This past week Mr. Diamond and I have been in Bermuda. Our trip got delayed 3 days because we could not get out of Atlanta, we rearranged our flights and accommodations and still were able to make the trip. It is our last one scheduled for awhile so we decided to make the most of getting away from the horrible weather (yes, another blizzard hit while we were gone) and enjoy ourselves. I learned a few things along the way.
- No trip to Bermuda is complete without being met at the airport with a sign. How sad is it that I was over the top excited to know that we were being met at the airport with a sign? I felt famous …or something.
- Bermuda shorts really did not originate in Bermuda. They were created by the Colonial Service in London at the turn of the 20th century for those serving in the tropical climates. Bermuda recognized a cool thing and adopted it and it is the common attire for bankers on the island.
- No need to get Bermuda currency—US currency spends fine and dandy here.
- The best way to get around on the island for tourists is definitely the bus system. For about $50 for the week per person we had unlimited rides and we took advantage of it.
Mr. Diamond waiting for our bus!
- Bus drivers are both extremely polite AND have nerves of steel. The narrow twisty and windy roads are a bit scary and there is no need for tree trimming as the busses keep those clipped fairly well along the routes. Yikes. Another interesting thing is that there are rules for the bus. No helmets, hoodies up or scarves on heads. It is also customary to greet the driver upon entering and thank the driver upon exiting. Nice and polite. Makes me smile.
- My ability to attract interesting people transcends country lines. Case in point—the man on the bus who told me he had been to heaven 33 times and rolled one of those rolly perfume bottles over his neck the entire bus ride.
- The best cornbread I have ever had can be found in Bermuda—and there is a story that accompanies that cornbread. Stay tuned for that story later.
- Hiking in Bermuda is a pleasure because guess what? No snakes! Huge fines if they find you trying to bring exotic snakes into the island.
Can you see this little adorable guy?
- Food is more expensive than in the US but with a bit of planning you can eat less expensively than most might think. There are always places that are not as fancy that offer great meals at fair prices. Groceries are a bit costly but not as bad as in Australia.
This nice pile of groceries cost right around $44.
- Like many other countries Bermuda has it figured out when it comes to tipping. Most places already have the gratuity (averages 17%) figured into your bill so no fuss when you pay your bill. It is all taken care of and is fair. I wish the US would go to this system. It makes it so much easier.
Fish tacos….yum!
- Feral chickens are everywhere. Beware the feral chickens. Honestly. Chris had a close encounter.
Oh he may look pretty but be careful!
- And finally—-sand does indeed get into every nook and cranny. Bermuda sand is no exception. Don’t ask.
