Ahhh…. At last, a few minutes to sit down and write more
than a WOW, or an OMG.
So… up before sunrise this morning, watching Nassau come
closer and closer into view. The question was what would we do with our 6 hours
on land? Before coming on this trip we had had lots of feedback from prior
cruisers and visitors to Nassau. Mostly it was “take a tour”, “go beyond Nassau.”
In all of his pre-cruise research Jeff had discovered information and details
of a district in Nassau called Fish Fry. A bit like Hell’s Corner. It was a
mile from the dock. Each reviewer had their own personal favorite restaurant,
but it looked eclectic and fun. As everyone left the ship this morning and
turned left on their tours, we turned right and took a slow stroll along the
beachfront watching this sleepy harbor begin to stir. Arriving at Fish Fry
around 9am we walked along the brightly colored restaurant fronts. All closed
from what had been a lively and long festival celebration last night.
On spotting one that had been recommended on the forums we
stopped to take pictures. A man came around the corner and wished us good
morning as he entered the restaurant. We asked if he was open, he said he would
be in about 30 minutes, but we were welcome to take a seat outside.
And so the adventure began……
He was back within a few moments chatting away. Turns out he
was the owner, Goldie. He offered us a signature drink “Goldie’s Call-a-Cab”.
Who could say no? Seven different
liquors and a splash of something that made it turn turquoise, this was a Long
Island Iced Tea – but with LEGS!!
Then he asked if we’d ever eaten conch and what did we know
about conch. Next thing… he takes us in and through the back of his restaurant,
shows us all the live conch in the water and then proceeds to show us how to
breakdown a conch. Each step was accompanied with an explanation of all the
various parts, how to tell the sex, and which part made what conch delicacy. It
was amazing to watch his skill. When finished, he told me to pick out two conch
shells to take home. Awesome right? It got BETTER!!
Next he asked if we would like a conch salad, we said “yes
please!” Heading back to our seats he said “No, come watch” – next thing, there
we were in the kitchen of Goldie’s Conch House in Nassau having a cooking
lesson. That knife was moving so fast it took my breath away.
I don’t think I can remember a time like this. So
unexpected, so genuine, and Goldie – one of the nicest fella’s you could ever
meet.
As we finished our third “Call-a-cab” – the restaurant
actually opened and in came customers. Everyone talks to everyone here, and
with another ten minutes we had a new friend – Dexter – immigration officer for
the Bahamas!! LMAO. Another genuinely
nice, happy man.
I got Goldie’s on the must do list for everyone who ever
comes here, and I have Dexter’s email (just in case). Always pays to have friends in immigration J
So in summary, we were only there for 6 hours, but thanks to
Goldie and Dexter - what a memory! Pictures all on the Nassau page.
Adios Nassau – but not goodbye. We will be back!
Elizabeth
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