Life in Bermuda
As a result, this British Overseas Territory has also become a true dream destination for expats looking to leave the miserable weather of home behind and experience life in a true paradise.
Culture and Leisure in Bermuda
Despite its relatively small size – the entire island only covers an area of around 20 square miles – Bermuda still boasts an array of attractions and excursions for visitors from all over the world. Due to the territory’s huge variety of different ethnicities, a fascinating culture has emerged; one that borrows influences from Native Americans, the Caribbean, England, Scotland, and Ireland, amongst others. This blend of ethnicities has resulted in a wide variety of musical influences, cuisines, dances, and clothing, forming a rich culture to interest any visitor.
One of Bermuda’s most popular attractions is the chance to go diving in the crystal clear waters surrounding the islands. Visitors have the option to take a trip in a glass-bottomed boat, through which they can admire the huge variety of tropical species of fish, plants, and other marine wildlife. Or, for those looking for a more hands-on experience, scuba diving is also a popular pursuit, giving visitors and expatriates on Bermuda the chance to check out the surrounding coral reefs and the various other flora and fauna up close.
Another popular sight is the Horseshoe Bay Beach, which gives spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean as well as being surrounded by beautiful rock formations and pinkish sand – a true sight for sore eyes. For those more interested in the historical side of Bermuda, the British Overseas Territory also boasts an impressive array of churches, lighthouses, and other historical buildings from the previous few centuries.
There are also a wide range of activities available in the city of Hamilton, Bermuda’s capital, which, with a population of little over 1,000, is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. However, despite the city’s petit size, there’s still a wealth of activities available to expats moving to Bermuda. One of the most popular attractions in Hamilton is the National Museum of Bermuda, which gives visitors an insight into the islands’ secret underground tunnels, its various shipwrecks, and its historical fort, amongst other subjects of interest.
Transportation in Bermuda
One of the most popular ways of traveling around Bermuda is, believe it or not, by scooter. Due to the territory’s small size and the petit nature of the towns and city, scooters provide an ideal way of getting from A to B, while at the same time taking in some of the sights. Scooters are particularly apt when one considers that, all over the country, the speed limit never exceeds 20mph. Scooters and bicycles can be hired in Hamilton, although for expats moving to Bermuda it’s probably best to invest in one; after all, with a top speed limit of 20mph, money spent on a Ferrari would probably be better spent elsewhere. Everyone on the island also drives on the left, which could take some getting used to if you drive on the right in your home country.
For public transport, Bermuda has an effective bus service that operates eleven routes to points all over the island. Alternatively, a ferry service is also available, which operates from the port in Hamilton and takes passengers to various other points of the territory for a reasonable price.
For international travel, L. F. Wade International Airport (formerly known as Bermuda International Airport) is within easy reach of Hamilton by bus (and, due to the island’s small size, pretty much everywhere else in Bermuda). Flights from the airport travel to many destinations, including London Gatwick, New York JFK, and many other airports across the world. Some of the airlines serviced by the airport include American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, amongst others.
Education in Bermuda
For those expats travelling with families and children, one of the primary concerns will no doubt be the quality of the schools. For such a small island, many parents may assume that their choice of school would be severely limited. However, this isn’t necessarily the case; in fact, with a selection of 38 preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools, prospective expats are almost spoiled for choice. Additionally, Bermuda also caters for mentally- or physically-challenged students through the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy, located in Hamilton.
For higher education, students only have one option; Bermuda College. However, the college does offer a wide range of different courses, including diplomas, associate’s degrees, and various other certificates for a balanced education. It’s also important to remember that, despite Bermuda’s isolated location, flights to JFK airport operate several times a day and only take around 2-and-a-half hours, providing relatively quick access to a wealth of universities and other learning institutions in the United States.
