Day 3 - Part 3: City of Hamilton

The architecture in Hamilton is a pleasant combination of traditional colonial style buildings, mixed with the modern style of more recently constructed, mainly commercial developments. There are very few high rise structures in the city; most buildings are no more than three stories high.

 Typically buildings are painted in pale pastel hues, with white limestone roofs. These are constructed in such a way as to collect rainwater, the limestone acting as a filter. The rainwater is collected in underground storage tanks, providing the residents with fresh drinking water.
There are no lakes or other bodies of fresh water on the island.

Some of the businesses on Front Street benefit from open verandas and ornate balconies, from which a view of the harbour front can be enjoyed.

Hamilton Central Bus Station

Public transport is punctual, clean and efficient. Getting around using the local buses, with their unique pink and blue livery, couldn't be easier. Ferries are also fast and spacious, affording travellers yet another way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

In the 1800s onions became a major export crop, earning  Bermudians the nickname "Onions".

By the end of 19th century, American importers looked to the island as a major supplier of the vegetable and the ship SS “Trinidad” was carrying more than 30,000 boxes full of onions to the US on a weekly basis.

A combination of the shipping restrictions brought about by the First World War and competition from U.S. farmers dealt the business a fatal blow. 
Tourism gradually became the economic mainstay of the island; the nickname has found its way into that industry also.

Walking down Parliament Street brings you to the Sessions House, which dates from 1819. Bermuda's parliament is the oldest in the British Commonwealth and is modelled on its predecessor in London.

 

The annual opening ceremony and regular sessions are open to visitors, who can view them from the public gallery. The Supreme Court can also be viewed while in session, through out the year.

In front of the Cabinet Building is the Cenotaph, commemorating the lives of Bermudians lost in two world wars. The design is based on the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.   

People watching, as always, is an entertaining pastime. 

Diverse fashions include the impressive dreadlocks of a freelance car valet and classic Bermuda shorts, worn with knee socks.

Bermuda has a large number of international reinsurance companies based in the city of Hamilton. These  have been adversely affected in recent years due to changes in government policies on immigration and also the far reaching effects of global recession. 

Built on the site of the former Bermudiana Hotel, the ACE building gained a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) award. This is an internationally recognized green building certification programme for the design, construction and operation of green buildings.

The recently constructed ACE group of insurers building

Palm trees and exotic tropical plants add to the picturesque beauty of  the city.

 

 


There is a great deal of public art on display in various locations. This bronze sculpture has pride of place at the entrance to a major bank.
Life size sculpture of Humpback whale tails by Canadian sculptor Ron Cowle, commissioned by XL insurance company.

   








 'Against Da Tide' sculpture by Bermudian artist Bill Ming.







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