Beautiful Bermuda - tranquility, balmy breezes, pristine pink beaches, sparkling turquoise water and warm friendly people is what you will find.
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Bermuda is a sub-tropical island located in the North Atlantic 650 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It is more than 1000 miles north of the Caribbean, where most people mistakenly assume it to be. Bermuda is 21 square miles and consists of approximately 138 islands of which there are 7 main islands connected by causeways and bridges which form a fish hook shaped land mass. The island is volcanic in origin surrounded by dangerous reefs.
Named after a Spanish seafarer, Juan de Bermudez, Bermuda has been a British colony since 1612 with a reputation for being mysterious and enchanting. In 1609, Admiral Sir George Somers was en route from England to Jamestown, Virginia when his ship, the Sea Venture, was damaged by Bermuda's treacherous coral reefs. His men claimed the island for Britain and this adventure, it is thought, was to have inspired Shakespeare to write the "Tempest".
Once in Bermuda, you will find pastel painted houses with white roofs, winding country lanes and the fragrances of hibiscus, passion flowers and oleanders lining the streets and road ways.
Bermuda enjoys a mild sub-tropical climate thanks to the warming effects of the Gulf Stream. Humidity is high during the summer months with no definite rainy season. The average annual temperature is approximately 75F with an average low of approximately 65F but these temperatures do fluctuate each year.
Bermuda's limestone has created breathtaking underground caves almost one hundred feet below sea level. Sculptured by nature, many of the caves have clear fresh water pools. Some of these spectacular caves are historic tourist attractions and have been in the making for over half a million years. Bermuda also has more golf courses per square mile than any other island as well as innumerable churches and forts.
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Dressing for dinner in Bermuda is the norm as Bermuda is more formal than not, strictly British. More casual fare is also available all over the island. Bermuda shorts are common and traditional business attire for men. The 20 mile an hour speed limit is still observed. Only Bermudians can drive cars and can only own one per family. The roads are very narrow and driving is on the left hand side. Modes of transportation are by bus, ferry, taxis, scooter rentals or horse & carriage. Bermuda is also one of the world's largest offshore financial destinations and is tax exempt.
Shopping is genuinely British from fine bone china to cashmere, English linen, smart clothing with spectacular jewellery. The US and Bermudian dollar are at par. Most major credit cards are accepted.
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Bermudian culture is an interesting blend of British and African heritages. English is spoken in Bermuda and there is a strong British influence in the legal, educational and government systems.
The traditional national drink in Bermuda is called a "Dark 'n' Stormy" made from dark Bermuda rum and ginger beer. The rum swizzle is also famous. The most traditional meal is a Sunday codfish breakfast made with codfish, boiled potatoes, avocado, bananas, boiled eggs, with a tomato onion sauce. Other local fare is the island's fish chowder, codfish cakes, Johnny bread cake, peas and rice with cassava pie being a Christmas tradition. Quality restaurants of every kind dot the island with wonderful choices of cuisine from simple to formal.
To this day, the enchantment of Bermuda is still alive and this gem in the Atlantic welcomes and receives over 600,000 visitors every year. Hope to see you soon!
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