Travelogue #4 (5/12 – 5/13) Pictures

12 May 2011

Approximately 9:00 PM ADT

Heritage Wharf, Bermuda

Day 2 in port. We kept fairly close to the Dockyard today. Early in the day my mom and I walked down to a pocket beach called Parson’s Bay. It was quite well hidden behind the Royal Naval Cemetery so we had it all to ourselves apart from some chickens, which have the run of the country as far as I can tell. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to spend much time there as it began to rain. It cleared as we were walking through the cemetery, only to rain even harder a few minutes later. We were pretty well soaked by the time we got back to the ship.

I did get to swim in the ocean though, which was wonderful and strangely relieving. I also sat in the hot tub and soaked for a while and sat out in the sun. I’m a little burnt, but not terribly. I don’t even feel warm.

After lunch we changed and went to the National Museum of Bermuda. There was a fort and assorted artillery, but also the Commissioner’s House, which was gorgeous. Under the cannons there was a warren of store rooms that were accessible, but not exactly "open." They weren’t roped off or locked, but they weren’t lit or cleaned out. If I’d had on sneakers and had come with a flashlight, I would have explored further beyond the door.

There was also a beautiful cave. I wish I had brought me camera.

We watched dolphins at the Dolphin Quest place, then went to a couple of the shops across the street.

After dinner we went to see Second City, a fairly famous comedy group that launched the careers of some very impressive names. They were really funny and wouldn’t be surprised to see them in SNL in a year or two.

I’m still generally annoyed with my mom, sort of as a matter of course. I do feel like I’d have more fun with Alan. He’d be much more willing to go do things with me. My mom doesn’t even want to ride the buses here — she comes off as such a snob about it too! There are shows and clubs and activities I could go to, but feel out of place by myself. I miss Alan.

Tomorrow I think we’re going to Hamilton to check out a native crafts place. I still haven’t found Alan a present.

~Lizzie

In the Dockyard:

13 May 2011

8:30 PM ADT

At Sea

Today was our third day docked at Heritage Wharf in Bermuda. My mom and I ate early, then took the bus to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. The view was spectacular and the weather gorgeous. We took the bus back, then browsed at the Clocktower Mall and the Dockyard Glassworks and Rum Cake Factory. It was fascinating watching them work the molten glass! I bought a tiny glass lizard as a gift for Lisa, a rum cake for Alan, and a glass heart for myself. I also bought a wooden recorder and signal whistle for Alan.

We were back aboard the Gem between 2 and 3 o’clock and the dock at 5 PM. Now we’re headed for New York and I’m feeling a bit bedraggled. We’re moving fast and the waves are much higher than they were, as is the wind.

I’m cold, sitting out on Deck 7, but I’m so desperate for solitude that I’ll suffer gladly. The fresh air makes me feel better too. I think I’ll be better, happier once I’m in Connecticut and have more freedom to choose my company. It’s not necessarily that I want to be alone — I just don’t want to be with my mom right now. Sometimes it astounds me that I managed to pick up any manners or deportment at all. I certainly didn’t learn them by watching her!

That’s all for no. I can go back to the cabin and shower perhaps. The shower is a blessing!

~Lizzie

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse:

 

~Liz