21 Facts About Bermuda

This is the last post in my #visitbermuda  series. Bermuda is a unique as they come. When you live here you get used to it but I thought you would be interested in these facts about Bermuda.

1. Bermudians are also known as Onions.
2. The houses have white roofs for collection of water.
3. The sand is pink and the water is clear.
4. Bermuda is the oldest British colony. It has been a colony since 1609 when George Somers arrived on the Island. Bermuda is also sometimes called Somers Isle.
5. Bermuda is named after Spanish explorer Juan De Bermudez.
6. Bermuda was also known as the Devil’s Isle. The used to be wild hogs on the island before being inhabited and boats passing by would hear them and the explorers thought that is what the Devil would sound like.
7. Bermudian men are called bie, as in “How are you doing bie?”
8. The national sport is cricket. In July there is a national holiday for cricket, east end versus west end. Its bigger than Christmas here.
9. In summer months, the city of Hamilton closes Front Street and Reid Street on Wednesdays to host Harbour Nights. There will be music, gombeys (zvigure), arts and crafts sales.
10. Total population is approximately 66 000 people including expatiates.
11. The speed limit is 35 km/h about 20 mph. Each household can only have one car to reduce congestion. A lot of people use bikes and mopeds as well.
12. Bermudians favourite breakfast dish is codfish and potatoes. I don’t really like it.
13. Michael Douglas is a Bermudian.
14. The are three main roads, North Shore, Middle Road and South Shore.
15. Visitors can not hire a car on the island. You can hire mopeds.
16. Life on the island is a mix of British and American customs and traditions.
17. Corporations do not pay a tax. Employed individuals pay a payroll tax.
18. When you eat at a restaurant, a 17% gratuity will be added to your bill. Something I like to rant about!
19. Almost all the restaurants serve Bermudian fish chowder.
20. There is one hospital. Some international insurance policies are accepted.
21. Bermudian dollars and US dollars are used interchangeably.