Fishing for…..

On our way.....

the prize! And I got it…without catching a thing. Yes I managed to split the Female Angler prize in the Hungry Bay Fishing tournament because well…there were only two of us in the whole tournament.

Why? I don’t know. For some reason women don’t enter our tournament (the one hosted in the bay, Hungry Bay, where my family lives)

My father and family friend Peter who go out every year? No prizes, but they did get two fish so the day wasn’t a complete wash for them. But while they got to eat some beautiful fish I got to eat…ugh I didn’t want to eat at all.

What do I mean? Well let’s start with my day traveling by boat. For my day out I planned ahead.

1. I didn’t go out the night before.

2. I got up early enough to take stugeron (anti-seasick pills)

3. Ate some breakfast and had coffee to wake-up.

4. I wore a hat.

But I should have known as the sun rose above the boats on our way out of Hamilton Harbour that it was going to be a hot day. It was going to be hot day, it was going to be a rough day and I was going to get ill.

All was good on the way out. We escaped the harbour, went under Somerset Bridge, wandered down South Shore and found the entrance to Hungry Bay.

Anchoring wasn’t easy. But it had to be done to try to chum for the fish. Three times and I convinced my dad to wait and see if we moved. We didn’t . The anchor was down and we were free to fish.

I take credit for this.

My line went out first. It came in last. It didn’t catch a thing. But not all was lost. I wasn’t just a dead-weight on the boat.

My dad’s line went off. Fighting and fighting, the fish flew into the air, fighting and fight……it was a Barracuda. A big one.

The Robins circled the boat. Swarming left right and centre they were easy pickings to be used as bait fish and that’s what kept my dad busy.

Peter, a family friend, was also on the boat. His line brought in three Coneys and almost another barracuda until it saw the boat and gave him the shake.

Robins waiting for their turn as bait

The weather turned and grey clouds meandered onto the island and over our boat. Sun burn was replaced by goosebumps as we got belted with air juice.

Nothing was biting. I thought rain was supposed to help. My dad kept raising the issue of moving.

“Do you think we should get some of these Robins and start trolling? I think we should get going. We haven’t had anything in ages.”

“Yeah  but dad we’ve already spent hours chumming the water. I think if the Robins go we’ll get fish.”

His line went off. A four-pound Bonita was on the other end.

Peter’s line went-off soon afterwards. A five-pound Bonita answered his call. We were not going to get skunked (see previous post if confused).

But the day was catching-up with me. My well-planned attack on fishing was letting me down. I couldn’t speak. I sat in the bow of the boat. I tried to keep my eyes open. I fell asleep. I would roll awake. The waves were picking-up. Ugh I feel ill. There’s no way they’re going to take me in.

I’m done. I’m done with boating. I want to travel by land. I want to walk and nothing moves below me. I want to be able to get a glass of water without falling into something.

“Shall we call it a day?”

“YES!” is all I could say. Salvation. We got the anchor in and we headed for the breaking waves of the mouth of Hungry Bay and home…and solid land.

That might be enough boats for me ….until  tomorrow! Bring on the non-mariner’s race and check back here for traveling by non-boating mechanics. Or at least enjoying them with a Dark n Stormy.

Bermuda’s Cup Match continues.

The first time…..

A Christmas Market in Europe

I ever spent Christmas away from home I was cold and in Europe.  It was 2002 and I had just finished a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) course and I was hoping to find a job. I also rented an apartment with a buddy of mine so money was tight and so was time.

My family wasn’t particularly thrilled, but I didn’t have much of a choice. And to be honest I was glad I did. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic was fantastic with Christmas Markets in every square, mulled wine warming my hands and fantastic wood carvings to enjoy. Even the tubs of fish on the corners (kept this way to be fresh for Christmas dinner) were an interesting site.

Ok it’s cold, but isn’t Europe supposed to be cold? Isn’t the snow and the real warmth of the mulled wine worth it? For me? Yes.

What is the point? Well Viking Cruises, through CTravel, are offering amazing deals this Christmas in the form of 2-for-1 cruising and 2-for-1 airfare with free wine on select 10 and 8 day cruises. One of those includes a 10-day cruise from Nuremberg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary.

Where would you spend Christmas Eve? Vienna. And Christmas Day? Riding into the woods surrounding this operatic city.

Or maybe the sun, sand, sea option is more your speed?

Why not save 63% on an Oceania Cruise through CTravel to go from Miami to Grand Turk, Tortola, and St. John’s to name a few Caribbean destinations.

The cruise departs on January 2, 2011 and extends itself for ten days. But a Penthouse that would have cost $6,049 this year will only cost $2,500.

A Veranda will reduce from $4,849 to $2,000 and an outside room will move from $3,449 to $1,500.

by Robyn Skinner

Do children get included in your plans? Or maybe you’re looking for absolute luxury with a hint of history? Well Disney, yes I wrote Disney, offers an eight-day Egypt vacation that includes three days of cruising along the Nile.

You know, that little river that snakes through the country. But before boarding you will stop in Cairo for a tour of the famous and incredible Egyptian Museum. This place is packed to the rafters with old Egyptian goodies.

The on to a camel and a lift around the Pyramids, before flying down to Aswan (you know, where the Dam is) and then cruising for three days until Luxor.

Here the tour guides (because there are two with Disney tours) will take you to the Valley of the Kings and the temples that imbibe this town.

Disney is offering this cruise in April, June, July and December next year.

So what are you doing with your two days off? Well booking a trip with CTravel I hope (well when they open after the Cup Match holiday anyway). Happy Cup Match Bermuda!

You don’t get it.

Cup Match Colours

Nobody watches the game.

“But I like cricket. And I’ve talked to others who say that the game is where many Bermudians made their careers.”

“Yeah well ok you can watch the game. I’m not going to. I never do.”

Ahh…the conversation between a Bermudian and a first-timer. A Cup Match first-timer. There really is no way to prepare them for this time of year. What time of year?

The Cup Match time of year. I missed it last year and believe I was somewhere in Laos. When I am on the island, though, there is always a very set schedule of events not to be messed with. And that’s the way for most Bermudians.

Try explaining that to the new – buy (Bermudian for guy, boy, mate). No, Thursday we do not watch Cricket all day. We have the fishing tournament. Friday? Ok, fine you can watch it on Friday, but I go out in the boat (if I can find one). And Sunday is the Non-Mariner’s race.

No we don’t actually watch that either. That is a day for hanging out on boats with the premise of this race for vessels not suited for water….on water.

It’s tradition much like our friends visiting from Boston every year for the past 20 for this Bermudian-only festival/holiday. But that must get boring Robyn? Don’t say that about my friends. Oh you mean doing the same thing every year. Well actually it doesn’t. It’s always a good time with good food, weather and friends.

But this tradition is weird for those on the outside. Hence the first-timer’s response to Bermuda’s annual holiday.

Cup Match, however, is not the weirdest festival out there. Take for example the jumping of the babies!

Every June 11 to the 15th since 1620, Castrillo de Murcia in Spain has held a baby jumping festival. Grown men are dressed like the devil and jump (hopefully missing) the babies to celebrate Corpus Christi.

Then there is…..Cheese Rolling. Count on the British to throw a roll of cheese down a hill in Gloucestershire on May 25th and people actually chase after it. Bring that to me on some crackers please!

Fancy a mud bath? Are you going to be in South Korea in July next year? Well try the Boryeong Mud Festival now attracts more than a million visitors to the South Korean city and started in 1998.

Ahhh or there is always the chance to watch camels wrestle. That is if you’re in Selcuk, Turkey in January. Watch these animals head butt each other. No thank you, but I guess that’s what this post is about – the weird festivals of the world.

Those Finns know how to carry it off. Well their wives anyway. This July 4 while the Americans celebrate their independence women in Finland were carried-off hoping to win their man his weight in beer. That is if they can move fast enough.

Monkey statue in Lopburi, Thailand

Have you lost your appetite yet? Maybe you will after you see the Monkey Buffet Festival in Lopburi, Thailand.

These 600 hairy creatures dine on more than two tonnes of grilled sausage, fresh fruit, ice cream and other treats. The locals see it as a thank you to the monkeys which inhabit the village and bring thousands of tourists their each year.

And do they? Yep. I went to this town to see the monkeys. If the monkeys hadn’t been there….well I would have been more disappointed than I already was.

Adding to the tiny and tedious town was the fact that me and my two travel buddies, last year, were trapped there. Trains went on strike and though they kept telling us the trains were coming….they didn’t.

Ahh Lopburi. I’m glad you’re behind me and now….on to the game! Bring on Cup Match.

Take Monday down, tell Tuesday to hurry….

and wait through Wednesday before…….Cup Match is a-coming.

What is Cup Match you ask (well obviously if you’re not from Bermuda)?

Well from today, most Bermudians and island residents will have today and one more workday before the biggest holiday of the year (bar Christmas on the island perhaps).

Thursday and Friday, not to mention Saturday and Sunday, will be devoted to: watching cricket, gamble at Crown and Anchor (which requires knowledge of shapes and the ability to put money on them), veg on the beach, head for the open water with our boats, and hang with family and friends.

What will I be doing? Good question. I’m hoping not to be skunked. What do I mean? Every Cup Match we have family friends who come down and then Thursday is the Hungry Bay (a tiny, beautiful outlet in the centre of the Island) fishing tournament.

This “exclusive” gaming event requires all boats to leave from the bay and return at 3 p.m. The poor fisherman who fails to land one fish receives a Skunk award. What does this include? A stuffed skunk and some backed beans (because you have no fish to eat of course!) and of course the right to multiple “big-fish-got-away” stories.

I have yet to find a boat for the tournament so I will probably safe from skunking. What are you doing this Cup Match??

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

It will probably require toting towels, toddlers and all types of goodies for your days out. Why not make it fashionable with the bags from The Harbourmaster?

Kalencom by Amy Butler

Sheilagh Robertson, the owner of the Washington Mall (near the entrance off Washington Lane) shop offers these trendy totes and a few tips for Cup Match on this Harbourmaster Travel Tip Tuesday.

She says: “Cup Match is a time to let your hair down and have a little fun. The perfect time to splash out on a colourful tote in bright orange, snazzy stripes or blue florals.

Hadaki Blue!

“These totes make a fashion statement but are practical too with room for the bathing suit, sunblock, and water bottle.”

But what about the weather, Sheilagh?

“Whether you are going to the game, heading to the beach , or out on the water always make sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated . Water is much better than alcohol and sugary drinks.

“Apply lots of sunblock and wear a hat. Girls like to pose in skimpy tops at Cup Match but it doesn’t take long to get serious sunburn. Parents should be especially careful with children.”

And for those heading for the water remember:

“Water safety. For many Bermudians Cup Match is the only time people go in the water.

“While everyone likes to picnic on the beach I often observe parents or family members sitting in the shade while toddlers and very young children play in the water some distance away.

“Remember it only takes an instant for a young child to be knocked over by a wave or wander in too deep. If your child is in the water playing, you or a responsible adult  who can swim should be with them at all times.”

Finally: Pick-up your last-minute bags from The Harbourmaster in the Washington Mall, Hamilton, Have fun, Stay Safe and remember to check back to the blog while on Cup Match! I will be here updating!!!

“You walk like an Egyptian” – Traveling as a solo female

Where's my travel buddy?

It’s Monday, which means…..well if you haven’t caught-on yet it’s when my weekly column makes its way into The Royal Gazette’s pages as Rock Fever.

What is it this week? What else? Traveling Solo as a Female. Here it is:

“You walk like an Egyptian.”

My eyes rolled.

“Hey .. hey … you walk like an Egyptian. Where are you from? Are you married?”

This is not a new rendition of The Bangles’ 1980s hit. Nope. This was the soundtrack for my walk from the Karnak Temple (the largest religious complex in the world) back to my hostel in Luxor, Egypt.

My ring quickly moved from my middle finger to my empty “ring” finger.

“Yes. Yes I am. I am going back to my husband now,” I said, but my crooner persisted tripping over himself to follow.

“Where is he? Where are you from? Do you want a tour?”

“NO. I am married. Good-bye.”

I hadn’t told my travel buddy, but he was now with me till death did us part so I could navigate my way out of a possible threatening situation. So women out there looking for a ring on your finger? Try the Egyptian marriage route.

Or failing that, experience it as a travel tip for solo females: wear a ring on your “ring” finger. Unfortunately in a number of cultures women are still not respected unless they have a man by their side. So fake it and wear a ring on your finger to deter possible suitors.

Women, like at home, have to be more wary than men when travelling (hence this week’s column), BUT … and this is a big but that you would not get from sitting on the couch at home – don’t let it discourage you from travelling solo.

One of the questions I always got when I returned from travelling around the world last year, was: “Were you ever scared?” And the answer is: “No.” I took precautions and honestly sometimes, no often, travelling as a female was actually easier. Women are less threatening than men. That means both men and women travellers are more likely to trust a female before they would trust a man. And if you think I am being biased … well just ask a Swede I met in Argentina. He complained during an hour-long hike about how hard it was to be a single man travelling. Perhaps being male wasn’t his only problem, but he had a point. A single man is a danger for women and therefore limits the pool of travellers to meet.

Solo in Argentina

So friends are easier for women to make, even ones we don’t want, which is why in Egypt where even the wedding ring doesn’t discourage a Bangles crooner tip two is: duck into a shop. I did and it was a fair trade shop run by women. A scarf, ring and empty wallet later, my harasser left and I continued to walk back to the hostel.

Tip three: failing a fair trade shop try a hotel and tell the people working there what the problem is. Nowhere in the world will a woman be told to get out or not taken care of. That’s the beauty of our sex too!

But beauty is not always something you want to advertise, which leads me to tip four: dress conservatively. This applied for me in India, the Middle East and some places in Asia (i.e. Vietnam), but it could be anywhere if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself. In Egypt the men salivated over the buses of Russian tourists. Why? Because the women walked around in short-shorts, bathing-suit tops and heels in the middle of Cairo. Equivalent? Women walking through Hamilton topless. Can you see how this would cause problems? So dress appropriately no matter how hot it may be. Loose dresses and light pants will help.

But don’t think that because you have dressed appropriately you lose your tenacity! So tip five is: appear confident wherever you are even when lost (insert man joke and not asking directions). In Chiang Mai, Thailand I decided to walk to a temple outside of the walled city. I got lost, but I didn’t let on. If I needed time to think I would pretend to cross the road and I eventually found a park. I stopped and could casually take a map out to figure out where I was. Never show weakness, because someone preying on women will notice.

Which makes it easier if you are with someone. Tip six: stay in hostels, preferably dorms, and relax in the inevitable social area to meet other travellers. While a dorm room means you have to worry about your bag it also means you are not alone and nothing worse can happen.

But if you’re not a hostel person nor do you want to stay in a dorm then tip seven is: join activities where you will meet other people. I met a great travel buddy while trading spring rolls over a Thai cooking class. It helps to have someone who will worry if you don’t come back at night.

Which leads to eight: women, unfortunately, we are the anti-vampires. When the sun sets we should ensure we have a way home if we are not already home. Once I didn’t adhere to this rule and I kicked myself the entire walk through Chiang Mai, Thailand. I was fine, but you never know. Take a cab or ensure you are with friends to go home with when it starts getting dark.

Cusco at night....not the safest place for single females to wander

But number nine: never let a man into your room (or lady man as one hostel door instructed me in Chiang Mai). This is obvious, but too often, I think, overlooked.

Most importantly, though, after all this advice is tip ten: to trust your instincts. I know this sounds ridiculous, but as women we have spent years honing our sixth sense so use it! Be smart, listen to Jiminy Cricket (your conscience) and enjoy your travels.

I know most of the travel experts/writers out there seem to be men, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go out there and do it too. And it doesn’t have to be the Eat, Pray, Love scenario (i.e. a woman going to find herself and finds a soulmate). I did it. I survived a year that saw trekking up Machu Picchu, camping in Thailand and kayaking in Vietnam. I didn’t find Prince Charming, but I loved it.