Tea With Tracey A Travel Narrative Report By: Brooklyn Beauchamp

Tea with Tracey Written by Tracey Caswell Grew up in a small town in Canada Married and relocated to Bermuda Wrote the book as a narrative of her experiences and life in Bermuda Provides advice to women who are thinking about moving to Bermuda Describes atmosphere, working conditions, cuisine, scenery and residence life

Coping with the Weather VERY humid Hot summers- air conditioning expensive; fans best solution Cold, comfortable winters Be prepared for hurricanes

Residence “If you don’t REALLY need it, DON’T bring it!” Keep only what you are prepared to use Always keep things clean and less cluttered Half of what you presently own is useless in Bermuda

Residence Conserve water Rain water is collected from roof, stored in tank Use only what you need-overuse can create problems for visitors “Be sensible. Be aware. Think. An early morning shower is pointless if you’ll be on the beach before noon

Budgeting EXPENSIVE! Grocery and house bills are double or triple typical prices. Live on a budget Only buy what you need Enjoy free activities- picnics, walks on the beaches, see tourist sights. Go to early bird specials for dinner

Be Considerate Bermuda has many laws, controls and regulations Necessary for the survival of the quality of life Be considerate of their permit laws Follow common dress codes-must have shirt at all times, appropriate length, modest, not individualistic Bermudians deserve first rights

Be Considerate Patience is required! Bermudians work very slow “Island time”- more laid back unlike Americans “YOU MUST SLOW DOWN”. Bermudians will not speed up to your time Try to learn their dialect. Different language Keep their land clean and no littering!

Cuisine & Entertainment Try popular foods- Cassava pie, shadeesh, wahoo, cod fish cakes Theatre productions, Bermuda Festival in January, live productions at hotels, movie theatres, and night clubs Beaches! Cup Match in August

Transportation 1 car per house Obey traffic laws- 20 mph Bikes and motorcycles Recommend bike transport to save gas money “Pink & Blue” city buses Bring jacket and scarf- cold on bikes Small, tight roads

Plants & Animals Respect the wild life Natural, wild trees and plants. Be careful of poisonous plants Bermuda bird- Longtail Beware of the toads and gophers! Be environmentally friendly

Recommendations Become adjusted Read local newspapers, magazines and travel brochures Learn government laws Walk every street and learn landmarks to find your way around Write letters to family Stay busy-Volunteer

Other Recommendations Purchase “Dining out in Bermuda” Best restaurant examples: Flanagan's and Portofino Buy clothes at Smith’s and other stores in Pagent Plaza Best supermarket deals at Market Place Get library card and video club membership Take a year to adjust

Would I Recommend? Would recommend to women People who are considering moving abroad People who are considering traveling to Bermuda Liked how she described the island Liked how she gave a personal view of living in Bermuda Enjoyed reading her stories and recommendations