Nassau-We be Jammin
Written: Jul 22 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Closest island to the US
Cons: Poverty, Beach just OK
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| bwyckoff1's Full Review: Nassau |
I have been to Nassau several times. Two times I journeyed by cruise ship and once by airplane. There are advantages and disadvantages to coming to Nassau.
The primary advantage is this island is only two and one half hours flight time from New York. Before you know it you can be dipping your toes in the water off Cable Beach.
There is nice beaches although I hate to compare, but I have been to virtually the entire Carribean and this beach ranks last. There is no long, dazzling, white sand and the beaches are short walks. I adore long walks along the sand, and when I visit Nassau I miss that.
The outer areas outside the hotel zone is basically filled with poverty.
Tourism is the islands number one industry. I spoke to natives on the island and they informed me there is high crime in Nassau. Although I stayed on the hotel property for most of my stay this time, I would be extremely hesitant to walk around at night.
The people who work the hotels and shops are lovely people. They appreciate the tourist dollar, but they also can expect a lot as well. I rode a public bus into town. There was a couple from New York riding in front of us. When they exited the bus , the couple forgot to pay the driver. The driver screamed at the couple and then demanded a tip as well. I guess there is good and bad no matter where you travel.
The immigration service at the airport is painfully slow compared to the other islands. Showing ID and birth certificates took one hour from the time we left the plane.
The one advantage of seeing Nassau via a cruise line is the fact that the ships dock right on Bay Street, which is the main shopping area. It also docks right near the ferry going over to Paradise Island. Getting there couldn't be easier.
There is an assortment of things to do there, perfume shops, marching flamingos, gardens to stroll. There is also snappy dressed cops in starched white uniforms.
The shops on main street are mostly filled with Cuban cigars, Liquor, Jewlery, Cheap Tee Shirts, and the Straw Market. The Straw Market is a set of stalls selling all kinds of straw goods and trinkets to take home. The quality of most of this stuff leaves alot to be desired. They also do hair braiding, like Bo Derek in "10" Be forewarned: This braiding does a number on white peoples hair. My hairdresser told me the texture of white hair is different and will totally break off from the tight braid technique. It took forever to grow it back.
The location of the island is also a concern. It is located in the hurricane belt, and also has a rainy season each summer. The rain comes down a little each day. It was sunny and raining at the same time.
If you are looking for a quick getaway...think Nassau.
Recommended:
No
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bwyckoff1
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Member: Barb wyckoff
Location: New York
Reviews written: 337
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About Me:
Film Critic-Painter-Writer- Professional Artist
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