The Exuma Islands Of The Bahamas

The Exuma Islands, a collection of 365 tiny islandsincluding the kitchen andthe slave quarters.
collectedunder one name, which are part of the manyAlso on Great Exuma Island are two cemeteries of
islands that make upthe legendary vacation destinationhistoricalimportance. One is the Rolle Town Tombs. An
known as the Bahamas, offersa prime example ofoverseer and hiswife, from the time of slavery, are
what an out of the ordinary Bahamas vacationcan be.buried here. There are acouple of interesting bits of
It shows off the very best of the Bahamas, thatisland history associated withthe surname Rolle. The
partsthat are often outshined by the glitter and gleamname arrived on the island in 1783,carried by the slaves
of itsluxurious casinos and tourist centers. The Exumathat plantation owner Denys Rolle sentfrom Florida for
Islands havehistory, culture, a deep regard for naturethe cotton plantation he owned, but chose notto reside
and a splash ofadventure.at. Because slaves were known by the surname of
Great Exuma Island is the largest of the Exuma Islandstheirmaster and after the Emancipation, many people
and thelocation Exuma's capital city, George Town.kept the surnamesthey'd grown accustomed to, the
Great Exuma Islandis home to some of the islandRolle name now belongs to morethan half of the
group's most interestinghistorical sights.native population.
Patience House and the Shark Lady of the Exumas isThe other cemetery, called the Hermitage, dates back
an unusualmuseum and shop located in the home ofto the
Gloria Patience. Past 80years old, she once met the1800's. Located 8 miles away from the capital city of
Queen of England, barefoot withshell bead around herGeorge
ankles. It's easy to imagine that sheheld her head justTown, using a guide will help to get the full effect of
as high then, barefoot before the Queen, asshe doesthismarvelous site.
now. Rumored to have caught more than 1,500The vast Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park expands
sharks,she is a formidable character, and presidesover 176 miles.
over the amazingitems she has collected through theThis nature reserve is a fun and fascinating place, with
years with a regal bearingquite her own. Her guidedfinebeaches and a wide variety of wildlife. It has also
tours through her museum home providea wealth ofplayed animportant role in local nature conservation
historical information and she is a fascinating andwarmefforts.
person.The islands are wonderful for exploring underwater,
Another historic site on Great Exuma Island is thewith manycaves and reefs for snorkeling and diving
Bowe Familyand there are manyday tour packages available for
Plantation. Today, this former cotton plantation lies inthese activities. Charteredboats for fishing excursions
ruins,though in its remains, one can achieve a clearare also available, and atreasonable rates.
picture of thestructural arrangement of the house,