10 Reasons to Visit Bermuda

I have lived in Bermuda for five years and I now consider it my second home. Zimbabwe will always will be number one. Like everyone else sometimes I forget what a beautiful place I live in when life takes over. For the month of April I am going to do a #VisitBermuda series.

Today I am going to give you 10 reasons why you should #VisitBermuda.

1. The People

I think Bermuda’s greatest treasure are its people and across all races. Sure they have their squabbles like any other country but I have never been to a country where people greet and smile at strangers. The normal thing here is to say good morning or afternoon to the people you meet. Bermudians are so friendly and will talk to you and help you even if they do not know you. Last year after the hurricane, people helped each other with repairs and removing debris. It is a great place for children because we had ever have to worry when going to the park or even walking in town. Bermuda is so laid back that I can let Leo walk in town. In the summer time men wear shorts. To work. In all colours. Including pink!

Photo by Royal Gazette

2. The Beaches

Bermuda has I think some of the best beaches in the world. Of course I am biased but they really are great. The sand in Bermuda is pink and the water is clear. There are many beaches on the island, public and private. Where ever you decide to stay on the island I am pretty sure there will be a beach within walking distance. The most popular is Horseshoe Bay Beach; if you are a party person this is the beach to go to.If you have kids Shelly Bay and Clearwater are my recommendations. There are several other beaches, I will do a separate post on these beaches.

Photo by Bermuda Tourism

3. The Weather

Bermuda weather is great. We get lots of sun throughout the year. Our winter are not cold at all especially compared to the North American and European winters. We do get hurricanes but the good thing is the Bermudian building are made of stone and concrete so they are very strong. Bring your sun tan lotion otherwise you will get sun burnt even if you African like me.

4. The History

Bermudian history is unique. The island is a British territory that is heavily influenced by the Americans. All the people on the island immigrated, so there is a mix of cultures that make up what is now the Bermudian culture. Even though it is a small island, it has played a great role in the world economy from the time when ships would fuel up on the island to now as top reinsurance centre. There are many museums on the island that tell the history of Bermuda.

Bermuda Maritime Museum

 

5. The Architecture

When you visit Bermuda you will notice that all houses have white roofs. Bermudian houses are built with stone and they use limestone for the roofs. Each house has a water tank which is what we use for everyday purposes. Considering how much rain we get, this was pretty clever thinking. People only pay for water when we go for a long period without water. The water is safe to drink. I like that all the houses are painted in bright colours. My favourite houses here are bright pink.

6. Crystal Caves

In Smiths parish there are underground Crystal Caves. They were discovered many many years ago by two boys playing cricket (Bermudians love cricket, they have a holiday for it!).

(Photograph by Craig Stanfill, Flickr)

7. The Art

If you like art, then you are in luck. Bermuda has so many artists from painters, musicians and gombeys. Gombeys are what we call “Zvigure” in Shona. The Gombeys here are loved and not scary at all. If you want you can even dance with them.

8. Mr Johnny Barnes

Everyone loves Mr Barnes! So will you! Mr Johnny Barnes wakes up every morning as he has for more than three decades now to greet people as they are going into town. He shouts “Good morning!” and blows kisses to every car passing by and the drivers hoot at him. He is the only person that I have ever seen do this. He does this because he loves to do it and he is not paid to do so. There are people who travel to Bermuda just to see him and experience his love. The government made a statue to honour him. This is a documentary about him

9. Golfing

Bermuda has got more golf courses per capita than any other country. Ok, I just made up that statistic but it sure feels like it. There are so many golf courses on the island you would think its the national sport. If you like to golf then you will be spoilt for choice. The PGA grand slam has been played at the Port Royal Golf Course every year since I have been here. I have never been because of lack of interest. The courses cover all price points.

Photo by Port Royal Golf Course

10. Water Sports

Last but certainly not the least, water sports. If you like being in the water then Bermuda is the place to be. You can go scuba diving, snorkelling, water rafting, kayaking and deep sea fishing. I am scared of the water so I have only gone jet skiing and it was a lot of fun though scary for me.

Photo by Blu Hole Bermuda