Photo Tours: Nassau

    There are times in our busy lives when  the world starts closing in and the need to escape, if just for a little while, is overwhelming.  To be free of alarm clocks, cell phones  and  hectic schedules would almost be paradise.  Add in an Island where you are free to bask in the sun on sugar white sands, take a soothing swim in a warm turquoise colored ocean, servants at your beckoning call and feast on exquisite fair would certainly do wonders for the human spirit. 

          I recently had both the need and opportunity to take a little boat trip. The ship departed Port Canaveral Florida around  4pm  in the afternoon and what followed was a traveler's fantasy (no I did not go to Fantasy Island! But I did board the Fantasy to Paradise Island).  The first night I slept 13 hours straight which for me was a record. I awoke the next morning with a voracious appetite which was soon satisfied by a large breakfast on the Lido deck. I barely had time to prepare for my photo tour before we docked at Nassau. Nassau? Yes Nassau? Having been there before I was intent on photographing sites missed on a previous trip and eating at several local places known for great food.. Why Nassau?  I have a healthy respect for an Island whose economy is driven by service (lots of things to see and do for the adventure minded as well as secluded areas that cater to those of us who only want to laze around and do nothing) and banking.  

        If you happen to be on a cruise ship that arrives on a Friday you may want to consider spending the day  at the beach enjoying the sun, sand and warm water or walking to areas of interest. A large number of cruise ships dock on Fridays and the traffic jams in Nassau proper will bring back nightmares of traffic jams back home. After a relaxing day at the beach and your batteries charged its time to see the sights. A cab ride to many areas of interest is only $4.00 one way.  However, be prepared to share the ride with as many folks the driver can find room for (it helps to be riding with close friends). There are also 2 hour bus tours and carriage rides that will carry you to special areas of interest for reasonable fees. There is para-sailing, which is certainly not for those with weak hearts or fear of  heights. If scuba diving is your thing there are numbers of  dive boats with Dive Masters ready to accompany you as you glide effortlessly through crystal clear liquid space. Nassau is also a great place for duty free shopping with good prices on electronics, clothing, jewelry, perfumes and liquors. A visit to Nassau would not be complete without a visit to Bay Street where the majority of the stores, government buildings and major banks are located. The straw market offers visitors and shoppers an opportunity to see the skills and talents of the Islanders . Hats made from dried and cured palm fronds are also a specialty. The Hog Island Lighthouse (next page) was built of limestone and dates to 1817. Continued on the next page.....Page 2