There are not many things that categorically identify as Bermudian. One of them is the Bermuda kite. While stringing together pine sticks and tissue paper is hardly unique to our shores, there is a craftsmanship, aesthetic and measure of success that distinguishes a Bermuda kite. Put one in a line-up and it is instantly recognisable. Why? Because it is a carefully crafted cultural icon whose traditions are slightly esoteric and passed down through generations via oral history. Successful kitemakers did…
The Consummate Bermudian
The Consummate Bermudian
The Bermuda Longtail: Life in Flight
"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt; sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." This sage advice is usually attributed to Mark Twain, the writer and humorist with a deep affection and connection to…
March 16, 2021
The Consummate Bermudian
Loquats: The Good Fruit
There is a monument on the grounds of the Cabinet Office dedicated to the man who introduced the Loquat tree to Bermuda. Governor William Reid (1839-1846) left behind a number of significant achievements from his time here, including encouraging the…
January 25, 2021
The Consummate Bermudian
Lobster Tales from Bermuda’s Outback
As remote as Bermuda is, our onshore environment is essentially suburban, with the wildlife consisting of birds, lizards and a bunch of feral cats and chickens. Almost nothing dangerous or exciting. Offshore is another story entirely, with our extensive coral…
January 23, 2021
The Consummate Bermudian
The Bermuda Skink
Bermuda has been assigned a number of notable monikers over the years; “Isle of the Devils”, “Gibraltar of the West” and, more recently, “Risk Capital of the World”. However, these all pale in significance to the title of “Evolutionary Life Raft”.…
January 4, 2021
The Consummate Bermudian
The Bermuda Pilot Gig
Asked to name the vessel that anchors Bermuda’s maritime history most would, justifiably, point to the Sloop, however, the local Pilot Gig was another innovative and uniquely Bermudian craft that played a vital role in Bermuda’s history. While the Sloop…
January 3, 2021
