"Daisyness"

I have been fortunate to enjoy idyllic weather, since I have been in Bermuda (with the exception of the humidity!) Today was a picture perfect day- for riding the ferry, walking in town- doing virtually anything! 

This morning, we said farewell to Linda and Monica, as they headed back to Canada and Prince Edward Island. It was bittersweet for Lynn and Linda, due to the overlap in their stays at Salt Kettle. 

We all agreed to keep in touch. The ladies sat on the couch, exchanging contact information, as I had previously done. They could surely follow along on my blog too- to see what was happening, as our stays here moved forward toward their closure.

Edwina, the poet in our group, coined a new term over coffee; she said that she enjoyed the balance of certain elements with the "daisyness" of my blog!

Per our norm, I sat outside with Edwina and Dudley, discussing our plans for the day. Just where, had they been swimming with sea turtles? 

These ladies grew up in Somerset- toward the West End of Bermuda, and have twice returned to a secret spot at Daniels Head, to enjoy the magical experience of sea turtles swimming at their feet. This was going to be my agenda for the day! A dream come true...

The first wrench in my plan was misplacing my phone charger. Unsure whether another guest might have accidentally taken it home, I wound up at the Apple store, called I-Click on Reid Street, forking out $66., in order to keep my phone juiced.

Trips to Hamilton can be quite fun- there are always new things to see and do, especially for ladies who love to shop! 

It happens to be Heritage Month in Bermuda (how very timely, for the Royal nuptials); thus, the Union Jack is featured prominently downtown.

I decided to pop in, and say hello to the young sales ladies at Vineyard Vines; they had given me great advice about things to do, upon my arrival in Bermuda. 

As I relayed my desire to go off in pursuit of sea turtles, I was advised not to go alone- especially on a weekday. Disappointment rushed over me; but I understood.

I observe that when women travel alone, they are looked after by other women- even when the caution may be excessive.

I was advised, "We are very protective of our visitors!" 

I understood what I was hearing- especially having read about the young man from the U.S. who tragically died in Bermuda, not long ago- by straying from a known path, and taking a fatal fall. This news is still fresh, here. Understandably so. When something like that happens, it impacts everyone- because this is an island of 21 square miles. 

Truly, the topography of this island is no joke. It was a volcano, before it was Bermuda; Bermuda has actually been referred to as 'an extinct volcano'. It's crater lies deep in the water- a bit eery, if you think about it.


In my travels about town, I ambled past The English Sports Shop- the place where I had purchased Liberty of London neck ties for Jim, many years ago. For fun, I tried on some 'resort wear'. After all, why not? I found a nice flowy top with hibiscus on it, for just $35.

As I made my way back to the ferry, I went into my absolute favorite store in Bermuda, to pick up a little send off gift for Edwina and Dudley. I knew just where to go, to find a token reflecting their trip, with sea turtles on it!

The Island Shop, on Queen Street, is an oasis of creativity, featuring the artwork of Barbara Finsness, a renowned local artist who applies her gorgeous paintings to Deruta ceramics, textiles, neck ties, and tea towels- among other things. 

Her artwork is colorful, tasteful, cheerful, and authentic. I just love it! It feels splendid, to walk into a store that is curated so finely, with things that please the eye.



Those who love Bermuda are inevitably drawn to lovely colors- the colors of the houses, the sea, the fish, the clouds- even the money...

Barbara's talent is purely emblematic of the Bermuda sensory experience. I hope that she will some day give tours of her art studio; sign me up, please!

In speaking with the sales lady in The Island Shop, I told her about my blog. (I do ask permission to take pictures). She joked that I could bring more visitors to Bermuda than The America's Cup! No pressure...

While waiting for the ferry, a Holland American cruise ship arrived in Hamilton. I watched as the small tug boat helped the ship make a complete "U turn", before parallel parking along Front Street. 

The ability of such enormous ships, to enter such a seemingly "quaint" harbor, never ceases to amaze me. Yet, apparently the water is quite deep, even though the shores are close. This I learned from Shakir, the ferry deckhand who was hosing down the ferry, prior to our boarding, to protect the steel from corrosion via salt.


It was a happy sight, to see all of the passengers on deck, lined up facing Front Street, as they took their first glimpses of Hamilton. It reminded me of the retro travel poster I had purchased at the Masterworks Gallery.

Soon, their ship was parked, and the waters were clear for our ferry to go.


On the ferry home, I had the pleasure of meeting a new visitor to Bermuda- Debbie from Alabama.

I asked her what her first impressions of the island were. She said she was having a very difficult time adjusting to the sounds of the tree frogs at night. 

"It's like there are 50 children, swinging on a rusty swing set!", she said."Screech screech screech!"

I could visualize the swing set, and hear the metaphor- but I love tree frogs. No sympathy here...


Incidentally, Nina was so smitten with the tree frogs, when we were here for Easter, that she got herself a tree frog app, to fall asleep to, back in Sag Harbor. I may need one, when I get home.

As my trip progresses, I am riding the ferry more, every chance I get (when they don't ask me to drive). 

Tonight, I decided to do a round trip into town, for a quick bite. By the time I arrived in town, my appetite had outgrown my intention of just getting an appetizer. I headed to La Trattoria for a delicious Italian dinner.

This restaurant is located in an alley way, off the beaten path. It is a mixture of rustic brick and modern decor, with a diverse menu and excellent service. 

By the time I got to my table, I had been greeted in Italian by approximately 4 different Italian servers. "Buona Sera!

I thoroughly enjoyed my supper, taking half of it back to Salt Kettle. The beauty of having a kitchen in Bermuda is making your own breakfast, and heating up your left overs, as needed. This saves on going out, as meal tabs can get spendy.

Heading back to the guest house, I could not help but think of the Salt Kettle ladies.

Ever since I met them, they have been trying to figure out my love life- specifically, to find me a husband. This is much appreciated, because I do not have any other friends doing this vital work, at the moment.

Janie is certain that "Mr. Right" should be British or Bermudian. Edwina and Dudley are flexible. If we are to live in Bermuda, I just want a man who has Air Conditioning. 

Oddly enough, I met a man while waiting for the ferry, after dinner. He had missed his ferry to Dockyard, to return to his cruise ship, and we struck up a conversation. 

He asked the deckhand on my boat if he could walk back to Dockyard (ha ha ha!), not realizing that he would be walking about ten miles- basically half of the entire island. 

Feeling his "pain", I showed him the map of Bermuda, and explained to him where he was on it. He asked me how long I had lived here... this led to a longer conversation.

It is strange how conversations go... 

What is it about people, that makes one feel comfortable enough to ask very personal questions, upon just meeting? 

The gentleman from Boston began with questions about why I liked about Bermuda. 

"What is it that you like about this place?" "But, what exactly?"... and ended (several minutes later) with "So, do you want to get married in life?" 

At that point, my ship was sailing, and he was staying on dry ground. I am sure that he was married, gay, or both. 


Maybe it is 'vacation brain' that makes us all so casual? 

Maybe it is Bermuda? 

Or maybe it is just my "Daisyness"...?