Bermuda for Families

Apologies for the brief hiatus, however I’m hoping this oh-so-cute picture of my nieces enjoying the Bermuda aquarium is reason enough for you to forgive my lack of writing. Why the delay? You guessed it: I’ve been entertaining family from out of town—a six-day, beach-hopping, face-stuffing stint that proved to me Bermuda is yet indeed a wonderful place for families. Did you hear that all you nay-sayers? I’m talking to you authors of Fodor’s Bermuda. When I first moved here three months ago I read a page in said guidebook that declared Bermuda not kid-friendly because “there isn’t a single water park on the island.” Huh? Last I checked the south shore was chock full of them; I think they’re called beaches. Horseshoe was a hit, Elbow didn’t disappoint, and Long Bay, with its natural rock outcroppings and powdery sand was spectacular as ever. The book also lamented the lack of rental cars, adding how difficult it was for families trying to get around. Sure, we paid a bit more than we wanted for taxis here and there, but nine times out of ten we were greeted by a kindly cabbie who happily escorted us on our way (not to mention, my niece, Isabel, loved the bubble gum colored busses which run frequently and cover much of the island). Entertaining guests also allows you to be a tourist in your own home, something I enjoyed whole-heartedly during subsequent visits to the aquarium and Bermuda’s famed crystal caves. The kids loved them too, which is exactly the point. Bermuda might be for deep-pocketed sun-seekers, but it’s without a doubt well-suited for families searching for a break from the norm. I just can't wait to do it all over again.

From the Links

I’ve never been much of a golfer, but ever since I moved to Bermuda I’ve been on the course at least once a month. Not bad for a guy whose clubs hail from the mid-fifties (seriously, they’re really, really old, passed down from my great uncle Al). Last month Joy and I played Tucker’s Point, a sprawling private club on the east end where we enjoyed Earl Gray tea in the clubhouse and cold Heinekens from the beverage cart along the way. It was a challenging course and by far the prettiest I’ve played yet, but I’m looking forward to tackling eighteen holes at Port Royal, a public championship course that recently got a $14 million facelift. Consider it a total extreme makeover with new tee boxes, cart paths, and fairways, plus the greatest change of all—a complete redesign of the back nine, which added sweeping water views from just about every hole. I was there just last night to celebrate the course’s official opening. It was a gala event featuring sports legends Dr. J and Bill Russell, plus fellow Maryland Terrapin and former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason who hit a mighty tee shot to christen the course (see above). Boomer’s blogging about his trip to Bermuda and although he said he’d be leaving the island today, he says he’ll be back just next week for an extended vacation with family and friends. That’s good news for Bermuda. Boomer’s got over 1 million listeners on his WFAN radio show, and no doubt he’ll spread the word that Bermuda is one of the greatest destinations in the world for a top-notch golf vacation. As for me, I've got one course down and seven to go. I just hope my old wooden driver holds up.

Tree of the Day

After six days spent off the island I don’t have one photograph to show for it. But I think that’s a good thing. Sometimes we get so caught behind the lens while on vacation that we forget to enjoy what it is we’re there to experience. Or maybe I’m just making excuses. Fortunately I carry my camera pretty much wherever I go here in Bermuda. There’s just so much natural beauty, so many smiling faces, such an abundance of picture perfect panoramas. Just the other day I was driving along South Road in Devonshire when I spotted this flamboyant tree, also known as a Royal Ponciana. I couldn’t help myself but to pull over and snap a few photos. It just looked so happy with its bright orange flowers peaking out from the boughs (click the photo for a full-size image to see what I mean). It’s certainly one of the prettiest trees I’ve seen in awhile, but then again the flamboyant is one of my all-time favorites: When the tree’s long brown seed pods dry up and fall to the ground they make excellent rattles, perfect for amateur percussionists like myself. But of course that’s Bermuda for you—perfectly enchanting at every turn. I think it’ll be a good long while before I see that airport again.

To Be Continued...

Everyone needs a vacation now and then, right? Even lucky stiffs like me deserve a break so I'm closing up shop ever so briefly and will return with new island updates early next week. Stay tuned for drivers license news, restaurant reviews, and dispatches from the golf course. In the meantime, thanks for reading!

The Saga Continues

Last week I wrote about how difficult it was obtain one’s driver’s license. Never in a million years did I think I’d have similar problems getting legally certified to ride a scooter. How hard could the test be? After all, the whole thing takes about five minutes. In the TCD parking lot you’re expected to execute five simple commands on a bike (what Bermudians call scooters here; bicycles are called pedal bikes): First the walk test, where you’re expected to walk the scooter around four cones in a figure eight pattern without losing control. Check. Next up, the roundabout test, where you drive down a straight line, go clockwise around a circle, turn around, and drive counterclockwise around the same circle and back. Check. The third task, called serpentine ride, has you zig-zag between six sets of orange cones, down and back. Check. For the brake test, the applicant must ride a straight line between cones, turn at the end, and ride back, applying the brake in a safe and controlled manner. Check. And then there’s the turn signal test, which by all accounts I blew big time. For the fifth and final part of the exam, you’re expected to ride down a straight line and using your indicators, make a right hand turn and come back. I used my indicator, but apparently I was also supposed to use hand signals as well. Really Mr. Scooter Examiner? Hand signals in addition to my blinker? So you’re saying you want me to drive the bike with one hand even though I have my indicator light on? Really? And for not doing that I fail and can’t take the test for another week? Seriously? I’m pretty sure the guy just didn’t like me and so for that I received this pretty little piece of paper (see above). The good news is my wife is one helluva test taker. With just one short driving lesson under her belt, Joy hopped on the bike in the TCD parking lot and passed the exam with flying colors. I’m not sure how she knew to use her hands, but I’m pretty sure Bermuda is suiting her just fine.