CARIBBEAN.COM CIRCA '1996 - COURTESY DUPUCH PUBLICATIONS
Dreaming of Bermuda? Think pink and green. Pink for the soft pastel shades that wash this 21-square-mile island, and green for the colour of money that Bermuda's offshore banking and insurance sectors generate (though in reality the island's currency is as colourful as its British founders were).
Bermuda is too far north - 600 miles due East of Cape Hatters in North Carolina - to be considered geographically part of the Caribbean, and it boasts an island culture all its own. Actually, make that plural - as in islands - since Bermuda is really an archipelago, or a series of islands, joined by causeways and bridges.
Bermuda's isolation in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean between North America and Europe, coupled with a history of English settlement, make it unique. It is spotlessly clean, quaint, orderly (almost to a fault) and extraordinarily pretty. There are no slums, no billboards, and very, very few fast food outlets. From the colonial architecture of the tidy homes that line its roads, to the fragrant tropical flowers that drape its old stone walls, Bermuda is a glorious sight. Indeed, that is surely what the island's first English settlers must have thought when their ship, the Sea Venture, wrecked off Bermuda's coast in 1609. Prior to this fateful encounter, the island was a navigational point for the Spanish. Throughout its early history, Bermuda had to defend itself against the Spanish, the French and the threat of invasion by the newly formed Republic of the United States to its west. During the Second World War, the tiny island played a significant role in keeping the vital North Atlantic sea lanes open. As a result of this colourful past, Bermuda boasts a number of forts and historical points of interest worth visiting. It remains a British colony to this day.
Most of the island - sectioned off into nine districts called parishes - can be reached by bus. The routes are well marked and the service is efficient. Be sure to carry exact change or you will find yourself walking. Tourists and non-citizens may rent scooters, but cars are reserved for Bermudians to prevent the kind of traffic congestion that plagues many of the Caribbean islands. With a maximum speed of 35km/hr (20 mph), the pace is still slow. And beware ? the rules of the road are strictly enforced.
In general, Bermudians are gracious and polite hosts to the half- million people who visit their island each year, dwarfing the native population of about 65,000. Hotels and restaurants abound. So do churches. The vast majority of islanders are devout churchgoers. In fact, Bermuda claims to have the most churches per square mile than any other place on Earth. Most religions are represented, from Anglican and Roman Catholic to Islam and Christian Science. Perhaps as a result of this, there are no topless or nude beaches and no glitzy casinos in Bermuda. Likewise, the dress code is conservative. Do not wear bathing suits or similar apparel (short shorts or crop tops) away from the beaches or pools. It is an offence to ride a bike without a shirt or wearing a bathing suit top. Many restaurants require men to wear a suit jacket and tie.
Tourism is a vital industry, but the offshore insurance and banking sectors are well developed. There is no corporate or income tax which, along with a well-regulated and innovative investment environment, makes Bermuda an attractive option for offshore investors. The Bermuda Stock Exchange is an electronic offshore securities market and is recognized by the US Securities and Exchange Commission as a Designated Offshore Securities Market.
Bermuda can get downright chilly in winter. However, the average temperature is about 65?F-70?F from December to March and 75?F-85?F during the warmest months of May to October. Outdoor pursuits abound, including the island's famed golf links, which have attracted presidents, royalty and some famous pros over the years. Bermuda also boasts a bike trail and is a prized sailing location, with many secluded inlets. Walking tours through the rolling countryside are also popular. Bermuda is generally flat, with a highest elevation of 259 feet. Underwater there is a treasure trove of shipwrecks to be explored ? some a mere 30 feet deep ? as well as pristine reefs and an abundance of marine life.
Shopping is a sport in itself on Bermuda. Many stores in the shopping districts of downtown Hamilton, the island's capital, and historic St George are housed in attractive cottages or historical buildings, and the quality of goods is generally high. While prices can be high for everything on Bermuda, where imports are subject to sometimes-hefty tariffs, there are also many unique items you might not find so easily elsewhere. The US dollar is on par with the Bermudian dollar.
Bermuda is a convenient 2-21/2 hour flight from most major cities on the US East Coast and is served by most major airlines. Bermuda is also a popular cruise destination.
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