Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the west end of Shirley St, this delightful church was originally planned for a congreg-
ation of 800 people. Alas, the four carpenters sent from Scotland all succumbed to yellow
fever and a more modest building was built in 1861. It had been open only a year when it
was blown down by a hurricane. The current church dates from 1869 and was significantly
repaired following damage in the 1928 hurricane.
WEST HILL STREET AREA
As you head uphill from Bay St, the neighborhood grows quieter and more regal before
crumbling into the chaos of the Over-the-Hill area.
National Art Gallery of the Bahamas MUSEUM
( www.nagb.org.bs ; W Hill St; admission adult/child $5/free; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat) In-
side the stately 1860s-era Villa Doyle, this grand art museum is one of the gems in the
Bahamas' crown. The permanent collection focuses on modern and contemporary Bahami-
an artists, from renowned sculptor Antonius Roberts to folk painter Wellington Bridgewa-
ter. Temporary exhibits cover hot topics like global warming or the Haitian earthquake. If
you're jangled by the chaos of Bay St, the peaceful gallery is a welcome oasis.
BAHAMIAN ELOPEMENT
OK, who hasn't dreamt of mother-in-law- and hassle-free nuptials, where you
and your beloved are alone on an idyllic island beach with a backdrop of aston-
ishing turquoise seas? Where simple white cotton clothes and a garland of wild
flowers mark the occasion, and the celebrant blesses you with a smile and a
reasonable invoice?
The Bahamas is a popular destination for honeymooners, many of whom also
tie the knot in these gorgeous islands. The Bahamians make it easy for non-na-
tionals to meet their requirements and it is possible to marry with just a 24-hour
wait.
Marriage licenses cost $100 and can be obtained from the Registrar Gener-
al's Office ( 242-326-5371, 242-328-7810; Rodney E Bain Bldg, Parliament
St) . You'll need photo identification, proof of citizenship, proof of status if di-
vorced or widowed, and to swear an oath of eligibility before a notary of the Ba-
hamas. No blood test is required. Anyone under 18 years of age requires notar-
ized parental consent.
If you want help with the event, contact the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (
242-302-2034; www.bahamas.com ) , who have a division specifically for all
the dewy-eyed romantics out there. It can put you in touch with local wedding
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