Bayshore Marina, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas

We decided that we should see a little more of Nassau today so set off down Bay Street along the shore of the Nassau harbour into downtown Nassau. We could in the distance see cruise ships in dock, which seem to be daily here and meant we could expect it to be busy.

The Potters Cay area was first, an anchorage /  dock area with lots of tumble down looking houseboats and fishing trawlers on the inside of a large dock jutting out into the harbour. Next, we passed the two impressive span bridges going across to Paradise Island, one of which appears to be the toll bridge the other free. Bay Street then passes through the dock area, never the nicest area of a town, where there were shipping containers  pilled higher than the buildings which were fairly ramshackle. Still expecting something more of this supposed millionaire’s retreat we trudge further into town.

   Attractive square downtown Nassau  

When we started to see the white looking tourists we knew we were approaching the cruise ship territory and sure enough before long the shops were becoming smarter and mostly jewellers. The centre of Nassau has some nice colonial architecture and squares. The main area though is fairly small and mostly seemed to cater for cruise ship tourists rather than any local needs. Though perhaps the Fendi, Gucci and other designer stores is where the locals of Nassau do their shopping. The John Bull department store stands in the centre of downtown Bay Street and is apparently quite a local landmark, originating in 1929 and named after a character in a 1712 British satire, a stout English man wearing a top hat, waistcoat, knickerbockers and high boots. It has gone from stationers to high class retailer dealing in Rolex and Cartier.

Relics of the empire – statue of Queen Victoria, Nassau

The John Bull store, Bay Street Nassau

We walked all the way through town to the Hilton hotel and there found the US Embassy that we need to visit next week for our visas, conspicuous by the large Stars and Stripes flying outside and by the security which meant we couldn’t even approach the door to check we’d got the right place without being stopped. The female security guard was very helpful and told us that we were in the right place and to return for our appointment but with no cameras, phones, nail clippers, scissors, lighters etc.

Not having any immediate need for diamonds and Rolexes our only purchase of the day was a bottle of duty free gin. It was still really hot and sticky so we decided to walk the 2 miles back to the marina. Well more hobble in my case, my decision to wear proper shoes was obviously not a good one after a year in flip flops and there was little skin left on my heel by now.

Dedicated Bacardi store, Nassau

When we got back to the marina we decided to stop for refreshments at the Poop Deck, I had a club soda and Kevin a Kalik and they barely touched the sides after hours of walking in that heat. We stayed for a couple of drinks and our free conch fritters then headed back to the boat.

Former slave market, now the Pompey museum, Nassau