May 27, 2009

Dear Sir,

I have the opportunity to read the Gazette on line daily, and in spite of decreasing tourists, drug busts, murders, and general "doom and gloom" attitude in the business/retail community, we're coming back for another visit.

I don't want to qualify myself as "old" but my first trip to "the Rock" was on the Queen of Bermuda! I remember the first traffic light in Hamilton, the Talbot Brothers, etc. I was even foolish enough to propose to my wife in Bermuda, and for some strange reason, she said "yes" and 29 year later, we're still in love with each other and with Bermuda.

The question arises as to why we keep on coming back year after year.

Very simply, we know the island, the people, the same restaurants, and the smell of that last curve of flowers that hits you before you get to the first South Shore beach. In the middle of a cold winter here in Kansas City, we warm our souls with our annual 'Bermuda Party' where you must wear something related to the island (OK, TMI--too much information!). I can't repeat all the stories here, but somehow it all involves losing brain cells drinking that innocent libation served in a martini glass at Swizzle Inn.

We have less then a month to go, and I already know where I'm going once I get out of the airport.

We have gone through the 'bad and ugly' part of life, and now it's time for some 'good' times. I just thought I'd give you a little advance notice.

MIKE NEWBURGER

Parkville, Missouri