During our recent visit to the Sandals Resort in Nassau, we took two adventures into town. One was a shopping trip via the city bus, and one was a bus tour of the city.

The trip into town via the city bus was most certainly an adventure. Speeding along in what was apparently a race against time to get into town, weaving through traffic, we got a few sights, and the hope that our trip back would be a bit more calm. Thankfully it was. Later we were told that the bus drivers race back into town to pick up folks and distribute them, their goal to get as many paid rides as possible. I will say, it was a far better deal than paying a taxi. The cost of $1.25 per person each way, vs. an estimate of $25 each way by taxi.

Our walk around town shopping was enjoyable, although warm when out of the breeze. We hiked our way up to the 66 steps, which my husband counted twice at 65 steps. When I checked Nassau’s tourism website I found the explanation:

The Queen’s Staircase, commonly referred to as the 66 steps, is a major landmark that is located in the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau. It was hewn out of solid limestone rock by slaves between 1793 and 1794 and it is said that it provided a direct route from Fort Fincastle to Nassau City. These steps were later named in honour of Queen Victoria, who reigned in Britain for 64 years from 1837 to 1901.  
There are only 65 steps visible because the pathway that leads to the steps was paved and the bottom step is buried under the asphalt.

• 

• 

• 

We did a bit of shopping at the Straw Market. Unfortunately I had to watch my luggage weight or I may have purchased more! I had a nice visit with a young lady named Toya, who recommend we visit the 66 Steps, and directed us down the road to Parliament Square, the traditional center of Bohemian government. She was super friendly and said that many of the items in Straw Market were made by Bohemian folks on other islands, where tourists do not visit. So this was a way to help out the locals who don’t live in the area.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Our City tour was interesting, as the driver gave us an abundance of city information and history. Over 70% of Nassau residence depend on tourism for their income so he was extremely grateful for our visit. One of his stops was a quick visit to a local Rum Cake bakery. Yes, we exited with two cakes to enjoy 🙂

• 

• 

We also stopped to explore a couple of the forts on the island. One, Fort Charlotte was most interesting, as it was built to protect against the French. But the French never came. During the years the soldiers got bored and chipped away names and messages into the bricks.

• 

• 

• 

The bus driver also took us over to Paradise Island and a very quick stop at the Atlantis Resort. We had taken a tour of the hotel several years ago on our cruise. It is an amazing hotel.

We both enjoyed our visit to the city. Although once we returned, I saw a Travel Advisory put out by the US Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs, we did not feel unsafe. There were always a good number of tourists around, and a high number of police watching the area. We found the folks very friendly and helpful with directions.

I doubt we will have the opportunity to visit again, but I had a great adventure in Nassau, Bahamas.

Posted as part of Lens-Artists Challenge #36 Around the Neighborhood