A visitor comes home

November 5, 2004

Dear Sir,

I am compelled to write this letter to extend my heartfelt love and thanks to the people of Bermuda. I have just returned to my home in California following a ten-day vacation on the Island that exceeded all expectations and imaginings not only for me but for the guests who accompanied me to celebrate my special birthday.

I am a Bermudian who has resided in the US for the past 15 years. Although I've returned home on a few occasions prior to my recent holiday, there was something very different about this experience. I was the link that brought a group of strangers together who were united in their quest for a good time at an exotic destination. Bermuda lived up to its reputation indeed! The beauty of the Island was undeniable ? from the magnificent aerial view on board the aircraft to the breathtaking view of the South Shore as Hurricane Nicole whipped past! Bermuda is paradise.

I was delighted to experience Bermuda as a tourist ? the sights, sounds, tastes, & smells thrilled my spirit. I had the added bliss of reliving the wonderful memories of my childhood, recounting tale after tale as I guided my guests around the narrow corners, picturesque lanes and stunning beaches.

But, the most unforgettable aspect of this vacation tale is the people! At every turn, the friendliness of the Bermudian people embraced each and every one in my party. I was met with hugs, kisses, and "hey cousins" literally everywhere I went; which delighted my guests to no end. To their amazement and delight, they became acquainted with friends and "cousins" of mine wherever they went and mentioned my name. So each time we came together as a group following separate sightseeing or shopping sprees, there'd be stories about who they met! I was awe-struck at the love and warmth in the welcome I received from my countrymen. Perhaps I've been away too long or perhaps it was that I was just more in the mood for love because of this milestone period in my life. No matter what, the spirit of Bermuda made me proud.

My special commendations go out to: the Department of Tourism for their generous hospitality. The welcome gifts afforded my guests were most appreciated and will splatter the name of Bermuda across various US states and the UK. Ms Valerie Leader Furbert deserves a special mention for going "out of the box" in making my visitors feel so honoured and special. Thank you Valerie! The catering staff at Ocean View Golf Club provided outstanding food & service and accommodated my every need. Canon Francis and the congregation at Christ Church in Devonshire not only laid out the welcome mat but invited us to participate in the worship service; the next day a member of the Church showed up at our hotel with gifts. What spirit! And talking about spirit ? my husband and I visited with the oldest resident, 105 year-old Margaret Burrows (a relative I discovered from a "cousin" on the bus!). While chatting and singing with us, she squeezed our hands and beamed from ear to ear. She warmed our hearts immensely!

I also want to thank: homeowners for maintaining your properties so well ? every home has character and is so beautifully kept; drivers for watching out for tourists on mopeds (thankfully, my guests had a safe experience on the cycles); school children on the buses (my guests couldn't get over how each one thanked the driver as they disembarked); excellent ferry service personnel; taxi drivers for always being available and for the stories; Greeter Johnny Barnes for an impromptu meeting & photo session, the Gombeys for such colourful performances at the Harbour Nights festival and at my birthday party; and the Music Festival organisers for refunding our ticket fees for the Saturday night performance. That was to be a highlight for my group; but we didn't miss a beat with the outstanding local talent provided in the lobby of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. I'm even thankful to the burglar who entered our cottage and stole some cash but left our wallet on a patio chair with credit cards & ID intact ?- that twist of kindness saved our vacation ? only in Bermuda!

My entire group left Bermuda with the clear and undisputed belief that 'Bermuda truly is Another World!' Not even a week passed before I received notice that return trips were already booked or were in the making. Despite being a Bermudian, I know I shared the same sentiments as my guests ? never have we experienced such amazing love, beauty, and spirit on a vacation! Hasta la vista, Bermuda! May God continue to bless you.