I would like to say “hi” to all the friends I met during my time in Bermuda. I’m from Philadelphia and lived in Bermuda for less than 5 years and have long since returned to the U.S. but the time I spent there will always be very special to me.
In 1975, I started as a teacher in Somerset, then went on to work as an inspector for U.S. Customs at the Bermuda Airport in 1978. But it was the friends, people, and great times that made my stay on your Island so memorable.
When I first moved to Bermuda, lots of folks provided guidance on how to get around and what to do on a small island. I eventually bought a car and had to learn to drive on the left side of the road from the right seat, and shift left-handed. Even though I am a lefty, that whole thing was very tricky! I even also picked up a slight British/Bermuda accent, which my Philly friends thought was really weird (I now “tawk” like a Philadelphian again)!
I eventually got into the social life which was quite different from what I was used to in Philadelphia. Everyone in Bermuda was warm and gracious in a very special way. I’ll never forget my first hurricane party; dinners and parties with friends; Horseshoe Bay; tea and cakes at hotels who thought I was an American tourist; lots of tennis; knowing the policemen in the bird cage; Friday nights at the Elbow Beach Staff Club’ the 2001 Club; Disco 40; and of course the PRC.
I met many of you wonderful members of the Bermuda Police Force and my Fiat “10955” was always getting recognized.
I have returned to the island several times on vacation, and although a tourist, I still feel like Bermuda is my second home. I hope this message reaches some of you who I’ve known and hope that you know I’ll never forget you. And if you’re ever in the Philly area, stop by and I’ll give you a ride in an airplane. Yes, I have taken flying lessons and am now a certified pilot (can you believe?!).
Dave and Jan O'Meara at the PRC
Please give my regards to Dave Ashurst, Dave and Jan O’Meara (who I photographed at the Police Club), Phil Taylor, Andy Hall, Roger Brydon, Anthony “Tinker” Taylor, Keith Cowie, and all of the guys I met during my 5 unforgettable years in Bermuda.
