I had the great privilege of joining Bermuda in celebrating their biggest island event: Cup Match. Held on a two-day public holiday, it’s a traditional cricket match played between two lodges: typically one from the east and one from the west.

In 1902, Cup Match exclusively between St. George’s (east) and Somerset (west) was initiated. The annual game became so popular that residents would routinely miss work to watch it, and in 1947 a two-day public holiday was enacted. Today, everyone in Bermuda watches Cup Match – either live or on TV – and thousands simply go out, camp and celebrate the occasion with rum, fun and traditional fare.

My knowledge of the sport is limited to the movie “The Crying Game,” so I required a crash course in cricket before the match kicked off.

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Cup Match Bermuda travel vacation cricket St. George's Somerset Crown and Anchor

•  15 August 2012

It’s difficult to imagine, but there’s actually as much beauty underground in Bermuda as there is at sea level. Fifty feet below the earth’s surface near Bailey’s Bay, a hidden world of mesmerizing white stalactites covered with crystallized soda straws hang from the roof of Crystal Cave.

Like candle wax dripping from the cave’s ceiling and frozen in time, these stalactites have in fact been growing for thousands upon thousands of years.

But it’s not these chandelier clusters reflected in the water, above. This pool is crystal clear azure blue. What you see are stalagmites rising from the cave floor.

Crystal Cave is rife with mystery and incredible history. Moreover, it puts our fleeting lives as humans in perspective. These two pieces, above, will connect in 300 years. Three generations from now will not even live to see that in this fantastical subterranean cavern.

Bermuda travel vacation Crystal Cave

•  14 August 2012  •  2 notes

Alright Bermuda, this is getting a little ridiculous!! These pictures are essentially taking themselves…

This island has exceeded my expectations. I’ve been to some amazing beaches around the world – from the Caribbean to Australia to Indonesia – but there is something very special about Bermuda. Beyond the obviously exquisite beaches and lush green landscapes, there is a strong sense of community and national pride. Strict real estate and foreign investment policies ensure that Bermudians can continue to reside and work here, preserving a legacy of island culture and custom. There are no chains here. No Marriotts. I hit every part of the country and observed a steady middle class, not a stratified system that you often encounter on holiday in other islands.

You can’t exactly capture this Bermudian spirit via photography, but I believe it contributes to the natural splendor and beauty of island.

Bermuda Cross Bay beach travel vacation Southampton

•  13 August 2012  •  2 notes

St. Peter’s Church, Their Majesties Chappell, in the old town of St. George’s. One of Bermuda’s most beloved landmarks, it’s the oldest Anglican church in continuous use outside of the British Isles.

Bermuda architecture travel vacation St. George's St. Peter's Church

•  12 August 2012  •  3 notes

One last ride before the sun sets…

Bermuda jet ski travel vacation

•  11 August 2012  •  2 notes

Hey Girl, it’s all about Dark and Stormys here in Bermuda. And Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is the local’s choice.

wine and spirits dark and stormy Ryan Gosling Bermuda travel vacation Gosling's Black Seal Rum

•  11 August 2012  •  2 notes

The Bermuda Perfumery in the old town of St. George’s is utterly charming. Founded in 1928, and housed in a 300-year old building made of cedar and coral stone, their same traditions and methods of making fragrances are still used today.

Tinctures are mixed and steeped in alcohol and various essential oils – including the company’s own Bermuda cedar oil – in the back of the building. Of course, new scents require years of trial, error and experimentation. Each fragrance contains between 50 and 100 ingredients. “Perfume is a symphony,” says owner Isabelle Ramsay-Blackstone. “It has a beginning, a middle and an end. So we’re patient. It takes a big commitment.” Once harmonization is achieved, each perfume is bottled and packaged by hand.

Beyond manufacturing all aspects of their perfumes on the premises, The Bermuda Perfumery offers afternoon tea for visitors in their botanical garden. Below, a setting for two. How lovely.

My favorite fragrance among their extensive selection is probably Fresh Water, a uni-sex perfume made of Bigarade Orange, Bergamot and Mandarine. But you might want to try their Fragrance Library, a box with vials of ten fragrances, to discover which one suits you best.

Bermuda travel vacation The Bermuda Perfumery fragrance

•  10 August 2012

I should’ve just done an entire story on Bermuda Shorts! Dang.

Bermuda travel vacation Bermuda Shorts fashion

•  6 August 2012

Little bird, pitchin’ by my doorstep. This pretty bird with the lime green belly is called a Great Kiskadee, introduced to Bermuda in 1957 to help curtail the lizard population. Even the birds are beautifully colored in Bermuda!

Bermuda travel vacation bird Great Kiskadee

•  5 August 2012

Long live the Queen! A look inside the Fairmount Hamilton Princess Hotel in Bermuda, where I’m staying. Among the hibiscus and oleander, on the shores of a picturesque natural harbor, The Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel is an elegant tribute to the old world splendor that is Bermuda. Inspired by Princess Louise, the daughter of Queen Victoria, The Princess is a symbol of all that Bermudians hold dear - old fashioned courtesy, quality and hospitality.

travel Bermuda vacation Fairmount Hamilton Princess Hotel hotels

•  5 August 2012

Pink Adirondack chairs in Bermuda. “Our buildings are pink, our sands are pink, our buses are pink. You’ve got to ‘Think Pink’ in Bermuda!” -Kevin, jovial taxi driver (wearing pink).

Bermuda travel Adirondack Chairs vacation

•  2 August 2012  •  1 note

The Prusinowskis have a longstanding Hershey Park tradition. We’ve gone nearly every year since I was born. In fact, my mom and dad had a date there before they were married, and we picnicked there when I was one. Over the years, it’s become a Father’s Day tradition. Here are some fun shots from last weekend. Yeah we’re nerds. And we love it.

Here comes the boom: Kar and Dad taking off on Storm Runner. It launches from 0-72 mph in 2 seconds flat. Naturally, we must ride the front.

The Wild Mouse. Such a strange ride. As it careens around corners, this teeny tiny coaster gives the illusion that you’re gonna fall off the edge of the track. Mice be crazy!

The Flying Falcon is just the dumbest ride ever, which makes Karen and me love it all the more. Four giant arms suspend with seven Falcon cars that spin sideways in a circular motion. And it’s hideous. J’adore.

We’re too impatient for the Ferris Wheel. But this captures the beauty of the day.

We conclude each visit to Hershey Park with the Carousel. It’s the oldest ride in the park, an American classic.

I call this teen angst. Earn those summer dollars buddy! It gets better.

hershey park karen prusinowski vacation summer

•  27 June 2012  •  2 notes

Every time we’re in Puerto Rico, we rent bikes from Tony at Rent the Bicycle. He’s the business. His bikes run well and each has its own cute bell. A bike into Old San Juan is essential: watch the sunset, eat some mofongo, drink Sangria.

bike San Juan rent the bicycle travel vacation

•  14 March 2012

Avatar vibes. A majestic tree in Old San Juan.

Puerto Rico travel vacation tree Avatar

•  13 March 2012  •  2 notes

There’s more to Puerto Rico than beach resorts. Get a jeep and explore the island. Random roadside cafe in Orocovis.

puerto rico travel vacation Orocovis juke box music

•  11 March 2012  •  2 notes