"Out of my Body!"

What a spectacular weekend! From the Royal Wedding breakfast, to swimming amongst sea turtles in open waters, I could not have experienced anything more authentic and homegrown, from this British Crown Colony. Not until the Bermuda Day celebration, anyway...

On Saturday morning, the wake up call was early. BBC was on, in the lounge at Salt Kettle, as I simultaneously drank strong coffee, and packed my bags as I awaited Suzie and Jane's arrival. 

Due to a gap in availability at Salt Kettle for the next five nights, I would be headed to the hills of Warwick, to stay with Suzie, who graciously offered me a room. This would offer me a chance to live 'inland'- ha ha! (Bermuda is only a couple of miles wide).

Bright and early, we bid farewell to Lynn and Kim, as they had a Royal Wedding Breakfast awaiting them too, at Greg's house (that of Kim's brother) before flying back to Canada. Suzie, Janie and I had dressed for the wedding, and so we took the appropriate photos out front, to commemorate the day.


Unlike William and Kate's wedding, which I celebrated (in fine style) with Marlys at Neck Path, I was amongst Brits this morning! Breakfast consisted of Scones, jam, clotted cream, and fresh strawberries, not to be outdone by the serving of PIMMS, to toast the Prince and Princess! 



I had made a strategic choice to contribute baked eggs with parmesan- because they are delicious, quick and easy to make! 

The Salt Kettle crew circled around the TV, to watch the coverage of the wedding. Coverage on BBC seemed to be a bit more reserved (in my opinion), than coverage would be on an American network. Americans tend to get very excited about anything Royal! Perhaps it was the vocal tones of the British narrators. Regardless, we were all fixated on the couple!

Various opinions floated about the room- regarding choice of venue, wedding dress, music, and of course the speakers. Suzie was certain that the American minister was destined for SNL, because he may a spoken a bit too long.

I loved the music that was chosen for the wedding- particularly the choir music and the hymns; they reminded me of my mom. Looking at Harry's face, awaiting Meghan at the altar, I knew that he was probably thinking of his mom, too. How could Diana not be in the forefront of his thoughts?

I was particularly taken by the swiftness, with which the Salt Kettle crowd stood, for 'God Save the Queen'. They immediately rose. We all sang. What an experience to behold! Heritage is strong here.

Following the wedding, it was off to Suzie's house, where I settled into her hilltop home. Suzie, Janie and John have somewhat of a compound in Warwick; each has a house next to the other, that was once owned by their Granny. 

Their Granny had owned the adjacent acreage as well, Suzie told me. Those acres were sold, regrettably, so there are other homes on the nearby hills. Irrespective of that, their location is heavenly. Private, with lush island views and the sounds of the tropics. It's almost like being in the clouds.

Suzy's home is bright and colorful, and decorated with a keen sense of taste- with artwork, sculpture, and mementos of worldwide travel. It has a very ethnic sensibility, with a clear thread of Africa- not surprising, since the Lowe children were raised in Malawi, until their teen years. 

Like other Bermudians, Suzie leaves the doors open to the outdoors, across the house (when she is here) to let the island breezes in. It is quite cool, this cottage- especially with the choice of Mexican tile throughout. 


Suzie is fortunate to have a plunge pool on her terrace, for days when the breezes are absent. It is the perfect island oasis, with colorful flowers at every turn. 

Not long after my arrival, I was greeted by Suzie's cats- both of whom live the life of jungle panthers. Marley and Jazz enjoy the fruits of hunting (for little green lizards), exploring neighboring properties, and of course going for drinks at the "kitty bar". 

It is highly amusing, to listen to Suzie's imagination, on behalf of her cats! If they are late for dinner, we know where they are... this is Bermuda, after all. She even has a 'lizard tree', where she throws the remains of their prey...



After a well needed rest, I headed to nearby BLU for an early supper. I had hoped to be seated outside, overlooking the harbor for sunset. Due to the weekend, there was only room in the 'lounge'; it was plush! The sounds of jazz and visuals of a virtual aquarium made for a peaceful meal.

Per Suzie's daily ritual, we don sarongs from her travels (worn as dresses) for our nightcap, together. I believe that her sarong collection is like a box of crayons; she made a point to ask me, "What color would you like?" 

I adopted this ritual, during my first night here with her; it is a habit that could really stick! Best way to keep cool.

Sunday morning brought with it an absolutely phenomenal day! After a wonderful church service at Peace Lutheran Church- complete with a children's play that featured newscasters from PNN (!) or Peace Network News, Suzie, Janie, Helen and I went on a Sea Turtle safari.

Our dear friends, Edwina and Dudley, had told us of a secret spot where we could swim, surrounded by sea turtles- and they were SPOT ON.

It was a perfectly glorious day. The sun was out, the humidity a little less, and the sights of the Bermudian landscape were as intoxicating to me, as ever. As we navigated Harbour Road, I inquired about the wealthy people who live on their own individual islands.


Traveling down Middle Road, I noticed a vista of the tall pine trees, that were once imported to Bermuda for the purpose of making ships' masts. This I had learned from Brad, our Kayaking guide at Easter.

Cruising toward Somerset, we gossiped about The Royal Wedding, while listening to reggae. It was a 'girls day out'.

Janie mentioned that Meghan and Harry are 'in charge' (royal duty wise) of the Crown Colonies- including Bermuda! Apparently, her veil featured sewn flowers from each and every single colony; tasteful idea!

It was to be a picnic day. Suzie made egg salad sandwiches. We stopped for drinks and chips. Helen selected a hilarious pink beverage, called 'Jamaican Me Happy'. I had no idea what was in it, but any cold drink will do! Especially with such a fun name.


As we arrived at our destination, we all grabbed bags and chairs and headed to the shore, not realizing that we had to climb down a mini cliff of stones- each of which could barely accommodate the size of a whole foot! I was last to go, and expected to go careening down the bank, onto a pile of driftwood... 

Thankfully, I made it to the sand, without injury.

Within minutes, we saw sea turtles from the shore, bobbing their heads up and down- in water that was shallow enough for me, to walk with my camera! 

As Suzie would say, I was "OUT OF MY BODY!"

Those who know me, know that I have a special place in my heart for turtles. I stop for box turtles at home (at the risk of being run over), and have always been drawn to those that live in the sea- perhaps because of my passion for swimming.


Needless to say, I spent most of my time in the water. Each time that I would get out for a minute, the turtles called me back. 

At one point I began to swim out a bit further, at which point I was told that there were SHARKS in the waters, too! OMG! 

The joke was on me; they are just "Sucker Sharks" that affix themselves to the turtles, to eat the algae off their shells. They do resemble JAWS in miniature, however. So, I quickly swam closer to shore.

This afternoon was one that I will always remember. A private beach. Chatting with the girls. Laughing. Swimming. Being immersed in wonders of nature. It does not get any better than this!

Suzie and Helen even had a turf war over a piece of driftwood that looked like a giant chocolate rabbit. How the h*** are we going to shlep that log up the cliff, I thought?! I could barely climb and carry one bag, much less a beach chair or a LOG...

Suzie wanted it badly enough, that she helped us all up the cliff. She designated herself the "sherpa" (a word that my mom used to use) and made us promise to return with her, to get yet another GIGANTIC piece of wood, that she desperately needed for the ambience in her home. No doubt, we will need to rent a crane...

I thought to myself how much Nina would love the driftwood here, but I am not permitted to bring any back- only on film! 


As the sun went behind the clouds, near the end of the afternoon, we headed back east, and I felt that the day should not be over- just yet. "Does anyone want to go for a drink?"

We all agreed on an iced cold Rum Swizzle on the South Shore, accompanied by some delicious BBQ chicken nachos. The food and drink at The Swizzle were just what we needed after our adventure.

There is something about beach days that just makes it easier to turn in at night. After the weekend I had, I was so appreciative of my newly found friends, heartfelt laughter, and the authentic opportunities that this trip has afforded- that I fell asleep in one heartbeat.