Walk like a Bermudian

[dswigle]

I decided to take you on a short little walk while I was visiting Bermuda. Located in the Western Atlantic, Bermuda is a tiny little island rich in cultural and colonial influences. It was surprising for me to learn that it is actually Britain's oldest colony, since 1609. The population is a mix of shipwrecked British and later, many more found their way here, plus a mix of different ethnicities from the shameful slave trades that brought them from Western Africa plus a smattering of American Indians, and also the Caribbean. It has evolved into a delightful culture of people, beautiful beaches and a uniqueness that I have never been able to put my finger on. And yes, I love it. I do.

This is part of the Royal Naval Dockyard, built on the western end of the island in the 1800s for Britain's Royal Navy. It served as a stronghold out there in the Atlantic clear through World War ll, but made its complete closure in 1993. It now serves as a town-wide museum, housing glass blowing factories, rum cake factories, historical museums and a plethora of art galleries. Below is the US Team Oracle, used in the 2017 America's Cup Race hosted by Bermuda.

While America's Cup has developed into an international event, its roots are decidedly British – the original event took place between the Isle of Wight and the south coast of England in the 1800s. As a British Commonwealth Overseas Territory, Bermuda still retains a good measure of British culture, with plenty of island soul mixed in. America's Cup Village was housed on Cross Island in the Royal Naval Dockyard, once the largest British naval base outside the United Kingdom. A manmade island, Cross Island extends out into the Great Sound and was built specifically for the 35th America's Cup. See further info here

I walk the cobblestoned streets of the Dockyard and follow the path of the Fort's walls. The weather couldn't be more perfect, the gentle breeze fanning my face. This post is dedicated to #WednesdayWalk by @Tattoodjay. If you want to read about how to participate, check out his current post here.

I pass by the local uniform shop. Yes, they really do. The island is decisively steeped in all things British, the overwhelmingly charming traditions of high tea and those Bermuda shorts, decked out with knee socks, button up shirt and a tie. A jacket or not, but, usually I see one.

This tree is a species of palm, with odd roots and seeds like a pinecone. Don't the roots look like they could walk right out of there? This was a small one, the larger ones had giant roots. Below are the pinecone-like seeds.

Up the hill where the vegetation is thicker as we travel east, out of town. The sun is shining and the weather is perfect. I start to see the pastel colors of little houses. Did I mention already that the weather is perfect?

The bus stops are many and heavily used. In Bermuda, only one vehicle per household is allowed, so public transportation is vital here. I can honestly say that it is a great system and very affordable, making it easy for a tourist to go from one end of the island to the other. I appreciate the fact that they run well into the midnight hours, unlike the ferry, which you have to pay attention to their changing schedule, how long the lines are, and if it will be overcrowded before you get on, or if it will be last one of the night, you may well have to sprint to a bus stop to get down island before the break of dawn.

This church was resurrected in the 1800s and sadly, most of the graves have fallen to disrepair or have simply disappeared. Cemeteries on the water are a real hardship for caretaking. May they all rest in peace. Rest in peace.

I always wonder what the typical housing looks like in the area of my visit. The majority of the houses are constructed of local limestone. It is in keeping with tradition, the houses are pastel-colored and with white, terraced rooftops. It's not all about looks, but rather the purpose of them was to collect rainwater which flows and is collected into the basements. They have no lakes, rivers so are dependent on annual rainfall, which is sufficient to make them self sustaining. How can you spell no water bill??

I will be the first to admit, most of the roads do not have sidewalks, except in a few housing areas, but, it seems that the drivers watch out for the pedestrians. I am too American for that and I carefully walk through the grass as opposed to the local habit of the middle of the road.

To be fair, it was at the side of the road, but, most roads were wide enough for two scooters to go by each other.

All along the road, the rugged coast is in view. I love the fact that as beautiful as it is, it is not overbuilt and there is plenty of coastline for everyone.

I found my way to the beach! Go left for the beach, go right for the beach. One mile or three... beach, beach, beach. I wandered down the beach and came upon these brothers all smothered in the sand. Easier to keep track of.



No offense, but, I am ditching you people here. I love you and all, but, I need a little Vitamin Sea, know what I mean? Thanks for joining in my #WednesdayWalk and you can probably pick me up around 6 pm - local time! Have a most wonderful day!

And of course, we must have a flower. Always a flower. This post is dedicated to #WednesdayYellow by @Kalemandra, who always colors my world. Every. Single. Day.

¸.♥´¸.•♥*¨) Let the sun shine in on your life
So the joy may touch your soul
(¸.•´♥ (¸.•´ ♥

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---

Thank you for visiting my post 💖 Because of you, I come back to post again and again, I am encouraged by you, for the time you take to visit, comment or even upvote. For all of these reasons, I am eternally grateful. Don't ever forget what a wonderful world we live in, people. Let's hold hands around the globe and make this earth really spin. Some days, it is not as easy to see, how wonderful it really is. Kindness counts. Wherever you go, whatever you do.

I always post this poem down at the bottom of my posts. It is one that has become so near and dear to my heart. I only post the most famous part of it, but, wanted to post it in its entirety today.

they set my aunts house on fire
i cried the way women on tv do
folding at the middle
like a five pound note.
i called the boy who use to love me
tried to ‘okay’ my voice
i said hello
he said warsan, what’s wrong, what’s happened?

i’ve been praying,
and these are what my prayers look like;
dear god
i come from two countries
one is thirsty
the other is on fire
both need water.

later that night
i held an atlas in my lap
ran my fingers across the whole world
and whispered,
"where does it hurt?"
it answered,

"everywhere"
"everywhere"
"everywhere"

warsan shire

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Comments

[tattoodjay]

Thanks for the tour a place I always planned to visit and now I wish I had
America’s Cup I seem to remember that, who holds the cup now? 😎

Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :)

Thanks for this great post and being an active member of @steemusa !tip

[dswigle]

New Zealand holds the cup!!!! :) USA Team Oracle had the cup and lost to New Zealand 7-1

Thanks for hosting the #WednesdayWalk! I love finding new places to walk... and of course the old Battlefield.

!tip

[tattoodjay]

Of course i knew that LOL, the caps I wear at the moment are Team New Zealand Americas cup 2021 :)
Its my Pleasure to host the challenge :) !tip

[dswigle]

Oh, it must have been a junior moment there. :) Don't worry! We'll be ready for you!

[tattoodjay]

Good Luck it should be an interesting cup session with these new styles fo boats they have gone for

[dswigle]

I know!!! They are super cool looking and I love the fact that they can now right themselves! What a great concept!

This should be interesting!

[tattoodjay]

the technology on these boats are absolutely amazing my next two ports events I am looking forward to are the rugby World Cup later this year and then the Americas Cup:)

[tipu]

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[dswigle]

Thank you for the tip!!! @tattoodjay

[tipu]

🎁 Hi @tattoodjay! You have received 0.1 SBD tip from @dswigle!

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[tattoodjay]

Thanks @dswigle so kind of you :)

[arcange]

Congratulations @dswigle!
Your post was mentioned in the Steem Hit Parade in the following category:

• Comments - Ranked 7 with 46 comments

[dswigle]

Thank you for the mention in the #Hit-Parade @arcange! As you know, I am always so honored to make your list.

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[tipu]

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[old-guy-photos]

I always love when you bring a bit of the islands our way. Those palms are really cool and they do seem to be mobile! I am such a fan of palms that I hope to have a future that involves them! I am sure I would never want to leave there. They would have to drag me away!

[dswigle]

Oh, what is not to love about the islands, right? Those palms are all over and I cannot believe I didn't notice them before. Oh, my head must have been in the sand!

I know you are a fan of palms, but, if you want them in your future, why aren't you moving to Alabama or Florida instead of Virginia? There aren't any palms here except in the Botanical Gardens. :)

Oh, there are still fingernail marks where I was holding on when they were dragging me away. I kid you not. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your words. Always a pleasure.

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[tipu]

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[pixresteemer]

Congratz, your post has been resteemed and, who knows, will maybe appear in the next edition of the #dailyspotlights (Click on my face if you want to know more about me...)Check the rules of the Daily Spotlights if you want to nominate someone!Pixresteemer is also listed as promoter on The Steemians Directory

[dswigle]

Thank you for the resteem @pixresteemer! Always appreciated!

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[tipu]

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[lizelle]

What a lovely Wednesday walk @dswigle! Thank you for sharing the history and the beauty of Bermuda with us.

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[jacey.boldart]

I'm feeling all Bermudawee now!

Lovin that sign post. :)

[dswigle]

Aren't you?? I am still walking like a Bermudian! I swear it. I love that signpost too. I wanted to add Washington, DC to it! Don't you think?

It was calm, it was beautiful, I was at peace and I didn't want to come home. Pffft. Sometimes life just isn't fair!

Thanks for the visit and I hope you have an amazing night!

!tip

[tipu]

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[tipu]

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[dswigle]

Thank you for the generous upvote and comment! Oh, truly, who wouldn't want to travel like that for a living!??

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[sheikh27]

As a british colony, its very old and found some historical issue from the royal navy of British. The root of the tree is likely to be walking and its seeds looks amazing. You are alwalys make you walking post very interesting and informative.

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[dswigle]

Truth! It was discovered in 1609 and I believe is one of the oldest British Colonies. Thank you for stopping by!

[manorvillemike]

Bermuda is great with it's pink sand beaches... :-)

[dswigle]

It really is a cool place, isn't it? Those beaches have gotten pinker in the last two years. A few years back, the hurricane washed it all away!

But, now it's back! ;)

Thanks for taking the time to visit, Mike!

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[tipu]

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[manorvillemike]

Thanks @dswigle

[dswigle]

It is always a pleasure!

[mcsamm]

the fun is getting more interesting with you @dswigle. I can't wait to see you share the market closer to you morrow.

[dswigle]

Thank you so much, Sam! I look forward to #MarketFriday always! You bring to me the very best of West Africa!

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[tipu]

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[papilloncharity]

Great to see one of the oldest British colonies Lady Denise.
Annexed way before us. Strange how the British manner linger in the free colonies, as there is a place in Zimbabwe, previously Rhodesia where we stayed called the Churchill's Arms, where one would swear that you are in Britain.
Bermuda looks like the place to be.
Blessings!

[dswigle]

I think it remains that way as the always have Brits floating in and out, keeping the traditional going.

I remember when it was Rhodesia and all the bloodshed and people leaving there. I hope times are better now.

[papilloncharity]

They are talking about re-imbursing the white farmers for the loss of their farms Lady Denise, but nothing yet as there is no money.
Over here they are starting to call the white farmers land thieves and it seems that we are headed the same way soon.
Blessings!

[steemitboard]

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[dswigle]

Thank you @steemitboard!

!tip

[tipu]

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[tipu]

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[dswigle]

Thank you for the awesome tip @tattoodjay!

[jayna]

Ha ha, vitamin sea. I love it! Great pictures, @dswigle! This was a lovely tour.

[toddrjohnson]

Beautiful shots. I was drawn in by the America's cup boat. Is that the smaller version that they used?

Proud member of #powerhousecreatives

[prydefoltz]

Looks like a paradise and with so few cars, sign me up. I have been to the Caribbean but never Bermuda. Thanks so much for sharing so much of your vacation with steemit. You really do make this place special.

[shuvo35]

I also listening about Bermuda island .thanks for share your content. Hope you enjoy this time .overall nice photography .had nice day.

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[angiemitchell]

Thanks for taking us on a walk with you, I enjoyed it.

[bluemoon]

When it comes to an island, nothing can be more pleasant. Bermuda is so far from me that I don't even try to dream, I'm glad to see some parts of it because of you.
You know very well, best of all, to present such places.
It intrigued me that there are few inhabitants in your photos ... are they just so few?

[ackhoo]

Hahaha... Love how you ditched us all... lol
And I do love all you have shown and described... Thank you for Bermudas to the world! Those roots are amazing - yes, I can see them walk out of there... One car a household is great! Especially if the public transportation is great, I would choose it too! Beach left, right and everywhere would be my favourite point... 😊

[nurseanne84]

you know what, its a beautiful island and, before I ever forget, I thought that Bermuda is just this vortex where airplanes and ships gets lost and the navigation devices got awry. I never really expected that it would be this beautiful!

Thank you for sharing these pictures! They are really beautiful!

[blazing]

A great place to be in for sure looking at the shots was incredible

[traciyork]

I LOVE so much about this island meander, Denise! Funny thing too - last week when I was going through stuff to scan for my throwback post, I found a postcard my mother sent me when she went to Bermuda with a friend back in the 70s. I'll have to make a point of scanning it some time soon, and tagging you.

Something about that shorts poster gives off a wicked 80s vibe! So awesome.

Thank you for the vicarious Vitamin Sea superbness! !tip

[tipu]

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[roselifecoach]

An educational walk through history and tons on beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing!

[kamrunnahar]

Nice travel place Bermuda with high tea, rugged coast and beach lifestyle photography.

[phortun]

Astonishing photo tour Denise, thank you for taking us to this wonderful place :) Btw, I think those palms are called walking palms indeed. We saw them in Costa Rica and the national park guides told us they can walk up to a few meters during their lives :) Mother Nature never fails to amaze, right? :)

[thesteemengine]

Well, imagine this!! I learned something today ... which I always count as a win. I learned several somethings, in fact, so give yourself a few extra gold stars.

First of all, I would have sworn on a stack of Bibles ten feet tall that Bermuda was in the Caribbean. I figured (all these years) it was next door to Jamaica. (When I saw your photo with the signs pointing in all different directions and saw Jamaica 1237 ... I thought WTF? ... and did some online investigation. God, I love the internet!!)

In fact, I always thought if push came to shove and I had to choose one or the other, I'd choose to go to Jamaica -- which seemed like just a less snooty, more native and colorful version of Bermuda. But they're in two entirely different places, so I have to rearrange my fantasies!!

I had no idea there was something out in the middle of the freakin' Atlantic!! And I couldn't have told you where the Sargasso Sea was with a gun to my head. I know of that from the title of this book ---> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_Sargasso_Sea ---> but I had absolutely no idea where it was.

So, I'm glad I found your post. It actually changed my feelings and opinions about Bermuda. I'm very pleased to have learned something, because being an ignoramus is not how I see myself. I'm feeling pretty good about it all. And I hope so are you.

May your holiday continue to be marvelous!

[wikitextbot]

Wide Sargasso Sea
Wide Sargasso Sea is a 1966 novel by Dominica-born British author Jean Rhys. It is a feminist and anti-colonial response to Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre (1847), describing the background to Mr Rochester's marriage from the point-of-view of his mad wife Antoinette Cosway, a Creole heiress. Antoinette Cosway is Rhys' version of Brontë's devilish "madwoman in the attic". Antoinette's story is told from the time of her youth in Jamaica, to her unhappy marriage to a certain unnamed English gentleman, who renames her Bertha, declares her mad, and takes her to England.