One of the things that struck me most about Bermuda was it’s cleanliness. Buildings are well-maintained and the roads might be narrow but there no pot-holes and they are all sign-posted. I covered most of the island on a scooter and can honestly say that I did not see more than a handful of houses which were run-down or in need of a coat of paint. It must be said that Bermuda is a fairly wealthy island which derives much of its wealth from the banking sector and I assume that is why it is so well cared for. There is also a reliable and efficient public transport system of busses and ferries.
And yes, the rumours are true – during the summer months some men wear (Bermuda!) shorts with a jacket and tie to the office. It reminded me of the seventies in South Africa and Zimbabwe when ‘safari suits’ were de rigueur. Their excuse is that it is too hot to wear long trousers. Fair enough, I am all for comfort.
The diving around Bermuda is pretty good, and I had a look at the wrecks of the Lartington and Constellation with about 15m viz. There was quite a lot of brain coral around (a reason for many of the wrecks), but surprisingly few fish so the highlights of the dive were large and small boxfish.
While eating in restaurants the food on the island is very good (perhaps a bit pricey because everything is imported), the national drink of Bermuda is known as the Rum Swizzle – a very tasty concoction of two of the local Gosling’s rums, pineapple juice, orange juice, Grenadine and Angostura Bitters. A word of warning though – Swizzles can creep up on you if you are not careful. Or, even if you are careful.
