I forgot how beautiful the island was. The weather has been perfect. Intermittent rain showers feel so nice in the temperate air and breeze. The view from our “dumpster view” room over the sound is incredible. The cruise ship is out at the dockyards and the cruisers are buying the trinkets.
We really needed this vacation.
We took the ferry into Hamilton at noon after spending a half hour or so talking to a local guy about the island, the seasons, the tourists, and the wages. $20 per hour for unskilled is the norm and no taxes withheld. He pays $400 per month for health insurance and if you have the “big one”, the mainland is almost two hours away and you miss the Golden Hour as the nurses call it.
There is a huge wage disparity between black and white residents as highlighted on the front page of the local paper… and I mean for those holding the same job. Enough political commentary. If I go further I always get in trouble.
Being Sunday, very few of the shops were open, but we did manage to find the Hog Penny Pub and Restaurant for a late lunch. The Bermuda Fish Chowder was to die for, even without the rum and sherry. The fish and chips were fresh grouper fillets served with fries and vegetables. I’ve never paid $22 for fish and chips before, but it was really wonderful. They don’t make cocktail sauce the same way here. I had to give them a lesson on ketchup and horseradish. They did seem a bit put out having a Yankee in their midst messing with their food.
We took the shuttle to Horseshoe Bay Beach this morning for a view of the ocean. The water is crystal clear, the beach does have a hint of pink color to it, and the water is delightfully warm. We sat on the dock by the bay and watch the aquarium underneath our feet for almost an hour. Not just little guys, but some table fare as well. The rain showers were magnificent.
The hotel is very proper and old world feel, but the clientele thinks nothing of traipsing through the lobby in their bikinis and tank tops. Some of the locals wearing their space age helmets with their fancy dress up clothes make for some unique photo opportunities.
Monday will be the beach and sun. If the cruise ship leaves, we’ll venture out to the docklands for the glass blowing museum, but if not, then the balcony and a book will work just fine.
The crickets and peepers are fast at work filling the night time air.
If I ‘d remembered how much I enjoyed this place, I’d have come back sooner. But then again… I’d have to pay the prices for food.
Does anybody know a Frugal Food Guy?!?
