straw market

[EmmasGrammy]

crissyp,

I am so glad to read that you gave the straw market a try, and really glad it was a good experience for you. I read through the thread and realized I may have come across a little too strong. I am sorry about that. I am easily freaked, and my visit was not a good experience for me. I am glad I tried it and I will simply avoid it on my next cruise. Different strokes for different folks!! Thanks for sharing your positive remarks so others may be encouraged to give the straw market a try.

 

[scyrusurcys]

Yes, I remember when we docked at Nassau, we decided to visit Atlantis. We walked along the edge of the docks at the port and found a Bahamian tour guide who owned a small boat that looked to seat about 10-15 people comfortably. We were the first ones on, so he sat us close to the corner of the left side of the boat. (Note that the benches for seating was around the left, aft, and right side of the boat.) So as time passes, more and more people were getting on the boat. When 'we' (cruisers) thought that we had filled the boat up, the Bahamian man kept pushing people on the boat until we felt as if it would either sink or flip over because of the weight that was on this tiny thing. All in all, I think there was close to 25 people sitting on the benches and in the floor of this boat. There was NO room to move or stretch your legs, and most of the people were getting splashed with water as we rode to Atlantis. Not only that, but, the tour guide threatened to "seriously injure" someone if they did not tip him and his captain as he handed a hat around to everyone. I think that the trip to Nassau would have been 100x better if there weren't any hagglers or people like our tour guide around to ruin our day and burn holes in our wallets. (Although Atlantis was GREAT! )
Not to scare anyone about my experiences, but if you decide to take a taxi anywhere, don't go if you get carsick easily (or NOT easily ). The taxi drivers there are real professionals at missing cars and buildings by just a few strands of hair. Also, they'll find anywhere to take a short-cut: airfields, parking lots, alleys, sidewalks, you name it. If the car fits, it goes. And again, don't let this scare you into not getting off the boat, but BE PREPARED. Nassau really is a beautiful place on the outside, but deep inside, it can get a little "scratchy". - I would prefer Castaway Cay, myself though ! Well, I hope this thread has helped anyone who's been wanting to know more about Nassau or the people there, so happy sailing! ---How many days left until my cruise?? YAY!!!!