Beautiful Bermuda
Direct flights to Bermuda are available from London, with an average flight time of six and a half hours, with connecting Bermuda flights taking off from other UK airports. Bermuda is one quick getaway that feels worlds away. Tranquil and prosperous, this island nation of pastel houses and manicured gardens also displays a deep British heritage with crisp colonial architecture.
Bermuda has a comfortable climate which provides year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation pink sand beaches, championship golf courses and cerulean waters. Add excellent, varied shopping and dining, a lively line-up of annual events and it’s easy to see why this small-in-size country looms large on many itineraries.
Bermuda is generally seen as a destination for honeymooners and baby boomers, but it’s also a great place for families, with plenty of child friendly attractions. The water at the south-shore beaches can get a little rough (and those beaches can get crowded) but there are various child friendly beaches, including Clearwater beach, Turtle Bay beach and Shelly Bay beach.
Unlike the Caribbean Bermuda is not a tropical destination. Its climate is subtropical, which means it’s not nearly as reliably warm (nor as hot) as the islands to the south. In the summer, temperatures rarely exceed 90 degrees, and, in the winter, they rarely go below 65 degrees. Water temperatures rarely go below 65 degrees in the winter nor above 83 degrees in the summer.
Getting around Bermuda is easy, hop on one of Bermudas pink and blue buses which travel the island from east to west. Take a taxi which are the fastest and easiest way to get around the island. Catch a boat or ferry or hire a Twizy! A Twizy is a mini electric car, they are less than 4 feet wide which makes them perfect for the narrow roads, they are safer than mopeds they’re affordable and fun to drive. You cannot rent a car in Bermuda the island has strict laws governing overcrowded roads so even Bermudians are only allowed one car per household.
Bermuda’s British-ness is obvious, from driving on the left-hand side of the road, afternoon tea and wig-wearing lawyers strolling to court. The national sports are cricket and football, there are bobbies on the beat and red letterboxes on street corners but don’t let that make you think this is a little Britain, especially these days. Bermudians are very proud of their culture, which, along with British heritage, also mixes deep African and Caribbean roots. This is particularly evident during national holidays where locals are dancing along to the drumbeat of the Gombeys or eating fish cakes on hot cross buns with peas and rice on Good Friday, there is an authentic feel to Bermudas cultural mix.
The Dish on local dishes: - Bermudians love codfish cakes made of salted cod, mashed with cooked potatoes, fresh thyme and parsley, then shaped into patties and pan-fried. They taste great topped with a zesty fruit salsa and a side of mesclun salad or a Bermudian favourite served on a hot cross bun with cheese.
Why not try the Shark hash, made of minced shark meat sauteed with spices, may not sound too appetizing but it’s a popular Bermudian appetizer, usually served on toast.
As for Bermudian desserts, bananas baked in rum and brown sugar are to die for and the loquat or banana crumble is sweet and rich.
There are a wide variety of restaurants on the island serving local specialities and traditional food we are used to back at home too.
Money: - The Bermudian dollar is on a par with the U.S dollar and the two currencies are used interchangeably. Other than non-Bermudian currency must be converted.
Since Bermuda imports everything from cars to cardigans, prices are high. At an upscale restaurant you’re bound to pay as much for a meal as you would in a top New York, London or Paris restaurant. On average $60 to $80 per person $120 with drinks and wine. There are cheaper options of course, the island is full of coffee shops and cafes. You won’t find any international fast-food chains like McDonalds in Bermuda because the “Prohibited Restaurants Act” came into effect in 1977 which prevented any international fast-food chain to be set up on the island. The only franchise is a KFC as this was present on the island prior to this rule.
From Devonshire to Southampton there’s lots to see and do, particularly for nature lovers. Some of the best spots to spy local birds and visiting birds are in the central parishes.
Spittal Pond Nature Reserve, Is nearly 60 acres of unspoilt coastal park. Mind the cliffs but enjoy the abundant bird life.
The Crystal Cave houses – See the stalactites and stalagmites, see the beautiful cobalt blue lake which is accessed down a steep slope.
Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse – If you have a head for heights, it’s just 185 steps to the top and the views are stunning.
Royal Navy Dockyard – Is full of wonderful restaurants, shops and craft studios.
Swim with Dolphins – The Dolphin Quest at Dockyard offers the unique experience of swimming with dolphins. Pre-booking is essential.
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