Opening Comments from Bob - The Land of the Hibiscus

Much of this issue will focus on a recent visit to Bermuda, an island nation where flowers, especially the hibiscus, rule. One of the joys of traveling is meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. This trip was no different. I have visited Bermuda twice before, the last time in ’76. While there were some familiar sights, there were far more changes. The climate is still hot and muggy and blessed with sunshine and spectacular cloud displays. The beaches are still sandy white but far more crowded due to the increased number of cruise ships that dock there. A total of five, including one mega ship, were in port at three different locations. Due to the fact of the winding, narrow roads and everyone driving on the left, visitors are prohibited from renting cars. A wise decision by the government. However, tourists can rent mopeds, which multiply by the thousands when the ships arrive. Likewise, the emergency squad runs increase proportionally. The standard of living is extremely high, a fact of which Bermudans are quite proud. The large increase in tourism and vacation homes purchased by outsiders has changed the appearance of the countryside. It is now covered with pastel white roofed homes. Very little undeveloped land remains. But one thing has not changed, the people remain friendly and welcoming. If you enjoy the Caribbean type climate and a clean, safe environment, you may want to add Bermuda to your tour destinations. Incidentally, if you enjoy gourmet eating experiences, some of the best I have ever experienced were during the five days there. (My recommendation section mentions several locations.)

Vignette – Bus Stop at Somerset by Bob

Sometimes the potentially mundane becomes the pivotal point to an adventure or simply generates a feeling of “I am glad that happened.” Such an event occurred during a recent visit to Bermuda. In July, it is hot and muggy, humidity at 84% or more. Thus, a bit of shade providing a momentary respite from the sun is a blessing, especially if you catch a cooling offshore breeze. Even the bus stops serve as momentary oases. On such a day, following a brief lunch and a short walkabout in the small village of Somerset, we headed to the nearest stop to catch a ride to Horseshoe Beach, ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. As we waited, we eavesdropped on a conversation occurring between two Bermudans. From my observations, a Bermudan has never met a stranger. The friendliness of the people is easily recognizable by the frequent friendly honks to the constant laughter. Apparently, most know each other or a friend that does. Gradually, we worked ourselves into the conversation. Within a few minutes, you would think we were old friends sharing life experiences. One gentleman was the former head of the prison system within the country and is now semi retired. He had a story or two to tell! The young woman was a nurse. When she discovered that I was a writer, she quickly offered to talk with her husband about taking us around the island via boat, something we had hoped to do but had not figured out how to accomplish. With the arrival of the bus, we parted, I feeling much better about humanity and more knowledgeable about the politics and island life. The following day, I received a call from her husband, letting us know he was trying to line up a boat. But alas, an electrical outage and the loss of phone service came between us and the tour. However, the fact that this total stranger went to the effort to try to make our stay in her beautiful country more meaningful was deeply appreciated. Since I gave her my card, I hope she is reading this and understands the appreciation I feel for her kindness. Perhaps someday, I may be able to take her husband up on that offer of a water tour along Bermuda's beautiful coastline. Though the scenery is incredibly picturesque, the people who inhabit this friendly isle are the true beauty of this country.