The Bahamasair agent was efficient and friendly. After we checked our bags and obtained our fluorescent carry-on tags, we asked her about the airport food options.
"There's the cafeteria over there, and then in the parking lot there's Bahamian food. That's where we eat."
And also, it turns out, where Matt and I eat. On our first layover, I destroyed a massive Styrofoam carry-out container of curried chicken, rice and peas, and sides of spicy potato salad and cole slaw. The (financial) damage: $10. After our Eleuthera sojourn, we had another lengthy layover at the airport. We hit a stand for fish burgers for $5 apiece. A few minutes later I tore into a curried mutton on a bed of rice and peas, with more spicy potato salad and a dense rectangle of macaroni and cheese. That, plus a jug of local desalinated water, cost $9. Matt's ribs were similarly delicious. With sides and water, his total came to $9 as well.
The real perk of a layover in Nassau is not the worn charms of a slightly dilapidated airport. It is in the vendor stalls in the airport parking lot.
