Bermuda rehearsal dinner and night into Hamilton (9.6.07)

At the airport looking out from my window

Welcome to Bermuda (we even had a band greet us with delightful music!)

Moon entrance ways (supposed to mean good luck when you pass under)

The guest apartments where I stayed while in Bermuda

The little huts to wait for the bus or the pink/blue poles as well

(Pink ---towards Hamilton and Blue meant away from Hamilton)

Thursday, September 6, 2007----After my flight (Bermuda is one hour ahead than EST) and only less than a two hour flight, I arrived. I did notice the pink buildings, limestone roofs and humidity! (The ride was a bit bumpy while on the plane.) Upon landing before heading to immigration customs, you had to fill out two forms. We were welcomed to the sweet sounds of reggae under "Welcome to Bermuda".

Immigration was really quick. I headed to the tourist information booth. (I had promptly left all the wedding information and tourist information at home that morning when figuring out flights etc.) I asked about the "MUST DOs" whilst in Bermuda. I was told the Crystal Cave, Aquarium, Dockland, St. George and Hamilton as suggestions.

Since I did some research, I knew that the public bus system is very handy. But you have to have passes/tokens and coins (no bills) to take the buses. I opted for the four day tourist pass for $35. (Includes all ferries and buses) Then I noticed the LONG line to customs. I had to wait a bit. Luckily I still had some sudoku to do and information to read.

I finally make to the end of the line and I am glad I packed light. I get out of the airport and walk over to the little hut. (Turns out pink poles means to Hamilton and blue poles mean away from Hamilton). I take the next bus but am told to get off at GROTTO BAY and switch to the #1 then head to the hospital and switch to the #7 to get to the SANDPIPER guest apartments. (Bermuda is only 20 miles and everyone is very friendly. They drive on the other side of the street whereas we here in the USA do not).

I got onto the empty bus (it is about 2:30ish). Met some tourists who just visted the Crystal Caves and recommended it saying you need about an hour and it is steep but a must do. I notice the lush green grass, gorgeous aqua blue water and stone cliffs as we go around alot of windy roads. The bus drivers are very polite and friendly and will announce stops. I recommend telling them your destination as the majority of the time they will NOT announce stops. So it is best to inform the driver of your destination.

As I got off the #1 to go onto the #7, a kind local told me to cross the street if I wanted to go to South Shore Drive. (Very helpful indeed!). This time at the transfer I was hitting a PACKED bus. It was a bit awkward having to stand. My bus driver told me my exit which helped alot. It was by the gas station and seriously only 2 minute walk away. I found it and walked to the front to register.

Wanda had me fill out the information and we chitchatted about the excellent health care from Beth Israel Hospital. (She had gone there to have her child.) The I proceeded to get some restaurant suggestion----Pickled Onion, Hog and Pig were top choices for her to tell me. Then I got to my room #5. (By the pool and the road South Shore Road). It is only down the road about 10 minutes driving from Coco Reef. (Also there is a 5-9 minute walk in to get to the resort). I settle in and realize I have no time before the 5:30 reception as it is almost 4pm. I just watch MTV in the background. Some girl wanting to be "MADE" into a rapper. (Much to her feminist grandmother's horror.).

I map out some things I want to do----times opening, marked on a map, marked up the bus schedules and possible routes for Friday morning/early afternoon. I head to the bus stop at 5pm. I get to Coco Reef which is adjacent to Bermuda College. I head to the free internet room. Then head to the Cafe Coco to the welcome reception. Turns out to be a very small wedding for my friend BM and her fiance RC. I am so glad they found each other. I met him at her bridal shower on the Cape last month. I have know BM since high school.

She worked at the customer service desk and I was the front end. She and I always got along. Her parents are sweet hearts. I used to chat with her and she would kindly give me a lift here and there. I always loved her kind and open heart. Very thoughtful and she loved to write as much as I did. So her parents, siblings, maid of honor, RC best man, myself, and her niece and another couple rounded up the attendees.

We had a nice welcome reception with snack food that had a delicious fruit plate---very sweet pineapples, red grapes, honey dew melons. There were Asian inspired lobster rolls (rice paper, vermicelli) with a soy dip, tons of mini quiches, simple salad with onions, greens and tomatoes plus shrimp and chicken skewers. It was a lovely spread. I tried two drinks that are local the RUM SWIZZLE (Traditional cocktail from Bermuda; recipe from Swizzle Inn, Bermuda's oldest pub and home of the Rum Swizzle. Goslings Black Seal Rum• Barbados Rum (or any amber rum)•triple sec• juice of 2 lemons• pineapple juice• orange juice• Bermuda Falernum or simple sugar syrup• 4 dashes of Angostura bitters) and the YELLOW BIRD (light rum, galliano, creme de banana, pineapple juice, orange juice.). Both were potent and sweet.

After the mini reception, a few of us went into Hamilton in cabs. We decide to head to Flanagans (kid friendly). Sat in the outdoor patio overlooking Front Street. I got a Smirnoff Twisted Watermelon. I remember when this drink first came out only in one flavor too. Wow now they have a bunch of flavors. Did see the Norwegian Cruise Line docked by Hamilton around Front Street. We hung out had some cool conversations. Learned about BM liking mudslides now strawberry daiquiris.

We grabbed cabs back and I am back in my place by 10:45pm. I watch the FINALE of season two of Project Runaway which Chloe Dao won. By midnight (EST eleven) I am pooped and set my alarm for 7am. (Somehow I think I am going to ignore it!).