard not to look like a tourist ,a little hard to do with all of these tall buildings.New York. The shopping,the food,the traffic,the diversity.Too much to absorb.But
I must,LOL.Tune in later and see how it turns out! Or,better yet take a visit and tell me how you liked your visit to the Big Apple.New York ,New York,The BIG Apple.