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Traveling back to Bermuda

Traveling back to Bermuda was naturally complicated due to covid. We needed to get a PCR test no more than 7 days ahead of the day of travel, but could only submit it 3 days before. As there weren’t any available in the Rio we traveled to Guat city, easily got our test with a negative result.

The test was submitted and we were granted our travel permission. Meanwhile we spent time around the city picking up odds and ends for family at home. 

Our flight home was in two legs – the first flight in the early afternoon was to Atlanta. There we spent the night at the airport Raddison. The next day we were homeward bound. I must say spending full days with masks on is tiresome, but doable. 

Once in Bermuda we were put through the check in process after being questioned about our covid tests. We had a yellow band attached to our right wrists. This warned that we were travellers with 14 days of security. It also warned that to remove the band could mean a hefty fine or imprisonment.

Next after baggage claim we were tested in a tented area just off the airport arrivals. Everybody was very professional and obviously well trained.

Our first 4 days we had to stay within our property and away from everyone. We waved to family from our fence line, and exchanged greetings. If we needed anything we just asked our daughter and she left it in the laundry area for us.

The 4 days passed fairly quickly. On day 4 we went for our next covid test. This took place in Hamilton at the old Perrot Post office. When we arrived there was quite a line, all socially distance on premarked circles.

We moved forward steadily until we were inside. There we had to pass hold our IDs up to a clear screen where the official on the other side then produced our info sheet. This we then passed to the person that tested us. The whole process was very efficiently and professionally done, everyone fully clothed in protective gear.

We then had to return home and await our results, which arrived by email that evening – negative. 

For the next 4 days we were allowed to go to the store, go for walks and such, but we were not allowed within close proximity to other folks. Again, it really wasn’t that restrictive as we could go for lovely walks and get on with all we had to do.

Next was our day 8 testing. Again off to the Perrot Post office and the same process. Once again we were negative, however now we could mix with our family or friends, within our “bubble”.

Life became more or less normal for us as we just abided by the same regulations as everyone else. We visited with our son, Gavin and caught up on everything. We spent time with our daughters, grandchildren and life per normal.

Our last test was on day 14, at which time we could remove our yellow bands. Everyone wears masks while out and about and there is social distancing everywhere, but that’s normal now.

Wonderful walks along the beaches and dune/parkland

We took wonderful walks along the beaches and dune/parkland near our home. Many days our grandson Ethan came along with Winter our daughters dog.

Sometimes our daughters Kate and/or Chrissie with their children May and Quest joined us. And then some days we went on our own. 

One walk was to go along the Tribe road #7 near our house, cross Southshore road and head left above Longbay Beach on the cliffs/dunes.

Then cut down to Longbay beach and walk back the length of it. That way we could allow Winter to run free as there was nobody around.

Another excellent walk was with Ethan and Winter. We continued from Longbay Parkland to Astwood park and cove.

We walked the cliff tops above a hidden beach, then climbed down an old rough path to the beach. This is the beach where many years ago the film The Deep was filmed.

The old elevator shaft and such that was used is now nonexistent. Walking the beach we saw that the recent hurricanes had really smashed the cliffs causing quite a bit of damage, in fact the cliff top is not really safe having been undercut.

From this hidden bay we continued along the shoreline and beach as far a Southside another beach/parkland. Across the Southshore Road we hiked uphill, cutting down to the old railway right of way along it back home.

Other top walks were with our daughters and their children, Ethan and Winter following the pathways of the dunes/ parkland behind the coves, Stone-hole, Jobsons etc all the way to Horseshoe Bay while stopping along the way to explore the beaches, hillsides, rocks, cliffs and pathways. We are very fortunate to live so close to such a wonderful part of Bermuda.

Then there horses to feed, meals to be cooked, chores we needed to attend to, maintenance, etc….

Christmas Day, Boxing Day

Christmas preparations, cooking and shopping took up parts of my days. Again this year I made mince pies. Chrissie made sausage rolls. We both prepared the feast for Boxing Day. We had Christmas Eve at home, Christmas morning for the first part was upstairs in Chrissie’s exchanging gifts.

We all then drove to Kate’s where we again exchanged gifts and enjoyed time together. The afternoon found us all at our son,

Gavin’s house where we exchanged gifts, enjoyed being together and had an excellent Christmas dinner together.

After dinner the adult kids and grandchildren had fun with Katie’s karaoke “machine”. Katie loves to sing and she is very good. Everyone else was entertaining to watch and listen to, they had a blast. Quest was quite the star!

Unfortunately due to a restriction on the amount of people that can gather our eldest 2 grandchildren could not be there, but they had a wonderful time at their Mom’s house. Rhianna came to visit after Christmas and we enjoyed her visit.

Boxing Day we hosted the family upstairs at our home. With so many young ones it was a very busy, noisy but fun evening. Chrissie and I had done all the cooking, well not the cassava pie…. 

Before we knew it Christmas was all over and New Years was not even an occasion this year. However we ordered a wonderful Indian meal!