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#1
11-09-2007, 02:12 AM
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A Look at Bermuda
Bermuda, a sub-tropical Atlantic archipelago north of the Caribbean, was once a refuge for pirates. Now it's a vacation haven for 600,000 visitors each year, including many Americans and Canadians. Bermuda is an archipelago of almost 200 coral islands and islets situated not in the Caribbean but 650 miles (1,045km) off the east coast of America, in the Atlantic. The mainland comprises the seven main islands linked to each other by causeways and bridges and stretches just 20 miles (32km) from tip to tail.
Most have always gone for the peace and quiet, secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, manicured landscapes, and a holiday destination that is old-fashioned, formal and genteel. But Bermuda's appeal is not limited to this; it' s a favorite destination for a mix of visitors. Perhaps Bermuda?s appeal lies in its sub-tropical nature, temperate climate and rich tapestry of cultures. The diminutive 21 square mile island lies 650 miles east-southeast of North Carolina, USA. Fresh ocean breezes are warmed year round and scented with gardenias, spice and stephanotis. Bermuda?s heritage dates back 400 years to Britain, Africa, the Azores, North America and the West Indies. The people, old-timers to newcomers, nurtured in this sunny climate, share a pride of place and a joy of life that is 100 percent Bermudian. World-class golf courses and over 70 tennis courts await you. Warm crystal-clear waters welcome swimmers, snorkellers and divers. Bermuda?s many beaches lie along its coastline like a string of rosy coral beads on an azure silk gown. Wherever you stay, the ocean is never more than a mile away. Frequent, comfortable buses call at nearly every corner and friendly, helpful taxi drivers are eager to show off the island. More than 80 restaurants and 40 cafes and coffee shops cater to every budget and taste, from posh to inexpensive. Come nightfall, put on your dancing shoes and explore Bermuda?s nightlife. Bermuda?s gracious accommodations range from world-class resort hotels and cottage colonies to intimate bed and breakfast inns, cottages, suites and apartments. St. George's Town The town is delightful to walk around, with narrow lanes leading away from the harbour, originally footpaths meandering to local homes. Houses sport well-kept gardens with banana and paw-paw trees. Horse-drawn buggy rides are available in town, and a bus service carries visitors to nearby places of interest like Clearwater Beach, St David?s Island and Fort St Catherine. Direct flights to Bermuda take anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours from most gateway cities on the North American eastern seaboard, and less than 7 hours when flying from London. The airport is located towards the north of the islands, 10 miles (16km) from Hamilton. Time: GMT ?4 (GMT ?3 from first Sunday in April to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +1 441 299 4804. Transfer to the city: There is a shuttle bus which takes visitors to Hamilton in 30 minutes. Taxis are also available and some hotels offer courtesy buses. Car rental: There are no car hire companies on the island but motor-scooters can be hired without a license. Facilities: There are shops, a bistro and a bar, and duty-free goods are also available. Banks and ATMs, as well as a bureau de change are also available at the airport. 
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#2
11-09-2007, 02:14 AM
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Quick Facts and Figures Official Name: Bermuda Capital City: Hamilton Latitude/Longitude 32? 20'N, 64? 45'W Languages: English, Portuguese Official Currency Bermudian Dollar Religions non-Anglican Protestant 39%, Anglican 27%, Roman Catholic 15%, other 19% Population 65,773 Land Area 53.3 sq km (20.5 sq miles) Landforms generally flat land rising to low hills. It includes about 140 offshore coral islands and/or islets. There! are no rivers or lakes. Land Divisions 9 parishes and 2 municipalities*; Devonshire, Hamilton, Hamilton*, Paget, Pembroke, Saint George*, Saint George's, Sandys, Smith's, Southampton, Warwick
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#3
11-16-2007, 02:36 PM
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My mother, who was recently diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer, wants her ashes spread in Bermuda. The happiest year of her life was when she was 22 years old & went to spend a week in Bermuda & stayed a year!!
This is such a good story & we have heard it a million times!! My Mom, a Canadian citizen, & her best friend from nursing school went to Bermuda for a vacation. They loved it!! They got jobs at the local hospital (this was in 1945 now). They met Alfred Hitchcock (actually went to his house for drinks on Christmas)  they got a little tipsy & had to ride their bikes back to the nursing dorm - Mom crashed - got a bad gash on her head - but made it to work on time - with her head in a complete banadge & a terrible hang over!!  Once the year was over they decided to return to Manitoba & were promptly put in a holding cell at the airport!!  They had never bothered to get work visa's or whatever Canada required for them to be out of the country for a year!!My uncle (Mom's brother) who worked a farm over 100 miles north of Winnepeg (a place called Sawn Lake) had to drive all the way to the city to bail her & her firend out of jail!! My Mom is the youngest of 5 children - my Uncle Jim the oldest - he is 15 years older then she. It was harvest season & he was not happy. Mom said it was the quietiest ride back to the farm she had ever had!! I am looking forward to going to Bermuda, to see the place that made her so happy. Linda
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#4
11-16-2007, 02:55 PM
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How Sweet!
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#5
11-16-2007, 03:13 PM
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i always wanted to go to Bermuda smile maybe on few days cruise to Bermuda is not so bad idea
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RCCL: Freedom of the Seas 10/28/07 RCCL: Rhapsody of the Seas 10/24/04
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#6
11-18-2007, 06:36 PM
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Linda I did not know your mom was a Canadian Citizen... That is a great story...
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#7
11-18-2007, 06:43 PM
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Quote:
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#8
11-18-2007, 06:56 PM
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All of Rusty's family ( cousins etc ) live in Dauphin... not very far from Swan Lake...
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#9
11-18-2007, 07:00 PM
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OMG! Small world. They are all named "Sheffield" ('cept for the woman cousins - & I have no idea their married names) Linda
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#10
04-16-2008, 03:55 PM
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I track flight costs (just cause I'm anal & there are software programs that will ping me when a fare has dropped)
Get this!! I can now fly to Bermuda from CA for the same price it would cost me to fly to Vegas!! Boy, am I glad I bought my Vegas air months ago!! So. . . .who wants to go to Bermuda for $ 500.00 R/T?? Linda
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