subject: Rodney Lorenzo: Check Out Bermuda [print this page] Rodney Lorenzo: Check Out Bermuda Rodney Lorenzo: Check Out Bermuda
Hello all. My name is Rodney Lorenzo and today I would like to share with you some useful tips that you need to know if you are going to visit Bermuda Island. This is one of those islands that a lot of Americans don't think about in the same sense as they would a typical Caribbean island. The actual fact is, its latitude is similar to that of Savannah, Georgia, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Its subtropical climate is warmed up by the nearby Gulf Stream making its winters seem balmy at an regular temperature of 68 degrees. It can get cooler than that every now and then, but not too often. The summers are when temperatures can reach a high of 86 degrees or more. The island isn't located far south of the states like all Caribbean islands. As a result, the perfect time to go is not in the the winter season where the Caribbean would keep comfortable temperatures. You need to go in June through October. Then, the waters start to become too cold to swim in.This brings me to what Bermuda, which was discovered in 1505 by Juan de Bermudez, is known for. Its pink sandy beaches. The pink comes from little bits of coral which contrast beautifully with the light blue, turquoise waters of its beaches. Coves are located all over the place on the island and make for romantic privacy - something not too common further south among touristy, Caribbean beaches. The island is more pricey than most islands down south, but this makes it a plus with tourists who want privacy. It is not at all unusual to come across a beach all to yourself. There are designated beaches for tourists, but there are also smaller sized beaches that have public access.The island has 64 miles of coastline encircling it, you can lease a scooter and drive from one end of the island to the furthest tip in less than a half hour. Scooters, by the way, will be the best and most convenient way to get around. They will take you where city buses - one more affordable way to get around - cannot. Keep in mind though, as an English colony, people drive on the left side. It's simply manageable when you're on a scooter as opposed to a auto. Two lane highways sometimes can make you follow a slow driver, but one is permitted to pass on the right. Car rentals are not allowed, as far as I remember, because of the island's small size. There's a limit on how many cars can be allowed and the priority is given to the natives.Bermuda has charming hotels and a beautiful price tag to go along. Some are located inland on hill tops, while others sit directly on the beaches like the Coco Reef Beach Resort. This small boutique resort provides 64 rooms with every single one having an ocean view. Guest houses and B&B's abound everywhere too. Some having been former homes. Usually, these places include breakfast and are less cost-effective than major hotels. I personally have stayed in both types. On www.vacationsrentals.com or www.vrbo.com, you can find residents that will rent out apartments that sit on their property. While many wouldn't be directly on a beach, they would be close to public transportation. This would be the least expensive form of accommodation. One of the hotels I personally know is the Grotto Bay Beach Resort. It has its very own beach and two secluded coves on an enclosed bay. It sits on 21 acres of hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillea gardens. It also has two grottos - hence the name - and a 500,000 year old underground cave. There's also a bus stop in front if you want to take public transportation, or if you walk out to the main road and go to your left, you are able to rent scooters for one or 2 people at a daily or multiple-day fee. They have an all-inclusive deal available, that most other properties offer and the food is wonderful and fresh. Remember that, although, Bermuda can be expensive, your hotel will most likely come with a fridge which makes it convenient to buy groceries at a local market and save on expensive, restaurant meals. Down the street from the Grotto Bay is the popular Swizzle Inn, known for its signature drink called the Rum Swizzle. The national rum is one of the most potent I've ever drank. Basically, it has a 150 proof version that is practically illegal to take on board a plane. Take caution once drinking this rum, because it gave me amnesia one time. It's used for the island's well-known drink, the Dark and Stormy. A few sips of this and you will know why they gave it this name. Flying fish and Bajan fish are local delicacies and can be found on most restaurant's menus. I always prefer to try the small mom and pop eateries that locals go to. This is another advantage of renting a scooter.The island is divided into 9 parishes. It has two municipalities: Hamilton and St. George. Hamilton is the largest city on the island and you may see the popular Bermudian shorts that are worn for both business and casual events. Even the policemen (or bobbies) wear them. 80% of the tourism arrives from the states while the rest comprise of English and Europeans. Most arrive by cruise ship or plane. The airport has no jet bridges to access massive aircraft. You leave your plane by a flight of stairs. This maintains its island feel I believe. It's not as if they really don't have the funds to have jet bridges built. The island has no poverty and has one of the highest literacy rates in the world. There are no 4 year colleges on the island, but you can get certification or an Associates Degree. There are private, public and single sex schools.A vacation to Bermuda would be well worth the short 1 1/2 flight from the east coast of the US. Having been to most of the islands in the Caribbean, this island has some of the most attractive beaches that I have ever seen in my life. Remember to check the forecast before you go because the last time I was there, a hurricane came through and canceled most of the flights. It took me 2 days to get out. I think June or July should be safe enough to prevent a hurricane. I would highly suggest this beautiful place. Do not let the expensiveness discourage you. You'll find ways to get around it when you do a very little research. ENJOY. Sincerely yours, Rodney Lorenzo :)Bermuda is one of those islands that a lot of Americans really don't imagine in the same sense as they would a common Caribbean island. The actual fact is, its latitude is similar to that of Savannah, Georgia, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I would highly recommend this stunning place. Don't let the expensiveness discourage you. There are ways to get around it if you do a little research. ENJOY.
