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Wow! How would you like to be the inspiration for someone as renowned as William Shakespeare? That is the legacy of Bermuda. The island was founded “accidentally” by Juan de Bermudez in 1503…but it wasn’t inhabited until 100 years later! He “claimed” the island for Spain, but Spain never inhabited the island.
In 1609, the British ship Sea Venture, bound for Jamestown, Virginia, was stranded in Bermuda by a hurricane for nine months. They stumbled onto the island – guess how? – by accident!…and had no choice, really – they saved the ship and its 150 occupants. Bermuda then became a British colony, with its first capital being St. George.
We didn’t get all the way over to St. George. Our cruise ship got in a little late, and we disembarked a little late. A taxi around the island, round-trip, is around $150. Buses and ferries are only $5 per ride, but the ferries weren’t running to St. George, and the bus is slow. We were warned by the ship that anyone missing the “All aboard” would have to make their own arrangements to meet the ship at the next stop, the Azores, which is 1,900 nautical miles away. We didn’t for a moment think that they were kidding! So we stayed in the Dockyard, the general port area, so as not to be late. It was very enjoyable, actually.
The old military fortifications were all still there, and creatively reused as retail and restaurants. Old cannons were still there, along with the walls that now serve as…..billboards! Everything was very clean, and the people are so friendly. Restaurant prices are quite high, since many items need to be imported to this isolated island. Sandwiches and taco meals averaged $25. We had heard many years ago that the best way to visit was by cruise ship, since hotel prices are through the roof – and they are! The cheapest we saw was $450 per night with taxes/fees, all the way up to $1,400 per night. In our experience, the costs were second only to Reykjavik. But it was warm, welcoming, clean, and friendly for a day’s visit. We hope we can return with more time to explore the rest of Bermuda some day.
How quintessentially British! They all had working phones inside, too!
A map of the distinct neighborhoods in Bermuda, which we hadn’t seen prior to visiting. Our ship was docked in King’s Wharf, the Royal Naval Dockyard, at the extreme top left.
The old fortification walls act as giant billboards – of course!
Dockyard barrels and ropes, set up for photo-taking.
We have seen Bone Fish grills around the world – seems perfect for an island.
The stately stone military buildings now house…retailers.
Meet Roseanne of the Bermuda Fudge Company – very friendly, with great fudge, too. It is an adorable little kiosk.
These homemade popsicles had wild combinations of fruit (such as strawberry/peach/mango/kiwi/pineapple, and mixed berries – all in one pop), but also – a “Backatown” with peanut butter, banana, chocolate, and snickers. Very inventive flavors.
The only items we recognized were pork belly and cream of mushroom soup. “-silog” is a Filipino breakfast item of rice and a fried egg, while “sisig” is a spicy dish of pork jowls, pork ears, and chicken liver.
Old defensive cannons are still on display, a reminder of the site’s military past.
There were also cannons in the ramparts.
We thought this description of Victualling was interesting, dating to the mid-1800s.As indicated, the Cooperage was also nearby.
This is part of the victualling yard.
The artist is Nahed Eid, and her artwork is very whimsical. As you can see, these dolls go for $125.
Two more of her art pieces.
Rum cakes are HUGE on the island. The storekeeper gave free samples – it tasted hugely of rum, even more than sugar or the listed flavors.
The Croffle Haus, featuring both sweet and savory croffles, a mix of waffles and croissants.
The Snorkel Park Beach Club, featuring beach access, mini golf, etc. – admission is $10.
It is not trash, not garbage, but litter when you are in Bermuda. Wonder if American kids know what a Litterbug is?
The Frog and Onion Pub – interesting history.
There was a line to get in.
A cute rescue boat.
On the other side of the bay – a not-so-cute rescue boat. Or, maybe just – retired. Some days we feel like this!
The old Clocktower building is now a mall.
The mall felt very British inside.
This store was a little…over decorated, perhaps?
Nah, we weren’t lost for a moment.
This goofy-looking tree was everywhere we looked – acted as a good guide as to our orientation.
You can see the ocean bottom – Bermuda is known for its crystal-clear water.
The tree and the clock towers across the bay.
Sailing away in late afternoon, on to the Azores.
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