The Treasures of Bermuda

It’s that time of year again when the weather is cooling off, the nights are long, and we’re stuck indoors to stay warm or cozy. Between reading my next book as part of my yearly reading challenge, I daydream about my next adventure.

Right now, I am getting an itch to take another cruise. I am not sure where, but soon I started to think about my favorite one to date: Bermuda.

Whenever I think about Bermuda, five things come to mind:

• Drive on the Left
• Banana Flambe
• Moongates
• Underground Caverns
• Pink Sand

Driving on the Left

While traveling, I set myself some ground rules. First, don’t spend more than what’s budgeted. Two, don’t get alcohol poisoning. Three, have fun and make memories. Four — and the most important — don’t die.

While in Bermuda, #4 became my priority as we had to balance a shift in our driving behavior while still trying to enjoy the scenery as tourists.

Bermuda was the first country my husband and I had traveled to that we had to drive on the left side of the road.

Our cruise docked overnight in King’s Warf, so we had lots of time to explore the island. So, we decided to rent a scooter. I rode on the back holding tight to my husband and consistently had to remind him to “Drive on the left!” (You’ll see me reminding him the my YouTube video below.)

Luckily, we had no casualties, accidents, or close calls. However, I officially earned my backseat driver’s license while in Bermuda.

Banana Flambe

Have you ever seen a banana soaked in alcohol and lit on fire?

I have, and it was at the Hog Penny in Hamilton. The Hog Penny was excellent. In fact, it’s where the inspiration for the pub Cheers in Boston was derived. It’s also Hamilton’s oldest licensed establishment.

We were stuffed after our fill of British shepherds pie and Bermudian rockfish. But, I refused to leave Bermuda without having this dish that made the eyes bulge, saying, “Holy shit! There’s a banana on fire on my table.”

Soaked in dark rum, it’s lit with a match allowing the sugar to caramelize. Once it’s burnt out, serve it with a large helping of vanilla ice cream, and you’re in heaven.

Hamilton is the capital of Bermuda and has a lot to check out. While there, I suggest visiting Front Street for barhopping for some Dark and Stormy’s. Make sure that you use Gosling’s Rum — the official rum of Bermuda. Not into drinking, no problem! I also recommend taking a glass-bottom boat ride, which is more family-friendly.

Moongates

Moongates can be found all over the island of Bermuda.

According to local legends, kissing under the moongates is a form of good luck, and whoever kisses under these portals is blessed with long and happy unions.

The first moongate appeared in Bermuda in 1920 after a local sea captain returned from his travels in China in 1860. Inspired by the art of the orient, he incorporated the moongate into Bermudian architecture.

An estimated 40 moongates exist in Bermuda, with some erected on private property. Visitors should not be disheartened if one of these is inaccessible. There are still several scattered around the island available to the public.

Underground Caverns

There are several underground caves and caverns around Bermuda to visit, and I didn’t have a chance to see them all but got an opportunity to tour The Crystal Caves. Tucked away on the far east side of Bermuda just before St. George, you’ll find the Crystal and Fantasy Caves next to each other.

The Crystal Caves are considered the largest and most popular in Bermuda.

Discovered in 1907 by two boys playing cricket and lost their ball in a crevasse that led to the caves. Today these are just as impressive as they were then.

Inside the cavern, walkways are perched directly on the clear water. Above, thousands of stalactites and stalagmites drip from the ceiling like frosty icicles.

Even Mark Twain gushed over the stalactites, calling them “white as sugar.”

As much as you want to touch the natural structures, make sure to keep your hands to yourself! It is illegal to touch the stalactites and stalagmites, and you can be imprisoned for ignoring the law!

When visiting the cave, make sure to bring a jacket as it can get chilly inside, even in the summer heat.

Pink Sand

I’ve been to several different kinds of beaches around the world. I’ve chased the waves on the black sand beaches of Iceland, searched for sea stars on the white sugar-sand beaches of Florida, and drank Cabernet on the Amalfi Coast, and dipped my toes in the course pebbles of Capri. However, the pink sand on Bermuda made it feel like I was in a fairy tale and would hear the songs of mermaids on the beach any moment.

Travelers can find pink sand beaches worldwide from Indonesia, Bali, and Greece, to name a few. However, the pink shores of Bermuda are rated to be among the most beautiful, and I understand why!

Why is the sand pink in Bermuda?

The sand is pink thanks to little invertebrate called “red foram” (Homotrema rubrum).

Due to the island’s ecosystem, the exoskeletons from the red foram wash ashore and mix with the white sediment (literally), making the beaches blush.

Have you been to Bermuda? If so, what was your favorite thing to see, do, or eat there? Which one of these makes you the most excited to visit Bermuda if you haven’t? Tell us in the comments!

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This article was origianlly published on Medium and CrystalsWritingRoom.