One of the first things to do, if you’re not on an all-inclusive package, is to find clean, reasonably priced accommodations. The Mignon Guest House is splendidly situated in the heart of the downtown and is a veritable bargain. This is an, air-conditioned guest house consisting of 6 exceptionally clean rooms, all with TVs. Washrooms and a small kitchen are shared. Owners Mary and Steve Antonos run a tight ship and have operated the guest house for close to fourty years.

Nassau is a place where you can give your legs a work out. Sidewalks are narrow and in some cases non-existent. It’s best to walk in single file facing traffic. Downtown Nassau is 10 blocks long and four blocks wide and consists of well preserved 18th and 19th century buildings which evoke colourful pasts. Many of them now are occupied by up-scale jewellery and souvenir stores.

Begin by wandering down to Prince George Wharf and marvel at the majestic cruise ships that are moored in the Nassau Harbour. Feel the hustle and bustle of the native Straw Market where vendors hawk everything from Bahama Mama Dolls, to wood carvings and a wide variety of straw goods. It’s okay to haggle over the price.

A stop at Rawson Square is a must. A statue of Queen Victoria presides over the square which contains the Bahamian House of Assembly, Senate, Supreme Court and the octagonal shaped Nassau Public Library. Take time to squeeze through the doors of the library and soak up the ambiance.

If you’re still up to it hike 3 blocks up the hill to the Queen’s Staircase, the historic 1793 Fort Fincastle and Water Tower. To build this stairway, slaves spent 16 years hand carving into the limestone hill. The water tower, built in 1928 as a water-supply reservoir (it still works), provides an excellent view of New Providence from 216 feet above sea level. Pooped, then spend 50 cents and take the inside elevator to the top, instead of the stairs.

After an exhilarating morning, rest a while by taking a jitney (bus) and head outside the city for more adventures. All buses are numbered and operate within a loop system. You return on the same bus you boarded. You pay a dollar on exit.

If it’s time to eat, travel west on a jitney to Arawak Village. This is a haven for foodies. Two local favourites, Goldies or the Twin Brothers serve Bahamian food at reasonable prices.

About the only night life back in town is Senor Frog’s Bar and Restaurant beside the Hilton British Colonial Hotel. This is definitely a place for the young crowd, old fogies won’t like it.

If you want to have breakfast with the locals then head to the wharf and the “Meals on Wheels” foods vans. Tuna and Grits or Pig’s Feet are local favourites. Joyce’s Hot Meals is popular. Stop in the nearby Bayside Food Store on Frederick Street for items that are cheaper than the pricey restaurants where “a 15% service charge is added for your convenience.”

To work on your tan go to the front desk of the Hilton British Colonial Hotel and purchase a $15.00 a day pass for the sparkling turquoise waters and powder-white beach.