A place to Spend a Splendid 5 Days
Written: Aug 02 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Beautiful beaches, friendly people
Cons: Don't expect to spend more than 5 wonderful days, there... it's a small island.
The Bottom Line: Nassau is a unique place with a thriving Caribbean culture. Try the rum and embrace the culture for a unique vacationing experience.
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| Blacksky86's Full Review: Nassau |
Money and How Not to Loose it:
The Bahamian Dollar and the American Dollar are as close in worth as currency comes. In fact, don't be surprised if you pay for something in one and get back your change in the other-- you are not getting a deal or getting jipped either way. Also, do not spend your time exchanging your money at the bank; Just make sure that if you do withdrawals with an ATM card that you get only as much as you need. Sadly, in the US they're just a LITTLE more reserved (ha) about accepting foreign currency.
The best way to travel in Nassau is by boat, especially if you're going across to Paradise Island and back or far down the coastline. This is because while taxi cab drivers are shady try to rack up time, the boat ferry costs an easy 6 dollars per-person round trip. Also, keep in mind that taxi drivers charge a dollar extra to cross over either bridge to paradise island. The bridges aren't too long and are a nice walk if you're looking for exercise.
The last way to make sure you don't spend any unnecessary cash is by checking to see if the service for your meals is included -- remember, it almost always is. On an island centered around tourism, they prefer not to risk getting less than their 15% gratuity. This talk of gratuity brings me to another subject: The restaurants.
Restaurants:
On New Providence (which is the name of the island. Note: Nassau is just the capital), there are a variety of places to eat ranging from the uppity-up, white-table cloth restaurants to the local, crab-shack places. If you are looking for good local food you can check out either the Fish Fry or the Poop Deck, both these places will deliver you wish a taste of native-cuisine for reasonable prices. Popular dishes include fried plantains, peas and rice, and Grouper (an mmm-mmm, good white fish steamed with peppers and onions). If you are looking for extremely local, you can head down to the small wood shacks under the bridge farthest away from the Straw Market. Here, they'll make you a popular dish called a Conch salad for 7 bucks a pop. Conch is a main staple of the island and a conch salad consists of onion, pepper, tomatoes fresh conch, and lime, orange, and red-pepper juice. It's a spicy, delectable treat that is a must-have while on the island. As a warning, do not eat the barracuda that many local places offer, some of the meat is very poisonous and a barracuta-snack is really a game of Russian roulette.
If you're tired of Bahamian food there are a few places you can go to change things up. The Double Dragon offers great Cantonese/Chinese take-out for reasonable prices and Senior Frogs (right next to the straw market) has great Mexican food for moderate prices. Also, the Bahamian Grill at the Atlantis offers high-class American/European cuisine and makes a killer onion soup and a great creme brulee. If you do the drinks, appetizers, meal, and dessert, expect to pay around $140 dollars for two.
Fun Things to Do and See:
According to locals, the best dance club is called "Cocktails and Dreams" and ladies night is on Thursday.
The best excursion offered in the Nassau area is the Exuma Powerboat Excursion which takes guests on an hour high-speed boat ride to an island with endangered iguanas. Here, you feed the iguanas and drink punch. After, guests are taken to a private island where there is shark and stingray feeding and snorkeling.
Ardastra Gardens and Conservation Centre is a fantastic place to go. See the national bird, the flamingo (a flamingo show goes on every daily at 11, 2, and 4), and view native creatures and plants.
The Straw Market is the best place to buy gifts for those at home. Go see this Bahamian flee market and haggle over prices, make sure not to go TOO low, though, you'll insult the venders.
Fort Charlotte sits up on a hill with cannons at its base.
It is complete with a moat, drawbridge, and dungeon which draw comparisons to some of Englands old castles. Fort Charlotte was built by Lord Dunmore.
Christ Church Cathedral--
With 95% of the Bahamian people being of a Christian-based religion, it is not hard to believe that there are some very nice churches on the islands. Christ Church is a conveniently placed hot-spot, go to see its beautiful stained glass windows.
The Economy
Because 85% of the island is black, you may feel like a minority when you walk through town. However, the people of Nassau are generally very friendly and if you say "hello" there are very respectful with their responses. You will often hear this peaceful people say "All good things must come to an end", which seems to be a common motto on the island.
Because the Bahamas received their independence from England only 30 years ago, many remnants of English rule can still be found throughout Nassau. Small slang words such as "que", meaning line, have been incorporated into the language and the bathrooms are often labeled "WC" (for "wash closet")
The main language on the island is English, but it has a heavy Caribbean accent. Sometimes, when the people speak quickly, it can sound like a whole other language. Normally, the Bahamians are very polite about slowing down for tourists, but don't be afraid to ask them to repeat some things. Remember to be patient with them, too, they may have a hard time understanding you, as well.
Lastly, while on Nassau, expect to hear a lot of Eastern European languages flying around. This seems to be a hot spent for Europe's vacationers and all the different dialects and tongues give the island a fun, diverse feel.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
Blacksky86
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Member: Megan Morrison
Location: Fresno
Reviews written: 15
Trusted by: 3 members
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