Women going topless in New York City?

Yep that’s the plan tomorrow. And not just New York. If you’re in:VENICE BEACH, CALIFORNIA
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUSTIN, TEXAS, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
OAHU, HAWAII, DENVER, COLORADO or SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA too!

Tomorrow if you’re female you can go topless (well in pre-determined places that are all listed on www.gotopless.org) ! Men? You’ve got to cover-up and put on a bra in support ……

From http://www.gotopless.org

Who is doing this? A US group called GoTopless.org who believe that women have the same constitutional right to be bare chested in public places as men. Maybe they have a point? Is it fair for man boobs to be out and women’s not?

Probably not, but can I see women walking down a street without their shirts on any time soon? Definitely not. It’s a weird double standard that will, I believe, continue everywhere except the beaches of France. And then it will be to the enjoyment and giggling fascination of men from other countries to enjoy.

But I hear what the organization is saying. Why are they saying it tomorrow? Because on August 26, 1920, following a 72-year struggle, the U.S. Constitution was amended to grant women the right to vote. And in 1970, as an ongoing reminder of women’s equality, Congress declared August 26 “Women’s Equality Day.”

Topless on a beach?

I like the idea though. No more burning bras. We’re just going to make men wear them and we’re going to walk around Central Park – Columbus Circle 59th W. Street (between 8 ave and 5 ave) at noon  with a speech at 1pm if you’re in New York tomorrow.

If you’re in Colorado? The event will take place from 3-6:30PM in the appropriately named Shag Lounge, 830 15th Street, Denver.

California: Group meets at 2pm on Ocean Front Walk at Navy St. March starts at 2.30 PM towards Windward circle for our speech and entertainment at 3.30 PM.

And in Bermuda? Just kidding. That won’t happen…..or maybe it should. Anyway, if you’re feeling particularly proud tomorrow and you’re visiting any of these cities check out their website for more information and put the bra on your man!

Three day weekend? What to do? Turquoise water, cool breeze…oh wait! That’s home!

Outside my window....

A couple of weeks ago on this blog and in my weekly travel column with The Royal Gazette, I advocated taking time to enjoy your own backyard. I gave examples like trying out Paget Marsh. Turns out Paget Marsh really isn’t that exciting (by human standards anyway).

But I also urged everyone in Bermuda to take the time to enjoy South Shore! I couldn’t think of a better time to try this than yesterday. Why? Because I tried to drive through Hamilton (Bermuda’ Capital).

Huh? You say. I’ll explain. I had errands to run – picking-up photos I had submitted to the Bermuda Society of Arts’ exhibition and a friend’s birthday present. After nearly killing three cyclists and ramming too many cars who decided to stop suddenly I couldn’t take it anymore.

And then it dawned on me….Robyn….you advocated trying something different in a column not so long ago. What are you doing? So I turned right on South Road rather than left and headed West – to Somerset. But not along Middle Road. No, I hit South Shore.

As a Bermudian who has done a lot of traveling, I have never found beaches that match the South Shore of the Island. Ok well except maybe Sir Lanka’s, but these are in my backyard not half way across the world. So where did I stop first? Southlands.

Southlands sign opposite its beach entrance

Yes, I know most of the island has walked through this nature reserve, but I haven’t. What a lonely beach. It’s just crying for a couple who want some peace to join it. So if you’re looking for somewhere isolated or a place to surf head here. Someone was attempting the waves yesterday.

A lonely little beach

But it was time to get serious and head to Dockyard to find a gift. I didn’t have all day. Too bad. Horseshoe Beach was packed, Church bay was asking for me to stop….Whale Bay was asking for a snorkel, but I couldn’t stop.

What does this all mean? I’m going to need another trip (yeah I said it…a trip) to the West End of the Island. For those who live down here well take a trip East.

Anyway, the best part of the trip? Arriving in Dockyard to be one of a pack. With the two cruise ship piers tourists were swarming. How nice to be able to disappear into crowds who don’t know my name and don’t want to argue about some sort of politics.

And the best part? It was easier to drive through the newly-enlarged Dockyard entrance than to board a plane and escape to New York, Boston…Chile, etc…

So what am I saying? Slow down! Enjoy our island and find something different to do this weekend! I mean you’ve got three days!