Miss Jamaica Universe Carolyn Yapp is at the Atlantis in the Bahamas for the Miss Universe Pageant. She has been keeping a diary of her experience exclusively for Flair. Here's what she has been up to.

"So far, things have been fantastic here in The Bahamas but, as expected, it has also been pretty busy as we get closer to the Miss Universe finals. It's a jam-packed schedule of photo shoots, fittings and appearances but I'm in good company as I am meeting some beautiful people from around the world."

Day 1

To get things started and everyone introduced, the Miss Universe organising committee staged an official welcoming ceremony at the Balmoral Club on Friday (August 7), where all the contestants dined with government officials and the Miss Universe directors. The food was yum!

Day 2

On Saturday we went to Exuma island where we toured the Moriah Harbour Cay as well as tapped a television segment for the finals. It was then off to the Bimini Bay Resort to see the sharks! The shark lab is a world-rated facility dedicated to the study of sharks and the conservation of the ocean's ecosystems.

Some of the girls thought being that close to the sharks was pretty scary but being interested in environmental/animal issues and, of course, never having seen a shark this close, I was absolutely fascinated!! They really are majestic creatures.

Day 3

We had breakfast at the Grand Bahama Yacht Club followed by a tour of the Garden of The Groves and then enjoyed local entertainment at the Count Basie Square, Port Lucaya Marketplace. In the evening we had the swimsuit presentation! There were a lot of people who came out to see the contestants and, initially, I was a bit nervous but calmed down when it was show time. The swimsuit parade went really well and I know for sure that all the hours preparing at Pulse and Gymkhana paid off.

Day 4

Monday was the national costume competition at the Rainforest Theater at the Wyndham Hotel. It was really interesting to see some of the pieces that the girls wore to represent their cultures. Miss Puerto Rico was dressed as a bejewelled boxer, Miss Bahamas evoked the spirit of the Caribbean with a carnival costume, and Miss China was dressed as a traditional warrior. My costume - Fern Gully - of course was fabulous!

Day 5

On Tuesday we had some time to unwind as we toured Harbour Island by golf cart and then made our way over to Coral Sands for some well-deserved beach time. Rehearsals for the pageant are scheduled to begin this week and I'm very excited about that. There will also be the Junkanoo Summer Festival which will feature a grand display of artful costumes, music and dance routines. I'm really looking forward to that!

I am trying to teach some of the girls patois but not everyone grasps it quickly. However, a lot of them know about our athletes and music so it's pretty evident that no matter where we go or who we talk to, Jamaica has a pretty big impact on the world! In the spirit of things, I am also learning about other cultures from the contestants.

I am very grateful for all the love and support I've been getting from 'yaad and abroad' and will continue to make Jamaica proud. Hoping for the best and talk to you soon.

- Love Carolyn, xoxoxoxo

The coronation will be on Sunday at 7 p.m.

Miss Romania, Miss Malaysia and Miss Jamaica. - Contributed photos

Carolyn Yapp gets ready for the national Costume Competition.