We Found Atlantis!

For any of you who have been to Nassau in the Bahamas, I am sure you have either seen or visited the monstrosity that is Atlantis. A hotel that stands high above the blue waters, it shines of pink paint and looks like something off the cover of The Little Mermaid. Although it is far too expensive to stay within its rooms, one must make time to visit its grounds.

Visiting this site, one can enjoy the beauty of its indoor murals, aquarium, glass work and outdoor paths and walkways. On one particular visit, my family and I decided to pay the somewhat steep price, and walk through the hotel’s aquarium. I have been to my share of aquariums and I must say this one was something else. Creatures of all kinds swim within its waters, providing onlookers with a look into the sea life that calls Atlantis its home.

Zeus, a massive manta ray that was released into the "wild" not long after our visit

Outside, while walking along its many pathways, you will find that beneath you, fish, turtles and other sea creatures provide an extra bit of entertainment as you take in the exterior of the hotel. One year, at Christmas, the boating area, filled with yachts and sailboats, led me to imagine just how amazing it would be to spend the holiday down in the Caribbean, listening to steel drums play Christmas songs while I lay out on the deck of my own personal boat…*sigh* maybe that is what Santa can bring me this year…my own boat and a docking slip in the Bahamas!

And the Book List Continues...

A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena De Blasi: I will admit, I’m not a fan of love stories. Unfortunately, this book is very much a “love” story. Although I did not dislike the book, I was also not a huge fan. The story follows a woman who travels to Venice and notices this man eyeing her…well, maybe more like ogling her. Turning down his efforts to get together, she leaves Venice but returns many years later only to find that she meets this man yet again. Eventually, she uproots herself from a life in America and moves to Venice to marry this man. The book follows their life in Venice, their ups and downs and the quirks that they find charming or annoying about each other. To be honest, the book dragged on and I was quite happy once I reached the end. If you’re not one for love stories, I would probably pass on this book.

The Monster of Florence: A True Story by Douglas Preston with Mario Spezi: Unlike my review above, I loved this book. Based on a true story, Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi tell the story of the Monster of Florence, covering everything from who (supposedly) did and did not commit the murders, the evidence, the media and system. Unknowing of any of these events, I was captivated by the story. It is a true real-crime event that truly rocked Florence and its people.

 

More Sand in My Bra: Funny Women Write from the Road, Again by Jennifer Leo and Julie Weiler: I know I’ve reviewed just about every Jennifer Leo book; however, there are a few that I have yet to read. This one, well…I’ll admit was not as funny as “Whose Panties Are These?” which was the very first book that I read by Leo. The women who contribute to these books do have humorous stories; however, it does seem that they tend to be less and less amusing. Luckily, I was impressed enough by the first book of hers that I read, that I will continue to read each of these witty titles, in hopes that I can once again find humor in these ladies’ tales.

The Thong Also Rises by Jennifer Leo: I can sum up this review in just a few quick words…Although I found the humor to be minimal in this book, I still have hope.

Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson: Talented, funny and extremely knowledgeable about his surroundings, Bill Bryson informs his readers about the ins, outs and all-around beauty that is the United Kingdom. Covering London, Edinburgh, Durham and multiple cities in between, it is not hard to picture these places in your mind. Years spent traveling to various countries, Bryson knows a multitude of information about the places he visits, and yet, he provides an entertaining read.