A BIT OF ST. GEORGE'S HISTORY

St George is where Bermuda began - shipwrecked mariners stumbled ashore in 1609 and there have been inhabitants ever since.  In 1612 the first true settlers arrived on the British ship called the Plough and built up the town over the years to include a Town Hall, churches, forts and governor's home.      

St. George was the capital of Bermuda until about 200 years ago when Hamilton took over.  The State House was built in 1620 and was the home of the first Bermuda parliament. 

 

Since 2000 St. George has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and the designation has served to protect the historic architecture.

The town is quaint and there are lots of historic buildings that we are going to have fun exploring. 

  

CONDO BASICS

Now that I have been in the condo for almost a week, I figure I am a bit more grounded and can probably find my way around - at least within a kilometer.  We live in the Parish of St. George's on the far eastern edge and southern side of the island.  The condominium estate is located on the shores of Convict Bay.   I am surrounded by streets that reflect a nautical and military past: Barracks Hill, Blockade Alley, and sometimes there is even a piratical flair like Pieces of Eight Lane and Shinbone Alley.  Not sure where the criminal content comes into play, but will do some research.

The condo itself is on the second floor and even though there are townhouses in front of us, we have a gorgeous view of the bay from both the main bedroom and the living room.  It has been the highlight of my day to wake up in the morning and open curtains and shutters, and step out onto a balcony overlooking the sea. 

We probably have about 1200 sq feet of space altogether - two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living/dining room.  The interior could do with some modernization and maintenance, and the furniture, although functional, is not exactly Home and Garden.  But who am I to complain - the view alone makes it all worthwhile.   And the winter temperature is more than bearable at 21 degrees Celsius today. 

 

There is also a wharf to walk on just 50 steps from the condo and a quiet, sandy beach for residents.  Can't wait to watch grandchildren splashing about in the sea and sand.

Till next time.

HIGH WINDS AND HEAVY SEAS

Woke up to Monday morning high winds of 48kms per hour and rough seas.  Blowing so hard I was worried about Patrick going kite sailing on his scooter.  However, no-one else seemed to mind as I saw a brigade of residents leaving for the first day of the work week putt-putting out on their Vespa's.  All very sedate, wearing helmets and windbreakers as the only shield to the weather.  Wonder what wind speed will lead to stay-at-home days - maybe something like our experience of snow days up north?

This is the view from our condo today - not seeing any boats out there. 

 

ISLAND PARADISE

'You go to heaven if you want - I'd rather stay here in Bermuda.'  a quote attributed to Mark Twain.

It really is a lovely island - the palm trees, hibiscus flowers and birds of paradise in bloom even in the winter.  The brightly coloured homes and pristine white roofs. Narrow, winding roads filled with the sounds of scooters.  The tree frogs providing a constant background of music. And the beaches - white sand, turquoise water, and gentle surf at every turn in the road. 

I think we have found a glimpse of paradise. 

FIRST DAY IN BERMUDA

Bermuda - the new frontier: 
We have finally joined up after five months apart.  Until today Patrick has been living on the island while I stayed up north in Ontario, Canada.  Today marks another step into the future together - island life. 

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, about 54 square km in total, with a population of just over 64,000.  It is 1000km east of Cape Hatteras, USA; and 1,500km north of Puerto Rico.  Slap bang in the middle of nowhere and way smaller than where we call home. 

The hardship - moving house by flight - can anyone imagine? - crochety old bag, loaded down by 4 other bags carefully weighed to be exactly 50 pounds each; one Mary Poppins bag filled to capacity slung round neck, and carry on wheelie containing, of all things - lampshades, tea bags and you guessed it...books.   I must have looked a sight and certainly provided small talk snippets from bug-eyed fellow travelers - I could hardly see over the top of the mountain of luggage to steer my way through the crowds.  They were probably thinking that "the lady must have lots of clothes and a lot less sense"  not knowing that those bags contained our worldly goods for a long sojourn away from home.  The long list of 'must haves' included duvet covers and sheets, a couple of pillows, a trusty cheese grater, scuba gear, knitting, mugs, towels, pictures, photos, a few clothes, etc, etc, and ....yup.. books.  Thank goodness for a helpful and friendly bus driver at Park 'n Fly, and a porter who took time out to load my belongings onto a cart.  WestJet service wasn't so bad either.

The bright spot - landing in the middle of winter to find the temperature at a balmy 18 degrees Celsius.  Ah, bliss!

And so our new adventure begins - I think we are going to enjoy it - we will certainly be making the most of it.