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[gambee]

This is a famous street, it is very narrow, only one car can travel on it at a time. This is where most of the hotels are, there are some pretty house there.

 

 

There were very few people there, I think I saw a handful of people.

 

 

 

 

He said that the sandbar was a very famous bar and restaurant. But there was not a soul in there, I think it wasn’t even open.

 

 

 

[gambee]

The ocean was very pretty there.

 

 

There was a very large house in construction there. He said that some famous singer had bought it and was turning it into a resort. He told us her name, but I completely forgot who it was.

 

 

 

He said that these drain pipes, to drain the water out of the island to prevent flooding. I think that he meant the water from the abandoned salt mines. Because I honestly don’t see how they would have extra water there.

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

This is the only person that I saw in the water. I really wish we had got off there for a little while, they had some shops for the girls and I could have gone snorkeling. All the beaches in Grand Turk are public.

 

 

This is the most people that I ever saw concentrated in one area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

We then moved on to our next stop.

 

 

Then we drove to the other side of the island, all the way to the far end.

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

The third stop is at the far end of the island, by the lighthouse. There is what seems to be a rope course and a zip line there, with a handful of small stores. The area seemed desolated to me, and maybe with a couple of tourists. I do not recommend this area for the beach, this side of the island gets the pounded by wind, and the waves are quite strong. Again, I regret not getting off the bus.

 

 

 

 

Now that I think about it, we should have gotten a taxi for a private tour, we spent $100 on this tour. A private tour would have been much more enjoyable. Good timing Gambee.

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

There are a lot of mules in the island. They are descendants from when they used to mine salt. Now some of them roam the island, while others are privately owned. The problem is that the animals usually run wild, and they cause multiple car accidents and no one takes claim of animal after the accident has occurred. They are currently working on a way to gather the animals at night to prevent them.

 

They looked miserable in that heat.

 

 

I think I heard him correctly, but I am not sure. This used to be 1 of the two US army bases in the Island. This one has now been turned into the community college. Keep in mind that all education is free in the island. Once again, it was desolated. Maybe they were on vacation, though.

 

 

 

 

Anyone for some free education? ;-)

 

 

Edited August 22, 2015 by gambee

[gambee]

 

Next up are the houses of the rich and famous of the island. I forgot the name of the area, but I am almost sure it is The Windy Bay, These are very large and beautiful houses, there must be around 20 of them or so.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

Here is one of the many mules that I saw.

 

 

The last stop was in one of the old salt mines, which was by the way was closing early at noon. Ummm, ok. Anyway, there is nothing to see here, but a huge lake. Inside appeared to be a small restaurant and a gift shop. I highly recommend that you simply take a taxi to the downtown area instead. Everything you need to see about Grand Turk is there. You will have some of the most beautiful and clear water to snorkel and plenty of shops for those who enjoy it, with a handful of food venues. Otherwise, just stay in port, or take a private shore excursion on a boat.

 

 

 

 

We kept on going.

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

I think this was a governmental building, immigration, among other services are here.

 

 

Oh I almost forgot, everything in this island is imported. They are not even able to grow any type of crop. So as you can imagine constructions are quite expensive since everything has to be imported.

 

 

 

We got back to port, another family aboard the bus decided to stay aboard to unload in the downtown area. We decided to get off. My aunts wanted to go back to the ship, I think it was just too hot for them. Mom needed to buy a few items, and my uncle and I wanted to walk around. My mom simply joined us at that time.

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

 

We just walked around.

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

So what do I think of Grand Turk? Well, I am not sure if it was because there were two ships in port, but quite honestly I felt it was way too crowded for my personal taste. It must of been because there were two ships, because it did not feel like this in Half Moon Cay. But that said, the pool area is loud and busy. Not my idea of a peaceful retreat. I am sure many enjoy this, but it is not my thing. Inside the Margaritaville the theme carries.

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

Originally I had planned to spend some time around the pool, but I quickly changed my mind.

 

 

Although this side of the pool was much quieter.

 

 

[gambee]

 

The flow rider starts at $30 for 1hr. I imagine that is with other people ridding as well.

 

 

I have already tried this on the Allure of the Seas and taken a beating on it. It is a lot of fun though =)

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

The same goes for the beach area. It seemed crowded to me. But if you go to the right of the ship there is almost no one there. So at least there is an option if you want some peace and quite. But the issues was that the water was full of seaweed, but I imagine this is a temporary issue.

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

If you get there early there is plenty around, the main problem is that if you’re the second ship to get there then your options are limited. You could always rent an umbrella for $5, or bring your own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

I told them that I was going to walk over to Jack’s to meet Topher. I really no plans short of that. They decided to join me. The walk there is about 10 minutes, but it was a somewhat rough walk when compared to HMC. The sand is very soft and you keep sinking. I suggest you take your sandals off and walk by the water's edge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

Notice how the seaweed starts clearing up as we move along.

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

The beach is much nicer around here, and not many people venture out here. I had the idea that it was going to be really busy. This was a welcome change.

 

 

[gambee]

 

Almost no seaweed!

 

 

 

 

Does anyone see a dog? Topher! How ironic, the only reason why we came all the way here was for a dog. Great business strategy! But what happens when the dog passes? I was told he was around 5 years old. They even sell a really cool t-shirt with him on it.

 

 

[gambee]

 

 

 

 

Isn’t he cute?

 

 

No wonder he loves the water, it is so hot in there.

 

 

 

[gambee]

Gambee, what is the water temperature like for the pools. On my cruise (Carnival Dream) last October, I went to get into one of the pools (on a very hot day), and the water was freezing cold. It was so cold that once in the water, I immediately got out. Do you know if it's normal for the Carnival pools to be freezing cold? Just wondering!

 

 

The water was very comfortable, a little on the warm side. I am not sure why it was so cold on the Dream. Was it late october?

[gambee]

Hi Gambee! Whew! I just finished catching up on the review today. I have been away from the computer a couple of days because of work. Boy did I miss a lot over the last couple of days. I have to say that HMC looks amazing! This is the first review I have seen with such great photos and description of HMC. I definitely have to plan a cruise that goes there! Keep up the good work! Your review is helping me to pass the time leading up to my next cruise! :D

 

Glad you're all caught up, you definitely have to make it to HMC. Great little piece of paradise.

[gambee]

Come with us!!! The Pride - Baltimore - June 12, 2016 ;)

 

Wish I could :D