About matlsx

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Bahamas: Newbie to the Bahamas.....advice please!:

Hi Anna, This is a late reply maybe you've already found all the information you needed. If not, from my own short experience here's what I can say so far. I am in the same situation as you, I moved from London last month to PI Island. I guess you're living on NP Island, probably west. If so plenty of beaches there and lots of sea activities (diving/snorkeling, boating/jet-skiing, "some" windsurfing) where you can meet people with similar interests. Debib and Breija have already mentionned a few good places, and they gave me a lot of information a while ago - thanks guys ! There are a few restaurants and bars where expats hangout in the Sandyport and Cable beach area (Poopdeck, Beach club cafe). I haven't been there many times, but I believe west where the expat community is the largest. This is probably where it'll be easier meeting expats in bars and restaurants. Downtown there are also a few places, with probably more tourists (Senor frogs, Blu bar). On PI it's mainly tourists but Aura in the casino is a night club similar to what there is in London. Across the island the Green Parrot bars are a good place too. Unlike London where you can go out alone an socialize with anyone and make new acquaintances very easily, I wouldn't do that here until you know your whereabouts more. Coming up soon is the Food Festival (Oct 20-21) where a lot of expats go. There's a fresh arrivals of expats every year around Septembre, so a lot of people with the same background will go there. Activities in my opinion revolve mainly around watersports. I've been told there is an active football, rugby and cricket league - none of which I play well enough to join !! But that can be another way to meet expats. I've been to the Ardastra Gardens & Zoo, Fort Charlotte and walked around downtown to see some of the landmarks. It's quite nice, but don't expect to be blown away. There also a lot of activities for tourists to do. I'm planning to go do some with my colleagues - you don't want to be on your own stuck with families and kids around ... too depressing :) The ones I've been recommended: powerboat adventures, blue lagoon (dolphin/sea lion encounters), booze & cruise (prob. a bit rowdy, but fun if you're with a group) , and there's a dozen boat-snorkeling trip companies. I hope this helps! Cheers, Mat

Bahamas: Londoner moving to Paradise Island:

Hi everyone, I'm moving to Paradise Island in September. I've read a lot of the messages posted here trying to gather as much information as possible. I'm in my late twenties, no wife no kids. I will have accommodation provided and bills paid for by my employer. I will live next to my office so I don't have to commute or drive. I'm planning to stay a minimum of 2 years. So I don't think I have to many things to be concerned with really. I'm interested to gather more information on the cost of living and the intricacies of living on this Island. I'm also taking the time to share the information I could get already, in case someone in my situation finds his way here. Any advice or tips are welcome! I was told I would need a car. I was used to live central London where having a car is more of a liability. I'll be looking to get a used car. I'm not a car fan, all I care about is that it works and doesn't cost me a fortune in repairs, gas and insurance. Is $8000 a realistic price to get a decent car: reliable, not too old, low maintenance ? From what I understand road tax/vehicule licensing is $200/yr. Third-party insurance around $300/yr. Gas is around $5.50/gl Living in central London I've been used: lots of bars & restaurants, easy to socialize, cheap entertainment, large selection of food in grocery shops, easy access to clothes/electronics/equipment (instore or online). I'm wondering how easy it is to cope with the differences and what I should prepare myself with? For groceries I've read Super Value is the way to go. The nearest to me seems to be across the bridge on Bilney Ln. From what I see on gmap it's bigger than the supermarket I go to in London. But I wonder what I should expect in terms of the type of food available? I'm used to eat a lot of different vegetables and little meat, I never buy ready-meals or try not to buy any processed food or snacks. Where do you buy your clothes? Casual and non casual? What are the brands available? Cost-wise Is it better to fly to the US to buy it? I don't know anyone in the Bahamas, and my colleagues are for the most part married with kids. I will work night shifts, starting in the late afternoon. So it might be difficult for me making new friends. Any advice on what are the typical places where expats go? or the best way to socialize (e.g. activities, clubs ...)? What are your regular hobbies/activities there and how much does it cost? Golf, diving, sailing? I know this is a lot of questions !! Any help appreciated :) Thanks, Mat

Bahamas: Londoner moving to Paradise Island:

Hi everyone, I'm moving to Paradise Island in September. I've read a lot of the messages posted here trying to gather as much information as possible. I'm in my late twenties, no wife no kids. I will have accommodation provided and bills paid for by my employer. I will live next to my office so I don't have to commute or drive. I'm planning to stay a minimum of 2 years. So I don't think I have to many things to be concerned with really. I'm interested to gather more information on the cost of living and the intricacies of living on this Island. I'm also taking the time to share the information I could get already, in case someone in my situation finds his way here. Any advice or tips are welcome! I was told I would need a car. I was used to live central London where having a car is more of a liability. I'll be looking to get a used car. I'm not a car fan, all I care about is that it works and doesn't cost me a fortune in repairs, gas and insurance. Is $8000 a realistic price to get a decent car: reliable, not too old, low maintenance ? From what I understand road tax/vehicule licensing is $200/yr. Third-party insurance around $300/yr. Gas is around $5.50/gl Living in central London I've been used: lots of bars & restaurants, easy to socialize, cheap entertainment, large selection of food in grocery shops, easy access to clothes/electronics/equipment (instore or online). I'm wondering how easy it is to cope with the differences and what I should prepare myself with? For groceries I've read Super Value is the way to go. The nearest to me seems to be across the bridge on Bilney Ln. From what I see on gmap it's bigger than the supermarket I go to in London. But I wonder what I should expect in terms of the type of food available? I'm used to eat a lot of different vegetables and little meat, I never buy ready-meals or try not to buy any processed food or snacks. Where do you buy your clothes? Casual and non casual? What are the brands available? Cost-wise Is it better to fly to the US to buy it? I don't know anyone in the Bahamas, and my colleagues are for the most part married with kids. I will work night shifts, starting in the late afternoon. So it might be difficult for me making new friends. Any advice on what are the typical places where expats go? or the best way to socialize (e.g. activities, clubs ...)? What are your regular hobbies/activities there and how much does it cost? Golf, diving, sailing? I know this is a lot of questions !! Any help appreciated :) Thanks, Mat

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7/25/2012

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