A few things I learned about Bermuda…
Despite common misconception, Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean – it actually lies hundreds of miles to the north in the Atlantic.
As you might expect for a group of islands in the middle of the ocean, it is very breezy – you must be very careful if you choose to wear a skirt.
There are chickens wandering around everywhere – I mean EVERYWHERE! On the resort properties, at the parks, in the yards of the residents… everywhere.
This trip began much like our trip to Turks and Caicos – with the idea of traveling outside the United States for Justin’s birthday. I chose Bermuda and convinced Justin that we should go there for one reason. And what reason was that? Well, once I learned that the Grotto Bay Beach Resort has a cave that guests are allowed to swim in, I was pretty much sold.
But there was a catch…
The entrance to the cave was protected by a security guard who demanded attention and adoration before he permitted visitors to pass. As you can see, he meant business.
Once inside, it was a dark (and dangerous) walk down the narrow (and wet) stairs, but it was worth it! This was the reason we came to Bermuda! To swim in the clear (and cold) water of Cathedral Cave!
You have the choice of jumping right in or lowering yourself down into the water via the ladder. I chose the latter.
The incredible beauty of the cave provided a nice distraction from the cold temperature of the water. I’m sure there were no creepy creaures hiding below and it was just my mind playing tricks on me, but every time I looked down into the dark water beneath me, I swear I saw shapes moving in the shadows. Fortunately, the stalactites dripped, in some spots more than others, and provided a gentle, calming rain which helped me relax.
After our refreshing cave swim, we were ready to start exploring Bermuda. We walked to the nearby Blue Hole Park Nature Reserve and hiked the trails. There were several other caves to check out, and in our enthusiasm to see everything, it’s entirely possible that we both managed to smack our skulls against stalactites. Headbanging aside, Blue Hole Park was absolutely breathtaking.
As evening moved in, we walked over to Coney Island Park.
We had a terrific view of the sun setting over the other end of Bermuda.
The next morning, we visited the city of St. George and learned some of the history of Bermuda.
Did you know that the story of the shipwrecked passengers of the Sea Venture and their year of survival on Bermuda is believed to be the inspiration for Shakespeare’s The Tempest? We learned all about it on a walking tour of the town through the streets and parks.
These circular structures are called Moongates and they can be found all over Bermuda. While we posed for a self timer shot underneath one, we were joined by a chicken out enjoying a stroll. I’m telling you, they were everywhere!
High on a hill overlooking the town of St. George sits the Unfinished Church. Construction began in 1874, but due to financial problems (another church in town burned down and funds were diverted to pay for its rebuilding), it was never completed. Today, only the ruin remains.
It was so haunting and beautiful…
We had a big day planned for our final day in Bermuda. First, a trip to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo to view their tropical fish and marine animals.
After lunch, we planned to spend the rest of the afternoon basking in the golden sun on the pink sand beach of Horeshoe Bay, but Mother Nature had other plans. Dark clouds rolled in and a downpour started just minutes after we boarded the bus for the beach. We were seated a few rows apart on the crowded bus and could only communicate with facial expressions, just like humans were forced to do before texting changed everything. But since our iPhones weren’t set for international use, we had to settle for nonverbal communication.
When the bus pulled up to the Horseshoe Bay stop, we were in complete mental agreement. We were getting off and going to the beach, rain or not. We came all this way and we were going to see a pink sand beach before we left Bermuda.
It was definitely worth getting a little wet! Even with the dark clouds and the raindrops, it was the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen.
So our day at the beach was no day at the beach, but it was certainly a memorable ending to our adventure.
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