What I Learned in Bermuda

My husband and recently took a trip to Bermuda (it was our honeymoon in fact!) and we really fell in love with the island. I have been there several times, and this was my husband’s first time there. Going back to Bermuda is always like being there for the first time as I never quite remember how bright the blue water is, how pink the soft sand is and how perfectly warm the air is every morning, noon and night.

Our trip to Bermuda started out bumpy with a cancelled flight and endless hours in two different New York airports. So when we finally arrived in Bermuda we were so anxious to get to the hotel and start our honeymoon! As New Yorkers our initial instinct was to go-go-go and get there quick!

As we settled in we began to feel relaxed and were soon getting lost in our own private world. We spent most days playing in the water and on the beach, lounging, drinking, eating, hiking and sightseeing. It felt amazing to be disconnected from the outside world and be surrounded by the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen.

A common theme I noticed among Bermudians was their slow and relaxed pace – with everything. Bermudians are never in a rush. They take their time getting somewhere and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. They say please and thank you to each other and address everyone with respect.

My husband and I traveled around the island a couple times by bus. Everyone in Bermuda rides the bus and they all greet the driver with a friendly ‘hello’ and a thankful ‘good-bye’. I noticed that not many people are glued to their iPhones while riding the bus. They’re enjoying the ride and living in the moment, alone with their thoughts.

If we were riding a bus anywhere in New York (where we live there is barely any public transport) I know for sure that almost every person would be glued to their phone, plugged into their earbuds, talking on the phone and texting on their phone. I know I probably would be one of those people too.

We didn’t buy much when we were in Bermuda, except maybe a couple Rum Cakes, some paintings and t-shirts. We went to Bermuda to relax, to be alone together as a married couple and to take a break from our lives back home.

What I didn’t expect to bring home with me was a Bermudian influence on everyday living. I took home the following mantras:

• Take it slow and easy. There’s no reason to rush, you’re not in a race to be first.
• Enjoy your surroundings. Put down your phone and look around.
• Engage with everyone around you. Ask how they are and look them in the eye.

It has been a little bit of a struggle coming back to New York and thinking everyone else will oblige to the Bermudian lifestyle. All I can do is pass on what I learned and practice it for myself and hope it will influence whoever reads this!