Bermuda is just a short hop away.

Trip Start Oct 16, 2005

Trip End Oct 30, 2005

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Flag of Bermuda Hamilton, Bermuda
Sunday, October 16, 2005

We're in the air at 10:0am and smiling. Might have to do with the USAIR frequent flier upgrades to first class. Or the fact that we're headed back to Bermuda. It's a short non-stop2 1/2 hour flight out of Philadelphia.

Clearing customs in Bermuda is easy. Then off to find our mini-bus that will take us to Daniel's Head, on the opposite side of the island. We have to wait for the rest of the passengers who have reserved the transfer. With these busses, it's not only the wait to fill up, but all the hotels you stop at to drop them off. There are 8 of us. And four different hotels.

Since we are in Daniels Head, we are the last off. But it's nice to see the areas, and the changes since we've been here last so we're just sitting back watching

The Bermuda flag at the airport..

. Fianlly we arrive at 9 Beaches. This has Metomorphised! The check in is at the "social area" This includes a lounge for reading, free internet services and a gift shop. A bar is here also. Downstairs is the restaurant.

Check in is fast, and a nice gentleman who we will see around is taking our bags and putting them in the golf cart. This is our ride to our Yurt. Another change is the once white yurts are now colored. Blues, whites and greens! Our yurt is in a group of 6. We are in the "Sea Forever" category. Unlike some that we walked past (I'd consider them garden yurts because of the grass surrounding them) even though they do have a ocean view.

We are directly on a cliff. The view from the front is wide open ocean. The view to our left is a small bay (one of the 9 beaches on the property). I almost gasp when we walk in the room. Two huge windows are in front of us, seperated by a glass door that leads out to the porch. The view is spectacular. It's the ocean. We're given a briefing on the Yurt complex, the activities and the solar water which heats the shower.

The bathroom is described to us as a "cruiseline style bathroom." That means small - but with the bathroom window, I find it much better than a cruiseship bathroom. And the toilet doesn't make you feel that if you are close enough, you will be sucked down it.

There is a paddle fan above the bed. And a futon to sit on under the large side windows. A mini-refridge is in the closet. He's talking about the free cell phone for local to calls and then I walk onto the deck, breath the fresh air, spot the cows and goats on the hillside across from us and think "I am home, but with an upgrade"

Gary unpacking

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What other instructions he gave us went right by me, but who cares. This is VACATION.

After unpacking, we head down to the water sports area on the beach. There is a variety of kayaks, glass bottom boat kayaks, jet skis, snokeling equipment, power boats, and snuba. This is perfect. We may not even leave the resort! It's a toss up, but we pick out our kayak.

I want to go to the Vixen. Gary is flexible so we hop in and paddle out. The water is calm, and we're passing rocks and the "Over the Water" cabins. These are the rooms I wanted. They have a large plexiglass window in the floor, so you can look down. Of course, those that book at the last minute get the last room that is available. So next time, we're booking far in advance.

Then we head out to the Vixen. On the way, the plant life and sealife get more plentyfull. The Vixen is a sunk ship, who's bow is out of the water. It's the spot to spot fish. We circle it a few times, then head over to catch a view of our cabin, before heading back to the sports center

Inside our "cabana"

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Dusk is falling, and it's time to get cleaned up before going to dinner. Unlike most of Bermudas better hotels, at 9 Beaches, you can dress in shorts for dinner. And dinner is a 4 1/2 star event.

We find a table for two outside on the small terrace. at Hi Tide. We're overlooking the pool and the beach. The food is delicious. And the chocolate killer desert just added the perfect touch to the end of the day.

Now, snug in my bed, the waves crashing against the rocks in the cove ten feet away (which if you are an extremely light sleeper with a sleep disorder, like me, this will keep you awake without earplugs). Added to it are all those cute little tree frogs that EVERYONE loves, amd that just don't shut up at night. It's like they are in a fraternity house and it's party time! Gary never has problems with sleep, so he is out like a light. And I am looking up at the ceiling watching the moon cast a glow thru it. Tomorrow I am on a hunt for ear plugs so I can return to paradise for the rest of our stay.