Bermuda - Bermudas

Introduction The Bermuda (in English, Bermuda) is a small archipelago of North America, Located in the Sargasso Sea, about 1,100 kilometers west of the coast of United States.

Capital Hamilton Idiom English Surface 53 2 km² Population 67 837 (2009) Currency Bermudian dollar Time zone UTC-4 Telephone prefix 1-441

Understand

Topography

Bermuda consists of some 138 islands and islets, with all the main islands aligned on a hooked axis, but roughly east to west, and connected to each other by road bridges. Despite this complexity, Bermuda is generally referred to as "the island." In terms of terrain, the islands are made up of low hills separated by fertile depressions, and interspersed with a complex set of waterways.

The Bermuda island chain was formed volcanically, and the exposed islands are the caldera rim peaks in a submerged seamount. The Great Sound and Castle Harbor bays are two of the visible calderas. More than millions of years after volcanic activity ceased, the island chain's surface was covered in limestone deposits by calcareous algae and corals. The rest of the coral ring is submerged north of the calderas. As a result, the northern shores of the inhabited islands are relatively protected, while the southern shores are exposed to ocean swell. Consequently, most of the best beaches are on the south coast.

Weather

Although the island is an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), it is not actually located in the Caribbean Sea and due to its northern location it has a different climate. The best time to visit Bermuda is from spring to fall, with much cooler weather in the winter months than the islands in the Caribbean Sea. Its location makes the island vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, and the hurricane season runs from June to November. Wales and strong winds are also common in the winter months.

The islands have abundant rainfall but do not have rivers or freshwater lakes. As a result, drinking water is collected on the roofs of all buildings (by law) and in special catchment areas, and stored in underground tanks for each home or property.

History

Bermuda was discovered in 1503 by the Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez. Legatio Babylonica, published in 1511 by Peter Martyr d'Anghiera, lists "Bermuda" among the islands of the Atlantic. In 1515 he returned and landed a dozen pigs and sows for the unfortunate sailors who might later be stranded there.

The island was first colonized in 1609 by shipwrecked English settlers heading for the children's English colony of Virginia. The first industry in the islands was the cultivation of fruits and vegetables to supply the first American colonies. The islands took on a carefully unofficial role during the American War of Independence, with much of Washington's armaments coming from a covert (and probably local accomplice) foray into the island's arsenal. After independence from the United States and during the Napoleonic wars, Britain found itself without access to ports now on the east coast of the United States. Due to this situation, and its convenient location between British Canada and the British possessions in the Caribbean, Bermuda became the headquarters of the Royal Navy in the western Atlantic, protecting its vital shipping routes, a strategic asset similar to Gibraltar.

The first capital was St. George's, with its less dangerous port. There was no known easy access route wide and deep enough to allow large naval ships to enter the Great Sound through the reef line, until a Royal Naval hydrographer mapped a suitable channel that spent 12 years mapping the reefs. after the independence of the United States. Following this, the Royal Naval Dockyard was built and put into operation in 1809, and Hamilton became the capital of Bermuda in 1815.

The American Civil War and American Prohibition greatly increased the island's coffers, with Bermuda forming a major focal point in the execution of the blockades in both cases. During World War II, a large American airbase was built on the islands and remained operational until 1995, and Bermuda served as the main interception center for transatlantic cable messages to and from occupied Europe.

Due to its closeness to United States, Bermuda is a frequent destination for American tourists who take advantage of the archipelago's beaches. More than half a million tourists visit this island territory and 80% of these are from the United States. Many tourists come to the islands by cruise, despite the well-known legends of the fearsome Bermuda Triangle. Tourists travel to Bermuda to escape the North American winters first developed in Victorian times. Tourism continues to be important to the island's economy, although international business has surpassed. Bermuda has become a highly successful offshore financial center. A referendum on independence was defeated in 1995. For many, Bermuda's independence would mean little more than the obligation to contract foreign missions and embassies around the world, which can be a huge obligation for Bermuda's small population. Since Hong Kong's return to China in 1997, Bermuda now has the largest population of all the British Overseas Territories.

The Bermuda Triangle is a trope in modern folklore, generally defined as the sea between Bermuda, Florida, and Puerto Rico, said to be an access point for lost ships. However, the triangle is frequently crossed by ships and aircraft, without any statistical support for the high risk of incidents.

To get

Entry Requirements

One of Bermuda's few taxes is its high import tax. This varies by item and importer. Some items are tax exempt when brought in for personal use (books, educational materials). The tax on automobiles is fixed at their value. If the cost of the vehicle before landing is less than B $ 10,000, the tariff is 80%. For cars that cost $ 10,000 or more, before landing, the duty is 100%. The dealer must add his own markup on top of this. Each person arriving on the island is allowed a $ 200 exemption, but visitors carrying more than that amount will be subject to excess value tax.

Visitors have access for no more than 6 months and generally only 21 days. Extensions of stay are possible from the Bermuda Department of Immigration.

Bermuda no longer issues visas. However, it requires visitors who need a multiple entry visa to transit the UK, the US or Canada (the only countries with air connections to Bermuda) to present this visa upon arrival in Bermuda. For visitors who need such a visa, both the passport and the visa must be valid for at least 45 days after the end of their intended stay.

By plane

1. L.F. Wade International Airport (International AirportofBermudaBDA ^IATA ), ☏ 1441293-2470. There are daily flights from Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Washington, along with less frequent flights from other cities in the US and Canada. British Airways flies from London Gatwick to Bermuda. L.F. International Airport Wade (Q1797758) on Wikidata L.F. International Airport Wade on Wikipedia.

There is a $ 50 airport tax for all passengers. Bermuda airport has the world's highest landing / parking fee for airlines, so the overall airfare price (including all taxes) is considerably higher than for many Caribbean destinations.

Arriving passengers must go through Immigration and Customs, and non-residents must have a one-way ticket. The importation of narcotics and weapons (including all forms of weapons) is strictly prohibited, as is the importation of live marine animals, snakes or plants.

The airport is adjacent to Castle Harbor, in St. George's Parish, and closer to St George's than Hamilton (although no part of Bermuda is far from any other). If you are arriving on an inclusive tour, then your tour operator will probably have arranged transportation to your hotel by private bus. The airport is well served by local public buses, but unfortunately these will not accept luggage.

Taxis are available at the airport; Depending on arrival time and destination, they can cost up to $ 100. Fares to and from the airport are established and published. Rental cars are not available (see "Getting around" below).

An added bonus for visitors arriving from the US is that customs and immigration clearance takes place in Bermuda before boarding your flight home. This allows for easy domestic connections on arrival in the US.

By boat / yacht

Bermuda receives many cruise ship visits during the summer months, with most ships operating from the ports of Baltimore, Boston, Bayonne, New York, Charleston, Norfolk, Miami / Ft Lauderdale, and Philadelphia on the east coast of the United States. .

The same immigration and customs rules apply as for arrival by air (above).

There are three different places cruise ships can stop in Bermuda, and some ships visit more than one of these in a single cruise:

• Hamilton Cruise ships dock here along Front Street, one of the main streets in Bermuda's capital. Passengers here have access to Hamilton's shops and restaurants, and can reach the rest of the islands using the bus and ferry systems described in 'Getting Around' below.
• Saint George Cruise ships dock near the small town's main square and the old historic capital. Passengers can get to Hamilton and Flatts Village directly by bus, and to other locations by changing in Hamilton.
• The historic Royal Naval Dockyard at the entrance to the Great Sound, beyond Somerset Village in Sandys Parish. Only here can the largest cruise ship dock. Passengers can get to Hamilton directly by bus or ferry, and elsewhere by changing there.

Bermuda is a favorite, albeit challenging, destination for offshore yacht crews. Crossing from the mainland of the US or the Azores can take up to 3 weeks in the notorious calm of summer. The rest of the year it can be too windy: no storms to hurricanes. Another hazard: lots of floating debris from sunken ships and the hurricanes of the past few years. Within a 200 nm radius from Bermuda, collisions with solid objects are frequent and often fatal.

Yachts have to clear Bermuda Customs and Immigration in St George. The only bargain left on the islands is to bring your own boat and anchor, moor or dock for free in all the coves of the islands for up to 6 months. Check in is only $ 15 / pp ($ 10 cheaper than by plane).

Travel

By bus

The islands benefit from a bus service that connects all parts of the islands with Hamilton. The bus is the cheapest way to get around, and it may be a good idea to use it, but it does have some downsides. Timetables are not always respected, especially outside of Hamilton, Bermudians often wait 15 or even 30 minutes at the bus stop (don't blame them, if they say the bus will arrive in a moment: time is relative in such a place beautiful site)! The bus drivers are well educated, however the first time you take a bus, you will be scared by the fact that the buses will regularly hit palm leaves and other plants, which travel very close to the side of the street, as well as because of the speed reached on some streets (despite the official speed limit) and sometimes erratic drivers. The frequency of the bus is very good in some areas, but this is only until about 6 p.m. afterwards it is impossible to reach many parts of the islands by bus. The buses are air-conditioned and used by locals and visitors alike. If you plan to use the bus, it will be much more convenient if you buy a multi-day travel pass from a post office in St. George or Hamilton. When catching a bus, look for the pink and blue painted poles that denote bus stops: pink indicates buses heading to Hamilton; blue, leaving Hamilton. The buses will not accept passengers with a lot of luggage, so they are not a recommended means of transport to or from the airport. More information available at:

• Public Transportation Department, 1 1 441 292-3851. Bus service operators.

Boat

There are also passenger ferries that ply the waters of Hamilton Harbor and the Great Sound, and are a great way to get to Somerset and the shipyard. There is also a ferry service between the shipyard and St. George's. Transit passes valid on both buses and ferries are available for unlimited use for periods of 1 to 31 days and cost $ 12–55. A one-way bus or ferry ride costs $ 4. Request a transfer from the bus driver if you must connect to another line. If you are embarking from a shipyard cruise ship, the ferry is the most cost-effective way to get to Hamilton. If you want to visit St. George's by ferry, do so on a day when your cruise ship does not depart from Bermuda.

• Sea Express, ☏ 1 441 295-4506. (ferry service operators).

There's also bus and ferry timetables.

In taxi

Taxis are another easy way to get around the islands. They are available at the taxi ranks on Front St. in Hamilton, at major hotels, or by phone. All taxis are equipped with a meter and charge $ 6.40 for the first mile plus $ 2.25 for each subsequent mile; or $ 8.00 for the first mile for taxis of 5-6 passengers and $ 2.80 for each additional mile, to travel between 6 AM and midnight. If you are not in Hamilton you can always mark one on a main road or call for a pick up.

With many services in Bermuda, but especially with taxis (although not with buses and ferries, which are very punctual), there is the concept of "Bermuda Time". It is possible that when you call a taxi to pick you up, they may not be as fast as you would like. This may mean waiting an additional ten minutes, but remember that Bermuda is not as fast as many cities, it is much more laid back and relaxed here. So relax; You are in Bermuda time. Enjoy the views while you wait.

• Bermuda Taxi Radio Cabs, ☏ 1 441 295-4141.
• Bermuda Taxi Association, ☏ 1 441 296-2121.

By moped

Until the arrival of the US Army during WWII, automobiles were totally banned on the islands. Even now, rental cars are prohibited (except for the Renault Twizy, a two-seat electric car), and only residents can own cars and, with proof of intention to reside for at least 30 days, obtain local driver's licenses . Motorized bicycles or mopeds are available for rent and are also widely used by locals and tourists. If you want to use mopeds, rentals are very common, regulated and competitively priced, but be careful: "Road Rash" is a very common condition that affects many tourists. The rule of the road is to drive on the left side of the road, Commonwealth style.

• Elbow Beach Cycles, ☏ 1 441 296-2300. motorcycle rental, bicycle rental, moped rental.
• Oleander cycles, ☏ 1 441 236-2453. Bicycle rental.

To buy

Money

Exchange rates for US dollars As of October 21, 2019: € 1 ≈ $ 1.12 UK £ 1 ≈ $ 1.29 Canadian $ 1 ≈ $ 0.76 Exchange rates fluctuate. Current rates for these and other currencies are available at XE.com

The currency of Bermuda is the Bermuda dollar (international currency code BMD) symbolized as $ (sometimes also B $), which is divided into 100 cents. It comes in the same denominations as the US currency, except for a more widely used dollar coin and a two dollar bill. The currency is directly pegged to the US currency, so one US dollar is always equal to one Bermudian dollar and US dollars are accepted everywhere in Bermuda at par. However, Bermuda dollars are not accepted anywhere else in the world.

Prices

Bermuda can be faces. Due to Bermuda's high import tax, all products sold in stores that come from outside the island have a marked, significant profit margin. When shopping for groceries or other (non-souvenir) items of that nature, keep in mind that the best prices are generally away from the more "touristy" areas. For example, a cup of yogurt can cost around $ 1.60 at a grocery store near hotels; It will cost 25% less at a grocery store further from tourist attractions, and only 10 cents more than in the United States. When shopping for these kinds of things, go where the locals go, but try not to worry if the prices are much higher than your usual shopping trip.

Shopping

There is a wide variety of shops in Hamilton, especially on Front Street, opposite the harbor, one of the main shopping streets, which can be easily explored on foot. WHAT. Coopers, a store first established in 1897, is still in business.

You can also go shopping in the town of St George's and the Dockyard, which has a small shopping center. Smaller shops can be found throughout the island, offering a variety of products.

Although shopping may seem relatively expensive in Bermuda, there are a few ways to save money. The Island Pass offers exclusive deals at more than 60 locations. It can be purchased for $ 20 at the Visitor Information Centers in Hamilton, Dockyard or St. George's.

Eat and drink

To eat

Hotel and restaurant chefs have gone to great lengths to develop ostensibly 'traditional Bermuda cuisine', although this has generally meant adapting other cuisines, from the West Indies to the Californian ones, in line with the expectations of the visiting clientele.

Most pubs serve typical British pub fare, although the number of these establishments has dwindled as facilities are lost due to development, or establishments redevelop to target the tourist market.

While lobster and other seafood often appear on the menu, virtually everything is imported from the US or Canada. This shows in the price of even casual meals and groceries: locally produced foods are typically less varied, of poorer quality, produced in smaller quantities, and more expensive. Most bananas, for example, will have a 'Chiquita' sticker, and are larger than those grown locally (which have the advantage of ripening on the plant).

A law in Bermuda prohibits most multinational fast food chains from opening restaurants on the island: the only one allowed to operate is a Bermudian-owned KFC in the city of Hamilton.

Local dishes

Local specialties include:

• Salted cod, boiled with potatoes. The traditional Sunday breakfast.
• Hoppin 'John. Boiled rice and black-eyed peas.
• Cassava cake. Farine is an alternate base. It is traditionally eaten at Christmas, but it is becoming more and more common in local markets throughout the year.
• Grape jelly berry. Laurel grapes were introduced as windbreaks. Although, like Suriname cherries and loquats, they are found throughout Bermuda and produce edible fruits, none of these plants are grown for agriculture, and their fruits are normally eaten from the tree, primarily by school children.

• Bermuda bananas, which are smaller and sweeter than others, are often eaten on Sunday mornings with cod and potatoes.
• Fish it's a common feature on restaurant menus across the island: local tuna, wahoo, and rockfish.
• Fish soupMade with fish, tomatoes and other vegetables, and seasoned with a sherry sauce and dark rum, it is a local favorite. It enjoys the status of a national dish.
• Shark mince
• Fish cakes. It is traditionally eaten on Fridays.
• The cross buns hot are Easter favorites.

Restaurants and dining options

Restaurants can be found all over the island, with the highest concentration in Hamilton and St George's. Also, there are several in some of the hotels that are exceptional, albeit expensive. At the Elbow Beach Hotel, Cafe Lido is excellent, and the Southampton Fairmont Waterlot Inn, while crowded and noisy at times, has great restaurants.

With most restaurants, the closer you are to the cruise ship docks, the more expensive the menu will be. Most cruise ship passengers have little time to experience Bermuda, and if they don't eat on the ship, most will be reluctant to leave the city to eat. Restaurants near the cruise ship pier in, say, St. George's can be up to three times more expensive than a comparable one in, say, Somerset Village.

To drink

Bermuda has two popular drinks:

• Rum swizzle is a rum cocktail made from Demerera rum (amber rum) and Jamaican rum (dark rum) along with a variety of citrus juices. Sometimes brandy is also added to the mix. It's a pretty strong drink. According to local tradition, it is named after Swizzle inn (even if swizzle is a term that originated in England, possibly in the 18th century), where it is said to have developed.
• Dark n 'stormy is a high ball Gosling's Black Seal, a dark blend of local rums, mixed with Barritt's Bermuda stone ginger beer.

Both drinks are comparatively very sweet.

external links

• Wikipedia has an article on Bermuda.w: Bermuda
• Wikimedia Commons houses multimedia content about Bermuda. Commons