jnutter9 saw things this way:
Overall
4
Take alternate transporation like the No. 10 bus and water taxi, September 11, 2010
Reviewer: jnutter9
Pros: Experience a local flair
Cons: Nothing
We do our research before going on a trip. We want to experience local happenings. We could have taken an auto taxi to see Atlantis but took the local water taxi. We saved money, had some laughs and the "stars homes" tour was included. The water taxi was $3 and the tour man was a great storyteller. He's making a buck also. Nicholas Cage's home was pointed out as well as other notable people. Totally different view of the island from the local water routes. Also we walked Atlantis property on our own and did not pay for a "tour" through the cruise ship. We were checking out the property for a future trip with our family. One can find out much more when not in a specific guided tour group. The No. 10 bus took us to Arawak Cay to eat at a local restaurant recommended by Samantha Brown. The bus ride turned out to be quite a treat. First of all, you are not on the highly traveled streets and get a much more local flavor. By accident we took the long bus loop rather than going directly back to the main drag. On the bus, the locals were friendly, wanted to talk to us about the U.S. and the driver was a classic. It began to rain while on the bus so he altered his route to drive them closer to their homes when they exited. The driver gave his umbrella to a lady so she did not have to get wet going to her place of employment. He said, "Just bring it back another time." And we don't feel they really knew each other. There was constant bantering between the riders and driver. Our impression was how caring, friendly they are. Can you see any driver in the states giving up his/her umbrella or driving a little extra to accommodate a passenger? We learned more about local culture in a 20-minute bus drive (and it was all positive) than we ever could have at the local t-shirt shops.
