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Nassua Guide
Bahamas
> Nassau
Nassau, the capital of Bahamas, is steeped in modern American ways
but has an undeniable quasi-Caribbean flavor. Yet, it exudes a special
charm, imparted by a blend of Old World architecture and contemporary
vitality.
Here, you can get a taste of the darker side of the city's past
by visiting the Historical Library and Museum, an 18th-century building
with an underground dungeon, model ships and a museum of Lucayan
Indian history. Tropical plant fanciers can browse over 300 species
at the lush Royal Victoria Garden.
For a passion of shopping, the heart of the shopping district is
Bay Street, where you can shop at the largest straw market in the
world.
If you enjoy nature, you can also visit Peterson Cay National Park,
just east and offshore from Freeport, is a heavily used getaway
spot popular with locals; but it's a beautiful spot all the same,
with splendid diving and snorkeling.
Intra-island flights offer the only quick and convenient way to
travel between islands. Bahamasair serves Grand Bahamas and the
larger Out Islands. The schedules change frequently. The airline
operates on a hub-and-spoke system, to and from Nassau. Thus, if
you want to fly between adjacent islands, such as Cat Island and
Long Island, you'll have to return to Nassau.
Water taxis, ply between Nassau and Paradise Island. A large passenger/cargo
ferry, Sealink, connects Nassau with Freeport and Marsh Harbour,
Abaco; and with Governor's Harbour, Eleuthera. Government-run ferries
also link islands that are a short distance apart, such as North
and South Bimini; Mangrove Cay and South Andros; and Crooked and
Acklins Islands. Mail boats leave Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau, usually
on twice-weekly trips, serving all the inhabited islands under government
contract.
The Out Islands are served by a mail boat which leaves Nassau several
times a week carrying mail and provisions to the islands.
Traveling by bus is a bomb, except for Nassau, where private 'jitneys'
(minibuses) operate within the city(but not to the airport); and
there is no public transport on any of the Family Islands.
There's no shortage of taxis in Nassau and Freeport, where they
can be hailed on the streets. Taxis are also the main local transportation
on the Family Islands, though you'll need to summon one by radio
or telephone. Or, you can hire cars that are available here.
Since traveling by bus is not as convenient as taking other transportation,
thus driving on your own or taking a taxi can be a very convenient
way of getting around.
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