MUSIC - FOOD FOR THE SOUL

We recently had a Saturday night dinner date with friends at The St. George's Club at the club's restaurant called Griffin's.  The restaurant appears to be old style British, managed by a quiet major domo who glided  silently about the room, anticipating everyone's needs.  The meals were delicious, and the company was great.  

An added bonus was that while we were eating we were entertained by the co-ed Yale a Capella choir called Mixed Company.  All were undergraduate University students who sang a medley of songs from modern to classic - a diverse genre including R & B, jazz, rock, pop, and musical theatre.  Great voices, good rhythm and fun to watch. 

Imagine studying astrophysics or biochemistry at Yale and being gifted by a beautiful voice as well?

A memorable evening.

EDUCATION BERMUDIAN STYLE

Every day for the last two weeks, I have watched young people having fun on the water.  There are usually about a dozen students crewing three yachts with pink sails, as well as two marine inflatable boats that follow them around, manned by instructors.  The sounds of laughter and shouted instructions carry across the water and the antics are a delight to watch. 

I decided to do some research - to find out more about these exploits that occur so consistently every morning.  What I discovered was that there is a program called Bermuda Schools WaterWise (BSWW) that teaches 10 to 12 year old middle school children about water safety, seamanship and sailing as part of their school curriculum.  The program is led by teachers and lessons are conducted during school hours as part of their curriculum.  The venues are either yacht club facilities or, if they are lucky enough - right there within school grounds if they are waterfront schools.  The program is now funded by Oracle - Team USA of America's Cup fame.

Another interesting tidbit I came across was that a charitable foundation called the Bermuda Sloop Foundation (BSF) built a replica tall ship modelled on the original 1800's Spirit of Bermuda sailing vessel.  The modern Spirit of Bermuda was constructed around 2006 and now serves as a sail training ship for Bermuda's youth.  Each middle school child has an opportunity of sailing on a week long Atlantic voyage.  During their time on board the budding sailors learn about Bermudian culture, history, sea technology and improve their seafaring prowess.  But it is also seen as character building, where students can learn the art of co-operation, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and resiliency.

Great to see such a positive educational tool with such happy results!

                                 The Spirit of Bermuda. Photo by Seán Pòl Ó Creachmhaoil.

FEBRUARY UPHEAVAL

After an all too brief relaxing sojourn in Bermuda, it was back to Burlington to tidy up, clean up, pack up, declutter, and store.  Working every day for three weeks, accumulating hours of backbreaking and tedious slog, the move has finally been accomplished.  Taylors Moving had a team of packers who spent two days packing up the final bits - mostly from the kitchen, dining room and clothing from closets.  After that came the movers who managed to pack all of our worldly goods into a 40 foot container that was trucked off to deep storage - not to be seen for two years. 

Then came the U Haul truck to lug a 10 foot van load of goods into a storage unit that we can get into from time to time.   All those things that we (see I) think will be needed over the two year period - clothes, books, electronics, tools. ... and did I mention books?   Unfortunately, some of the stuff was just last minute detritus that should have gone to long-term storage, but in the panic of last minute packing, just never made it there.  

And finally, there were the six suitcases designated for immediate use in Bermuda - some kitchen gadgets, clothes, toiletries, and .... you guessed it - books!

Two things I know for sure: 1.  Patrick and I are getting too old to be carrying 30 to 50lb loaded cardboard boxes anywhere! (That will be the last U Haul we do) and 2. I sure am a packrat.  Found some interesting things that had been buried over time - some long lost photos, stained glass tools, embroidery waiting for needle and thread.  Also found some stuff better forgotten - old dresses, old magazines, and letters written long, long ago. A journal from my youth - shredded with a shudder.  And professional backlog - articles, essays, research papers all the way back to the 80's - what was I thinking?

One good thing to come out of all of this: I have finally managed to throw out the unwanted or unnecessary, or long out of date paraphernalia - the essays have been shredded, the magazines/articles and papers are doing their bit for recycling, and Value Village acquired just a little bit more.  Not to mention that the landfill site took its fair share as well.

I feel a sense of relief in a way - I know what I have, I know where it all is (more or less) and I know what to do with it all.  It's like starting a new chapter once more, with none of those untidy, bothersome leftovers that constantly trip you up.

And now to the next phase: to follow through and finish the projects that have been started, and to keep up with some sort of routine.   Now that I have the time, what I really want to focus on is actually making some of the ideas I have and projects in my head into a reality.

Let's hope it all falls into place.

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.