Bimini
Bimini (BIM · ə · NE) is a group of islands and a district of the Bahamas. For district belongs beside the archipelago Cay Sal Bank also. Main islands are North Bimini and South Bimini. North Bimini is about 11 km long and 210 m wide, the main town is Alice Town, a collection of shops, restaurants and bars that are on a street ( "The King's Highway" ). In South Bimini are just a runway and two hotels, so this island offers a quiet alternative to the bustle of North Bimini.
Bimini is located approximately 80 km east of Miami Beach. The islands are best known as a fishing paradise. Since they are not far away from Miami ( Florida), the islands of many American anglers are visited by boat. Diving and snorkeling are also popular activities, as there are numerous shipwrecks in the area.
Mysticism and mystery
On Bimini, there are numerous places where mystical properties or mythical- legendary origins are attributed. The most famous of these places is the so-called Bimini Road, which was also associated with Plato's Atlantis.
The Bimini Road
The Bimini Road, which has also become known under the name Bimini Wall, is one of the tourist attractions biminis. This approximately 800 m in the shallow coastal waters off Paradise Point, Nordbimini, located approximately six meters long and in depth formation of large, approximately rectangular limestone blocks is easily accessible even for inexperienced divers and amateur snorkelers. For decades, it provides material for discussion and speculation about their origin. While most scholars believe the Bimini Road for a naturally formed, geological structure, represents a minority believing it was thousands of years ago when the sea level was even lower, built by people.
The fountain of youth
Facts about Juan Ponce de Leon and his search for the fountain of youth is as mystical as the source itself, whether it was the Arawak or their relatives, the Taino Indians, who tells the story de Leon, is not clear, but both versions of the story say that locals have told of a country called " Beemeenee " where the source could be found. During the expedition de Leon to Florida brought, there are still rumors that the source could be found in the shallow pools in South Bimini.
The healing hole
In the salt water of the mangrove forest, which covered four miles from North Bimini, is the healing hole, a pond, which is located at the end of a tunnel network. During the ebb and cold mineral-rich fresh water is forced into the pond from this tunnel system. Natural lithium and sulfur are two of the elements that should be included in this water. The water should have a healing effect, visitors speak of a mental and physical rejuvenation after their visit.
Conservation
American investors plan to Bimini, the Bimini Bay Resort tourist complex. It will include more than 1,000 apartments, 450 villas, a luxury hotel, restaurants, a casino, a spa, a golf course and a marina with 400 berths. With the support of tour operators and diving guests from all over the world population could reduce these devastating for nature plans. Full prevent the project is not allowed to date. Furthermore, defends some of the residents of Bimini against the realization of the project.
Facts
- During Prohibition in the United States, Bimini was a favorite haven for the rum - smuggling.
- An inspired off the coast of trapped 500 pound Marlin Ernest Hemingway to the book The Old Man and the Sea, which made the island group to one of the sites of his published in 1970 novel Islands in the Stream.
- The last scene of the film The Silence of the Lambs (1991 ) plays at the airport of South Bimini.
- Chalk 's Ocean Airways Flight 101 was en route to Bimini when he crashed on 19 December 2005; at least eleven passengers were from Bimini.
- At 31 December 2005 burned down one of the most famous bars in Bimini, the Compleat Angler, down to the ground. The bar was known for her photos of Ernest Hemingway, on which he was leaning against the wall of the bar. All photos were lost in the fire.