Page 141 - Visitor Guides

caPture

Bermuda

BERMUDA RANKS as one of the more remote islands in
the world, it is either second or third in the list—a point for
discussion with those ‘Tommy-know-it-alls’ who enjoy a good
debate. Certainly, it is one of the most beautiful places in the
world; those from all walks of life have confirmed this point

since the late 18th century, when Bermuda began attracting
Bermuda Gombey Dancer

visitors to our far-flung shores.

The Island is located in the Atlantic Ocean on the same lati-
tude as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, just 650 miles o’ the

Eastern seaboard. Warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream,
Bermuda is a sub-tropical island with lush vegetation; the sea-

sonal rainfall and a stable water table provide su•cient water
to support a relatively dense growth accented by splashes of
glorious colour.

In the beginning, Bermuda was a farming and fishing communi-

ty, well known for its exports of the Easter Lily and the Bermuda
onion. This lucrative trade came to an end in the 1930’s. How-
ever, Bermudians are enterprising and resilient; everything we
build, make or create performs a double duty; even our out-
going nature is a direct spin-o’ from our isolation.

We enjoy a good time and some say we are born entertainers:
we love an audience. Street festivals are a weekly event in the
summer; the friendly atmosphere is truly contagious. The ven-

ues hosting these events are significant areas that you will like-
ly become familiar with during your daytime sightseeing and
shopping activities as they are transformed to the lively street
festivals in the evening and include the Royal Naval Dockyard
in the west end of the Island, the Town of St. George in the
east end and the City of Hamilton, our capital city. Get into the
rhythm and beat of Calypso, Reggae, Jazz and African dance
groups while you take in the music, art, food and fun. Review
the schedule for these street festivals in the Bermuda Depart-
ment of Tourism’s brochure available island-wide or check your
concierge or the Visitor Information Centres for details.

During the festive holiday season, visitors will be spoiled for
choices, a slate of sporting events fill the days and cultural

events dominate in the evenings. Talent is never in short sup-
ply—we may be small, but we are good. Dates for voice and
music recitals are dotted throughout the holiday calendar. And,
the new wave of youthful playwrights and actors inject a fresh
‘buzz’ and energy into this vibrant cultural scene.

4 1.800.BERMUDA