Bermuda - Part One

Whoever would have thought that we could actually live on the Island of Bermuda.  Some people might be lucky enough to go there for a vacation, but not many actually get to call it home.  But here we were arriving at the Sonesta Beach Hotel for our next adventure.

Staff Housing in foreground

We moved right into staff housing upon arrival.  It was a two story cinder block structure with approximately 20 rooms designed to house employees, same sex employees, not husbands and wives!!  The rooms were like dormitory rooms, with 2 of everything.  Two beds, two chairs, two bookcases, two end tables and one bathroom.   So with a little ingenuity we made it home.  It was a stones throw from the ocean.  We had our own "staff" beach and a "staff" club with a busy bar and lots of dart boards!!

We were of course the only occupants with a dog.  And a rather large dog at that.  The head of security lived 2 doors down from us, but it didn't seem as if it was going to be a problem. We just kept saying we were going to find an apartment to rent.

Staff Beach

Peter started work immediately. He was a Sous Chef at the hotel.

Inside our little home

I, on the other hand was now a lady of leisure.  I ate all my meals in the staff cafeteria, spent the day at the beach, played tennis in the evening and partied in the staff club. This went on for a few months, and finally Peter thought it would be a good idea for me to go out and look for a job.  I didn't mind the idea, as I knew once I found the job it would take a couple of months to get the work permit, as we had already witnessed in applying for Peter's Permit!  So, I contacted an employment agency and was interviewed by them on a Tuesday.  They sent me on an interview on Wednesday to Royall Lyme Bermuda Ltd, for a secretary/receptionist position.  I must admit, I was a bit put off when the 2 girls that were working there laughed when I came in. I was told when I started that just before I had arrived for the interview, Mr. Anthony J. Gaade, (the boss) had said I sure wish they would send me a tall young blonde for a change!!!!!  therefore, on Thursday I got a call saying I was hired and needed to come in that day to fill out paper work for immigration as the Immigration Department met on Fridays. AND guess what?  I got called on Friday to say I was cleared and could start work on Monday!!!!!  I didn't know at the time that the lady who ran this employment agency had a very good connection with Immigrations.  She had been responsible for getting the necessary secretaries, etc to work with Scotland Yard during the murder investigation of the Police Chief.  I was excited about the job but a not a real happy lady of leisure that weekend.

Bermuda version of a Harley Girl

So we bought me a used moped so I could get to work.  We lived out on the south shore of Bermuda and my job was in Hamilton.  So I had about a 20 minute drive to work. Such a new experience for me.......neither rain, nor wind would stand in my way of getting to work!!

I loved the job.  The girls I worked with were great fun.  My boss on the other hand was a rather stuffy brit!!!  But I got him to loosen up though.  Every morning as he arrived for work he would ask me "how I looked?"  This seemed like such a stupid question, so finally one day I said "I think I'm looking pretty nice today don't you?"  We got along really well after that. 

Bringing Home the Tree

Our first Christmas in Bermuda was such fun.  We had to wait for the boats to arrive in port with the Christmas Trees.  When they arrived it was a feeding frenzy!!

Christmas Eve guests

It was interesting being with many different nationalities, and learning about their holiday traditions. Jiffy Pop popcorn, in the aluminum disposable pan was the biggest hit as a present, as many of them had never seen it before!!!

This was our Third Christmas. The first one was in Connecticut, the second in Vermont and the third in Bermuda.  Where will the next one be???  To be continued...........

Christmas Eve 1973