Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy: The "Places To See & Things To Do: Part III

It was an ordinary day. Finally leaving Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville on Paradise Island in the Bahamas after a very memorable lunch with Carol and traveling friends Jere and Just Sue. A little over an hour before we had stopped at a few shopping venues on the island known as Paradise Island and after hopping back in the rental car decided it was time to have lunch.

Sign on the ceiling at Margaritaville.

I suggested we give Margaritaville a try and in no time we were headed toward the restaurant and store located between the Sidney Poitier Bridge and Paradise Island Bridge. Wasn't long before that we had passed over the Sidney Poitier Bridge that leads North from Nassau by way of a toll booth. It was a few years since we had visited the island and had forgot that I needed to pay the toll and as I approached the toll booth, didn't pull close enough to the booth, thus making it necessary to exit my rental car to pay the $2 toll.

Neat "3-D" representation showing his plane being fired
upon by islanders in Jimmy's song "Jamaica Mistaica".

Naturally didn't have the exact change and had to wait what seemed a lifetime for the clerk to find the change from another toll booth clerk as cars backed up behind me. Finally got my change back and headed to a small shopping area. Well, after shopping and deciding about lunch, we headed toward Margaritaville. Now, I should tell you that on the English island of Nassau, as well as neighboring Paradise Island, you drive on the left, unlike driving in the United States. As I tried to find the restaurant, I traveled too far and ended up headed back over the Paradise Island Bridge to the mainland. One more try back again over the bridge, and another toll.

A reference to the beach bar in St. Bart's where Jimmy
was said to have written "Cheeseburger In Paradise".

This time I pulled closer to the booth and paid my fee with the exact amount. The young woman gave me a smile and "Thank You" as I pulled away. Made a few turns and before long we were ... heading back over the exit bridge once again. Holy Crap! "Let's just forget it," I said to the rest of my passengers, but they insisted we try it one more time, since all I talked about was visiting the restaurant started by my favorite musician.

Menu item known as Churricane Cobbler. Click to enlarge.

Needless to say, I once again pulled up to the booth and paid my toll as the surprised clerk looked at me again with wide-open eyes and laughed as she said "Thank You". This time worked as I pulled into the correct drive and gave my keys to the valet. The restaurant was everything I had anticipated with photos of Jimmy everywhere and titles of some of his best songs gracing the walls.

My lunch in a souvenir blender.

I was having the time of my life taking photos and finally Carol yelled to me telling me to get back to the table so I could order. Quickly checked out the menu and decided to have the "Churricane Cobbler" for lunch. Carol said, "You realize that's a dessert, don't you." Hey, I'm old enough now to have a dessert for my meal!" (Check out the menu and you'll see why I ordered it) After lunch we walked in the store and I naturally had to buy something. Saw a few shirts, but after all the years of travel, I have more shirts than I can ever wear out, so I found a hat I liked. Same thing here, since I have only one head and a couple dozen hats, but so what! When I approached the young girl at the register, I saw the hat she had on. Asked her where they were in the store and she said they were all gone. "I'll give you $40 for the one you're wearing." She was astounded for a second and then answered, "I'm sorry, but I like it myself." I now have one more really nice hat for my collection, but still only one head. As for leaving and heading back to the resort, I had quite a bit of experience from earlier in the day so I had no trouble. A successful day at last. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - tomorrow is our final day of exploring the land and waters around the islands of New Providence and Paradise. Check out our water tour and marvel at the houses of the rich and famous.