Happy Cup Match!

Wow - that month went by fast!!! I should climb up in the closet and find some old pic from my Cup Match visit.
http://www.cup-match.com/
I have been to the actually game once. I tried to watch cricket but still don't get it. I have friends here in the States that grew up outside the US playing cricket for fun. They have told me it is OK that I dont get the sport. phew...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket
Now Crown & Anchor I do get... The odds are in favor of the table. But people play anyways.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_and_anchor

Random thoughts...

So I was finding a home for the few photos Annabel had given to me...

And the one of me dancing kept reminding me of something else...

And in sorting through where to put the pics I realised what...

Crazy dancing girl...

More pics

There are pics on the link to the left...
Funny with a digital camera I have found I sure take a whole lot more pictures....
And there are these as well - my falsh stopped working somewhere along the line so I didn't get as many "people" shots as I would have liked...
http://web.mac.com/labardgett/iWeb/ChrisandLesley/Photos.html

See Ya!

LYMI!!!!

I will try not to stay away for so long this time...

Last night on the island

Boo hoo.... this is the longest I have visited the island in quite some time (hey - J&J thanks for the hospitality) and I had a wonderful time... And now it was coming to a close...
We all went to dinner at North Rock http://www.bermuda.com/northrock/
It was fun. Most of us knew only a few people around the table on Monday night at Frog & Onion and by this time we had become friends. The conversations were good. The laughs even better. A nice end to a great week away.
From there we DID go into town again...
I have a hard time beleiving that in those first years of visiting I used to go into town EVERY night and then play tourist during the day. Oh to be young again. Well maybe not.

Dockyard!

FINALLY!!! I made it to Dockyard!!! I had said the last 2 times I visited that I wanted to get out to Dockyard to see the exhibits at the Commissioner's House. Of course the one time I only made it as far as the dock to pick up sandwiches for lunch. And the other time I was there for the Tatoo - which didnt' actually clue in for me until I had spent a better part of Saturday walking around. So now I was finally going to get to Dockyard to see everything and I also got to play tour guide as Chris' brother came along.
http://www.bermuda4u.com/Attractions/bermuda_attractions_royal_naval_dockyard.html
http://www.bmm.bm/
We met in town and took the ferry over. The speedy ferry at that.
First stop - Maritime Museum!
They have done a great job with the exhibits in the Commissioner's House. I am glad I got to see it. I must comment that the mural in the back stairwell is a bit much - can you say dark undertones and somewhat grim? That's OK we have about 3 murals like that in Charlotte and they are all dark like that as well.... I suppose being dark is more artistic. The info about the Newport Bermuda race was awe inspiring... I just can't imagine sailing from one to the other. What an amazing feat. And then I always like the dinghy exhibit.
We did spend some time watching the dolphins at Dolphin Quest. They were pretty much - right there in the water - no real barricades or anything... It was neat to watch them from that close.
Second stop - lunch and walking around the shops.. Hey, what has happened to Michael Swan? Should I now consider my prints in my living room collectors items?
We took the ferry back to town and walked around there for a bit.
It was a fun day.

July 4th

Let's just say - as always someone suggested we go into town after the wedding. UGH - my body can SO not handle staying out that late!!! I just don't do that anymore... It was a good time but... I slept until after 11am! I cannot tell you the last time I have done that. SO again I did not go to Dockyard. Instead I layed about until later in the afternoon.
At which time I wigged out because I couldn't find my scooter key. I so did not want to spend the rest of my afternoon waiting for a replacement key. And I could not figure out for the life of me where it had gotten to... Well remember that trip to the beach? I had changed into a different pair of shorts and after about 30 minutes of fretting (yes - Mom definitely channeling your traits at that time..) I found them. PHEW!!!
Once I got my barings back - oh and got over finding that dead rat in the driveway (hey - atleast Rana doesn't bring them in the house like Bacchus and Monkey did that one time - now THAT was unnerving) - I made my way towards CocoReef and Elbow Beach for the fireworks.

The set up for the fireworks was like tailgating but taken to the next level because we were sitting on the beach. People had little grills. Others build bonfires. And there was the one guy with the blender - I still think the blender was for attention and not necessarily for the drink. Some wore bathing suits and went swimming. I walked along the beach a couple times. And we did check out the view from Elbow.
It was a fun night sitting under the stars watching the fireworks.
And after? We went to Ice Queen for some ice cream. YUMMY!!!

Dinner & Dancing

Dinner was great fun. Annabel and I sat together and had a wonderful time. I beleive her comment was - "as remembered you are such great fun!" Right back at ya babe... We had a blast - telling stories, laughing, making new friends at the table, "river dancing" and regular dancing... Just a good good time...

Blu

The "resapshun" (yes - I pulled my "Bermewjan Vurds" bathroo, reader out for the reference) was held right across the street at Blu. http://www.diningbermuda.com/blu Blu is part of the revamped Belmont. And what a view it has from the back patio...

The cocktail hour was nice - most of us spent a good bit of time out on the patio trying to take pics of the bridal party below - WOW was it hot! I met a couple that had actually been at Jen & Jeff's wedding some 17 years earlier - I know better than to say small world... but I did find it amusing.

The Wedding

I made it home in time to get ready etc etc... And thanks to Lisa - she was able to line someone up to pick me up for the wedding... Much nicer than finding a cab - so THANKS! We picked up Shannon's mom and off to the church we went.
The ceremony was nice. I took a few pics - but my flash had decided it did not want to cooperate at that time. Always my luck - oh well.
Lesley looked wonderful!!! She looked so pretty and happy. It was a really nice day/ceremony...

John Smith's Bay

So after spending Thursday site seeing and such I decided I could use an hour or so at the beach before needing to get ready for the wedding. Lesley and the bridesmaids were getting their hair done etc... The men were playing golf. I had no pressing engagements for the afternoon - so to the beach I went. I know I mentioned this earlier - the convenience of getting to John Smiths Bay is just wonderful.... down the hill to the left and back around to the right OR down the hill to the right and back around to the left... I kind of like going down right and back around left as I think it is just amazing how that one piece of road was just destroyed during Fabian 5 years ago.
I parked my bike and down to the water I went. I sat on my towel for a bit but really wanted to get in the water - that whole swimming thing and all.... The beach/ocean was dirtier on this day with sargasso than the previous visit. As I enterd the water I aimlessly scooped the sargasso out of my way. I knew the task was futile and most likely it would wash back out behind me and scare me --- but still I scooped, tossed, took a step. A gentleman to my left caught notice of my routine and commented - and somehow conversation ensued... turns out he lives on the island, was originally from NJ and arrived in BDA via CLT!!! Well I'll be... lucky son of gun... how ironic that my path was pretty close to the exact opposite... We chatted a little more on the state of things, NJ, CLT, BDA and then I was off for my swim. I swam along the length of the shoreline a couple times - for about 10 to 15 minutes. And then I found my way back to my towel.
All in all a peaceful afternoon.
And back home to get ready...

Swizzle Inn Swagger Out

No one had made mention of going to Swizzle during my visit so I figured this was as good a time as any to go on my own. Remember I was on a quest for fish chowder and conch fritters... What better place to stop than Swizzle Inn. http://www.swizzleinn.com/ I had a little Swizzle while I was there as well - I felt obligated as a tourist and all... (I found it funny that the songs playing at the radio were reminiscent of my first visits to the island - early Maxi Priest and KrisKros - go figure...)

From there I rode along North Shore around Harrington Sound, by Baileys Bay, Shelley Bay, Flatts Inlet all the way to Black Watch Pass into the back of town. Where I always proceed to get lost - even found myself near TCD before I figured out where the heck I was and how to get out of there. I was headed to town because I wanted to make sure I could find Erith House later in the day to pick up Shannon's mom for the wedding. But again - if there is an excuse for me to ride along on the scooter I will take it... So I meandered out of town over to Harbour Road, by Abernathy (wow - that looks great - even though I had no need to look at plants while on holiday - I so wanted to stop and shop) and around Pomander. Shannons' mom and anyone else I might want to see weren't at Erith when I found my way there... But I found it with ease. I swung by the Dinghy Club - hmm that last time I was by there - THAT was a fun day! OK - by I digress.... Back dow Harbour Road for a bit (kind of like my old commute home) back around to Middle Road and home for a bit.... I have mentioned the fascination with riding on the scooter, haven't I?

St. George's

Again I did not make it to Dockyard. I figured my ful day agenda for Dockyard would wear me out prior to the wedding. So instead I headed to St. George's. I went over South Shore towards Mid-Ocean and down by Catle Harbour on my way over. Whenever there is an opportunity to be on the scooter I take it...

St. George's is as quaint as ever. I walked over by the statue and the Deliverance (gosh that has such a different meaning having lived in the south for all these years now). I walked along the various alleys and streets in and out of the shops. I bought a really nice necklace at the glassblowing place (it will pop up in some pictures). I had a Daddy moment (which I wasn't expecting - the one later at the wedding - sure I was expecting that... but in St. George's?). I saw no indication if the Civil War Museum my mom enjoys is still around or not. And I did walk around the church and the cemetary - another tourist thing my mom enjoys - go figure...

I left headed out of St. George's and drove around to Fort St. Catherines - one of my favourte tourist attractions on the island (currently closed for renovations). I saw the Club Med before its fateful implosion day later this summer (this place was an abandoned Club Med the first time I visited). And circled back around the unfinished church to head out of town.

Rehearsal Dinner

I wasn't really planning on joining in on the rehearsal dinner. I thought I would do something else with my evening - what I have no clue... but that was my thought. Of course since the day turned out to be somewhat quiet I figured it would be best to get myself out and mingle.

I have to say the rehearsal dinner was one of the best I have been to. OK - Jen and Jeff's out by the cranberry bog was good too - but in recent years... The dinner was before they all went to the church - which I thought was nice. It was a collection of sandwiches and salad and chips at the Botanical Garden. I guess you could call it a picnic.

I arrived early - again. There was a crowd of people around some tables eating - but no one I recognized. HAH - but given it was the day to run into people... Some man started waving to me and I think - umm visitor here you probably have me mistaken for someone else... And he keeps waving. I look behind me - no one. I look for Lesley - nope, not in his crowd. And then it hits me --- my friend's dad. How random. They were there with their church having a little picnic as well. We chatted for a bit - learned some more history of the Botanical Gardens, saw the roofline of the house he grew up in (why did I always think he grew up in St. David's?), talked about the cost of gas and the cost of living, saw the new SUV. Always a good conversation to pass the time - and unlike that first time I met him - I was actually able to follow the accent - seriously, the first time I met them I think I missed most of the first evening's conversation because of the accent...

Eventually I found the others and we had a nice dinner. I did venture in on the mom conversation with Lesley - I figured it best to talk about today instead of tomorrow. I still remember the phone call - I was sitting on the couch in my parents house packing to move to Charlotte. In the years since Lesley has made comments now and then about how things are different since her mom passed and how her perspective changed on some things - like the way she always tells me and all those important to her that she loves them... It's a sucky way to learn but I now know all too well what she means. Your mom would have been very proud - you were a beautiful bride and a wonderful hostess for all of us who came to share in your day...

And before I get too weepy - the new formal gardens were beautiful.

Wasted Wednesday

My game plan for Wednesday was to be - facial at Strands http://www.strands.bm/index1.html at 9:15am. Hop of the ferry to Dockyard. Go through the Maritime Museum and hit the snorkel park. I packed up my backpack to accomplish all and headed into town. Only to find - they had me scheduled for 11:45am. EEERRRRR!!!!!! In my abscense from the island I have aquired bike parking anxiety (shoot I almost knocked over a whole row of bikes on Monday). So I wasn't about to leave town and then come all the way back - yadda yadda yadda. So I figured this would be the day I do the little bit of shopping for bday presents and thank you presents for friends back home. And it turned out to be a good day - I ran into all sorts of people (well mostly friends) as I killed time in town waiting for my facial appointment.
I walked down to Miles, got a coffee and some fruit. Walked back to town and stopped at some park near the RBYC that I have never walked through before. Past Blucks and out to Albuouys Point. Up past the ferry station (HELLO - where did they move the visitor centre?!?). And back through the shops. I was sure to take some pictures along the way...

And it wasn't long until I needed to be back at Strands. And let me tell you that facial sure was a treat! I wish I had a Clarins spa in Charlotte...
The rest of the day I spent riding around a bit on the bike and then sat under a tree in my friends back yard reading. I had had my share of sun and sand and salt at that moment.

Promises Promises

You know you have been away too long when you don't remember a house name. For the life of me - I knew I should know what Promises Promises was but couldn't place it. DUH! Lesley's dad hosted a cocktail party at the house on Tuesday night.

It was a nice evening. Good drink, good food, good conversation.

I left when the older generation started singing Scottish songs...

Fish Chowder & Conch Fritters

Besides balck & coke, the other two food items I always try to get while I am in Bermuda are fish chowder and conch fritters. I can say I was overly successful on all food objectives. After checking out of 9 Beaches on Tuesday I went to their waterfront restaurant for lunch. How pleasant to sit by the water with a nice breeze and some good food. After lunch I packed up my bike and headed on back to Knapton Hill. For some reason the ride out didn't seem quite as far as the ride home. It was nice none the less - although I definitely did not do as good of a job of the sunscreen on my legs as I would hope (well at least I didn't end up with stripes down my legs).
I stopped off at my friends' parenst house to catch up a bit. I always like to stop in and say hello. WOW - that very first visit 17 years ago when they invited me into their home - that seems like AGES ago, well I suppose it was AGES ago. Who would've thought all this time later... I digress. It was nice to catch up with them.

Sunset to Sunrise

I went to bed Monday night - happy for a good day and a great sunset. As I mentioned previously I had all the windows open and fans on. It was to be a nice night's sleep... And since I saw the sunset - I figured it would be some time in the AM before the sun worked itself around to my little cabana to wake me. HAH! Was I ever wrong about that. I had to confer with my map to figure out why the hell the sun was right on my pillow at 6:20AM!!! So I got up, made some coffee and took some more pictures.

Frog & Onion

Thankfully while I was at that end of the island, Lesley et al decided to have dinner Monday night at Frog and Onion http://www.frogandonion.bm/ The others were going to get on the ferry from town out to Dockyard. Chris and Lesley were driving out - while juggling other responsibilities. And luckily where I was staying it wasn't that long of a ride. So after some swimming etc I scooted my way to Dockyard. And in true U.S. fashion I arrived on time only to remember that in Bermuda on time is about 20 minutes late. To kill the time I walked around the craft shop and tasted some Dockyard Brewery beer.

There were about 10 of us for dinner. And this was the first time I was going to meet Chris! I grilled him a little and he tolerated my questions. A bunch of his friends rounded out the mix of people at the table. I would say we all had a really nice time.

Much to my happiness - my ride back to 9 Beaches included witnessing the sun set. In all my years there I have never been on that side of the island to witness the sun set. This time I had the opportunity twice - Saturday night before the fireworks and this evening. And let me tell you - riding back from Dockyard watching the sun set was FAR better than my last scooter ride from Dockyard which included a late night monsoon (OK - maybe it wasn't a monsoon but on my scooter it sure seemed like it was).

9 Beaches

I was still struggling with the gaping blister on the bottom of my foot during my stay at 9 Beaches - but I just had to suck it up if I were to see anything. My time there was spent walking around the grounds taking lots of pictures.

I swam my desired 250 yards (well as best as I could guess) in the pool on Monday afternoon. And I swam in the ocean on Tuesday morning. I state again - wow - swimming in the ocean can be quite challenging. Of course this time it was more my psyche than anything esle. You see that greenish fleck in the horizon? I swam out to that and back and across the shore line for a bit. I just can't help but think of big fish after a while. And I even know I have swam in these waters before off the back of a boat (Cup Match '92) which means I have been out further. But still the images of big fish swim into my brain - hey maybe it helps me swim faster.

I was also supposed to do sea kayaking while I was there. It turned out the "tour" was filled with 30 cruise ship passengers. Having dealt with the landlubbing cruise ship passengers while swimming with the sharks in Belize - I opted to not do the sea kayak tour. Instead I sat on the beach, read, swim and catch up with a friend. It was nice to have some down time.

Off to the other end of the Island

Monday afternoon I packed up my duffle bag with some things, loaded it on the back of my scooter and headed to Daniel's Island. I had made arrangements to stay for one night at 9 Beaches. http://www.9beaches.com/

I stayed in a Coco Coral Cabana over by the "playground". I was a little miffed because I thought I would be closer to the tennis courts. On the map the tennis courts looked closer to the things to do - but in reality that probably wasn't the case. And when I walked through the front door of my cabana... I couldn't complain. Some things I didn't know about the resort before I arrived are - the cabanas are made of canvas - the outside is some sort of plastic version of canvas and the interior walls are a regular cloth canvas. Neat concept - but the white canvas roof/ceiling did promote a bit of warmth to the cabana. By night fall it was OK and with the windows open and the 3 fans on I slept wondrfully (I didn't opt for the a/c which was available). Also, I didn't know there was an animal farm on the other side of the hill. Thankfully I was not directly diwn wind from the farm - some cabanas are - that's a nice fresh air scent you don't come across every day. So all in all it was a nice place but not some place I would stay for a week.

Going into Town

I have to say my initial view of Front Street left me a bit nostaligic. A few things have changed. First of all - what's with the cranes? Shoot it looks just like Charlotte...

And of course, Triminghams is no longer. I mean the building's not even there - hence the cranes. And Smiths is now Brown & Co? And Coopers is spread out all over town. Go figure. I did spend some time in all the shops... I still really like The Irish Linen Shop http://www.bermudamall.com/irishlinenshop/ and The Island Shop http://www.islandexports.com/. I never buy anything there but it is nice to look.

After beating around town for a while, I met Jen at her new office over on Victoria Street and we went to lunch at Pickled Onion http://www.thepickledonion.com/index2.html (yes - I think is possibly a web-site for everything these days...)

Monday Morning at Miles

Monday morning I scooted myself into town to meet Lesley at Miles for a coffee http://www.waterfrontbermuda.com/Reborn-MilesVer3/index.html.
I went in along South Shore and got a friendly morning "I Love You" greeting from Johnny Barnes. If I could only pass him every morning - perhaps it would make my 30+minute commute here more tolerable. Of course the first time I saw him I thought - who is this nut job playing in traffic - but I wisened up. http://www.bermuda4u.com/Essential/bermuda_johnny_barnes.html
Over smoothies - Lesley and Shannon poured over last minute erands for the wedding. From there they ran some errands and I head back into town. OK - I was in town - but I had to move my bike from the Miles lot.

WAHOO!

While I was hiking Spittal Pond, cruising the island on my scooter, hitting the beach and the tea... others were spending the day on the water fishing. Thankfully they were successful or else I was going to go back to Lisa's to snag some left overs....
So on Sunday night I had dinner with Jen, Jeff and family. The grilled wahoo was delicious!
Thanks Jeff...

Tea

For those of you who are not in the know, I am not one for showers - bridal or baby. I think I get that from my mother. I am SO glad I went to this shower/tea - teaches me to not be so narrow minded. It was a wonderful afternoon at Lisa's house. They set up tables in the side garden and served all sorts of fun food stuffs and tea (of course). I finally got to meet Lesley's friend, Shannon. She and I have never met before because we normally bum the same couch space at Lesley's when we visit - hence we don't visit at the same time... It was so nice to meet her. ALSO - Annabel was there! I would have to say the last time I saw her was summer of 1996 - I say that because I have a picture of her and I on some booze cruise type thing with Nir - don't worry I will be posting that as soon as I get back to my home computer (tonight I am in Charleston for work - beleive me it only sounds glamourous). Anyways, I digress, it was really nice to catch up with Annabel. And maybe she can send me some pics from the tea.

John Smith's Bay

After my ride along South Shore I grabbed some lunch and headed to the beach for a little bit. I was to meet Lesley and friends at John Smith's Bay. I forgot how easy and accessible John Smith's Bay is. I walked on down close to the water and threw down my towel. So much nicer than the HOURS upon HOURS drive from Charlotte to the beach. Even better than the blocks of walking at the beach in NJ. I didn't stay on the sand too long before I got hot and worked up my nerve to hit the water (there are generally no waves to hit). The water was as blue as ever and very inviting - even if not as warm as I had hoped.
Once acclimated I decided it was now or never to attempt the ocean swimming bit. If I thought swimming in a long pool was difficult - I was in for even more of shock when trying to swim against currents and waves... I swam back and forth across the beach twice. It was about a 15 minute swim or so -- of course this needs to be posted on the other blog and the tracking serves a totally different purpose...
It wasn't too long after that excursion that I saw Lesley et al. We hung out in the water for a bit and on the beach for bit. I left before them with the thought I would make it to the tea in plenty of time if I left before them. But somehow they beat me... go figure.

Sunday Morning Stroll

As I promised myself I wanted to go to Spittal Pond and go walking - first thing. I actually thought I would hit the trail every day - but day 1 of walking got the best of me - which I will explain later.http://www.bios.edu/Education/field_guides/spittal/spittal.html

http://www.bermuda4u.com/Attractions/bermuda_attractions_spittal_pond.html

So lathered on the sunscreen, threw on some warm weather attire and my Tevas and headed off down the road. I always park at the west entrance and walk around counter-clockwise - I have no idea why... Past the cow pasture, down the shaded path and the first little trail to the right brings you right out to overlook the ocean. Breath-taking. Peaceful. The scent of salt air. The sound of waves crashing. Wonderful!

I did manage to end up with a pretty big blister as a result of my jaunt... Not to self - in the future, do not get the extra exfoliating pedicure prior to hiking. It makes for nasty bad blisters - hence the reason I did not make it back there to do any more hiking.

From there I got on my bike and took a pretty long ride around the island. I continued west on South Shore - I do not like the new light at Collectors Hill. I went down Middle Road. Up my old street for a view from the top of the hill - wow it was crowded up there and the "hill" seems far more steep than I recall. Oh and what is that nasty view of Loughlands when you turn around and come back down? I used to love that view of the ocean over the island when I would leave for work in the morning... now it is cranes and condos... Oh well - progress I suppose...

I continued down Middle Road to the Lighthouse

http://bermudalighthouse.com/

Down the other side past Henry VIII's and east on South Shore. Yes it made for a long ride. But it was very enjoyable.

Saturday Night Entertainment

I found out late into my preparations for the trip that there would be a Hen Night outing on Saturday. Unfortunately it wasn't slated to start until about 10pm in town. Now I did get my bike that afternoon - but driving into town at night as my first jaunt on the left hand side in over 2 years... probably wasn't going to happen. As it turned out Lesley and I kept missing each other... Instead I ended up going out with my friend's family on their boat to see fireworks. I think that was more my speed after a day of travel.We took the new boat (I had not seen her before) out of Flatts Inlet, over North Shore and to the other side of Dockyard. It was pretty neat - in all the years of visitng I don't think we have ever taken the boat that way around. I think in the past I have gone under Watford Bridge (?) to get to that side of the island. We had some wine and cookies and good conversation. It was a nice night out. Sorry no pics.

Departures and Arrivals

There is nothing too entertaining about my trip to Bermuda. One of my good friends brought me to the airport and another picked me up at the other side. It's so nice to have friends that are willing to help out in that way.
I tried to find some pics of both airports but found only web-sites.
http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Airport/Home.htm
http://www.bermudaairport.com/
I always enjoy arriving in Bermuda. The approach to the island has become so familiar. You start to descend and the water comes into view. It starts off as a crisp blue and gradually becomes lighter. And to see the island in the distance. And then the approach and landing...
The whole process through immigration, baggage claim and customs is not all that enjoyable - but I won't complain... They rarely check my luggage.
And there we are on the Causeway headed for somewhere...

Lifelong Friends

So at the tea on Sunday afternoon we were asked to go around introduce ourselves and explain how we knew the bride. I was the last to speak - PHEW - as it gave me time to think about it. Robin Hood Cup Match 1992 - Sean and I were sitting near the back of the bar when Lesley Anne approached with a friend. That was the first time we met. It wasn't until that New Years that we truly bonded ... I beleive she intorduced me to Ice Queen...

I decided to go back through some pics. Thank Goodness!!! I didn't climb up in the closet to go back further... I thought these would be more than sufficient...

It looks to be working. So now I need to download the pics etc and figure out what to say. I will try to complete this one this time. I kind of fell short on the Belize blog. We shall see.
I am tired. And in Bermuda time it is 9:45pm and since I was up until some ungodly hour of 3 or 4 am last night - I am off to bed....

Test

I am having problems with the blog posts. I deleted the last one and am starting over to see how this works....