Bermuda, Hello 2014

 

In keeping with what has become our end of the year tradition to visit somewhere new, we head to St George, Bermuda to ring in 2014.

 

A very friendly welcome by immigration officials and after picking up a bottle of “Rum Swizzle”, once made in a washing machine, we are in a taxi and on our way to the St. George's Club.

 

 

 

We are delighted that strong tropical winds have kept the forecast rain away and we enjoy a colorful introduction to Bermuda under nice clear skies.

 

St George Club Room View

 

Stepping into the lobby of St George we are made to feel right at home with friendly conversation and big smiles as inquiries are made about our visit to Bermuda and our plans for the night. We consider an offer to have dinner at the hotel but with the afternoon free we decide to venture into Hamilton and will see how the day and night develops.  

So much for the sunny skies as a light drizzle begins to fall as we wait for the local bus to take us into Hamilton, the modern day capital of Bermuda. Along our drive we encounter heavy down pours that have me quickly regretting wearing “Bermuda Shorts” and flip-flops.

About an hour journey and we exit the bus in Hamilton near the ferry terminal. Although a light rain is still falling I get a sense that the weather will be improving as the day goes on.

 

Just outside of the ferry terminal I get my first sampling of local cuisine at Dangelinis Cafe And Bakery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fish cake sandwich which is made with cod fish and potato is pretty tasty and the coconut pound cake is irresistible.

 

 

 

 

A stroll around Hamilton and we not only experience some of Bermuda's colorful beauty in it's bright pink and yellow buildings but we also learn some things about its not so proud history like many other places.

 

 

Hamilton Waterfront Street

 

Local lore holds that it was an extremely hot day when Sally Bassett an elderly slave was burned at the stake in 1730. It is said that even today Sally Bassett haunts the Bermudian psyche and scorching hot days here are sometimes referred to as “A Real Sally Bassett Day”.

 

 

Sally Bassett

 

On a full No.10 bus we make our way back to St. George. We are glad that we got the opportunity to learn about and experience just a small part of Bermuda and look forward to being here to bring in 2014.