Bye bye Bermuda in photos

Nicola and her sister Katie spent an afternoon amusing themselves in the Botanical Gardens... this was Nicola's post-India pose

It’s time to say good-bye to one of Robyn’s Wanderers! No worries, Nicola Arnold, who blogs for us every Saturday, is not going to leave the blog.

Nope she’s just leaving her home (Bermuda) for a little while. Where’s she headed? Well for anyone who did not read her blog post from last week, she’ headed to Canada.

Is she crazy!? Leaving her semi-tropical home to take-up some snow gear? Maybe….no, just kidding. Nicola’s heading to the Great White North for a job.

And for that we are happy for her.

But before she can go she must give us her slideshow of her home (uh…Bermuda of course) and the images she’s most definitely going to miss (and those she’s soon going to see every day). Click here if you cannot see the slideshow.

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I’m in it.

Rolling 28'' suitcase High Sierra ultra light collection from The Harbourmaster

But I’m not going to fight it. It’s fine. Honestly. Really. Last year I was trying to surf in Bali and this year I’m wandering around sunny London.

Last year the decision on Bali was to welcome the dreaded. The 30. Why fight it? There’s no point. And what does it mean? It means I’m happy. I’ve found what I want to do.

But now I’m in them. I’m in it. I’m attacking the 30’s and loving it. New website. New business. But is there anywhere you haven’t been? Is there anything I haven’t done?

Why yes. Yes there is.

I’ve never been to the moon, to South Africa, married, painted blue or more excited to board a plane (yesterday thanks to Hurricane Igor’s plans).

Another thing I have never done? Been on a cruise. Well besides my backpacker escapades on a small sailboat in Turkey but that’s another story……

So good thing I have the expert advice of Sheilagh Robertson from The Harbourmaster for help. Years in the business she knows what she’s talking about and with her Bermuda-based store with friendly staff based in the Washington Mall I would suggest getting yourself there for your next cruise.

Why? She has the quality cases provided by High Sierra. The other benefit? The rolling 28” suit case is lightweight.

Packing small for your cruise? That’s ok says Sheilagh: “One of the advantages of a cruise vacation is that you can visit many places and only unpack once. Likewise on board you can take advantage of laundry service or do your own laundry in your room.”

Other ways you can enhance your cruise experience?

“Take some time to research your destinations before you go. While you can purchase tours in advance or on board ship you can visit many points of interest on your own and save money and avoid being herded around with the crowd.”

Cruising is about avoiding the crowds but also about celebrating with new friends. What are you going to do for new attire? How can you dress-up that little black dress? Why not visit The Harbourmaster for the latest clutch/handbag below:

COLOURS collection: a dressy, leather classic clutch for $140 from The Harbourmaster

Sheilagh adds: “While it is nice to have some more dressy clothes for “formal” nights on board most of the time casual attire is perfect. So ladies take a dress that you can dress up or down with the right accessories. A simple black patent leather clutch and matching tote from the IBIZA collection make the perfect evening/day combination (see below).”

IBIZA LAND Collection handbag and clutch and shoe combo: $120 - $320.00: genuine patent leather adds a little glamour to a practical tote while the clutch is ideal for gala nights on board ship.

So what are you waiting? Get yourself to The Harbourmaster located on the first floor of the Washington Mall in Hamilton, Bermuda and find your cruising gear! And of course check tomorrow for the next best cruise.

Take me back to…..

“Si. Si. Taxi? Santiago? La Chimba hostel?” I was trying all the Spanish I had.

Is taxi Spanish? Universal I think. Does hostel translate?

Apparently not. I stood there watching his mouth move. Not a clue.

My airport greeter eventually gave-up and I continued wandering. It had taken me three days and a hiccup (read: I fell asleep in front of my gate and missed my flight) to arrive in Chile. Now I couldn’t even get to the hostel!

Take me back to Chile. I know we’ve all survived Hurricane Igor in Bermuda, so why not take a moment and read about something else. Here’s your chance in my Rock Fever column today!

Oh and for anyone with the print version of The Royal Gazette…I am not a six foot Colombian man (see clarified photo below).

Back in Chile and through blurred eyes and panic I eventually spotted an orange and white stand that looked similar to the website taxi ad. Sweet relief when they understood what I was saying!

Last week I left you hanging. I know. You couldn’t sleep. You were desperate to know where I would return from my extended travels around the world. I totally understand.

So this week I will let you return to the land of zzz’s by telling you it would be hands-down: Chile. Yes I went to Bali (not a country, obviously, but an island in Indonesia) and I liked it, but Chile? It stole my heart.

Why? It has everything. Check out my photos for an idea!

Though, to be honest, when I landed in Santiago I didn’t plan to stay for long. Unfortunately this capital, which has suffered an earthquake this year and a country that trapped its miners (ok not intentionally) is overshadowed by it’s neighbour’s capital Buenos Aires. I had been told: “LEAVE SANTIAGO IMMEDIATELY.”

Good thing I didn’t listen. This capital, like the country, is a bit of everything. From old to new to the bohemian Bellavista Neighbourhood to the well-structured and suited business district of El Gulf, Santiago is eclectic. Parks offer runners (ahhh it was a relief to throw the shoes on) a chance to hit their stride and the Andes in the background distract you from the pain.

Art work in Bellavista

But to fill-up following this torture there is nothing better than the food in Santiago or Chile for that matter. Within the Bellavista barrio (i.e. neighbourhood. See my Spanish is already getting better) there are rows upon rows of restaurants and bars just waiting to dish up the best corn-based (hello Celiacs…this is speaking to you) meat-infused dishes while allowing you to wash it down with delicious wine.

And from Santiago vineyards are only a 45 minute drive away through gorgeous countryside. You’re really asking? Yes of course I went! Ha. Silly reader.

Concha y Toro had my name written all over it and its name written all over the wine glass that survived another two months hidden in my backpack. Yes I have it beside me…I mean in a cupboard to prove it. Anyway, this vineyard is one of the largest and best in South America and it’s in Santiago’s backyard!

Of course another hour away and had I been there in the right season I could have strapped-on the skis and headed for the hil…mountains! I know, I know. Nobody thinks about skiing in Chile. Well someone must but a lot don’t because there are some incredible ski resorts only hours from Santiago and you get to go through the Andes. I’m sorry what are you doing going back to Vermont?

But Chile is not just Santiago….though I definitely suggest spending time there. Chile is a long, thing, incredibly diverse landscaped country. It’s as if the world’s interior designer decided to take all the leftovers and shove them along the West Coast of South America. This country boasts the highest desert in the world, a lake district so blue and green it appears painted, glaciers in the south and one of the most southern and stunning national parks, Torres del Paine, in the world (it appears in plenty of ads. You know, Patagonia? The store). Oh and of course, Chile offers access to Easter Island. Not a bunny in sight, but plenty of egg-looking heads.

Not me! Clearly...this is my trekking buddy struggling with his hi-tec gear around Patagonia

I could not afford the flight to Easter Island or to visit both sides of Santiago so (as you all know because you followed me so meticulously, ha) of course I went to Patagonia. I slept next to a glacier. I wandered through true wilderness. I learned how to camp and I went five days without coffee. And I loved it.

The entire visit in Chile was done in the early spring (i.e. few tourists). When I flew to Patagonia I was the only one staying in my hostel. That didn’t seem like the best way to find a hiking buddy for Torres del Paine. I was sad. I was fed-up. No fear. My Chilean hostel owner was there! She coaxed me out of my mood and introduced me to a Colombian boy (staying in a hostel opposite ours) who was also solo. I found my hiking buddy.

She could have ignored me. She could have made me pay my bill and be done. But she didn’t. Because she’s nice…first and foremost, but she’s also Chilean. The people are what topped the food, the landscape and, yes, even the wine to win the place for return for me. Yes, I am sorry Fussell (see quote) I would go back somewhere. I would go back to Chile without a moments thought.

But that’s not where I’m going next. Nope. It’s not quite time to return to South America. My plan? To hunker down in London (cause I’ve got a free place to stay) and find ten cheap trips from this capital city. Of course that’s barring Igor ruining my plans.

And it didn’t! All it did was change my Monday column to Tuesday, our travel tip from The Harbourmaster to Wednesday and my trip to start one day later! I’m leaving on a plane tonight! See from the other side of the Atlantic.

How to plan a hurricane…..party!

Hurricane=party!

Look I’m all about being safe and keeping Igor contained as best you can i.e. board-up those windows, fill those bathtubs, move everything inside and charge-up all your appliances.

But what do you do after that? Um….well if you’re a couple……let’s say in nine months time maternity is going to be a very busy place in the hospital.

If you’re not!? What else do you do? Umm….well a party of course! I mean really how else are you supposed to keep the time at bay?

Apparently this is an established course. I googled Hurricane Party just to see what was out there. This is what I found courtesy of the ambiguously licensed website www.wikipedia.com:

“A hurricane party is a social event held by people in the coastal United States who live in hurricane valley between Maine and Texas. The event is held during ahurricane just as any other party would. However the guests are typically allowed to stay with the host for 3–5 days (weather permitting) and guests, in return, bring hurricane supplies such as radios, food, etc.”

A way to pass the time? Sure, but hurricane party’s can offer some tricky hurdles normal parties may not have. i.e. no electricity. I mean really who would have a party on any regular day without electricity? You wouldn’t.

So some things to think about for your Hurricane Party:

1. Do I have to state it? Really? Of course most importantly: WINE/BEER/SPIRITS and of course MIXERS. Don’t forget the mixers. Though a shot of vodka might help you forget the tree that goes through the roof.

2. Go with red wine not white: As my father instructed me….red wine can be served at room temperature. Warm white wine? No thank you.

3. Of course you’re going to need towels to soak-up any leaks and plenty of food to soak up 1&2 of this list. So bring the BBQ to somewhere sheltered, buy extras coals, lighter fluid or gas and get ready for some hurricane cooking!

You may need it for weeks if the electricity decides not to cooperate so make sure you stock-up.

4. candles, torches, crank-up radio and flashlight in one: whatever it takes to shed some light on the situation. Though maybe those dark corners are good? Nine months. Nine months. It’s all I’ve got to say.

Sea is not a happy camper!

5. obviously  the easier route is a generator. You’ve got one? Sweet invite me over for running water and a cold fridge after Igor goes through….

5. So you’ve got the drinks, you’ve got the food….oh wait did you forget to invite the friends? These can be tricky to order, but don’t worry it is possible. Rent a Friend is here to save the day. Failing that…email anyone you’ve ever spoken to and someone will show…..I promise.

6. Keep hands busy. Board games are the oldies but goodies. You can’t miss with one of my favourites: Scattergories! But charge-up the lap-top to ensure movie-watching is completely possible.

7. And finally make sure you have blankets and a floor….those Rent-a-friends could cost more than you think. Unfortunately you can’t kick them out. Um there’s a hurricane?!

Did I forget anything? Let me know in the comment section and make sure you hunker-down, stay safe and Bermuda will make it through!

Prepare for Hurricane Igor: Charge, Charge Charge….

pre-Hurricane Igor's waves eat a surfer on Horseshoe Beach yesterday

And I don’t mean just at Gorham’s (Home supplies store), though the line of cars out of this store yesterday made me more nervous than The Weather Channel.

That’s not hard. Have you tried to watch The Weather Channel? I mean for any news about what is happening outside of the United States? Waste of time.

The weather dude’s description of Igor (an enormous category three storm threatening to hit Bermuda?): “We have another Atlantic storm. Bermuda could be hit by Igor on Sunday. Back to you Bob.”

Ok maybe not Bob. Where does it say The American Weather Channel? It doesn’t. Guess if I am traveling anywhere other than the US I will be stuck if I tried to watch their coverage.

Ranting done.

Now onto what I was talking about. Everyone knows in Bermuda you need to fill your bathtubs (cause the electricity will die and you will have no water),

But have you remembered to charge, charge. charge…..everything!? Cell phones. Computers. Blackberrys. Whatever that needs that socket.

For other tips on prep check sites such as BF&M and the Bermuda Emergency Measures Organisation.

And finally, but definitely not least importantly….airlines. Yep I’m supposed to be leaving on Monday. It’s now hopefully going to be Tuesday.

I tried. I tried to get on a flight for tonight, but British Airways is fully booked. Or at least for my cheap, frequent flyer miles.

So my final note for today, but hopefully not for the weekend is: charge everything you’ve got, fill your bathtub, buy some beer and wine (because really that’s the most important thing for Bermuda) and check your airlines.

Until tomorrow: final prep for a hurricane party.