Friday Morning Walk on Fortune Beach

I forget sometimes how privileged I am to have grown up in what is essentially paradise. It all becomes common after spending so many years in the midst of it. Then you go off and become entranced by the novelty of the big city, then even that wares as well. When you return, you are proud to have grown up here and not in some grey, concrete urban center or dusty small town. You've lived amongst true natural beauty.

This past Friday I decided to get some sun on my skin, a kind of preemptive preparation for London's long and dark autumn and winter, by taking a walk on Fortune Beach. This beach in particular holds a very central place in my memory. I've lived near Fortune Beach most of the time I spent living in Grand Bahama. It was where we took family trips to the beach, and where my father and I would come to talk. I walked the shore recall the many conversations I've had and other things that have happened there. If those sands could talk, what stories they would tell...not all of them innocent.

I ended up spending a few hours, found a restaurant to get lunch and sat out for a while thinking about the past and the promise of what's in store for me ahead. I realized that that beach had become a metaphor for my life's journey, the ebb and flow of the tide, the broken piece of glass I cut my foot on, the school of fish that circled my feet and followed me as I waded through the crystalline waters. All things on a my journey I've metaphorically one way or another come across and the realization that just like Fortune Beach my journey, no matter the obstacles and distractions and all else, take in its entirety is breathtaking. #Beautiful

Alchemist Apparel: Lanvin Swarovski Crystal Cufflinks

Can't remember which blog I found these on, but they are spectacular. Legendary fashion house bringsan elegant and rich take on men's accessories that won't run you much in the $$$ department. Offered by British retailer, Browns, at only £110.00, I find that I'm already thinking in foreign currency. The cuff links are platinum plated and set with two red Swarovski crystals. #Beautiful


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Vacation Cont'd on the Golf Course

I left Nassau a few days ago to join my immediate family in Freeport, Grand Bahama where I was born and raised. I'm here, mostly relaxing and taking care of a few business items before I leave for London. Since I've been here, I've been staying at another uncles' fantastic family home, with a back yard connected to the best golf course on the island. Spending time with my little cousins, Chloe and Regan, reading and studying while they prepare to go back to elementary school has been a pretty cool experience. I haven't seen much of this side of the family since I left for school, and hopping across the sea to London won't likely lend itself to greater interaction. For now, I'm taking it all in...check out the pics!

Food Files: Snails and a Goose

At my very core, I am a sensualist. One who appreciates indulgences and excess in food, drink, clothing, art and my personal relationships. To me there is beauty in excess. And, while one shouldn't be excessive all of the time, every once in a while giving in to your desires is what makes life worth living.

While staying with my aunt and uncle on Lake Cunningham I had some of the only home cooked meals I've had in months. It had been forever since I last tasted anything but restaurant food. My aunt pulled out all the stops and I was able to snap a few pics of my favorite bites. Whether is was the crab cakes and fried fish at brunch on Sunday or the split peas soup with lobster and conch the night before I left, I took time to savor her gift for good eats.

Heavily featured in this post was my favorite meal of the weekend. A Bahamian take on a French delicacy: broiled escargot and pastries stuffed with brie cheese. The escargot was spiced with rosemary and thyme, and Bahamian peppers for a kick! The pastry was both light and rich simultaneously and the reduction from the escargot made the dipping the pastries perfect. To top it off we came up with our own cocktail for the night using a simple syrup, lime and blueberries...it was summer in a glass!

Vacation on Lake Cunningham in the Bahamas

I haven't had much time to slow the pace of my life over the last few years...even my trips away from DC consisted of high speed shopping sprees and partying. So, for the first time in a long while I'm sitting on my ass doing barely anything. I've found a haven at my uncle and aunt's beautiful home in Nassau, Bahamas on Lake Cunningham. I left the house for the first time today for lunch at the famed Villagio Restaurant. The homes is built on terraced land at the end of winding road. It is the direct product of my uncle's hard work and my aunt's attention to detail and dedication to warmth and comfort. It's a modern and unique space with accents of the island spread around liberally, giving it a cozy, down-home feel. With the beautiful view of the lake, the pool side, and the cozy interiors it's made the perfect getaway for me. I'll be posting some of the amazing food and drinks we've been cooking over the last few days, but for now, enjoy the home.

One Night Only: The King Suite at the Helix Hotel

After vacating my studio apartment during my final hours in DC as a resident, I spent my last night in the Helix Hotels top floor King Suite. As soon as I checked in, the young woman at the front desk exclaimed, "You got the best room in the hotel." With it's spectacular views, and spacious, retro interior, I was inclined to agree with her. The suite was bigger than my actual apartment! Dinner via room service came with complimentary champagne and although I was almost kick out of my room because of it, I hosted a small gathering that lasted until 5 in the morning. If you ever get to DC and you need a fun place to stay, I recommend the Helix. Check out the pictures below!

The Alchemist: An Introduction

I've set out on an interesting and new adventure. I've turned up a very settled life in Washington, DC to move across the Atlantic and pursue continuing my education at the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science. Effectively, I've given up a good job and an okay apartment both located in the middle of a great city-- where I've built countless relationships and a well-crafted, sometimes lucrative reputation-- to embark on this unknown journey.

A few months ago , I picked up a book that has been in my possession for some years: Paulo Coeloh's "The Alchemist". The book details the travels of a Spanish shepherd boy lured by a reoccurring dream into a journey across desert and wilderness to Egypt in search of treasure. Along the way he meets a number of spiritual guides, none so important as the alchemist he meets at the final leg of his journey who teaches him to see beauty and wisdom all around him in the everyday workings of the world. The book, though short in length, is heavy in lessons. In the end, for the young Spaniard the treasure becomes less important than what he's learned on his journey: listening to his heart, reading the omens along life's path and above all following one's dreams.

Now that I'm on my own journey toward the treasure of a dream, I want to document the beauty that I come across everyday...my travels, the books I read, the things I see, the people I come across. I've always said that my greatest addiction is to beauty, this blog is a dedication to that. I expect that this blog will be photo heavy but really it is a collection of experiences and perspectives, the things I find beautiful. The blog won't be edit heavy, you may find mistakes, as in the past I post to share, not impress. My hope is that as other blogs I've written in the past, this can chronicle my newest adventure.

Joey Bahamas