Post-Yule Blues Got You Down, Bunky?

Bermuda Balm May Be What You Need

by Jill Brackstone,
a Bermudian, of course

"Steps at Stilwell,"
watercolour, Molly D. Smith s.b.a., a Bermudian artist

Christmas is over, the bills are pouring in, the weather is awful – there must be something to do to change this picture!

Bermuda has a number of diversions. A  surprising number for an entire country of only 21 square miles.

The highlight is The Bermuda Festival, now in it’s 27^th year. For anyone who wants to enjoy a variety of cultural events in a small, but agreeable environment, this one is hard to beat.

Still in the artistic vein, there are some wonderful exhibitions all over the island.

The Masterworks Foundation has, among other things, sought out and bought paintings which were done in Bermuda, by such artists as Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keefe, Charles Demuth, Jack Bush and many others. There are some talented local artists, too 

If one wants to do, rather than just see, there are workshops in a variety of different media: painting, of course, and others in stained glass, pottery, glass blowing, and jewelry making.

For those whose pursuits are of a more energetic nature, there is the International Race Weekend held mid-month, which attracts athletes from all over the world.

The weekend begins on a lighthearted note, with the Front Street Mile Race. The participants range in age from kids to seniors, and include some out-of-shape local politicians and a celebrity or two. (Michael Douglas’ mother is Bermudian. He and Katherine Zeta-Jones have recently brought property on the island)  

The Bermuda Marathon, however, is one to have participated in, if it is important to keep a dossier of marathons completed.  The terrain, and very often a gusty northwest wind, make this a challenging event. There are shorter-distance races, lots of social events during the weekend, and an assortment of local charities benefit from fund-raising activities.

Running not your thing? How about harness racing at the National Equestrian Center or go-carting out at Clearwater (where the previous United States Naval Air Station was located)?  The local teenagers have an exciting time trying to kill themselves on a purpose built scrambling track. That is an exciting spectator sport if you have the nerve for it.

For the more cerebral amongst us, there are the Invitational Grand Master Chess Tournaments (January 18-January 30), or the Annual Bermuda Regional Bridge Tournament (January 26-February 3). Both are held at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel.

Not bad for an Island of 62, 000 people – and that’s just January!