Letter: I'll remember Bermuda's beauty and the generosity and hospitality of islanders for the rest of my life

As I gazed out at the sparkling turquoise water, I couldn’t help but think, ‘I must be dreaming’.

Following five days spent stranded in London’s snow-laden Heathrow Airport with thousands of other travellers, I could hardly believe my luck at being marooned in Bermuda.

I had begun my journey back to the U.S. from the University of Edinburgh on December 18, with hopes of arriving home to Wilmington, North Carolina.

But two cancelled flights, two lost bags and three hotels later, I was still in London, along with many other disgruntled travellers.

All flights to U.S. airports before December 25 were full, so I told the airline that anywhere in the direction of the U.S. would be fine and I ended up in Bermuda.

Along with the breath-taking photography featured in the guide magazine I received on the plane was an article describing Bermuda’s famous hospitality — something I would experience firsthand.

A kind cab driver took me to Aunt Nea’s Inn, where I spent a glorious night in the Banana Room sleeping off my jet lag.

The next day I wanted to go running, so got directions from the wonderful innkeeper Rachael and hit the pavement.

Thirty minutes later, I realised I had been paying more attention to the beautiful scenery than to where my feet were taking me.

This is where the main portion of my Bermuda adventure — the part I will remember for the rest of my life — truly begins.

Two women were jogging a short distance ahead and I ended up continuing along with them and their dog Sally on their daily running loop. It was very lucky that I met Jen Page and her daughter Mia Chambray.

The way they took me in and were so kind was one of the nicest things that anyone has ever done for me.

Not only did Jen invite me over to her house, sit me on her kitchen stool and feed me the most delicious breakfast — toasted English muffin with cheesy scrambled eggs — Mia even arranged for me to have a manicure and pedicure from her friend Sarah Wright at Cool Waters Spa & Salon, insisting that “this is the Bermudian way”.

The generosity continued when Jen picked me back up and showed me around Somers Wharf before driving me around the island to take in beautiful views at Elbow Beach and John Smith’s Bay.

As she deposited me at the airport in time for my flight later that afternoon, I couldn’t even express in words how thankful I was.

Jen, Mia and Sarah, I couldn’t say thank you enough for your kindness while I was with you, so I hope you know just how much I appreciate everything you did for me during my short time in Bermuda.

I will never forget your hospitality and I have told everyone I know how much I appreciated your generosity and also how wonderful the island of Bermuda is.

I will definitely return one day.

Katie Lovett, 20, North Carolina