Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/589113
BERMUDA LOCATION & GEOGRAPHY: To start with, many people mistakenly believe Bermuda is part of the Caribbean. In fact, it rest hundreds of miles north of the Baha- mas in an astoundingly beautiful stretch of the Atlantic, a mere 650 miles (1,046 kilometers) east of North Carolina. • All of Bermuda fits in a cozy 21 square miles (54 sq km) • It boasts 75 miles (120km) of dramatic coastline • Bermuda may seem like one continuous landmass to visitors, but is actually made up of 181 islands, islets and rocks. Most of these are uninhabited, but eight of the larger ones are linked by bridges and one causeway that form the subtropical paradise visitors cannot resist • Our unique location in the Atlantic provides an extraordinarily pleasant climate that rarely sees extremes of either hot or cold. • The Island's pink beaches are actually a combination of crushed coral, calcium carbonate and the shells of tiny single-celled animals called Foraminifera WEATHER: Bermuda's impeccable location in the Atlantic—not the Caribbean—keeps our island warmed by the Gulf Stream and the sun's rays, but free of the tropics' relentless heat. Our extraordinarily pleasant climate rarely sees extremes of either hot or cold. • The hottest part of our year: May through mid-October, when temperatures hover between 75°F and 85°F (23°C and 29°C). • During the winter months, temperatures average a balmy 70°F (21°C) • Hurricanes are not as prevalent here as in the Caribbean, but they do occasionally visit our island. But not to worry—many of our hotels provide a Hurricane Guarantee. • Explore Bermuda by Season, a quick, colorful guide to year-round adventures on and around the island. The guide includes average air and water tempera- tures by month. CULTURE: Shipwrecks. African drum beats. And those famous shorts. Our island's culture is a rich fusion of British colonial history and African heritage that has de- veloped into something unlike anywhere else in the world. As Britain's oldest colony, its influence continues to dominate our government, educational and legal institutions. You may spot one of our judges walking through Hamilton in a powdered wig, see a bobby directing traffic or overhear a passionate conversation about a local cricket match. African influences, while subtler, can be found in our dance and music, especially reggae, calypso and the rhythm of the Gombeys—our magnificent danc- ing and drumming troupes that often take to the streets. • So-called Bermuda shorts were originally borrowed in the early 20th century from the British military's uniform for hot climes. Although often colourful - pink is a favourite - do not mistake our shorts as informal. We take our shorts so seriously, in fact, we passed a law: no shorts shorter than six inches above the knee. • Island cuisine is a reflection of our blended heritage and coastal access to premier local seafood such as wahoo and the ubiquitous rockfish. Our traditional dishes include Codfish and Potatoes (served either the English way with hard boiled egg, egg sauce and olive oil or Portuguese influenced with a tomato-on- ion sauce), Hoppin' John (peas and rice), Pawpaw Casserole and, of course, Bermuda Fish Chowder. • Bermuda's architecture features whitewashed stepped roofs designed to channel rainwater into underground tanks. This is the main supply of fresh water as there are no rivers or lakes here. • Bermuda is also famous for two signature drinks: the Dark 'n Stormy® (featuring our own Gosling's Black Seal Rum mixed with Ginger Beer) and the Bermuda Rum Swizzle • The occurrence of ships and planes mysteriously disappearing in the area called the 'Bermuda Triangle' has made our island famous around the world. How- ever, scientists believed the causes behind these mysterious disappearances were due to hurricanes, waterspouts, rogue waves and other potential geophys- ical phenomena. Visit the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute for a comprehensive display on the Bermuda Triangle.