Bus Stop at Somerset

Sometimes the potentially mundane becomes the pivotal point to an adventure or simply generates a feeling of "I am glad that happened." Such an event occurred during a recent visit to Bermuda. In July, it is hot and muggy, humidity at 84% or more. Thus, a bit of shade providing a momentary respite from the sun is a blessing, especially if you catch a cooling offshore breeze.

Even the bus stops serve as momentary oases. On such a day, following a brief lunch and a short walkabout in the small village of Somerset, we headed to the nearest stop to catch a ride to Horseshoe Beach, ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. As we waited, we eavesdropped on a conversation occurring between two Bermudans.From my observations, a Bermudan has never met a stranger. The friendliness of the people is easily recognizable by the frequent friendly honks to the constant laughter.

Apparently, most know each other or a friend that does. Gradually, we worked ourselves into the conversation. Within a few minutes, you would think we were old friends sharing life experiences. One gentleman was the former head of the prison system within the country and is now semi retired. He had a story or two to tell!.The young woman was a nurse.

When she discovered that I was a writer, she quickly offered to talk with her husband about taking us around the island via boat, something we had hoped to do but had not figured out how to accomplish. With the arrival of the bus, we parted, I feeling much better about humanity and more knowledgeable about the politics and island life. The following day, I received a call from her husband, letting us know he was trying to line up a boat. But alas, an electrical outage and the loss of phone service came between us and the tour.However, the fact that this total stranger went to the effort to try to make our stay in her beautiful country more meaningful was deeply appreciated. Perhaps someday, I may be able to take her husband up on that offer of a water tour along Bermuda's beautiful coastline.

Though the scenery is incredibly picturesque, the people who inhabit this friendly isle are the true beauty of this country.

He has cycled, hiked, sailed, and traveled to many far off destinations. He also spent a year on a teaching Fulbright in New Zealand. His many interests, include yoga, Tai Chi, skiing, cycling, photography, and wine collecting. "Poet Bob," as his car license plate declares, is currently president of the Ohio Poetry Association.

This position allows him to interact with some of America's best poets. His first book, The Wanderer: A Poetical Journey published in 2002, focused on his around the world trip and the insights gained. His most recent book, Wisdom from the Journey, offers a diverse selection of poems, comments, vignettes, and recommendations complied from the "best" of his monthly e-zine, the Poetical Journal, which reaches over 13,000 subscribers worldwide. As one reader states, "?In a world of discontent, malice, greed and wars, the Poetical Journal is an oasis to nourish the soul." His next book will be out late in 2006. To read more of his work, go to http://www.

poeticaljourneys.com.

By: Bob Casey