OFF THE BEATEN PATH–LONG ISLAND By Bianca Major Photographs courtesy of Bianca Major
O
nce your toes caress the powder-white sand of Long Island, there is no turning back; you would surely want to inhale every awesome wonder she breathes. Long Island—a skinny, “long” island somewhat resembling a bird in flight— lies nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Bahama Bank. She is a jewel in the crown of islands we call home, The Bahamas. Upon your arrival to this quaint island, you will notice a place of tranquility—almost as if you are on another universal plane. Maybe it’s the “vibe”, given the Tropic of Cancer passes directly through Long Island. Secluded beaches stretch along the coastlines for miles, and there are many, so take your pick. Tuck away in a cove along the rolling cliffs and hills trailing the ocean shore, or swim in the gin-clear waters on the leeward side of the island. There are so many treasures to behold and adventures to be had while on Long Island, from dramatic views to historical and archaeological sites, deep-sea diving, snorkeling, swimming with the pigs, fishing, beaching, off-roading and more. It’s the perfect place to make your own fun! You are free to explore and live a little—heck, live a lot! The best experience I can personally vouch for is…the food. Yes, the food! There is a hidden culinary explosion happening here and it is absolutely mouthwatering. Of course, the food I’m talking about is not found in the fancy restaurants here on Long Island; they are found a little tucked away, off the beaten path. The tiny “bars and grills”, “stalls” far out of the city and even the “pop-up bar and food tikis”. No matter what food venue you choose or “tour de Long Island” menu you decide to experience, the food is simply delectable.
Long Island is the place where you head “up” south and go “down” north. No matter which way you go, make sure to see it to the very end, in both directions. For certain, don’t miss out on all that is in between the two most traversed and famous parts of the island, which are “north end” and “south end”. It’s most definitely a Long Island bucket list thing. The north end of Long Island is famously known for the place where Christopher Columbus landed during his voyages to the “new world”. During that time, Long Island was called “Yuma” by the aboriginal people of The Bahamas, known as the Arawak Indians. Long Island’s south end had an extraordinary historical find when ceremonial stools—the Arawak name for which is “duhos”—were discovered in a cave at Mortimers by Carlon Cartwright, an island local. Most recently, another discovery was unearthed by Dr. Michael Pateman (AMMC) and Nicholas Constantakis, further documenting the Arawaks’ cultural footprints. These gentle people left a sea of culinary culture behind, which has been transferred into some of the “traditional” dishes we know of today—like the down-home yumminess of peas soup, grilled conch, roasted fish and crab soup, all seasoned with pepper and spices and accentuated with vegetables like the root known as cassava, sweet potato and corn. Recipes and cooking methods were passed down and defined over the centuries by an entanglement of new cultures. While you are on your adventure through Long Island, go road trippin’! See the sites and take some bites. Journey through the tastes of the island off the beaten path.
january 2022
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