Bermuda is a British overseas territory located in the North Atlantic Ocean which seems to be a world away from any other land. The closest land to it is the coast of North Carolina U.S.A. It consists of 138 islands that form a fishhook-shaped landmass, stretching some 22 miles in length and about a mile in width. Bridges and causeways connect the eight largest islands. Tourism is an important to the island's economy, although international business has overtaken it in recent years. Shopping with the Bermuda dollar or the US dollar are welcomed the exchange rate is US$1= BMD$1. Bermuda has developed into a highly successful offshore financial center.
As a child, I recall hearing all the horrid stories about ships and aircrafts miraculously disappearing into the Bermuda Triangle. To date, there are grown people who are still of the view that something is amidst and it is all based hearsay.
Well, I love to investigate things for myself and I decided to hit two birds with one stone; visit a friend and get a personal experience on the Island. I flew to the island from the John F. Kennedy Airport JFK New York (NY) and arrived at my destination within less than two hours. No!!! The plane did not disappear because I am here!. Nevertheless, before the plane landed I was in love with what I saw. The view from the aircraft was majestic. The island is surrounded by a wide platform of underwater coral reefs. The closest thing I have seen to it is Oprah flying the coral reefs in Australia. I was so caught up with what I saw that I was unaware the plane was on the runway. The lone airport is located in the parish of St George’s and is 10 miles (16 km) east of Bermuda's capital city of Hamilton where I intended to reside for the rest of my vacation. On my way to the city I quickly realized that all the roofs were white, the buildings were painted in beautiful bright colors and the place was a bit mountainous. This unique display of architecture captivated me and before long the Q and A session began. I learnt that the roofs are made from large pieces of limestone tiles and painted white for two reasons:
1. They are designed to retrieve the water from the rainfall and channel it down to a tank that is usually located under the house. The rain is the main source of water on the island. and
2. To keep the inside of the house cool in the summer.
The reasons made sense to me since similar methods of trapping rain water are practiced in Guyana. I was like a kid in a candy store looking left and right as my Guide and the taxi driver provided me with tons of information.
Bermuda is truly a beautiful tropical island. My stay was so relaxing. The view from Front Street in the city of Hamilton across the water way at the Hamilton Harbour is breathtaking. My ferry ride to the Royal Navy Dockyard was the highlight of the visit, even though I arrived a bit late. I watched in awe at young men and women jet skiing, kids sailing and a boat owner playfully entertained us as he rode behind us in the path of the waves made by the ferry. At first I thought it was scary, but he seems to be a professional at the display as he waved at the passengers who were mostly visitors to the Island. As I looked at these activities it dawned on me that there is so much for the world to learn. While some kids are stuck in a house with a Xbox here in Bermuda the kids have a sail boat. Interesting!
The Dockyard or Kings Wharf is located in Ireland Island, at the western tip of Bermuda's Sandy’s Parish. It spreads across some 24-acres and offers many attractions in addition to being home to a marina, a working boatyard, many restaurants and shops. Some of the largest Cruise Ships dock the harbor. I returned to Hamilton with the bus service which was prompt. Some of the roads are relatively narrow and I found myself worrying unnecessarily about the driver hitting the oncoming traffic. Then it was Dinner at the Pickled Onions. I love to cook my own food so my criticism may be biased; it was nothing to shout about other than the cost. Expensive!
[caption id="attachment_812" align="alignright" width="300" caption="On my way to the Dockyard"]<img src="http://www.caribbeanframes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bermuda-054-e1307459914467.jpg" alt=""On my way to the Dockyard"" title="Me on a boat in Bermuda" width="300" height="225" class="size-full wp-image-812" />[/caption]
Unfortunately, I missed out on a ride with the glass bottom boat which enables you to see the coral reefs below the beautiful turquoise water but I will make up for that on my return. I also missed out on the beach activity since it was in February and the temperatures and weather were not cooperating. The Island is north of the Caribbean and while it was snowing in New York it was raining and windy in Bermuda.
Bermuda is one the Islands I will revisit not in February of course and I suggest you visit it as well. I was told by a local that besides the water being turquoise, it is warm and it is the delight of swimmers, snorkelers, divers and deep-sea fishermen. It is an Island that is touted to be an Island for the rich and famous, but wait, I am neither. I say you explore the possibilities and take a trip.
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