Expert: Michael - 8/8/2006

Question
Dear Micheal,
 Hi, my husband and I are cruising to Bermuda in the beginning of Oct.  Docking both in Hamilton and St. George.  We are so excited we can't stand ourselves -Big anniversay-no children-first time in Bermuda!
A few questions:
-In both ports any thing NOT to be missed-night and day
-Excursions -which have you heard good things about.
-I keep finding references to sea glass in beach caves - any knowledge on that?
-We are looking to hit one of the gorgeous beaches-however- we are not beach body babes.  We are looking for a beach that is not so populated.

Any help/suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks so much
Tracy

Answer
Hi Tracy,

I kown the feeling you are speaking.  Linda and I are heading back the end of August and we are at the point of talking each night about the things we want to do and have never done (if you can believe that after more than a couple dozen visits).  You won't be dissapointed Tracy.  Bermuda is a great place to celebrate your anniversary.  

Tracy, it is not so much as to what not must be missed.  It is more like just being there.  Your senses will be overtaken.  You may have experianced the awe of the Grand Canyon, or the extreme beauty of a butterfly, an of course the very first feeling of becomming a parent.  Your senses are involved.  Bermuda excites the senses.  What you see at each corner, that sounds you hear (make certain to listen in the evening), the culture, and the Bermuda high.  

You ask for specifics but they all matter on your likes and dislikes.  For me when in Hamilton I would run the shops to just see how Bermuda is run, walk around town a little taking in a little shopping and the views.  Maybe walk up to Fort Hamilton for the view.  Do visit a pub (very British) for a pint of ale or toss back a black rum or rum swizzle if it appeals to you.

From Hamilton I would take bus #7 with bathing atire and towels, get off at Warrwick Long Bay and walk down the slight vertical to the ocean.  Walk west along the pink sand beaches through the grape lined dunes and over volcanic outcrops with the turquise ocean as a backdrop.  You will walk past several beaches many of whih will offer solitude and beauty. Jobson's cove, Stone Hole and a few others.  This will meet your requirement of "looking to hit one of the geourgas beaches."  Eventually you'll come to Horseshoe Bay, the most frequented, but wow beaches, where there are facilities.  These Tracy are some of the most pristine beaches you may ever see.  From there you can get on #7 again in the same direction, outbound, and get off a short way down at the stop for The Wyndym/Henry VIII Tavern/Gibbs Hill Lighthouse.  Walking up the lighthouse will bring your anniversary to new hieghts (no pun intended).  The view is spectacular.  The entire island chain.

All this can be done with a moped Tracy.  Linda and I rent a double moped which offers us more versatility to explore and go routes that the bus does not serve as often.  John Smiths Bay, The Vermont (an old Bermudian home in the trust), Harbour Road just to explore, or the railway trails.  If you go this way please heed a few things I learned from experience.  Because it is a British island they drive on the other side of the street.  Lock into your mind "Right is wrong, and left is right."  Do not look back.  Do not be intimidated by what I call a friendly Bermuda horn.  Beep-beep!  If you need you let him pass do so at YOUR best convenience.  Watch the road ahead for sand.  You do not want to lean into the turn around a corner on the bike if it is a sandy area.  I don't mean to scare you at all.  These are basics that no one will tell you.  That's all.  Mopeds are very big for visitors.  We love the mopeds.  Every time.  Linda would not drive one by herself but I am confident on it and enjoy the daylights out of it.  You could rent it in Hamilton and return it to St. George.

If you care not for the moped then for an excursion I would recommend a Blue Flag taxi.  Walk up to a taxi with a blue flag on the right front.  These drivers are trained in tourism and "the sights."  You pay by the hour.  Perhaps you could hook up with another couple on the ship to split the cost.  Tell him you are a first timer to Bermuda and you won't be sorry. Take this from Hamilton simple because it is more centrally located.  Decide on 2-4 hours.

Another excursion if I may call it that is "Out and About" with Jo Cook.  A pleasant lady who will take you around to see whatever you care to.  Lovely properties in the Fairylands area, walks designed just for your likes ... the railway beds etc. Jo is in the Bermuda phone book or go to www.bermudashorts.bm and get her link if this appeals to you. She is an English darling.  Tell her Michael and Linda said hello.

Jo Cook, or a moped could take you to the glass beach.  The easyiest to find anThis glass beach is small.  No caves here Tracy.  Someone gave you bum info.  No one will be here bathing either.  Small cottages align the street across the way.  As the water rolls up on the beach and laps the seashoreh you can hear the tinkle of glass being pushed against each piece.  Bring a small plastic sandwich bag for your collection.  The light blue pieces are the most sought after and difficult to find.  White, brown and green are most seen and make for a nice gift if you are a craft person.  Linda put hers in a dish around a candle,  She gave a simple jar filled with them to her sister.d get to is in St. George.  You couldn't walk to it.  It is on Barry Road next to Alexander Battery, a fort.   

Let me just sidebar here and tell you to call the Bermuda Department of tourism now (800-BERMUDA) and tell them to send you a Handy Reference Map and a Transportation Schedule.  Maybe a Railway Trail Map especially if you are figuring a moped.     

This brings us to St. George.  The do's:  the tiny shops, the White Horse Tavern, a walk through the lanes such as Old Maid's Lane, Printer's Alley, Aung Peggies Lane and that general area. The glass beach I spoke of is in St. George.  Black Beards Hideawy is next to Fort St. Catherine and is a very nice place to sit and relax with a swizzle or diet coke, or an order of Fish & Chips.  A taxi from King's Square would take you there in five minutes.

A moped wouldn't limit your going back and forth to Tobacco Bay, the Swizzle Inn, or the glass beach.  

The sights are the very best in and around St. George.

Have a happy anniversary!

Happy planning!
Michael