"zChris' Bermuda" Bermuda by zChris

Bermuda Travel Guide: 734 reviews and 2,263 photos

<center><b>Bermuda: The Remains of an Empire</b></center>

I couldn't believe when I read it. When Hong Kong was turned over to China in 1997, Bermuda became the largest outpost of the British Empire outside Europe. And yet this land- of sun and pastel colours, palm trees and pink sand- seemed so far removed from London that it was scarcely conceivable. Truly, it showed the extent of the former power of Britain that this tiny island of such startling contrast to the mother country still waved the Union Jack.

Bermuda was surprisingly only about two hours from Boston. Many people think it's way out near Africa somewhere or in the Carribean. Not so, it's just about 800 miles off the coast of South Carolina. The swift plane I was in circled the part of the island the airport was on and touched down for a smooth landing amongst beautifully maintained pastel terminals. Passing through customs easily, the entourage was greeted by a man in Bermuda shorts with a thick accent- it was apparent his family had left Britain for these shores long ago.

Remnants of the Empire haunt one everywhere. In Hamilton, a docked frigate shows off British naval strength, while across the Great Sound the Royal Naval Dockyard stands testimony to the might of Victorian England. And even in the pastel buildings, shops with names like Trimmingham's and the Old Irish Linen Shop are passed by men wearing colourful shorts but rather serious blue blazers and proper ties.

Indeed, one of the most apparent traditions Britain has left upon this tiny island is the utter properness. The buses, although rather laughingly pink, run very much on time between uniform shelters. Tea time is held puntually at every major hotel. In some way, Bermuda's transformation into an international business centre, the "Luxembourg of the North Atlantic", seems to have been concocted to contradict the rise in tourism there. I think, in some way, native Bermudians enjoy their proper ways, and would hate to see it ruined by sloppy tourists and vacationers. The contrast seems to continuially brew- while tea was taken at a terrace at my hotel, below on the beach the hut which rented water apparati was blasting the latest American hip-hop.

I found Bermuda to be almost the epitome of a perfect holiday destination- a small, easily explorable place with glistening beaches, a bustling city, a historic town, some quaint villages, ready access to good (American) cultural charms, and a wonderful, if hard to understand at first, culture. If I could find any qualm with Bermuda it would have to be that the island is too small...it seemed that in five days I had accomplished everything which I had set out to do there.

Nevertheless, I will go back to Bermuda. How can I resist the charms of a little slice of Britain (albeit with better weather) only 120 minutes from my home? If anything, I should like to see beyond the tourist Bermuda to the Bermuda most don't see- that of its residents and subtle local culture.

Last visit to Bermuda: Jun 1999
Intro Updated Jun 17, 2003
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Reviews (11)

Hamilton Favorites (4)

Go to the city- Hamilton! Bermuda's capital, largest population centre, and shopping centre, home of international... more travel advice

St. George's Favorites (4)

Visit historic St. George's, Bermuda's oldest town. The town features winding, crowded lanes, 17th century archtecture,... more travel advice

Fort Hamilton Things to Do (1)

Located above the City of Hamilton on Happy Valley Road, the walk to the Fort is a steep climb but well worth it. From... more travel advice

The Royal Naval Yard Tourist Traps (1)

While it does contain interesting architecture and items of historical interest, the Naval Yard for the most part was... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
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What to Pack (1)
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Travelogues (4)

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Comments (37)

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Lady-Charisma Dec 11, 2004 at 12:38 PM

Hullo! I'm headed to Bermuda in 2 days and I'm so excited about the trip. Your tips have been so helpful and I truly appreciate them. Thank you very much!
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donnie_dread May 29, 2003 at 9:47 PM

The black population in Bermuda is not really growing that much at all - it has been around 60% for years!
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windoweb Nov 26, 2002 at 6:41 AM

Would love to see this this land- of sun and pastel colours, palm trees and pink sand.
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grandmaR Oct 28, 2002 at 2:54 PM

There are no rental cars on Bermuda because there is no space for cars. There didn't used to be any private cars at all. Only the head of a family may own a car, and they have to dispose of it before they can buy another one.
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vrage Apr 9, 2002 at 8:10 AM

Hey nice pages, great detail on St. Georges
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Sharrie Feb 9, 2002 at 10:04 PM

Excellent account. The beach looks wonderful!
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Alphons Jan 8, 2002 at 10:44 AM

nice page
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Geoff_Wright Sep 15, 2001 at 1:13 PM

I thought I was reading about the UK - but for the beaches! W
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GenkiMac Sep 10, 2001 at 10:52 PM

Enchanting dialogue
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funkymama Sep 8, 2001 at 4:48 PM

WOW wonderful page,with lovely pics