Bermuda Jewel in the Crown

In a setting of cerulean waters and stunning pink beaches, Bermuda is a small, subtropical coral island in the North Atlantic. Only 23 square miles in area, this tranquil and prosperous fish-hook shaped archipelago of 69,000 warm, hospitable people sits atop a long-extinct volcanic chain, 570 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the nearest land. 

Bermuda has just two towns – Hamilton and St George. The town square, harbour and quaint narrow streets of St George, the island’s former capital, take visitors back to a time when churches and houses were made out of hand quarried stone and boats crafted out of Bermuda cedar. 
Hamilton became Bermuda’s capital in 1815. Unlike St George, throughout its history, Hamilton has adapted its architecture to suit its changing needs. Although multi-storied office buildings, hotels and apartments dominate the skyline, the older more traditional architecture is still in the mix. 
The Royal Naval Dockyard, where our cruise ship dropped anchor, is situated on the western tip of the island. With so many amenities, it could arguably be seen as the island’s third town. 
The dockyard is a centre for artists and artisans. Local potters, drawing on Bermuda colours and scenery, make a whole range of ceramics at the Bermuda Clayworks. Nearby is Bermuda Glassworks where glass blowers, inspired by Bermuda’s flora and fauna, create beautiful pieces in an array of colours.
Considered to be Britain’s oldest ‘Jewel in the Crown’, Bermuda is a paradise in the Atlantic for what it has as well as for what it doesn’t have. Fast food or franchise chains are not allowed in Bermuda. The only exception is a KFC. There are no billboards or neon signs, though. 
Because of the high density of population, the government restricts automobiles to one per household. You cannot rent a car. However, you can rent scooters. Getting around the island by bus or ferry is very easy. 
Bermuda’s crystal-clear waters provide perfect conditions for kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling. For a breathtaking view of the vibrant coral reefs and century-old shipwrecks, take a glass-bottom boat tour of the shallow waters.
On land, play a round at one of the many world-class golf courses, sunbathe on glorious pink-sand beaches, or watch the twilight sky ablaze with colour. 
In St George, hop on a Segway for a slow-paced tour of the historic buildings, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old world streets, walk the crooked streets to see the pastel houses, or just walk down an aisle lined with hibiscus and oleander. St Peter’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church outside the British Isles, is well worth a visit. 
In Hamilton, climb the calorie-burning 185 steps of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for a fisheye view of the Atlantic, or experience one of Bermuda’s oldest living treasures – the Crystal Caves. To taste Bermudian culture and cuisine, dance Wednesday nights away at Hamilton’s Harbour Night Festival. And to make the night memorable, drink a highball glass of Dark ‘n Stormy – a refreshing, classic Bermuda cocktail. 
No wonder Mark Twain famously wrote: “You go to heaven if you want – I’d rather stay here in Bermuda.” Indeed, year after year, the magic and mystery of Bermuda lures tourists from all over the world. 

The writer is Professor of Physics at Fordham University, New York.

Photos: Mahjabeen Haider

Bermuda Jewel in the Crown

In a setting of cerulean waters and stunning pink beaches, Bermuda is a small, subtropical coral island in the North Atlantic. Only 23 square miles in area, this tranquil and prosperous fish-hook shaped archipelago of 69,000 warm, hospitable people sits atop a long-extinct volcanic chain, 570 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, the nearest land. Bermuda has just two towns Hamilton and St George. The town square, harbour and quaint narrow streets of St George, the islands former capital, take visitors back to a time when churches and houses were made out of hand quarried stone and boats crafted out of Bermuda cedar. Hamilton became Bermudas capital in 1815. Unlike St George, throughout its history, Hamilton has adapted its architecture to suit its changing needs. Although multi-storied office buildings, hotels and apartments dominate the skyline, the older more traditional architecture is still in the mix. The Royal Naval Dockyard, where our cruise ship dropped anchor, is situated on the western tip of the island. With so many amenities, it could arguably be seen as the islands third town. The dockyard is a centre for artists and artisans. Local potters, drawing on Bermuda colours and scenery, make a whole range of ceramics at the Bermuda Clayworks. Nearby is Bermuda Glassworks where glass blowers, inspired by Bermudas flora and fauna, create beautiful pieces in an array of colours. Considered to be Britains oldest Jewel in the Crown, Bermuda is a paradise in the Atlantic for what it has as well as for what it doesnt have. Fast food or franchise chains are not allowed in Bermuda. The only exception is a KFC. There are no billboards or neon signs, though. Because of the high density of population, the government restricts automobiles to one per household. You cannot rent a car. However, you can rent scooters. Getting around the island by bus or ferry is very easy. Bermudas crystal-clear waters provide perfect conditions for kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling. For a breathtaking view of the vibrant coral reefs and century-old shipwrecks, take a glass-bottom boat tour of the shallow waters. On land, play a round at one of the many world-class golf courses, sunbathe on glorious pink-sand beaches, or watch the twilight sky ablaze with colour. In St George, hop on a Segway for a slow-paced tour of the historic buildings, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old world streets, walk the crooked streets to see the pastel houses, or just walk down an aisle lined with hibiscus and oleander. St Peters Church, the oldest Anglican Church outside the British Isles, is well worth a visit. In Hamilton, climb the calorie-burning 185 steps of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for a fisheye view of the Atlantic, or experience one of Bermudas oldest living treasures the Crystal Caves. To taste Bermudian culture and cuisine, dance Wednesday nights away at Hamiltons Harbour Night Festival. And to make the night memorable, drink a highball glass of Dark n Stormy a refreshing, classic Bermuda cocktail. No wonder Mark Twain famously wrote: You go to heaven if you want Id rather stay here in Bermuda. Indeed, year after year, the magic and mystery of Bermuda lures tourists from all over the world. The writer is Professor of Physics at Fordham University, New York. Photos: Mahjabeen Haider