Bermuda Local Customs

Watergate from outside 2011

by grandmaR

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Watergate from outside 2011
by grandmaR
Watergate from outside 2007
by grandmaR
Local Customs
by starship
A S Cooper storefront
by grandmaR
one of the stores opening up
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Bermuda Chowder

by dlandt

Bermuda chowder is common on the island. it is a fish cownder made with what seemed to be a vegetable broth. The taste (and therefore the recipes) seemed ot vary from place to place, but it seemed consistently good. I always had it served with a side of rum-sherry-pepper sauce (shown in the background) that is unique to the island and kind of reminded me of A1 or Lea and Perrins with a kick. You mix some of that sauce with the chowder to spice it up. I heard, but never experienced, that you get a shot of rum to mix in as well.

Gosling's Black Seal Rum

by dlandt

Black Seal is the rum of choice in Bermuda. Locally made, it is used in most of the mixed drinks and can be found on the shelves of any supermarket. If you like trying different spirits, don't miss this one. You can't buy rum on Sundays with one exception; duty free, which is where I recommend you buy it. Liter bottles retailed for $26+ out on town, but cost only $12 in duty free. The rum itself is of the preferred, dark and thicker variety, with a hint of sweetness with the warmth of the spirit, comparable to the high end rums of the Caribbean. Salut!

The Gombeys

by dlandt

Bermuda had no indigenous population at the time of European discovery. The gombeys, like so much of Bermuda's underlying culture, come from the West Indies through immigration. The Gombeys echo the Bully Roosters (West Indian troops temporarily transitting the island en route to the Boer War) and elaborate carnivals of the islands. The Gombeys can be seen in Hamilton, especially on festival nights.Although they smile in the picture, they acted kind of annoyed when approached. Maybe they were on their break (playing hackeysack) or maybe they just suffer from picture-itis, but no sooner did the flash fade than they went back to what they were doing without so much as a word.

Wednesday night festivals

by dlandt

Every Wednesday the city of Hamilton supports a festival on Front St. I thought it was shy of food and heavy on crafts, but it made up for that with extra music. A little bit of Latin Swing can go a long way towards soothing the frustrations of an airline flight. In the shadow of cruise ships, with the scent of roasted meat in the air and the cool salt air on your skin, this was a great way to start the trip.

Pop By! Flags & Ambassadors

by TheTravelSlut

The Pop By! Flag is an invitation to visitors to interact with locals and discover first hand what makes Bermuda one of the world’s friendliest destinations.If you see a Pop By! Flag displayed at any beach, pub or attractions, you are invited to visit with a local resident, share experiences, and learn more about Bermuda.Also, if you see a Pop & Sizzle Ambassador in a pink shirt, they will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have or point you in the right direction. It is Bermuda’s way to welcome you to enjoy what the island has to offer.They are doing this to make your vacation or holiday safer and more enjoyable so be sure to take advantage of this.The Pop By! Program is sponsored by the Bermuda Department of Tourism.

10 Tips on how to wear Bermuda Shorts

by SurfaceTravel

For those interested in how to wear Bermuda shorts properly, at least while in Bermuda, here are some tips. First of all, they are part of a formal outfit, ranking the same as a business suit. You will see them worn without a tie, but they really go better with one. At the other end of the spectrum, you wouldn't wear them to a black tie affair and probably not if you're going out for a late dinner at a fancy restaurant or club.1. They must be proper Bermuda shorts, which are quite formal. They are not, in fact, the large casual shorts with many pockets that the rest of the world calls Bermuda shorts. You can only get them in Bermuda, as far as I know. They will be in the men's suits department. My favourites were those sold at Aston & Gunn at Reid and Queen Streets.2. The beltless shorts are generally better, style-wise.3. The colour of the shorts doesn't really matter (pink, yellow,...

Drive on the left side of te road!

by peterd1331

This is not a problem for you europeans, but for Americans and travelelers from elsewhere, remember that the driving is done on the left side of the road and not the right. This is important to remember, even if's you're not driving.

local Customs -- Gombey dancer and African Music

by Ekahau

For someone like this Vter the African influence seems very close to the surface and can be found in the island music and dance, music such as calypso, reggae and also in the rhythm of Gombey dancers. The Gombey dancer are strait off my street where I grow up in Sierra Leone I am transported ack to African and my childhood. The Gombey dance clearly has its origination in West African tribal music. The conglomeration of these different cultures has blended together to form a potpourri that is unique to Bermuda. Gombey dancing is actually well choreographed to specific rhythms and often portraits biblical stories. The dancers usually go to perform on the streets on Boxing Day the day after Christmas and New Year's Day.

Proper etiquette is very necessary

by Lady-Charisma

Although Bermuda has friendly folks, there are some people who will simply refuse to acknowledge your presence or even respond to you if you do not greet them first. A "good morning/afternoon/evening" is expected and you will receive a much better response than when you just approach them with say, a question.

Gombeys at Rest

by Seabiscuit

There is one fast food joint in all of Hamilton. Just how it got there is completely political. It's the worst Kentucky Fried Chicken on the Planet. By the time the chicken gets there (to the Island) it is so processed, it's like pure deep-fried fat. But, even Gombeys have vices.