Bermuda: Little Culture Shocks

Submitted by Nicole Steplewski on the 2019 winter session program in Bermuda sponsored by the School of Marine Science & Policy…

After spending a total of seven days on the exquisite island of Bermuda, I can safely say I have never experienced anything like this past week. Visiting this culturally unique environment never seemed quite real, and I still have yet to adjust entirely. From the moment I stepped off the plane, I was hit with a burst of warm, humid air, and I could not control the huge smile that swept across my face. I have experienced so much within this week, and I am eager to share my journey.

One of the most shocking “normality” of this island is the strange population of feral chickens that welcomed our group after we stepped out of the airport. It was almost ironic that us Blue Hens were welcomed by Bermudian Hens. When boarding the shuttle that would take us to BIOS (Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences), I was immensely confused that our program director, Art Trembanis, was sitting in the front left seat. I wondered why he would be driving us to the center when I realized the steering wheel is on the other side! Then, with every bending turn on the narrow streets, I found myself almost paralyzed with fear for a split second when I would see a car racing around the corner from the right side of the road, while we were riding on the left.

When the group arrived at BIOS, I became entranced with how shockingly clear the water is; which I later learned to be from less nutrients in the water. I cannot count how many times I have sat on the edge of the dock, looking at all the Sergeant Majors and Grey Snappers swimming below. For a nice welcoming gift, a Grey Triggerfish joined my company, and soon bit my toe, causing it to bleed.

I have never felt so entranced during lectures while our group learned about coral identification as well as coral health, identification of common reef species, and how underwater robots operate.

Hamilton is a popular Bermudian city with lots of tourist shops and restaurants, perfect for a day/night out. Saint George’s is more of an extended “Main Street” with exquisite boutiques, modern coffee shops, and restaurants yet to be discovered. There is still so much I have left to learn, and I cannot wait for the second week to start.

This first picture is a model of “Deliverance”, found in Saint George’s. This ship has become a vital part of Bermuda’s history. Sir George Somers and his crew traveled on this ship as well as a few others on their journey to Jamestown, Virginia, when a Great Storm forced them to take shelter on the island of Bermuda and allow repairs to the fleet before setting out again.
Some of the students from the group preparing for a snorkel in the waters at North Rock. In the background, the historic lighthouse and small portion of North Rock left can be seen. North Rock has greatly decreased in size due to deterioration from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, that have a streak of affecting the small island of Bermuda.
This picture was taken from an underwater camera, during a snorkeling expedition on Nonsuch Island. The island obtained its name for being like “non-such other island”, depicting its uniqueness. Now, Nonsuch is a place that many endangered species can call home, like the infamous Cahow, which resurrected from near extinction from the help of David Wingate. Depicted below are Sergeant Majors, Grey Snappers, and Chubs.
The last image shows a view from BIOS, out on the back deck where many students enjoy their meals. There is a wonderful view of the channel that leads out into the Sargasso Sea. Bermuda is known for being the only island in the Sargasso Sea.