Hanging out with my Bermudian pal Sophia
Bermuda's beaches are famous for their tinges of pink
Bermudian architecture – charming and in an array of pastel colours
I wish there was a train to Bermuda. Not because I hate flying, but because it just doesn’t seem right that in just over the time it takes to fly from Toronto to say, Winnipeg, you travel to a corner of the world that seems a continent away.
But yes, it’s under three hours flying time, and so not a bad suggestion for a special long weekend away. I did just that over the Family Day long weekend in Ontario, and was interested to recognize quite a few faces on the flight home. I’m not alone in thinking that this 20 mile long slip of paradise, with its turquoise seas and pastel houses, all with neat white roofs, is a great antidote to winter.
Not that it was bathing suit weather. Bermuda (as any agent knows) is located off the coast of North Carolina, quite north of the Caribbean and actually semi-tropical.
Never mind, still lots to do. The golf courses are top notch and the upscale shopping is excellent, even with the legendary department stores Smiths and Triminghams now sadly gone. There’s also a vibrant cultural scene with exhibitions, concerts and festivals always happening. I’ve been coming here since I was 12 and am always amazed at how much can be happening on a 20 square mile patch of island in the middle of the ocean.
And the dining is as sophisticated as you’d find in any city in Canada. So what better way than to spend Saturday night on a girls’ night out, which I did with seven of my Bermudian gal pals? We feasted at Blu, one of the island’s many upscale restos.
The talk turned to tourism and the island’s reputation for being too pricey for many Canadians. So I asked what the locals would recommend that’s affordable and fun for visitors.
Barbie suggested a ride on the ferries – the locals (including businessmen in their Bermuda shorts, knee socks and blazers) ride them into work, while visitors get an affordable “island cruise” on which their rental scooters are welcome (there are no rental cars on the island).
Diana voted for the Nature Walk Reserve adjacent to Tom Moore’s Tavern – a 90 minute walk along trails past mangroves and clear ponds and a million miles away from the bustling roads and busy attractions. Pam opted for the newly-created Clearwater Beach Nature Reserve.
Heather voted for the free tours of the Botanical Garden while Liane and Sophia (aged 11 and 13) like visiting Crystal Caves. “The water is very clear and you see fish you don’t see in the ocean.”
Me? I’ll gladly take a long walk along one of the island’s famous beaches, creamy sand with a tinge of pink. Just one other thing that makes Bermuda so special to me.
