BERMUDA WEEKS 3 and 4

Bermuda weeks 3 and 4

 

 

Friday afternoon 8th

I am very aware that I continue to bleat on about the weather, but as I sit  and write this, the clouds are low and there is a persistent drizzle. Watching the weather patterns over the Americas with the threats of a tropical storm, tornadoes in Oklahoma and snow elsewhere, it is not particularly surprising – but still very disappointing!

Thursday evening was a fun time! I got to ride pillion on a scooter and had a sleepover!!! My ex-neighbours, Alick and Helen invited me to their new house which is at the west end of the island, towards the dockyards. Alick fetched me on his way home and we drove there along South Road and despite gripping on tightly, I was able to take in the scenery of the South Shore beaches. I have explored them on previous visits but need to get there again before I leave. We were able to sit on their patio and I was the first guest to try out their new ‘barbecue’ which was very tasty. The ride back in the morning was a lot less stressful – I had got the hang of leaning into the corners! I am still not too sure about hiring one but it does mean you are a lot more independent and can explore more!!!!!! Maybe next time!

One of the joys of the island is the absence of fences and high walls with many hedges or rough stone low walls acting as boundaries. Their property is just above the railway track, but is separated by a hedge so they are private.  Dogs are kept on properties by means of collars and invisible electric boundaries – it appears to work well as it is very rare to see dogs roaming free and the poodles on my property don’t venture out.

After supper, we drove to the bottom of Wreck Road and onto a jetty to find the Bermuda ‘fireworm’ which is described in a brochure as ‘During summer nights you may see what looks like squiggly glow sticks flashing from beneath the water's surface. This is actually a mating ritual, reaching its peak three nights after the full moon, precisely 56 minutes after sunset. The female worm swims to the surface, circles around and then releases a bright green luminescent substance to attract the males who dash up to join in the dance.’

We didn’t see many but saw a few and the description, as specific as it is, describes it perfectly. It lasts for only about 15mins – so don’t be late!!! Unfortunately the photos are dark and disappointing!

The names of roads, houses and boats are great fun – Corkscrew hill, Hesitation Lane, Burnt House Hill, Random lane; my favourite boat name – ‘finatical’ and I even saw a “Nautical Zulu’ – but it was flying a Swedish flag!!!.  Food is very important on the island and a lot is eaten. I think the Banting diet could do a lot of good here, but would have difficulty catching on as ‘carbs’ are eaten in great quantities.  Almost everything has to be imported – there are some farms and patches of agricultural land but most is brought in from USA or UK – the one supermarket has become a Waitrose. Apart from different names of fish, wahoo and mahi-mahi, which I have eaten on a number of occasions, the island seems to have an eclectic  / international mixture of cuisine, but nothing specific as far as I can make out.

 

Saturday - I got into the water – great excitement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I made my way by bus to the East side of the island, the town of St George’s, which is open on a Saturday but not on Sunday, wandered round the shops, enjoyed some lunch and then made my way to Tobacco Bay.

It is a small bay which is bounded by small outcrops of rocks and islands so it is safe for swimming and attracts the fish. There are facilities as well which includes a beach bar and changing area and some very loud music. It was well frequented by families and a teenage birthday party. I accidentally met some friends there which also made it far more fun plus got a lift back!!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed the snorkeling and we had good visibility and though not a huge variety of fish, there were quite a few small schools – hopefully the weather will allow another visit!

 

Two youngsters enjoying the snorkeling.     Late afternoon with a cruiser leaving the island

   

Some of the fish seen at Tobacco Bay - midnight blue parrot fish; parrot fish, blue fish and reef fish.

The weather on Sunday was, as usual, quite cloudy but as no rain was forecast, I caught the ferry to the dockyard, wandered round the shops, had lunch and my favourite tipples – water and rum swizzle while watching the cruise passengers and mother’s day patrons – love people watching. I remain amazed at how decrepit and old (really old!!!!!!) many of the passengers are plus many are grossly overweight! I am very pleased that I was never a cruise ship doctor – it definitely doesn’t look glamorous when you see the passengers. In fact, there was a bit of a commotion last week as a passenger died in his sleep, the night the ship docked and no one was allowed to disembark and then an autopsy had to be organized quickly, before the ship could return home!!!!!

My favourite drinks!!!!. Numerous of the small islands have 1 or 2 houses on them plus mooring - rather a nice way to live.

 

Unfortunately on my home, I misjudged my bus stop, climbed off far too early and then ended up wandering down some private roads looking for the beach – trespassing and was re-directed back to the bus stop and Horseshoe Bay – unfortunately the photos don’t do it justice. Spent a relaxing afternoon in and near the water. All in all a very successful beach weekend!

On Monday I was invited out to dinner with the lab manager in Histopathology and the pathologist. The problem is that they are both Welsh and Daphne especially has a very broad accent. You can imagine her consternation and my embarrassment, when I asked her to spell the name of the restaurant:

R-E-D-D!!!!!! I blushed. Despite that we had a very pleasant dinner and I was able to follow most of the conversation, though I may have missed a punchline or 2. We dined on a balcony on Front Street and had front seats overlooking the Veendam cruise liner which was in port, with all its comings and goings. This week has been a very busy one for Bermuda as there have been 2 cruisers moored in the dockyard and 1 here in Hamilton – it does mean that catching a bus is a little squashed but hopefully the visitors are spending!!!!

During summer, when the cruisers are in port, Bermuda arranges ‘Harbour Nights’ in Front Street, Hamilton with stalls, food and Gombey dancing. It doesn’t usually start till June but will be on tonight,  so I will go down for the festivities.

It is difficult to believe that I will only be here for another week, so I plan to make the most of it.

Chat again