“You’re from Bermuda? You mean, like, the Bermuda Triangle? So have you ever gotten lost? I mean how’d you get out?”Ha ha, so funny. I’ve never heard that one before.I’ve travelled 50,000 miles, I’ve made it through 24 countries and I spent one year navigating around the world (beyond every other trip I have been on) and the number of Bermuda Triangle questions?Countless.And I bet if you’re Bermudian or you have adopted this Island as your home (for any length of time) you know what I mean.The inevitable conversation ender (well for anyone you’re with). We’ve all been there.“Hey cool, nice to meet you Robyn.”Wait for it.Wait for it.“So where are you from?”There it is. “Bermuda.”And the dance begins. Any travel buddies you have from America, England, well basically anywhere but Bermuda, will be forgotten and before you know it you’re playing 20 questions about our isolated land.Which brings me to this week’s Rock Fever column: Bermuda’s travel cheat sheet.It’s easy when you get bombarded by the questions to lose your patience. The statistical problem?There are only about 65,000 of us on a good day (maybe the Census will change that?). The rest of the world? A lot bigger.That means every Bermudian (or Bermuda adoptee) who meets another person on their travels is the Island’s travel agent. You didn’t realise that when you got your birth certificate or signed that contract did you? But it’s true. We have to make an impression a good one preferably.That isn’t always easy as long bus rides wear you out and 48 hours of flying can leave you barely remembering your name (ie my commute from Bali to Santiago, Chile).That’s when it dawned on me: “You know what I need? A cheat sheet to give everyone who asks me where I’m from.”Is it silly? Probably, but I bet you can relate ... yes? Visit my website www.robynswanderings.com to share your own stories.You want a cheat sheet too? Well here’s mine sourced from questions of fellow travellers:Wow you’re from Bermuda. I’ve never met anyone from there before.You probably haven’t. There are only about 65,000 of us living on a 21-square-mile island.Excuse my ignorance, but where is Bermuda? Is it off of Florida?Funny you ask that. No, we’re not. If you look at a map and find North Carolina and head right into the Atlantic we’re right out there as a dot in the ocean.For those without a map (or knowledge of American geography), we’re only an hour-and-a-half flight from New York and about two from Boston.In fact, to get to Florida or the Caribbean takes a lot longer than to get to Toronto!Do you guys get to the mainland often?I’m sorry? Mainland? If you are referring to the United States, Bermuda is not part of America.We are a self-governing British Overseas Territory (or at least that is the politically correct title they’ve given their colonies now).We can have British passports and we do have a Governor who is appointed by the Queen (our official Head of State).Well that is after she confers with the British Government and consults with Bermuda’s Premier. Yes, we have a Premier not a Prime Minister, though, like England we have a parliamentary style of government.Every five years (the maximum time between elections) Bermudians choose which political party we would like to run us, and in turn the Premier.I could go on, but we’re not really talking politics, are we?I thought everyone in Bermuda was a native?I’m sorry, but I’m not sure what you’re asking. Let’s just say that before the British shipwrecked on Bermuda (or the Isle of the Devils as it was affectionately known) only hogs were staking a claim to the land.We put them on a penny and the British decided to stay. I was born in Bermuda, my parents too and I could go back in my family to the 1700s.Everyone in Bermuda has a different story, though. Native? Let’s use a different word. Something more 21st century?So do you guys really wear the shorts?Yes, though the Gap store clearly stole our name and completely changed the way these shorts are worn.And then again our businessmen have changed the original look, and use, of these shorts too.Originally these shorts were created by the British military to give their men clothes that could handle tropical heat.When the military showed up in Bermuda, we decided to take on the look.Really businessmen wear them? Don’t they look silly?Besides our businessmen so do our police officers and even school children. And no, they don’t look silly.Actually if you ask me (and I know you want to, but keep reading the cheat sheet to the end), I think they look very smart! They just have to be worn correctly.First, there has to be a blazer with the shorts. Second there has to be knee socks. The socks are key.Third, the colours have to coordinate (it’s tricky so ask at a shop before you buy).Oh and if you’re wearing yellow shorts, well, let’s just say they can be translucent. Just keep that in mind.Isn’t that the Bermuda Triangle? It must have been hard to get out of there!You’re so funny and the first person who has ever asked me that.And you’re right. My mom went to Atlanta and was never seen again (ok joking).To be honest, there is nothing to the myth. We gave the triangle, which runs from Bermuda down to the Florida Keys and out near Puerto Rico, its name, but really there are no people missing from the island because of the triangle. Well at least none I have heard of.What’s it like to live there?It’s great. It’s beautiful. We have pink sand and turquoise water and it never snows. But it’s also small, which is why we travel so much!So you’re from the Bahamas? Barbados... no wait... Barbuda?Ugh... Bermuda! (Smile).Did I miss anything? Yes? Visit my website www.robynswanderings.com to tell me what I should have included. Next week? How to book your round-the-world ticket! You’re welcome James.