Nassau

Nassau was probably my favorite day, I didn't know much of what to expect from this little island town, but I had so much fun. We have tons more pictures that I will post later, but they are on the other camera,

We decided to go on the "forts and pirates" tour. When we left the ship early in the morning we were met by a pirate who led us to a tour guide "George" who led us through the town for two hours showing us the sites. For the life of me I haven't figured out HOW they drive! No signs or directions, cars and busses just drive every which way in a crazy fashion. We did get a tour of the "driving school" which is basically three beat up old cars with people driving in circles hitting cones, apparently to pass you have to park between two of them. . . . makes no difference how many pedestrians you take out along the way!

Then we went to several forts and learned the history of the british, french and spanish invasions, the pirates and the links between piracy and the slave trade. It ended with a tour through the pirate museum (Nassau was one of the most notorious pirate hangouts) all in all, it was very interesting and informative.

Then, we were thrust out in Nassau on our own. It was a bit scary at first, because we had no idea where we were, how to get anywhere, no signs, cars driving everywhere, but finally we just made a run for it and we figured it out. We went shopping at the "straw market" and spent a ton of money on various items (hand carved wooden figurines for me, rasta dolls for the kids, brand name bags for jayme)

We went back to teh ship, dropped everything off and then returned to spend the rest of the evening at "senor frogs". . . lemme tell you, if your ever in Nassau, you HAVE to go here, Oh gosh. . . .it was quite the event. After several "yard longs" which are drinks served in yard long glasses, out on the deck over the water, with little bright fishies everywhere. . . .well, you realize that drinking rum in the bahamas is a good thing. . .. Ya Mon!





This is the gateway to the city, tons of security, little shops and women who wish to braid your hair greet you when you arrive
This is one of the government buildings, Our tour guide didn't like politicians anymore then he liked doctors, he said that Bahamians go to the bush for healing, cus when they go to the doctor, they get addicted to drugs, and that isn't good!

One of the forts, it is the tallest one built on the island, the view is amazing. Another fort had dungeons and torture rooms, it was extremely creeeeeepy

Iquanas! Oregon has deer for the wildlife, Bahamas have these guys all over.. .YUCK
All of the buildings are brightly colored, yellow, pink, purple, green. Most of them are falling apart and run down, its sad to see the immense poverty, however our guide was so proud of his country and the history, it was great to see his pride. I hope that someday I can have pride in my country again.