Rodney Lorenzo: Check Out Bermuda
Hello all. My name is Rodney Lorenzo and today I would like to share with you some useful tips that you need to know if you are going to visit Bermuda Island. This is certainly one of those islands that a great number of Americans don’t consider in the same sense as they’d a regular Caribbean island. The actual fact is, its latitude is similar to that of Savannah, Georgia, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its subtropical climate is warmed up by the nearby Gulf Stream making its winters seem balmy at an normal temperature of 68 degrees. It can get cooler than that every now and then, but not very often. The summers are when temperatures can reach a high of 86 degrees or more. The island is not located far south of the states like all Caribbean islands. Therefore, the perfect time to go isn’t in the winter months where the Caribbean would hold comfortable temperatures. You need to go in June through October. Then, the waters start to become too cold to swim in.
This brings me to what Bermuda, which was discovered in 1505 by Juan de Bermudez, is known for. Its pink sandy beaches. The pink comes from small bits of coral which contrast beautifully with the light blue, turquoise waters of its beaches. Coves are found all over the place on the island and make for romantic privacy - something not too common further south among touristy, Caribbean beaches. The island is more high priced than most islands down south, but this makes it a plus with tourists who want privacy. It is not at all uncommon to come across a seaside all to yourself. There are designated beaches for tourists, but there are also smaller beaches that have public access.
The island has 64 miles of coastline encircling it, you can rent a scooter and drive from one end of the island to the furthest tip in less than a half hour. Scooters, by the way, are the best and most convenient solution to get around. They will take you where city buses - yet another inexpensive way to get around - cannot. Be aware though, as an English colony, people drive on the left side. It is easily manageable when you’re on a scooter as opposed to a auto. Two lane highways sometimes can make you follow a slow driver, but one is permitted to pass on the right. Auto rentals are not allowed, as far as I remember, due to the island’s small size. There’s a limit on how many automobiles can be allowed and the priority is given to the natives.
Bermuda has gorgeous hotels and a beautiful price tag to go along. Some are located inland on hill tops, while others sit directly on the beaches like the Coco Reef Beach Resort. This small boutique hotel provides 64 rooms with every single one having an ocean view. Visitor houses and B&B’s abound everywhere too. Some having been former residences. Usually, these places include breakfast and are less economical than major resorts. I personally have stayed in both types. On www.vacationsrentals.com or www.vrbo.com, you’ll find residents that will rent out apartments that sit on their property. While many would not be directly on a beach, they’d be close to public transportation. This would be the least expensive form of accommodation. One of the resorts I personally know is the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. It has its personal beach and two secluded coves on an enclosed bay. It sits on 21 acres of hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillea gardens. It also has two grottos - hence the name - and a 500,000 year old underground cave. There’s also a bus stop in front if you want to take general public transportation, or if you walk out to the main road and go to your left, you are able to rent scooters for one or two people at a daily or multiple-day rate. They’ve an all-inclusive package available, that most other properties offer and the food is amazing and fresh. Keep in mind that, although, Bermuda can be pricey, your hotel will most likely include a fridge which makes it handy to buy groceries at a local market and save on expensive, restaurant meals. Down the street from the Grotto Bay is the well-known Swizzle Inn, recognized for its signature drink called the Rum Swizzle. The national rum is probably the most potent I’ve ever drank. In fact, it has a 150 proof version that is practically illegal to take on board a plane. Take caution once drinking this rum, because it gave me amnesia one time. It’s used for the island’s renowned drink, the Dark and Stormy. Several sips of this and you will know why they gave it this name. Flying fish and Bajan fish are local delicacies and might be found on most restaurant’s menus. I always like to try the small mom and pop eateries that locals go to. This is another benefit of renting a scooter.
The island is divided into 9 parishes. It has 2 municipalities: Hamilton and St. George. Hamilton is the largest city on the island and you can see the popular Bermudian shorts that are worn for both business and casual occasions. Even the policemen (or bobbies) wear them. 80% of the tourism comes from the states while the rest comprise of English and Europeans. Most arrive by cruise ship or plane. The airport has no jet bridges to access large aircraft. You leave your plane by a flight of stairs. This maintains its island feel I believe. It’s not as if they really don’t have the funds to get jet bridges built. The island has no poverty and has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. There are no 4 year colleges on the island, but you can get certification or an Associates Degree. There are private, public and single sex schools.
A travel to Bermuda would be well worth the short 1 1/2 flight from the east coast of the US. Having been to most of the islands in the Caribbean, this island has some of the most attractive beaches that I’ve ever seen in my life. Remember to check the forecast before you go because the last time I was there, a hurricane came through and canceled most of the flights. It took me two days to get out. I think June or July should be secure enough to prevent a hurricane. I would highly propose this wonderful place. Never let the expensiveness discourage you. There are ways to get around it after you do a very little research. ENJOY. Sincerely yours, Rodney Lorenzo
Bermuda islands is certainly one of those islands that many Americans don’t imagine in the same sense as they’d a common Caribbean island. The fact is, its latitude is similar to that of Savannah, Georgia, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I would highly advise this stunning place. Don’t let the expensiveness discourage you. There are ways to get around it if you do a little analysis. ENJOY.
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