Linda Mac's Orlando Adventures

Despite our first full day (December 3rd) on the Disney Wonder beginning with cloudy and overcast skies; many people were up on deck to watch the Captain and Pilot Ship navigate us into the dock at Prince George Wharf. It's amazing how these mega-ships can make a 360 degree turn and back in to the docks.

Today there were several "official" MouseFest Meets. At 8:00 am, a small but excited group of cruisers met at Cove Cafe for the Coffee Tawk to chat with Deb Wills. You can read her blog for details.

I had not planned on taking Dave Marx's Annual Walking Tour of Nassau but 2 cups of coffee later I was ready to jog around Nassau. So off I went to the designated meeting spot outside the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 4 to begin my 2 hour adventure.

This event was described in the MouseFest Navigator as a tour around the port area. We were advised to wear comfy shoes and be prepared for lots of walking and a few steep hills. Dave held a brief meeting to let us know what to expect from the tour and after a group photo we head down to the dock.

We re-grouped just outside the ship and walked through Rawson Square which houses the Welcome Center and a small, clean indoor market area. It had been 8 years since I was last visited Nassau. Back then, you left the ship and found yourself right in the middle of local hair braiders, taxi drivers and carriage drivers who were all aggressively trying to get your business.

The experience is much more pleasant now that the hair braiders are housed in covered area that is off to the left as you exit Rawson Square. We walked up Bay Street, the heart of the downtown area, as far as the famous Straw Market and then headed on to some of the side streets in Nassau.

Our first real stop was The Parish of Christ Church which was established in the 1670's. Another key date in the church's history is 1861 when the Christ Church became a cathedral and consequently, Nassau became a city. The Gothic structure is built of local limestone and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and magnificent organ. Also notable are the needlepoint tapestries and kneelers. The Christ Church is located on George Street and is just a 2 block walk from Bay Street.

I had an embarrassing moment as I was backing up to take a picture of the organ. I backed into a step and took a tumble backwards and all I remember seeing were my feet up in the air. Real smooth! Thankfully, I was wearing my Adventure by Disney back pack so I just bounced off the granite floor. I knew that $2000 backpack would come in handy at some point. LOL

Our next stop was the pink Government House, the seat of Her Majesty's representative to the Bahamas. Dave gave us some interesting facts about the Bahamian Government and it's history. This is a great photo op spot with the statue of Christopher Columbus over looking the port.

The further we ventured into the side streets of Nassau, we started to notice a large increase in the traffic. This is not a very pedestrian-friendly area. My advice is to look both ways and then look both ways, again before stepping into the street. Remember, in the Bahamas, motorists drive on the opposite side of the road and that can take a little time to get familiar with. Be careful, please.

Our walking tour of Nassau will be continued.......... Look for Part 2 coming soon.