It doesn't matter on this trip. The only occasion, when I truly need to mind the clock, is when I have to catch the ferry. The term 'island time' is literal; it is such a nice pace of life- just taking life, as it comes. Having the opportunity to recuperate from life's blows is a treasure not to be underestimated.
One beautiful aspect of this trip has been my ability to laugh again.
Long ago, when my grandfather, Stevan, asked me what I thought the two most important attributes were in a partner, I said, "Intelligence and sense of humor"; he was pleased that I understood the importance of laughter in life- particularly when you are hurt- and concerned that life may not be as livable, following loss.
This morning was hilarious.
I made my way to the kitchen, seeking strong coffee. Suzie was here early, due to the departure of some treasured guests. "Good Morning, Dahhhhhling!" I looked at the floor, noticing a shiny object. Picking it up and handing it to Suzie, I said "It looks like you have lost a screw somewhere". She said, "Oh good! I could use a really good screw right now!!" We both burst into laughter!
On her way to the guest house, Suzie had just stopped to help someone who had wiped out on a moped. When it rains in the morning, the roads are extra slick. Thankfully, this lady only had a bit of road rash; she was otherwise okay. Risky business...
Janie arrived, shortly thereafter. We were in a small huddle, discussing Edwina's sting, by the Portuguese Man-of-War. I had never heard of scraping stingers out with a credit card! Who takes their credit card to the beach,anyway?! I guess you do, on a windy day in Bermuda!
I asked Janie about a rumor that I had heard, repeatedly in Bermuda. "Janie, is it true that you are supposed to pee on someone who is stung by a Portuguese Man-of-War??""Oh yes", she said- in her lovely accent, "I have been peed on many times!"
I just looked at her, with my mouth wide open.
"WELL, NOT SEXUALLY!!", she said! It was hilarious...
The Lowe sisters belong on a talk show of some kind- perhaps a new version of The View, here in Bermuda.
We need to get a film crew 'out here' (as the Bermuda Tourism Authority likes to say).
Sitting at the dining room table, I could hear Bob making Maurice breakfast. It was their last morning here at Salt Kettle. Talk persisted about poor Edwina. Suddenly, Bob asks, just aloud, randomly- to anyone who might be listening..."Are all Portuguese Man-of-War men?" I nearly died.
I began to wonder what is in the water here.
As is the case at the guest house, there exists a revolving door (so to speak) of people who love this place and depart, and people who love this place and arrive.
We all made a reverse "receiving line" to bid farewell to Maurice and Bob, who were headed back to New York. The occasion was less sad, because they will return after the wretched summer temperatures abate.
After waiting several days, the walk-in clinic called this afternoon, to tell me that they had found something on my lab work.
Naturally, I would need to return there, to find out what the "something" was, so I could pay them another $138.
I asked the lady who called, if it was something concerning."It is something that the doctor does not want to go unchecked", she said, suggesting that I come in on Friday. Due to my not feeling myself, we agreed on tomorrow.
After writing my blog, I needed a 'pick me up'. I knew precisely where to go. Off I went in a cab to town, learning about the marvels of shipping in Bermuda, as we passed freighters, on our way to Hamilton.
I have learned that cargo ships arrive twice a week, bringing the necessities of life. One of the ships that carries the good stuff (i.e. groceries) is named Oleander. Indeed, it is bizarre, to see a mammoth freighter with the name of a pretty flower... Another ship brings cars, primarily from Europe and Asia; it is called "Bangkok Highway".
Interestingly, cars in Bermuda cost TWICE the amount they cost in the U.S. There is a 100% duty to be paid, plus the mark up from the car dealer. No wonder mopeds are the vehicle of choice.
Cars are not typically imported from the States, because they are too big, and as a result, also too spendy. If only they could just build cars here...
Renault has introduced a mini-car to Bermuda, for rental by tourists, called "The Twizzy"- strictly for rental at the Hamilton Princess, for a daily rate of $100 (so I hear).
Initially intrigued by the little cars, I am not sure they are my speed. One has to sit luge-style, because only two people will fit. Although the lack of windows would make for a great island breeze, the ambience of a MRI scanner might turn me off.
Rental cars (traditional style are NOT permitted on this island). This is a blessing.
Arriving at the Rosedon Hotel, I was greeted by a dear friend, Gerald- the bellman who has worked at the hotel for 34 years!
Our family met Gerald during our last stay, as the result of dining at Huckleberry for breakfast on more than one occasion- fabulous food, ambience and service! Divine place to go.
Gerald was a messenger from above, for Nina and I. When we were here for Easter, our family was recovering from some recent adverse "life events" (to put it delicately!)
Gerald advised us wisely, on a variety of topics- love, life, destiny... "Nothing before time, Everything in time", he said. His every utterance warranted deep reflection.
When we learned that Gerald was a choir singer, I asked him, "Do you sing hymns?"
"What is your favorite hymn?" he asked me...only to erupt in an impromptu serenade of Amazing Grace, acapella- in the front courtyard of Rosedon, causing tears to flow, as we thought of Marlys.
Needless to say, Gerald made an indelible impression on us! Just another one of the 'boyfriends' Nina collected while in Bermuda for Easter...
I sat on the covered veranda of Rosedon, enjoying a Cobb Salad and Iced Tea, while poking fun at Gerald, as he was chatting with a cabbie. "Get to work, Gerald!", I said! So much fun to be welcomed by a familiar face.After my lunch, I was offered a tour of the Rosedon property- an unexpected treat, as it is an exquisite place to stay- right in Hamilton, with shuttle service to the ocean, and traditional high tea in lovely china cups! This spring, they had a special for $299 per night, on the weekends; this is a bargain. If you come, try to stay in the main house. There are a handful or rooms (or less). You will feel like royalty.
Knowing that I was 'under the gun', Gerald offered to take me to the pharmacy, since he was getting off shift at precisely the right time! Lucky me! (Getting a ride anywhere in Bermuda is a gift, when you are a tourist.)
Fortunately, I caught a ferry ride home. Riding on the ferry is one of my absolute favorite pastimes in Bermuda. I could literally take three meals on board, and picnic all day... In fact, maybe I will do that, since I have an unlimited pass!
As I was nearly at my stop, I reflected on what the ferry means to Bermuda. The pilot happened to be standing nearby.
Just for a hoot, I asked him- pointing up to the place where one drives the ferry- "Do you ever allow anyone up there?"
He said, "When do you want to go?" I said, "What's good for you?" He replied, "Anytime between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm tomorrow!" I was very excited! "See you then!", I told him.
Everyone at the guest house was ready for a prompt departure to Janie's house in 6:00 pm. The appreciation of togetherness and cocktail hour- as a time to connect- is so reminiscent of Marlys, that it makes me feel at home.
Marlys and Hazel Lowe might have been fast friends, due to the traditions they have seemingly passed on to their children- forming connections, for one.
All of us had such a beautiful evening, drinking wine and eating hors d'oeuvres, feeling the occasional breezes, and appreciating life in the moment. Janie's kids joined us, and Edwina got reunited with her childhood best friend's daughter.
I had the opportunity to talk with Andrew and Mary from a town near Rockport, Massachusetts. She is a renowned artist. I love gatherings that blend generations; I am my mother's daughter!
I also enjoyed fascinating conversation with Monica, a young lady from Prince Edward Island, who had recently arrived at the guest house with her mother, Linda.
Never in my life- especially at this cocktail hour- did I expect to chat with a petite, sweet Super Max Prison Guard.
Andrew, Monica and I got to talking about Patient Advocacy and working with the elderly; we share that in common. She currently works in a Nursing Facility, in the Dietary division, and absolutely loves her work. Naturally, I was curious how she wound up in such a rewarding line of work, and so her story began to unravel- about the days of bootcamp, and weaponry training that preceding a seventeen year stint in the world of "Corrections".
Suzie had told me a bit about the prison in Dockyard here. Apparently, they give day passes to prisoners in Bermuda- and even take you to the locally acclaimed Woody's, for a fish sandwich- if you are well behaved! Not so, at the penitentiary where Monica worked!
I was riveted by Monica's life experience. Speaking of her career, she said, casually, "I was only beat up once"- as if it was all in a day's work, at the office. Apparently, in her line of work, it was...DAMN.
When traveling, you meet the most interesting people! Often, they are completely unassuming...
That's why we must preserve the art of conversation!
It was fun for me to see another Bermudian home. As someone who loves art and design, I felt as though I were at The Masterworks Gallery.
Lovely touches everywhere, including a big whale in the dining room (Janie's husband is from Oyster Bay, Long Island) and an outdoor dining area that reminded me of Italy.
My sister would murder someone, just to serve dinner here, I thought to myself...
As the sun went down, it was time to carpool back to Salt Kettle.
We all had missed the company of Aussie Emma at the gathering, but apparently, she was at a gala! A fair excuse, I suppose.
Emma is only here for a limited time with the racing, and has much socializing to do!
Catching the breeze on the ride back to the guest house, I felt as content, as a Golden Retriever.
This island life, it isn't half bad.
Lovely blog! You brought that beautiful party to life
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