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Checking out the Bahamas and Denver

By BOB DAMRON

THE BAHAMAS "It's better in the Bahamas" is the slogan of America's closest independent neighborislands...just sixty miles off the coast of Florida. Over 700 semitropical islands, whose turquoise waters flow along miles of sundrenched beaches, form the new nation, which until '73 was governed by Great Britain. Bahamians still retain many traditions of their British heritage, including native policemen in resplendant Colonial uniforms and the unnerving left hand drive.

Of approximately 250,000 inhabitants, over half reside on New Providence, where the capital, Nassau is located. Cruise ships dock regularly and there are daily flights from New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington and Florida. Foreign carriers serve Canada, England, Germany, and International Air Bahama offers the lowest transAtlantic jet fares between Nassau and Europe via Luxembourg. Altogether, the Bahamas will host nearly 2,000,000 visitors this

year.

.

have a rich lover who owns a forty foot yacht.

When visiting the Bahamas you do not need an American passport, but must have proof of U.S. citizenship. A birth certificate or voters registration slip will do nicely. You also must show proof of return or through air or steamship fare. Grass and other drugs are very much illegal ...and even though chances of having your baggage searched upon entering, and only a cursory look by U.S. Immigration Authorities when returning...be discreet. Also, don't gamble away your last few dollars, or you won't get back! There is a $4.00 departure charge.

"Sun your buns" t-shirts are seen everywhere in the Bahamas ...and this is a great place for it. The winter weather is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, sailing. water skiing, golf and tennis. Bahamian and U.S. currency have the same value, and both are willingly accepted every. where. In addition the Baham-

Bahamas?"

ian's print a bonafide $3.00 bill. Is this indicative of anything interesting? To be on the safe side, take a friend along. Otherwise, Unfortunately there are not as you'll just have to decide for many gay tourists as one might yourself...whether or not it's trueexpect, which is probably why...that "It's better in the Nassau has only one gay bar! P.J.'s Bare Foot Bar is on Charlotte St., just off the main thoroughfare, Bay Street. It is a small place on the second floor, and reached by a narrow, firehouse like spiral staircase. It is best late. On slow nights they close about 2:00 a.m., but if the place is busy, they may stay open until 4:00 a.m. or so.

The Bristo, located quite a ways out of Nassau in the Golden Gates Shopping Center is supposed to be fun too, and if the bars are slow, try the Playboy Casino at Cable Beach, which can be real rewarding if you're aggressive enough. Actually, the potential to score is almost anywhere, from the touristy Dirty Dick's Bar to Calypso Beach opposite the New Olympia Hotel...but on a strictly hit or miss basis.

I stayed at the old SheratonBritish Colonial Hotel, which has a large pool, good beach, shops and lovely rooms overlooking the picturesque harbor, but no TV's. It is expensive, but centrally located. Excellent gourmet dining is available at the exclusive Buena Vista, Cafe Martinique, DaVinci or Graycliff restaurants. For sightseeing, visit the shops along colorful Bay Street, Fort Charlotte, Blackbeard's Tower, Sea Gardens, and Rowson Square. The best show and gambling casino is at the Britannia Beach Hotel on Paradise Island. Freeport, on Grand Bahama, is the second largest city with a population of about 30,000. There are no gay bars, but the Wreck Bar at the Castaways, and the Winston Churchill Pub can be fun! You might also try the International Bazaar of the Xanadu Hotel Beach. Stay at the Holiday Inn or Xanada Beach Hotel. Skip Andros Bimini,Great Abaco, Exuma, and the other islands...unless you are fond of deep sea fishing...and happen to

DENVER

"When it's Springtime in the Rockies" is as good as a time as any to visit Denver, that great and fastgrowing metropolis in the mountains. Nicknamed the 'Mile High City,' Denver offers a natural 'high,' and believe me, you won't come down for awhile. The long awaited opening of our new disco, Alfie's, at 3240 Larimer, was a memorable occasion. On a cold night in late January. over 1,500 Beautiful people of Denver" turned out for our opening...and the vibes were great!

This makes Denver's seventh disco, the oldest being the popular 1942 at 1942 Broadway, which like Alfie's, has a macho, cruisy ambiance, David's at 314 E. 13th has recently expanded and has an exciting new room. The once busy Broadway seems to have fallen on hard times and the Apartment, which serves 3.2 beer only, caters mostly to twinkies.

Denver's foxy ladies prefer the Globe at 4503 Logan or Three Sisters at 3358 Mariposa. Incidentally, Colorado liquor bars close at 2:00a.m. except for Sundays when they close at 12 midnight, while 3.2 licenses close two hours earlier.

The Triangle is the busiest levi and leather bar, especially weekends when the cruisy basement is wall to wal, budies...and any thing goes. The Den at 5110 W Colfax is similar, but draws an older crowd. The Court Jester at 1617 Court Place is Denver's oldest gay bar, and still has a loyal following. The Fox Hole, another leather and western bar is most popular on sunny, summer, Sunday afternoons. It is hard to find, but take the 20th St. viaduct northwest, turn at the first light, and follow around to 2936 Fox St. The Southtown Lumber Co. at 255 S. Broadway is a pleasant Neighborhood cruise bar.

Denver's best gay restaurant is BJ's Carousel at 1380 S. Broadway. This is always packed with levue at 1953 Lincoln St. is a mature, macho guys. The Belpopular new place, but they need to get their act more together than it is. Other eating_places include Alicia's Mexican Restaurant, Broadway and The Den. Alfie's 1942 and Triangle are open for coffee after hours on

weekends. For good straight dinng try The Buckthorne Exchange, Cafe Prominade, Chad's, Chateau Pyrenees, Colorado Mining Co., Dutchman, Le Profil, Picadilly, Quorum, Sperte's Lafitte and The Fort.

One of America's most innovative baths, The Ball Park at 107 S. Broadway, has been having police problems...and some of their clientelle have shifted to The Empire Baths at 6923 E. Colfax. Other bath houses are Gentleman's Quarters at 1359 Court Place and Club Zuni. Denver will

Information (216) 631-0167 (216) 781-4074

GEAR PAGE 11

soon have a gay hotel above The Bellevue Restaurant on Lincoln.

If you haven't been to Denve before, you should visit Larimer Square, Molly Brown's House, U.S. Mint, Rocky Mountain ski resorts and the State Capital grounds. This used to be so cruisy it was known as 'Sodomy Circle,' but also got so dangerous as to be almost suicidal. One of the songs from the show "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" is "Beautiful People of Denver." How true! I love my new adopted city, and think you will too!

March 1 to Oct. 31

Services: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 to April 30

Services: Sunday. 2:00 p.m.

NATIVITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH 9312 Madison Ave. Cleveland, Ohio

Pastor: Rev. Peter A. Lader, D.D. Associate Pastor: Rev. John D. Sowers, Prison Minister Deacon: Rev. Lee Anderson

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