Saturday, September 8, 2007---I am lucky to be in Bermuda. It is hurricane season and the nearest one is off the coast of North Carolina. I learned alot while being here. Alot of celebs like to come ie Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas go to Ariel Sands Resort. It is a bit pricey here on this island but there are some beautiful golf courses, expensive shops in Hamilton and world class delicious dining options all around the island.
I slept in a little and head into Hamilton almost 9am. I wander around a bit and get breakfast at Paradiso Cafe off of Reid Street (the other end) of the Hamilton area. I got a quiche, oj and fruit salad for under $15. (I was told there is auto 15% gratuity at alot of places). Then I wanted to some museums but found out they were closed-Bermuda Historical Society, National Gallery (within the City Hall building) so I ended up going to the local library and using their internet for free for half and hour. (Something I learned whilst traveling local libraries have internet access.)
From there went to City Hall, wandered around some shops and back onto Reid Street towards Hog Penny Pub for lunch. I had watched Rachel Ray's show and talked to the other wedding guests who LOVE this place. (Later I found out I was there at the same time the bride's parents were there for lunch but they were seated in another area). I decided to splurge with a pomegrante mojito, meat loaf ($15), fish chowder (6.50) topped with Gosling Rum and Sherry which added an interesting kick. The meat loaf was tasty over mash and the veggies were not overcooked. I ended the meal with pistachio creme brulee which topped off a nice meal.
Now it is about 1pm and I am close to the bus central terminal. I take the #10 or#11 to St George's which runs every 15 minutes to half hour depending on which bus I caught. In less than an hour I got to St George's. This time I have a bit more time to walk around but alas no ferry today (that is why I took it on Friday). It is the first settlement of inhabitants in Bermuda. I went to the "city hall" and read all the proclamations, saw the stockyards, took pics of some old homes and got some postcards. There I went to a museum more a historical society and included going to Verdmont and the Tucker Home for $10 (each place costs $5 entrance fee). I wanted to go to the Print Museum but it was closed. I got to wander the Historical Society after seeing a short 12 minute film, I wandered upstairs into four rooms. Each had some artifacts, portraits, maps about the inhabitants and history of Bermuda. It was interesting to read that during the Civil War Bermudians were sympathetic to the South. But due to being a British Colony, they tried to remain neutral during the Civil War. They talked about pirates, how the wealthy lived and trade while in Bermuda. After a good 30 minutes, I walked over to the Tucker Home before it closed at 4pm.
The Tucker Home is a great example of the early Bermudians living on the Island. I loved the natural cedar furniture (no more it was used up). Also the furniture, artifacts and letters of the time and owners. One of the owners was the fifth United States' treasurer and he held the post for the longest time up until 1955.
Then I walked around a little before the 3:30pm bus departing St. Georges. I went back to Hamilton and took another bus to see another way to Dockyard. I just did a big loop and did the South Side once again driving past Horse Shoe Bay etc.
I slept in a little and head into Hamilton almost 9am. I wander around a bit and get breakfast at Paradiso Cafe off of Reid Street (the other end) of the Hamilton area. I got a quiche, oj and fruit salad for under $15. (I was told there is auto 15% gratuity at alot of places). Then I wanted to some museums but found out they were closed-Bermuda Historical Society, National Gallery (within the City Hall building) so I ended up going to the local library and using their internet for free for half and hour. (Something I learned whilst traveling local libraries have internet access.)
From there went to City Hall, wandered around some shops and back onto Reid Street towards Hog Penny Pub for lunch. I had watched Rachel Ray's show and talked to the other wedding guests who LOVE this place. (Later I found out I was there at the same time the bride's parents were there for lunch but they were seated in another area). I decided to splurge with a pomegrante mojito, meat loaf ($15), fish chowder (6.50) topped with Gosling Rum and Sherry which added an interesting kick. The meat loaf was tasty over mash and the veggies were not overcooked. I ended the meal with pistachio creme brulee which topped off a nice meal.
Now it is about 1pm and I am close to the bus central terminal. I take the #10 or#11 to St George's which runs every 15 minutes to half hour depending on which bus I caught. In less than an hour I got to St George's. This time I have a bit more time to walk around but alas no ferry today (that is why I took it on Friday). It is the first settlement of inhabitants in Bermuda. I went to the "city hall" and read all the proclamations, saw the stockyards, took pics of some old homes and got some postcards. There I went to a museum more a historical society and included going to Verdmont and the Tucker Home for $10 (each place costs $5 entrance fee). I wanted to go to the Print Museum but it was closed. I got to wander the Historical Society after seeing a short 12 minute film, I wandered upstairs into four rooms. Each had some artifacts, portraits, maps about the inhabitants and history of Bermuda. It was interesting to read that during the Civil War Bermudians were sympathetic to the South. But due to being a British Colony, they tried to remain neutral during the Civil War. They talked about pirates, how the wealthy lived and trade while in Bermuda. After a good 30 minutes, I walked over to the Tucker Home before it closed at 4pm.
The Tucker Home is a great example of the early Bermudians living on the Island. I loved the natural cedar furniture (no more it was used up). Also the furniture, artifacts and letters of the time and owners. One of the owners was the fifth United States' treasurer and he held the post for the longest time up until 1955.
Then I walked around a little before the 3:30pm bus departing St. Georges. I went back to Hamilton and took another bus to see another way to Dockyard. I just did a big loop and did the South Side once again driving past Horse Shoe Bay etc.
Then I rested and repacked stuff, wrote PC and then went to dinner at the Swizzle Inn (new South Side locale). I misjudged on a Saturday night it should be busy. It was and I had to wait. But luckily I was sure to check in with the waiter and found out my party was not announced. I ended up having a very FILLING meal for a reasonable price for Bermuda (thanks to their well known weekend specials). Their rum swizzle was tiny but potent!
Sunday, September 9--Another beautiful day, I am ready to get going. Luckily my hostess/friend/newly married bride called in the morning to inform me the flight information and taxi ride to the airport was one hour earlier. The person at the front desk did not know how to use the phone system to get voicemail. I found it a bit odd.
When I was ready to return the key, I tumbled. (Uneven fake grass terrain by my front door. Luckily I was fine and ok. Why me?) I used my transport pass one last time and made it to Coco Reef a bit earlier and grabbed some internet time. But alas I could not get any food (none at my place nor at Coco Reef (their kitchens closed half and hour before I arrived).
We get to the airport and then wait for almost an hour for Jet Blue to have people at the check in desk. It was frustrating as I was hungry. (We surely were not checked in within 2 hours of departure). I got some grub but it was expensive and all right.
Luckily the flight was smoother than going to Bermuda and I arrived back into a much cooler Boston. I could not believe I was back in Boston!
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