The Aquarium at the Atlantis

AWSI-The Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas has one of the largest and most innovative aquariums that embodies the theme. The aquarium is open to the public and a must see when visiting Nassau, Bahamas. As we see it the aquarium at the Atlantis Resort receives four blinks.

Experience the Movement at: The National Civil Rights Museum

ASSI – Walter Lane Bailey, a minority business owner purchased a motel on the south-end of downtown Memphis, and named it The Lorraine Motel after his wife. From the moment I read: The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., and watched the Eyes on The Prize Documentary series, I have wanted to visit the Lorraine Motel. Standing on the grounds of the Lorraine Hotel, I noticed viewers previewing the rooms, and thought. “This will be quick.” From the outside looking in, I thought the rooms were the only thing available for viewing. Little and I mean little did I know that the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) would be a mind blowing experience, no disrespect to Dr. King, his family, or legacy. NCRM is a museum that evokes emotions, the information is extremely powerful, and literally blew my mind. An inscribed marble plaque attached to the room door where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often stayed now sits on the grounds so everyone can read the inscription. I have seen hundreds of images of the oversize reef adhered to the rail where Dr. King’s slain body lay. Mr. Bailey’s wife Lorraine died two hours after Dr. King was assassinated from a brain hemorrhage. To honor their lives the two previewed rooms were enshrined.

Capturing the moment with personal photos is an altering experience, but the journey begins when you enter the NCRM. The museum open its doors to the public September 28, 1991, after a group of prominent Memphians purchased the foreclosed property at an auction for $144,000, to preserve the historic site. Black folks overcame one struggle after another, injustices were popping up around every corner it seemed, and the NCRM encapsulates that era. NCRM is as well thought- out-as any Award Winning documentary, autobiography, or directed movie treatment. The path to civil rights begins with strategies of change. A crisp white hooded shield worn by the Klu Klux Klan was on display that raised my contentiousness. It also remembered when my cousins and I happened upon a burning cross while driving to Opelika, Alabama. NCRM outlines the turn-of-events that shaped civil rights with why and how the movement was started, who were the players that formed organizations, and their motivation to unite for civil rights. If you are unaware become aware at the National Civil Rights Museum. If reading story boards disinterest you, audio recording is available, walking is required; however, the facility is wheel chair accessible. To place a spot light on what was happening in the South, southerners protested for and against change in Topeka, Kansas for the notable case of Brown V. The Topeka Board of Ed. Teenagers in Little Rock, Arkansas were courageous enough to step forward and put themselves on the front line for an equal education. One step-at-a-time I walked onto a Montgomery, Alabama city bus, the driver was turned in the direction of a woman seated about four rows back, on the left. I passed the driver, looked over the various ads, and just as I approach Rosa Parks. The bus driver says, “Move, get up from there, I need that seat. If you don’t move, out of that seat, I will have you arrested.” Although the seated figure of Ms. Parks was made-of- stone, I was compelled to lay hand upon her shoulder, and give thanks for her willingness to stay seated for change. She did not sit alone; there were others, who were daring, and staged a sit-in, at a lunch counter, at a Woolworth Department Store. As I approached the exhibit, I had a moment of nostalgia. I was unaware of the freedom rides, but as soon as I approached the display, I immediately felt for the people who were on board the Gray Hound Bus, which had obviously been engulfed in flames. I am familiar with the stories of “Ole Miss”, so I schemed past the Project C exhibit; however, the Cell in Birmingham caught my attention. The phrase “walk-the-walk” must have been originated in 1963 because Black people marched, marched, and marched all the way to Washington for jobs and freedom. The March on Washington exhibit was exciting, I could feel the energy of the day, and the life-like stone figures body language, banners, and cameras made it oh so real.
The National Civil Rights Museum is an excellent resource to visit and learn your civil rights history, everything you need and want to know is covered, and I was able to revisit information regarding the march on Selma. The March against Fear was covered and nicely done, you learn how Chicago was affected during the civil rights era. NCRM brought the sixties and the struggles indoors, a Memphis garbage truck, and loads of trash was on display. Two or three sanitation workers died in the back of the truck while shielding themselves from the rain, they were accidentally grind to death. The sanitation workers were also fighting for equal rights. Last and most appropriate is the introduction of Dr. Martin Luther King’s purpose for visiting Memphis. His last and final speech contained various premonition references, his choice to speak from his heart instead of his prepared speech, suggested he knew the end was near. NCRM is an experience everyone must have, if you are interested in knowing more about James Earl Ray, who was arrested for the assassination for Dr. King. All you have to do is walk across the street, to see a replica of room 5B rented by Earl Ray, the bathroom where he stood in the tub and fired the infamous shot, and if you question who shot Dr. King you can read all about the conspiracy theory. As eye see it, everyone and I do mean everyone, must visit the National Civil Rights Museum, it is worth the $25.00 admissions fee, and be sure to purchase a souvenir. The NCRM was a five blink experience.

Amsterdam - The Real Adult Play Ground

ASSI - Vegas the adult play ground for amateurs. Adults who like to play without looking over their shoulders do so on the grounds of Amsterdam where sex and drugs are legally safe. Naysayers and those who prefer to walk the straight and narrow, laugh when I refer to Amsterdam as pleasantville. Some say, "I bet every one is high," which is untrue. There are a number of people who disagree with the Red Light District and The Coffee Shops. Just as there are people who visit Vegas and disagree with gambling and Vega's notable night life. What is pleasingly pleasant is the simplicity.

Hundreds of rustic and new bicycles adorn the city, families ride together, women wear skirts and it is no big deal, the ring of a bell and the sidewalk is shared, canals every where you turn, and most of all prejudice was absent. The Heineken Brewery is one of the best tours that I have experienced and I dislike beer. Interactive video games that are fun and informative geared for adults, two or three different lounges where you have complimentary Heineken, you receive a parting gift as you exit, and it was only 10 Euro.

The Gassan Diamond factory provides pick-up and drop off service, a private session with a gemologist, a tour of the factory, and you can watch them cut and shape diamonds for free. You can visit the beautiful tulip garden when in season, Ann Frank's house, Van Gogh Museum, and if you enjoy shopping clear your credit cards. Madame Toussaint's Wax Museum is well done but, for the cost of admission it is not worth the money, you are better off seeing a live sex show. There are hotels less expensive in Holland; however, if you like to party and hang to the whee hours of the night or rise early to indulge your desires Amsterdam is where you wan to be.

I have a friend who relocated from Chicago to Amsterdam because he loved it so much. I also have friends who reside in Germany and when I visit we hop on the Audubon for a quick trip to Amsterdam. I have a wonderfully different experience each time and just like Las Vegas what happens in Amsterdam stays in Amsterdam, and the kicker is --it is all legal. As I see it a trip to the Netherlands is an experience waiting to happen if you allow it. It is a 4.5 blink experience.

AHSI- Amsterdam/Holland was a great place to visit. Everyone was so care-free or seemed to be enjoying life. The natives were friendly and courteous, and there was always something to do. If you like different pastries then you will enjoy the various pastries available for your consumption and the good thing is--you can walk it off. Everything was basically in the same general vicinity, which made it very easy to get around.

The big treat for beer lovers is that you can visit the Heineken Factory. The beer was great and the way that it is set up, you will definitely get your fill on beer as well as being introduced to the Heineken name, family, and anything else you need to know about this brand of beer. You can also view the Anne Frank House as well as different paintings from Van Gogh by visiting the many museums they have.

The Red light District was also a sight to see. If you like to indulge and wish to experiment with what the Coffee Shops have to offer, you will find a wide range and also a safe environment for you to enjoy your activities. Based on all of the stories you have might have heard, I will confirm the positives, and say Holland is definitely a place everyone should visit. I give it 4.5 blinks.

Ancient..Ruins...Rome - The Eternal City

AHSI - Rome, Italy is a beautiful place to visit. If you are a history buff or someone who enjoys Roman Mythology. Rome will feel like heaven to you. Public transportation was very easy to use, and everything is approximately twenty minutes away. The only downfall is the food. If you love Mafia movies or the Sopranos, and have salivated over the pasta meals with the juicy sausages and meatballs FORGET ABOUT IT. I went all over Rome trying to find Uncle Paulie, in the back cooking one of those meals. I was told, "that's TV".


ASSI - Rome the eternal city is simply breath taking from the cobble stone streets to the ancient ruins are beyond words. I was familiar with images of the Piazza del Colosseo (Colusium), Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica), and Musei Vaticani (the home of Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel); however, I was unprepared for the feeling that enveloped me. I actually had a Oh my Gosh, Oh my Gosh, I cannot believe I am actually standing on the grounds of St. Peter's Basilica. I was over joyed at the realization of where I was, my entire body seemed to dance and smile all over in-belief, seeing is truly believing.

We took advantage of public transportation to see the city for 1.00 Euro, the buses start at 5:00 a.m. and run until midnight; upon arriving in Rome, we took the bus from the train station to the hotel, and back to the train station for our trip home. We took the train to the airport, it was more cost effective, scenic, and comfortable. Most Italians speak English, so please do not allow the language barrier to deter you from visting Italy.

I love European fashion, I just simply adore the clothes, shoes, and handbags. The cuts are small, you will require a larger size, but do hesitate to try on any item that catches your eye. I guarantee you, if you can fit-it, you will buy it, love it, and so will everyone else. Every piece of clothing I purchased while in Europe garners the most and highest compliments.

Unfortunately, we had the displeasure of staying at the Hotel Dei Mellini that was centrally located and walking distance to Vatican City where St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum are located, Museo Nazional di Castel Sant'Angelo (Palace of Angels), Museo dell'Ara Pacis, the Pantheon and countless other museums, and every step was worth the walk. The service I received at the Hotel Dei Mellini was unworthy of their 5 star rating. The rooms were standard, the temperature was warmer than we preferred with the air on, we were then relocated to a room with a defective shower rod that fell and hit me in the head as I was exiting the shower.

My overall visit in Rome, Italy was phenomenal, I definitely see it as five blink experience, just find other accommodations than the Hotel Dei Mellini that I give one blink.

Hedonism for the Wild and Wicked

ASSI - The stories told at dinner parties surely peeked my curiosity, is there really a place where adults go to unleash their inner wild and allow the warm sun rays to explore every each of their naked bodies? Hedonism II is the place where shame and inhibitions are unwelcome, but allowed if you must be prude.
The resort had modern amenities, mirrored ceilings and walls appropriately displayed in each room, multiple shower heads in the shower, private Jacuzzis and swimming pools, open cabanas for leisure lounging, rock climbing, pool tables and chess, and even a nightclub with stripper pole included. The beautifully painted rocks that adorned the grounds from past visitors was a nice touch, be sure to paint a rock to mark the occasion.

Hedonism lacked entertainment, there were enough people at the resort to have a continuous party, but the club music was unenticing and the live entertainment was unimpressive, and if you come for fun and games be sure to bring your own games. If you prefer to bring your sand with you to the beach, the two of you will have a blast creating lasting memories, if you are hoping to bottle sand while your there, be careful and pack plenty of condoms. The booze cruise was much fun but if your partner or friend is uncomfortable seeing others in their birthday suits or dislike looking at headlights then this is not the excursion for you; however, if you are down and can appreciate nakedness, then tops off and bottle up. I was most displeased with the various cracks and crevasses, which suggest the facility is in desperate need of repairs, but to no avail. The cushions for the cabanas were old, outdated, and worn; the cushions for the chairs in the dining room were mold and mildewed. I see the resort as two blinks and the overall exeperience three blinks.

ASHI – The forty-five minutes ride to the resort was scenic; some areas were beautiful, the tropical weather was comfortable while in Jamaica, and Hedonism Resort was worth the ride. Although the resort lacked lively entertainment, I really enjoyed the food; the selection was large enough that everyone was able to find something to eat. The rooms were up-to-date and the ambience was great. One of the best things about the trip to Jamaica was the direct flight from Baltimore Washington International Airport. When traveling to Jamaica be sure to pack swim suits, boat shoes, flip-flops, sandals, tank tops, t-shirts, and take advantage of all scheduled activities. Leave the resort to explore the Island, hop in cab and go into town to shop or dine at one of the local restaurants.
If you’re a shy person who is rather reserved, stay away from Hedonism, it is not for the timid. However, it is for the person who want to explore their wild side, the nude beach and pool is a must visit, it gives you a sense of freedom. You can also have fun shooting pool, playing chess, bat mitten, volleyball, or you can climb the wall. Overall I see this as an experience worth having and give it three and a half eye balls.