Some of the bluest water is in Bermuda.
- Ah, beautiful Bermuda
A small island in the Atlantic, about 500 miles, due east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, Bermuda was our next stop as we traveled north from the Caribbean.
Bermuda is sun and sand, pastel cottages, and a distinctly British feel.
We spent our day ashore doing a whirlwind tour of the island. Starting at the botanical garden near Hamilton, the capital, we met a delightful lady, Suzanne who offered to show us her Bermuda. She skipped her art class and we were off to visit the Gibbs lighthouse, a castiron edifice near the southern shore, where you can experience one of the most beautiful views in all of Bermuda. Our tour took us to view points overlooking coral reefs, white sand beaches, volcanic rock formations all with white, long tailed tropic birds soaring in graceful contrast to an intensly blue sky and sea. Wandering from southern Bermuda, to St. George on the nw shore we saw enough to know that we want to come back. It was disappointing to pass by beautiful beaches, museums, shops, restaurants and historical sights.
The homes and businesses are all white roofed with stucco in an amazing array of pastels – whether you lean towards pink, green, yellow, blue or a more intense hue of orange or purple, you will find the color you love here.
The white roofs are more than just an architectural device. Fresh water is in short supply here. The roofs are made of Bermuda stone, then treated and finally coated with a lime whitewash. All rainwater hitting the roof is collected and stored in a cistern under the house. A big roof and cistern is a sign of wealth here, as well as economical – you won’t have to buy as much water.
The pace of life is much more civilized here. Most shops were closed by 5 pm or so on Saturday. Very few opened on Sunday and those that did were only open from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Thank you to our volunteer tour guide Sue and all the gracious folks we met during our visit to Bermuda.
And yes, they do wear Bermuda shorts in Bermuda.
Tonight we are headed northwest towards New York City. Tomorrow is a day at sea, time to read, relax and plan our day in the Big Apple.
