Water surrounds the islands, fills coves and inlets, and is deep enough in the harbour for ocean cruise or container ships to constantly be bringing people and frieght. Ferry boats ply various routes with commuters and tourists. White sails from sailboats dot the blue water, especially on weekends or celebration days.
The famed pink sands evolved from the coral reefs that lie off-shore, sometimes in rows, enriching the sealife. Divers can see that underwater life, or xplore the many wrecks that ring the islands. These coral reefs have NOT been friendly to sailing ships over the span of time!
There are frequent rainshowers, and sometimes rain storms. A few natural fresh-water wells dot the island. But the source of drinking water is much more unique.
Look at any photo of the buildings here and you'll see a Bermudian architectural feature, white rooftops that have a step-like or corrugated pattern. These are a kind of tile roof placed onto wooden beam frames and covered over with a layer of something like cement. Then the rooftops, ALL OF THEM, are painted in a non-toxic whitewash.
When it rains, the water trickles from the top of the roof down to a pipe that carries it to an underground or basement tank. All homes and most buildings have a water collection tank. An electric pump brings water up to the faucet as needed. This has been a Bermudian architectural and cultural tradition for ... generations, I'm sure. The tanks have a low pooling area where sediment gathers so it isn't pumped.
Rainstorms gather and form over the ocean, and may travel hundreds of miles. This is a clean fresh source of water. The water is very soft and readily suds if washing hands or dishes or such. It is pleasant to drink and doesn't really need filtering because the natural miles and miles of ocean evaporation and condensation have been there own filteration.
Water, water, everywhere ... and plenty for you to have a drink!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Visitors Are Welcome!
Most of my family and friends know they are welcome to visit. But there is one big caveat to that ... no surprise visits! Seriously, contact me well in advance so we can make a plan. Immigration is very serious about letting people in -- or NOT. For example, recently I had an artist friend visit whom I've know for years. I was thrilled that she wanted to see Bermuda and me. (Yes, the light here is nice so setting up an easel on the beach or harbour is a real possibility.) Although we had emailed about her visit we were both a bit surprised. I was at the airport waiting for her to deplane and clear customs. She had completed the two forms you always get on international flights. (If I remember correctly one is customs: anything to declare, and the other is immigration: is your visit business or pleasure?)
I had just moved into my cottage a few days prior to her arrival. She didn't put anything on one line of the form ... the street address. She had my name, work contact information, and the parish where I live, but didn't know the street address that I'd just moved into days earlier.
As the flow of passengers emerging from the gates was seriously slowing, I was surprised to hear my name paged, asking me to call the Immigration office. Ooops! What now? I located the office and talked thru an intercom by the door, affirming that my friend was expected and providing my street address. Moments later she emerged, saying during a quick hug of a greeting, "Wow, they take Immigration seriously here, don't they?" It seems that had I not been there she would have been put on the next plane out. (I think that one was destined for Boston.) I'd heard of this happening to others, but both of us had thought all her papers were in order.
So ... yes, family and friends you are welcome. Just make sure you are EXPECTED. As some of you know, I've always been a lover of airports, so if you tell me a bit ahead of time I'll be there to greet you!
It's been partly cloudy, but mostly sunny and low 70s all week. I walk out to the bus stop in the morning and think, "Wow, what a glorious day!" and that has happened more than once!
VISITORS ARE WELCOME ...
I had just moved into my cottage a few days prior to her arrival. She didn't put anything on one line of the form ... the street address. She had my name, work contact information, and the parish where I live, but didn't know the street address that I'd just moved into days earlier.
As the flow of passengers emerging from the gates was seriously slowing, I was surprised to hear my name paged, asking me to call the Immigration office. Ooops! What now? I located the office and talked thru an intercom by the door, affirming that my friend was expected and providing my street address. Moments later she emerged, saying during a quick hug of a greeting, "Wow, they take Immigration seriously here, don't they?" It seems that had I not been there she would have been put on the next plane out. (I think that one was destined for Boston.) I'd heard of this happening to others, but both of us had thought all her papers were in order.
So ... yes, family and friends you are welcome. Just make sure you are EXPECTED. As some of you know, I've always been a lover of airports, so if you tell me a bit ahead of time I'll be there to greet you!
It's been partly cloudy, but mostly sunny and low 70s all week. I walk out to the bus stop in the morning and think, "Wow, what a glorious day!" and that has happened more than once!
VISITORS ARE WELCOME ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
