Dear Sir, On June 1, 1999, my wife Angela and I arrived in Bermuda exactly 30 years to the day of our last visit, our honeymoon. Bermuda was the very first island that either of us had ever visited. In 1969 we were overwhelmed with the beauty, charm, and friendliness of Bermuda. Every subsequent island we visited was compared to Bermuda; no other island even came close to our memories of your Island. We actually became a little apprehensive of returning to Bermuda since it might not measure up to our memories and expectations. Thankfully we were not disappointed but quite pleasantly surprised! Although the traffic has increased tremendously and Hamilton has grown to metropolis status in comparison, the real natural resource of Bermuda, the people, has not changed. Friendly Bermudians greeted us at every turn. The staff at Ariel Sands were great, especially Johnny the Bellman. Every taxi driver encountered was so courteous, talkative, and friendly. The staff at the Port Royal Golf Course were terrific, especially the friendly and knowledgeable golf professional, Frankie Rabain.

At first we sensed a bit less of the British flavour that we so enjoyed on our first visit. However, we stumbled into one of Bermuda's treasures, Skipper Neil Hansford-Smith. The skipper entertained us with a storied history of Bermuda and enchanted us with his decidedly British/Bermudian outlook of the world, while sailing his beautiful yacht Longtail . An evening of reminiscing and dancing to the music of Rudy Ford and "Rhythm'' was absolutely perfect even if C.K. (Calvin Keith not Calvin Klein) and Rudy couldn't remember the original lyrics to Back-to-Back, Belly-to-Belly. It was great talking with both of them about the Old Elbow Beach, The Inverurie, The Esso Steel Band, the Birdcage, and so much more.

The enchantment of Bermuda and her people is so overwhelming that even tourists seem more friendly. Everywhere we travelled, (buses, ferries, taxis, and even walking), people were helpful, friendly and always smiling. But what is not to smile about when in Bermuda. It is really amazing that the people of Bermuda have maintained a wonderfully pleasant attitude while enduring a constant flux of tourists and extensive development of their island. When we arrived home in New Jersey, it seemed that the magic of Bermuda was gone.

However, while waiting for luggage we had an enjoyable conversation with some very friendly people, of course they were Bermudian. Roger T. White, wife Audry, their puppy Peggy, and their friend Allana had extended Bermuda's warm aura to New Jersey.

To all Bermudians and those lucky enough to live and work there, thank you so very much for making our long overdue return trip a magnificent journey. We'll return soon.

ED & ANGELA MUSTRA Bedminster, New Jersey Johnny not a billboard June 11, 1999 Dear Sir, As a first time visitor to Bermuda, I was very excited to go and see Bermuda's treasure Johnny Barnes. My sister, a resident of Bermuda, was also determined to get me to his long-time greeting corner. Johnny's picture has appeared on the front of magazines in my home town of Courtice, Ontario, Canada, which added to my excitement, so off we go, with my camera in hand.

As we approached Johnny's corner my hart beat with excitement, only to see to my horror the "International Sunglasses Group'' holding their banner, balloons and wearing their advertising T-shirts. They placed one of their T-shirts on Johnny, covering up his colourful shirt, and used him as an advertising prop for their wearing of sunglasses campaign. I know because of the sun's danger we have to take care of our eyes and bodies, but this part of Bermuda has had Johnny giving his blessing for years. One of the promoters was talking non-stop to Johnny and imitating all of his actions. Johnny continued to try and pass on his greetings with a constant smile.

My question is, why couldn't they find their corner and leave Johnny alone so he could fulfil his mission, but I guess even Jesus was taken advantage of.

God Bless Johnny Barnes and his good and kind heart, I would have turned them away, but not Johnny. For all we know, Johnny could be Jesus in disguise.

Johnny Barnes is the "Spirit of Bermuda,'' not a bill-board or advertisement tool for some agency or company.

JEANETTE HEY Courtice, Ontario