Smitten with Bermuda

On the day that I arrived in Bermuda, it poured rain. I sat in the Hog Penny, wondering if I had gone mad- planning to spend a month in Bermuda, with absolutely no plans, other than to explore these islands, and to write.  Since then, I have met The Premier, experienced the inside of the hospital(!), glided alongside sea turtles, and made relationships that are now indelible. Art Credit to Barbara Finsness Having taken each day, on its face- without taking on the enormity of my future- has made my life so much sweeter.  After so much heartache and loss, it has been heartening to wake up with the love of my mom in my heart, and the courage to continue onward- just one day at a time. I had not known, whether I was capable. While in Bermuda, I have not missed watching television (particularly, the news). I have not missed getting 200 catalogs per day in the mail. I have not missed my possessions. I have only missed my loved ones (including the four footed ones)....

Yesterday was Bermuda Day! I had  been advised, that I could not possibly return home, without experiencing it. That advice served me well.  If I am truly here, for cultural immersion, I had better listen to the advice of my new friends. Bermuda Day marks the official  start of summer on these islands, as Mem orial Day does, in the United States. It is the first day that Bermudians will go into the water, traditionally. I find that to be so counter-intuitive, with the sea beckoning 24/7/365...! The origins of our two holidays are quite different, aside from parades, and the welcoming of summer- the donning of white clothing in the U.S. and Bermuda shorts out in the Atlantic. While at home, we honor those who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country, Bermuda Day was originally a day on which all of the British colonies would celebrate the birthday of Queen Victoria.  Once they all gained independence, however, it shifted to a day of Na...

We take for granted how long, Long Island actually is. Bermuda is the same size as The Hamptons, essentially- an entire nation . At home, we talk about going 'up the island' to go to western Suffolk or Nassau county; here, some say that they are going 'up country', if just going a distance of 10+ miles. It is no wonder, that the expression "six degrees of separation" does not apply on this rock. New friendships blossom, like Hibiscus. Over the past few days, I have become acquainted with new faces, new friends and new places. The undercurrent of all of these experiences is the familiarity that is shown to me, by Bermudians- and the familiarity that is shown to one another, regardless of the length of the relationship. Even as I venture to unknown places, I am shown the warmth of a neighbor. Courtesy is ingrained in this culture, to the very detail. In Hamilton, just prior to the roundabout, there is a digital sign that shows you your speed. If you are on t...