Back to the grind – one of the things I’ve really come to appreciate is that when you return from a vacation to Bermuda, it still feels like you’re on vacation, so the blues don’t hit you as hard. No bad days can be had if you’re surrounded by palm trees. I definitely missed Blake, my black beauty, riding on the scooter especially in the summer time is an exhilarating feeling that is like none other. The sense of freedom and just letting go, with the wind racing in your hair is almost therapeutic. In no time, I’m back to my regular routine, staying busy, bettering myself, applying myself, and getting more involved with my community. Whether it’s to meet new friends, support local organizations, or develop my skills, I am out there taking risks and getting my feet wet! To give you to a taste of my weekly schedule:
Mondays: spring league volleyball/tennis clinic @Bernard’s Park
Tuesday: hot vinyasa yoga @Lucky Elephant
Wednesday: running on the railway trial/ legs day @Beast gym/ Harbor Nights
Thursday: salsa class @Docksiders / tennis / running on the beach
Friday: HH @Newstead, Marina Nights @1609, UberVida sunset cruise
Saturday: watch the sunrise, farmer’s market, volunteering walking dogs with Chad, read on the beach, bbq, watch the sunset
Sunday: BJJ @Aries Gym/ brunch, beach volleyball, exploring the island, boating, snorkeling, supper club
…and in between I try to punctuate with reading, practicing guitar, playing piano, painting, going to art galleries, working with Pecha Kucha, aerial silks yoga, meditation, journaling, gardening, meal prep, tan and laundry! People often say there’s “Nothing to do in Bermuda” and I find that very hard to believe. The island offers so many amazing groups and organizations for anyone to participate in:
Obviously the summer time brings with it more activities and events like Rosé Day in the botanical garden, cruises to go see glow worms, horseback riding at sunset, TEDx talk, petting farm, world triathlon, jetskiing, paragliding and even an aerial tour of the island and stunning reefs on a helicopter ride. Another way to stay updated with any sort of event going around Bermuda is to check on the ptix website, where you can purchase tickets for shows, cruises, and parties. Find yourself featured in our local entertainment and social page, Bermynet. The Bermuda Film Festival and Bermuda Fashion Festival were two events I participated in that really surpassed my expectations for this island. Not only were they well executed and large scale, it brought diversity to the stage, evoked interest locally and gave us international appeal. Supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs is another great way to get involved with members of the community and enjoy a discussion regarding their passion and inspiration for their work. Harbor nights is an exciting opportunity to sample different vendors and support small businesses, while relishing in live music and delicious bites. I always go for the Portuguese doughnuts – malasadas, which are made fresh, warm and fluffy to order.
Fortunately, some mates have come visit me from Toronto as well as some optometry folk, so I’ve had the opportunity to show them around the island and attempt to give them some perspective on what life in Bermy is like. My first visitor was Liam, a dear friend from Timmins, Ontario. There was loads of excitement around this trip not only because it was my first time hosting, but also because it was his first encounter with a palm tree face to face! Liam enjoyed cliff diving at Admiralty, renting a scooter, and snorkeling at Clearwater – watching beautiful parrot fish feeding off coral reef. Although his pink sand got confiscated at customs, Liam managed to smuggle some sea glass home to Toronto.
Lisa came next, during Cup Match weekend she learned how Bermudians partied and drank her fair share of rum swizzle. Raft up at Mangrove Bay was one for the books and barely escaping trespassing charges into Ariel Sands was all part of the fun.
Joe Van Cura arrived via cruise ship, though I was off island – his family and him explored Tobacco Bay and Horseshoe beach, and was well rewarded with some of the most scenic views this island has to offer. No single beach is the same here – if you look closely at the details of the sand, pieces of broken coral reef determines the shade of pink we admire.
Another NECO alumni came to visit – Joanne and Jake, adventured around Bermuda in a Twizy! They went golfing at Port Royal, rode jetskis to the shipwreck, toured the Crystal Caves, shared a family naan at Ruby Mury’s and imbibed many frozen dark and stormys while getting their skin kissed by Bermuda sunshine.
Dr. Burtchell is arriving next week for a wedding and hopefully his stay will also surpass his expectations.
Mum is coming in mid-July for a visit while staying at Pillows B&B, can’t wait to have her here to relax and hang out. For the rest of you, guess you’ll be living vicariously through me for now while receiving postcards and seashells. When you’re ready for your next dream vacation, give me a shout and head down to the triangle △
Sunday Sessions 