Noting a few clouds on the horizon, I checked the radar to see rain ahead that would cross our path and could not be avoided since it would strike exactly over the dog legged path I plotted to avoid the coral heads of the yellow banks. The sky darkened and the rain began to fall, light at first than increasing with a little more wind, streaming water down the side and front windows, washing away the crusted salt accumulation on the rails and sides of the boat, cooling the entire helm. Fortunately there was no lightning and our speed kept the agitated waves from rolling the boat. As we neared Nassau the sun came out, the rain stopped and we glided into harbor on shining flat calm seas.
We settled into our slips and helped Lucky One get tied up. A few days to explore Nassau allowed us to experience some more of the down town and the ghetto and Huen to have his first ever city Bus Ride...."Not my cup of tea!" quipped Huen.
Having a refreshment downtown Nassau where the cruse ships dock.
Beth approached a local conch diver cleaning his catch near the marina.
Marshall said, " I've been doing this for 60 years, Mam. If you want any conch or conch shells you can have them for 2 to 3 dollars apiece. I sell the meat to the local restaurants so it would be more if you want the whole conch."
Marshall's Conch Cleaning Station
Beth immediately noted how much more intense the conch colors were compared to Florida conch shells and purchased several of them to give out as souvenirs to friends back home. She also asked him to make one into a shell that she could blow. Later she found a conch seller downtown who made one she could blow and inscribed it for her with "Betsy 2018 Bahamas" which she says will stay on the boat as long as we are owners. Maybe before we get back she will actually be able to get a sound out of it! Its hilarious to watch her practice.
An exploration of the local zoo left us somewhat disappointed to see the animals, such as the ring tailed lemur not in the best of health, but thrilled with the parrot feeding and flamingo show. They are doing the best they can but need more financial help. We did our part to support them.
With the cruise liners arriving 3 to 4 per day the tourist industry is booming for Nassau downtown jewellery stores, bistros and restaurants but seems expensive such that the locals would rather spend their money on more affordable fare. Bahamian food is healthy fresh fish and conch salad with local spices which Beth and Linda raved about. Huen got a local preparation and will no doubt prepare it just as well. I will stick to the fresh Mahi.
Our final dining experience was at Lucianno's (from Chicago). A 5 star rated Italian restaurant that was within walking distance of the Marina. A bottle of Sicialian red enhanced the catch of the day which was fresh grouper for Beth and was emboldened my choice of true Italian lasagna. Waiters with black shirts, bow ties and long white aprons with white towels draped over their arm emphasized that this was dining at its finest. Both of us commented that this really was the best meal of our whole trip.
At the marina not only do we pay slip fees, electric fees water usage fees but a 7% value added tax is tacked on to the total and American money is at par with Bahamian money so that often you get Bahamian currency for change.... On top of that you get an additional 5% service charge on Mastercard or Visa and 7% on American Express. I can tell you Bahamian money is not accepted at par back in the U.S.A
We are waiting a 3 day weather window to return directly from Nassau to Bimini in one day and Bimini to Fort Lauderdale the next. So far it looks like we may be able to leave this Thursday and be in the US on Friday.....we will see!
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