Priceless Bermudian hospitality

There’s nothing like good, old fashioned Bermudian hospitality and help — the kind that makes us reflect on days gone by and love our Bermudian comrades like we should.  

It’s the little things that make a huge difference and one act of kindness or efficiency can go a long way to restoring one’s confidence in people. Such was the case for me over the past few weeks.  

I was asked to try a new food delivery service and to post my experience on my Facebook page. I suppose the young man was fairly confident that I would have a good report to post. 

Sitting at home one day feeling hungry and lamenting that it was too hot to cook, I decided to try the much talked about Five Star Home Delivery Service. It was just as easy as I had heard.  From the comfort of my propped up pillows I ordered what my taste buds were craving — and my order was at my door within 40 minutes – still hot! I was stunned!  

I was impressed with the impeccable manner of the young boy who was assisting with the deliveries. I encourage all to try the service Monday to Saturday from 11am to 3pm and again from 6pm-9pm. It’s just a mouse click away: www.fivestarhomedelivery.com

Cup Match arrived shortly after and I decided to venture to the game and eat some good old fashioned Bermuda fare. The thought of that conch stew and rice I savoured still has me salivating. I tried my best to see the game but the record crowd kept me from getting a clear view.  I decided to venture up to the third level of the viewing scaffolding and figured if I snuck in quietly no-one would notice. 

I was readily welcomed by Angela Edwards into the ‘RER Penthouse’ – a corner section nicely set up by the Rogers-Edwards-Robinson clan. Lonnie Bascome was a perfect host as he offered me a libation to wash down the conch stew — and my cup was quickly filled by Angela who wouldn’t take “nah, one is enough” for an answer. 

Natural friendliness

The soca music was pumping, folks were dancing, while others relaxed in their chairs focused on the game. That impromptu visit was definitely a highlight of my Cup Match visit. 

What I experienced was the natural way of Bermudian behaviour that I remember. Thanks, RER! 

Recently I took my son fishing. Within five minutes of throwing his line over he snagged a large chub. Totally thrilled with his catch, he was anxious to take it home and cook it. We were forced to leave the dock for what seemed to be the arrival of nefarious activity so we took the fish to Jews Bay to clean.  An experienced fisherman was sitting on his boat at the dock and watched my son. He immediately gave him some pointers on how to clean the fish and suggested he filet his catch. “I don’t know how to filet,” my son said. The fisherman welcomed my son to his boat to show him how to do it.  

As he demonstrated his craft, he explained the process to my son step by step. As a mom who loves to see men interacting with my son in this manner, I stood back with that motherly lump in my throat.  My son was happy.  The fisherman, who told me how much he loves to teach the youth his trade, answers to two old fashioned nicknames. I know who I’ll support when I need some good local fish. “Thanks, Hilly” — or should I say, “Thanks, Ingy”. You made a difference in the life of one. 

That’s all it takes, Bermuda. Each one, reach one, to teach one. Let’s do our part to be neighbourly. 

Shawnette Somner is a mother and educator: [email protected]