Welcome to Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean. Known as part of the mythical Bermuda Triangle, it is a popular vacation destination for those arriving on cruise ships as well as airplanes. Although often thought of as a tropical paradise, Bermuda is a small island located over a thousand miles north of the Caribbean and 665 miles east of North Carolina.
The first known explorer to reach Bermuda was Spanish sea captain Juan de Bermudez in 1503, after whom the islands are named. He claimed the uninhabited islands for the Spanish Empire. However, they are currently under British rule and English is the national language and the currency is the Bermuda dollar, which is equal (1-1) to the American dollar and both are accepted just about anywhere.
For the topography, Bermuda is actually a group of low-forming volcanoes and though referred to in the singular, Bermuda actually consists of 181 islands, many of them uninhabited to this day. It is subjected to the occasional hurricane but is fairly well protected by a reef system that surrounds the islands. The main areas are filled with well-tended parks and much of the "wilder" areas are woodland.
Tourism is one of the main sources of income in Bermuda, so tourists are made to feel right at home. There are 3 main ports - Hamilton, St. George's, and King's Wharf. The famous pink sand beaches and the clear blue ocean waters are the main attraction for tourists, however, there are a number of sightseeing attractions in addition to the beauty of the beaches. St. George's, for example, is a designated World Heritage Site due to its architecture, naval dock, and the many forts that are in the area.
In Bermuda, you will find plenty of water activities such as scuba diving the numerous shipwrecks, jet-skiing, water skiing, and boating. In fact, Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, hosts the Bermuda Gold Cup (or Argo Group Gold Cup as it is currently known), a very popular sailing event that is a key stage of the World Map Racing Tour.
Other popular activities include the numerous parks, many museums such as the Bermuda Maritime Museum, and an impressive amount of forts that served as bases for both world wars. There is a multitude of places to shop, including an open-air market where crafts handmade by locals can be found, and, of course, plenty of restaurants, even some formal five-star restaurants. One thing worth mentioning is that Bermuda, although casual, prefers that folks wear cover-ups over their swimsuits when they leave the beaches, and jackets are often required at the better restaurants for dinner. However, Bermuda shorts paired with knee socks, jackets, and ties are an outfit considered suitable for men for all occasions.
So welcome to Bermuda, with its pink beaches, pastel-colored homes, and blue seas, you will find yourself surrounded by friendly people and soft colors in this lovely world. There's plenty to do and see that just about guarantees you will enjoy your stay!
