Bermuda from space - photo by NASA

The Island of Bermuda, A Brief Introduction

Bermuda is a picturesque group of islands located off the coast of North Carolina. While the Bermuda chain consists of over one hundred and twenty islands, most are uninhabited. When visitors talk of Bermuda, they are referring to Main Island, whose name has become synonymous with that of the Bermuda island chain.

The island is famous for its pink sandy beaches and its temperate climate. Rainfall ranges from 3 to 6 inches per month, with every month of the year exposed to some precipitation, and average temperatures range from lows in the high fifties, to highs just above eighty degrees Fahrenheit.

                                        

                                       The pink sands of Bermuda**

The story of Bermuda began in 1509, with the visit of Spanish explorer Juan de Bermudez. While Bermudez is credited with discovering the islands, he and his men were not interested in colonization, and their fate is lost to modern history. In 1609 Admiral George Summers set sail from England. On his way to Jamestown, Virginia, he encountered a major storm and his flagship, the Sea Venture, was destroyed on the reefs of Bermuda. Fortunately, his crew, the settlers they were transporting, and their dog all survived. Over the next ten months the marooned sailors used Bermuda ceders to build two new ships, the Deliverance and the Patience. When the ships were complete Summers set sail for Jamestown, leaving behind two of his men to secure Britain's claim to the Islands. Bermuda has been continuously inhabited since.



                                          Bermuda Ceder by the Beach*

In 1620 Bermuda became a self governing territory attached to Great Britain, with an economy based on agriculture and slavery, and both thrived in the territory for nearly two hundred years. Early in its history a few forts were built in Bermuda, but when the American colonies won their war for independence from Great Britain, the British undertook the task of turning the islands into a military base. Evidence of their mission survives in Bermuda in the form of some ninety forts.

The British heritage of Bermuda is seen in a society which prides itself on its excellent system of education, its low crime rate, and its vibrant economy, which is today based on international finance and tourism. Most of the inhabitants of the islands are descendants of Bermuda's slaves, and there is virtually no illiteracy here.



                                              Hamilton, Bermuda*

Bermuda, The Cruise Port

The behemoths that today sail the seven seas must anchor at Kings Wharf, about a half hour's ride from Hamilton, Bermuda's capital. However, our ship was small enough to anchor right in the down town area. From there we had some choices to make. Bermuda offers opportunities to scuba dive and snorkel, visit forts, enjoy majestic pink sand beaches, hike, visit magnificent caves filled with incredible stalagmites and stalactites, learn about history at maritime museums, and about sea life at aquariums, and enjoy fine dining and varied musical venues.

We decided to rent mopeds and explore the island, while emphasizing visits to Bermuda's two main urban areas, Hamilton and St George.

Hamilton is a charming big town, not a city by our standards. The buildings are colorfully painted in pastels reminiscent of the island towns of the Caribbean. It is best known to cruisers as a shopping mecca, but there are interesting Bermuda highlights here, such as Barr's Bay Park, which offers a picturesque view of Hamilton Harbor. The park is famous as the landing point of a ship carrying slaves who in 1889 became free men here. Fort Hamilton offers spectacular views of the harbor as well. The town can best be experienced by taking a walking tour. Maps with points of interest are available free of charge at Hamilton's visitor's center.

If you are lucky enough to visit Bermuda between May and October on a Wednesday, you may enjoy the Harbor Nights festival, replete with colorfully dressed vendors offering local arts and crafts and foods, Gombey dancers, and island bands. If not, a visit to the Bermuda Folk Club for a Saturday concert is a great way to spend an evening. There are also many other options including ballet, classical music, jazz clubs, and contemporary music venues.

The Bermuda Moped Ride To St George

Riding a moped in Bermuda can be treacherous. One must drive defensively at all times, since to many Bermudans traffic regulations, signs, and signals are nothing more than helpful suggestions that should not, except in extreme cases, slow the jaunt to one's destination.

However, it is worthwhile hazarding the journey to St George for the opportunity to truly experience the beauty of Bermuda. The road from Hamilton to St George winds its way along the seashore, giving extraordinary views of the famous pink sand beaches, and providing an opportunity for a quick dip at a secluded stop for the romantic at heart. It then traverses the width of the island, presenting majestic views from high elevations along the way.

St. George is the town founded by the survivors of the wreck of the Sea Venture, and named after their captain. Walking the narrow streets and exploring the museums, churches, forts and beaches makes for an interesting experience. A walking map, once again, is available at the visitors center. To top things off, don't miss the opportunity to lunch at the Black Horse Tavern, an ideal place to sample authentic Bermudan delicacies.

Happy Cruising. Andrew Kruglanski - Cruisin Susan Cruise blog -  http://cruisesuz.com

*   photos by Joeybagodonuts

** photo by Bermuda Ministry Of Tourism & Transport