Travel

Zihuatanejo, Mexico – 2007

It’s just much easier to call it Zihua (Zee-waa). I’ve been going to this part of Mexico for several years now and have never been rained on. That’s why I like it so much.

Washington, DC – 2006

This was first time in the US capital. They were setting up the lawn in front of the Capital Building for a large university graduation at which Bush Sr. was speaking.

Villefranche sur Mer, FR – 2013

Made up for the rain by finding a perfect little eaterie and eating moules and drinking white wine.

Vienna, Austria – 2017

The Pestsaule monument (behind us) is one you frequently see when Googling Vienna. Way back in 1679 the city was suffering from one of the last big plagues. As the Emperor escaped the city he vowed to erect a mercy column if the epidemic would end. It took about 15 years to build and had many different architects. It started as this plain conservative tower and ended up an elaborate baroque piece that forever influenced the style throughout Austria.

Victoria Falls, Zambia – 2005

Victoria Falls, Zambia is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Like Niagra Falls, they provide raincoats.

Venice, Italy – 2014

Venice, Italy It was our first night, jet-lagged, but we decided to venture out and get a first look at St. Mark’s Square. It was kind of perfect, the light was beautiful, most of the tourists were gone or at dinner, magical.

Valley of The Kings, Egypt – 2008

Valley of The Kings, Egypt – where King Tut’s tomb is – surprisingly the least opulent as he was only 18 when he died (was murdered?)

Uluru (Ayres Rock), Australia – 2012

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs. Kata Tjuta and Uluru are the two major features of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. It was very hot – about 42C – but really quite a sight to see, especially at sunrise. Since handing ownership back to the aboriginal people, they have discouraged climbing the rock as the aborigines see it as a spiritual place.

Ukraine – 1981

I was on a six week university exchange to Ukraine. Larry was antoher student and we were getting our feet feet in the Dniepro River.

Tokyo, Japan – March 2015

Our visit to Japan will go down as one of the most culturally rich trips we’ve taken. From the food, to the shrines, to the people, all wonderfully rich and foreign.

Tallinn, Estonia – 2009

A fascinating place that seemed so out of the way. We lucked out with a gorgeous sunny day. We visited a monastery where we made metal coins, sipped wine and listened to a choir of young monks.

Sydney, NS – 2011

Home to the world’s largest fiddle (allegedly).

Sydney, Australia – 2012

It looked smaller and…less white…than all the postcards make it appear, but here I am on the steps leading up to Sydney’s grand Opera House during a morning jog. We later attended a Sarah Blasko concert here. Apparently the architect was not fashioning the building to look like sails or clam shells as many think from seeing the building, but rather orange peels. It was orange peels that inspired him to figure out how to make it look the way it does.

Sunshine Coast, Australia.. – 2012

The Sunshine Coast is in South East Queensland, north of the state capital of Brisbane on the Pacific Ocean coastline. We were near Noosa Heads. People raved about the beaches here. Unfortunately for the entire 9 days we were there, they were going through a (supposedly) freak weather pattern and it rained pretty much constantly the entire time. This picture was taken on our last day which was the most bit of non-rain we got.

Osaka, Japan – 2015

Sumo Wrestling Tournament – One of those things I never thought I’d do. Oddly exciting and the rules very easy to learn. Basically first big guy to push the other big guy outta the ring, wins.

Sugar Loaf Mountain, County Wicklow, Ireland – 2014

This mountain is known as a ‘Marilyn’. The term is only used in the UK, Republic of Ireland, and Isle of Man, meant to describe any mountain of at least 150 metres. Its also meant as a bit of a take on the term Munro, used in Scotland to describe their tallest of peaks. And there you have the Irish humour.

Suez Canal – 2008

Suez Canal – floating through in a convoy of ships

St. Tropez, France – 2009

Where yachts go for vacation.

St. Petersburg, Russia – 2009

Behind me is the Hermitage. Later we had a special after hours tour which concluded with a concert in one of the stunning galleries. The main architectural ensemble of the Hermitage situated in the centre of St Petersburg consists of the Winter Palace, the former state residence of the Russian emperors, the buildings of the Small, Old (Great) and New Hermitages, the Hermitage Theatre and the Auxiliary House.

St. George’s, Grenada – 2013

Grenada, also known as the Spice Island, is only 21 mi long and 12 wide. It is shocking that after nearly being destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, after being hurricane-free for forty-nine years, they are up and running.

Split, Croatia – 2014

Me doing the splits in Split, and showing what an idiot I can be when in the excited throes of travelling to a new destination. Fro here we also visited Trogir, which was beautiful.

Sonoran Desert, Phoenix, Arizona – 2009

I was amazed by the size of some of the cacti, and the varieties.

Sommières, France – 2011

Just below where I’m walking are the unseen arches of an old Roman bridge-I mean OLD – 1st century. Only 7 of the 19 arches can be seen, the others lie beneath the town where they act as cellars.

Singapore – 2011

Behind me is the Helix walkway leading up to the year-old (at the time) Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt – 2008

Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt – sun, sea and sand resort in Egypt

Shanghai, China – 2011

Near the symbol of the city: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower – surpassed in height only by towers in Toronto and Moscow.

Schenzhen, China – 1996

This was in an area called the Free Market in Schenzhen, China. We were on a bus trip from our base in Hong Kong. This was immediately prior to the transfer of Hong Kong from the British to the Chinese in 1997.

Santarem, Brazil – 2013

Santarem was one of those great cities where you walk the streets and there isn’t another foreign tourist in sight. Made it difficult to find a nice bar to sit in, but authentic it was.

San Francisco, CA – 2009

San Francisco, CA – while I was in town doing promo for Aloha, Candy Hearts at A Different Light Bookstore.

San Antonio, Texas – 2007

This is The Alamo. That night, I read at a mystery bookstore cleverly called: Remember the Alibi.

Salalah, Oman – 2008

Home of the frankincense tree; Study in contrasts – modern highway against and empty beach with grazing camels

Saint-Paul de Vence, France – 2009

A lovely town just outside of Nice, with few cars allowed within its walls. To get to our hotel we had to park outside the walls and haul suitcases in. Oddly enough , we’d lost all but one bag – the only time I was glad for lost luggage.

Safaga-Luxor, Egypt – 2008

Simply astounding

Roseau, Dominica – 2012

In the center of the Caribbean archipelago, Dominica is a wild place. And so was-on that day- the town of Roseau. We happened to be here during Carnival. The revelers in the background had been dancing and drinking since 2am the previous night.

Rome, Italy – 2014

I’d always thought of the Spanish Steps as nothing more than a Roman monument and tourist destination, so it was kind of cool this night when we actually had to ‘use’ the Spanish Steps to get from our hotel to our restaurant. On the way back, around midnight, the place was pretty much deserted and we got the best view of the Steps we’d ever had.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica – 2010

We were on a water safari during which we didn’t see too much, but it was lovely scenery nonetheless.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 2008

There was something magical about this room on the beach. You felt like spending the whole day on the massive outdoor balcony in your bathrobe, drinking wine and looking at the ocean. Which I did some.

Providenciales, Turks & Caicos – 2012

In my quest to find the perfect beach, this one at Grace Bay on the island of Providenciales in the British Protectorate of Turks & Caicos is coming close. Thirteen miles long. Sand like blond cinnamon. Long stretches between properties. Some great beach bars. You can go for miles without seeing another person and let your mind float free. Great swimming. Although many think of this as part of the Caribbean, T&C is actually surrounded by the Pacific. We liked it so much, a few years later we bought a condo on that lovely beach.

Portofino, Italy – 2013

As beautiful and picturesque as all the pictures suggest. We did however have to take one crazy boat ride to get here. But it was worth it… I guess. (We took a bus back)

Phuket,Thailand – 1993

On Karon Beach in Phuket, Thailand Many years later, this was an area devastated by the tsunami.

Philadelphia, PA – 2008

Philadelphia, PA – for the May 2008 Men of Mystery Tour with authors Neil Plakcy and Mark Zubro

Perpignan, France 2011

Northern-Catalan city, a commune and the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France.

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia – 2011

Population of 60. And stunning to look at. Granite everywhere. The stories go that Peggy is either the ghost of seaman’s widow, or the sole survivor of a ghastly ship wreck, raised in the town.

Parintins, Brazil – 2013

Home to the famous Boi Bumba Show. See Special Moments photo section to catch my moves when I got caught in the action.

Pannonhalma, Hungary – 2017

The Benedictine Pannonhalma Archabbey is one of the oldest historical monuments in Hungary. It recently celebrated its 700th birthday. The best part was walking into this spectacular library…like a scene from Harry Potter. It holds the oldest document in the Hungarian language, the abbeys charter from about 1054.

Palm Springs, CA – 2011

With the beautiful San Jacinto Mountains in the background.

Nha Trang, Vietnam – 2011

I was surprised to find such a gorgeous beach in this coastal city. Vietnam is going ‘resort’y.

New York City, NY – 2007

I was uncertain about visiting New York City for many years, but once I did, of course I fell in love.

Newport, Rhode Island – 2011

Incredible history here. Visiting Rosecliff Mansion was like stepping into a world of grand Colonial splendour; the Gilded Age.

New Orleans, Louisiana – 2007

In front of the well-known Natchez paddle boat on the Mississippi near the boardwalk in New Orleans. On my first visit to NOLA, several years ago, on that very boardwalk, I remember hearing the buskers now-familiar query for the first time: I know where ya got those shoes! And for $5 he’d tell you ya got your shoes on your feet. Ha!

Naples, Italy – 2013

It wasn’t in the plan to visit Naples, but on this trip we were on a cruise ship and our intended port, Sorrento, had rough seas that day so we were re-routed. Naples gets a bad rap by some, for its crime and general craziness. IT is bracing and takes a bit to gt used to, but its invigorating and can be fun, theres a softer gentler side too, as well as the best pizza and coffee Italy has to offer.

Naples, Florida – 2011

I loved this icing sugar beach, with its old wood, tall grasses, salty air and long stretches of nothing more than sand and water.

Montreux, Switzerland – 1994

Having my first authentic fondue experience in Montreux, Switzerland. I remember that as we sat there, a circus had just arrived in town and the animals were being unloaded, not far from where we were lunching.

Montreal, Quebec – 2001

In front of Notre Dame in Montreal, Quebec. This was a trip taken soon after 9/11 and the city was pretty quiet.

Montego Bay, Jamaica 2004

This was at a place called Half Moon Bay which was a little slice of paradise.

Whitefish, Montana – 2016

Visiting our friends, Paul & Jan, in Whitefish, Montana. It was a bit out of my normal stomping grounds, but I put on the hat, drank beer at the infamous Blue Moon, and ate sauerkraut pizza (crazy but delicious!).

Middle Caicos, Turks & Caicos Islands – 2018

Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska – 2008

This was unique in that we were able to disembark the ship and get quite close to this glacier. Like an ice flow version of a volcano.

Melbourne, Australia – 2012

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. On our city tour we were shown how the city deals with graffiti artists – they celebrate them! And allow them certain alleys in which to practice and show off their art. Some of these alleys were veritable art galleries.

Maui, Hawaii – 2011

After travelling to Hawaii dozens of time for the past twenty plus years, I finally make it to Maui, staying at this condo on Kaanapali Beach with views of both Lana’i and Molokai from the lanai.

Marseille, France – 2010

Visiting a bustling market on a coolish Saturday morning

Marrakech, Morocco – 2012

In the dizzying, agressive, puzzling, exotic, scary, exciting souks where they promise you WILL get lost. And I did.

Manta, Ecuador – 2010

I was actually just getting over being quite sick, so I was glad to be getting out and experiencing Ecuador. The city was pretty rustic and rough around the edges, but as in this picture, there is beauty (the background colours – not me) to be found everywhere.

Manaus, Brazil – 2013

In front of the astounding Manaus Opera House, built in the middle of the jungle.

London, England – 2006

I wonder if many others are fooled as I was, in thinking that the rather familiar bridge behind me is the famed London Bridge; when in truth, this bridge is called The Tower Bridge. London Bridge is actually a rather plain looking structure.

Lima, Peru – 2010

We were told we were lucky not to be experiencing the more common donkey-belly gray sky. Wonderful ceviche. Good walking city.

Kyoto, Japan – March 2015

Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates (they say about 10,000), behind its main buildings on trails that lead into the wooded forest of sacred Mount Inari. It takes about two hours to walk through the whole thing.

Kotor, Montenegro – 2014

Hadn’t even heard of this country…maybe because it had only been one for 6 years when we visited (part of former Yugoslavia). Sailing in was like sailing into a fairyland hidden in the folds of majestic mountains, stunning.

Koper, Slovenia – 2014

I went truffle hunting in the Slovenian mountains. Now there’s something you don’t do every day. Gorgeous countryside and vineyards.

King For the Day – Ashford Castle, County Mayo – 2014

Travelling across the country west, we reached County Mayo on the Atlantic side of Ireland and stayed at this fantastic place, Ashford Castle, originally built in the 1200’s.

Kilkenny, Ireland – May 2014

I drank more beer and stout in my time in Ireland than in probably the entire decade preceding it. I was a bit of a dolt about the food, thinking it would all be heavy pub food (which this was) – but the seafood – salmon, mussels, oysters – was plentiful, fresh and fantastic tasting.

Ketchikan, Alaska – 2008

A very kitschy, fishy, maritime kind of place.

Keil Canal, Germany – 2009

I’m fascinated by canals. This was a beautiful crossing, with some stunning pastoral landscape along the way, done during our Baltic cruise.

Kamakura, Japan – March 2015

Home of one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, this is also a place that is a beachside getaway, particularly for people from nearby Tokyo.

Juneau, Alaska – 2008

This was cruising of a whole other sort. We started out with pleasant weather in Vancouver, then just cold colder as we neared the Alaskan glaciers. Invigourating.

Johannesburg, South Africa – 2005

This was in a terrific restaurant where they painted the patron’s faces, so for one night, we were all a little African.

Indianapolis, Indiana – 2009

Visited while on book tour.

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska – 2012

This was my first siting of a glacier. It was difficult to even begin to visualize the massiveness of it, the blue colour, the baby bits of glacier floating eerily silent next to the ship as we approached.

Hong Kong, China – 2011

Returning home from dinner, we happened upon a group setting up the lighting for an upcoming concert- even the set up looked spectacular. Hong Kong-one very exciting and frantic city.

Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA – 2007

Hollywood, was once Hollywood Land, a name made up for the new real estate development. The sign was erected to attract potential residents.

Ho Chi Mihn (aka Saigon), Vietnam – 2011

Behind me is the Reunification Palace, site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.

Anthony Bidulka High Atlas Mountains, Morocco – 2012

I visited a number of Berber villages. We travelled on narrow winding roads, never seeing another car for hours.

Hội An, Vietnam – 2011

Known as the Ancient City of Vietnam. Sometimes referred to as a Living Museum, because people still live here.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – 2011

The bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes. Or is it really the backs of dragons that once protected the locals from invaders?

Halifax, NS – 2011

From the top of Citadel Hill.

Hakone, Japan – March 2015

We took a break from our whirlwind touring of the Japanese cities and shrines, taking a time out in the mountains, visiting a wonderfully peaceful and zen retreat and ryokan (traditional Japanese guest house) called Gora Kadan. You put on your yukata and slippers when you arrive and fall into tranquility.

Hai Phong, Vietnam – 2011

We visited a VERY authentic street market here, serving up everything from chicken claws to live snakes.

Gustavia, St. Barts – 2012

Hilly St. Barthélemy, popularly known as St. Barth (or St. Barts) is just 8 square mi (21 square km), but the island has at least 20 good beaches. And some awesome shopping and restaurants. I bought a pair of pants here that I am in love with.

Grenada, Spain – 2010

Where we visited the Al Hambra fortification

Gdansk, Poland – 2009

This was a beautiful city with a lovely artistic feel to it. Which was a much appreciated contrast to our earlier visit to to The Stutthof Concentration Camp near to the city. This was the first Nazi camp built outside of Germany and was the last camp liberated by Allied forces. It was the place of death for 85,000 people according to official figures, although the actual number killed is assumed to be much greater. Originally a small prison for Poles and P.O.W’s, the camp would become the site of some of the worst atrocities of the war.

Gahwil, Switzerland – 2009

Near Sound-of-Music perfection. Even the cow bells sounded in tune, and the sheep were clean as snow. Visiting the home of our friends Marianne and Moritz who we’d met on our honeymoon.

Fujairah, UAE – 2008

We went dune crashing, then breakfasted at a Bedoin Camp…all words I never thought I’d say in one sentence.

Florence, Italy – 2013

We’d just come from seeing the real statue of David in the Accademia Gallery. The last time I was in Florence we only saw the replica in Palazzo della Signoria, so I was happy to get back and see him. And boy is he big – 17′ tall.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – 2014

It was at the end of a long, hot day investigating the city and climbing the walls that surround the old town. We’d stopped for a drink and found the place suddenly settling into a loveliness of dusk with many fewer people about…and some great drinks.

Dublin, Ireland – May 2014

There are no buildings taller than 16 storeys in Dublin. Over 60% of people live in houses rather than highrises, and the % is closer to over 80 for all of Ireland. Such is their love of the land and wanting to be near it.

Devil’s Island, French Guiana – 2013

Devil’s Island is actually one of 3 islands that make up one of the most brutal penal colonies in history. Today it’s difficult to believe it by looking at the tropical paradise.

Collioure, France – 2012

Only a short distance from the Spanish border. You could tell in the architecture and food. We rented a lovely house, spend a lot of time down by the water, at cafes, bars, art shops, following the trail of Matisse paintings.

Copenhagen, Denmark – 2009

Amongst the best parts about our visit here was a feast of herring (amazingly large variety and flavours) and aquavit and good beer we had for lunch.

Cleveland, Ohio – 2011

In front of the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame, which exists in Cleveland because Cleveland DJ, Alan Freed coined the phrase “Rock and Roll” on his Moondog Rock and Roll Radio Hour in the early 1950s. Freed is also credited with organizing the first rock concert, the Moondog Coronation Ball on March 21, 1952

Chobe, Botswana – 2005

Each night we would take a sundowner cruise, usually just us and a guide and maybe one other person. As sundown approached, the guide would find a good place to stop – usually overlooking a herd of elephant coming to the river for water, or a lions eating their downed prey – and he’d pull out a platter of appetizers and wine and gin. Sundowner on Water.

China Beach, Vietnam – 2011

Near the spot where many soldiers took a few days R&R during Vietnam war. Behind me are traditional coracles-who would have thought round-shaped wicker boats would work?

Charlottetown, PEI – 2011

One of the most idyllic, pastoral, charming maritime locations I’ve visited. They have NO dumps on the island. Everything is recycled.

Cassis, France – 2017

We love little towns in southern France and have our favourites (Grimaud, Sanury sur Mer). Every so often we try a new one to see whats out there. So in 2017 we rented an apartment in Cassis. I must say, this place had it all – a marina, cliffs, a castle, lots of restaurants, shopping, proximity to lots of other cool towns and bigger centres (Mersailles), yet still small enough and remote enough not to be overrun with tourists.

Carcassonne, France – 2012

Also known as the Puss’n’Boots town, because of this castle- which is quite extensive. Robin Hood Prince of Thieves shot here too.

Cannes, France – 2006

As a bit of a movie buff and lover of pop culture, I’d always dreamed about visiting Cannes, where the famous Film Festival happens every year.

Cahors, France – 2011

The Valentré Bridge, the symbol of the town. Legend associated with this bridge is one of the most fully realized of all Devil’s Bridge legends, with a carefully developed plot, complex characters, and a surprising dénouement.

Cadiz, Spain – 2010

Where we learned everything there is to know about bottling Sherry

Cabo San Lucas, Baja, Mexico – 2009

In front of the famous Arch

Budapest, Hungary – 2017

Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is bisected by the River Danube, and the 19th-century Chain Bridge (behind me) connects its hilly Buda district with flat Pest. For years people told us we’d be blown away by this city. They were right. The culture, restaurants, architecture, music, history, the ruin bars!

Bruges, Belgium – 2009

Wonderful waterways, great blond beer, extraordinary chocolate, and many artists. We bought two paintings here. Watch the movie In Bruges to get a sense of the place and its beauty.

Bridgetown, Barbados – 2012

Although many of the buildings were in disrepair, the colour was almost always joyful and added a lovely island spirit.

Breves Narrows, The Amazon – 2013

Sailing these narrow waterways of the Amazon was a highlight. For 5 hours straight I just sat in my chair and watched this fantastic and foreign life pass by. At times children in dug out canoes paddled up to the boat, as interested in looking at us as we were them.

Boca da Valeria, Brazil – 2013

Nothing but a little village squeezed in between the jungle and the Amazon, where all houses sit on stilts to keep dry during the dramatic high tides of the river.

Bequia, St. Vincent & The Grenadines – 2012

The Grenadines comprise a string of 100 tiny, rocky islands scattered between St. Vincent & Grenada. Bequia, pronounced Beck-way, and called “the island of the clouds” by the Carib Indians, is the largest of the St. Vincent dependencies.

Belem, Brazil – 2013

Known as the gateway city to the Amazon. They have one of the most bustling markets in the world, where pretty much anything might be up for grabs for lunch, as well as some nifty herbs & spice concoctions that fix pretty much any problem you might have.

Beijing, China – 2011

This is in the Forbidden City. Of course, only foreigners call it that. To the Chinese, it was never forbidden.

Basseterre, St. Kitts & Nevis – 2012

Mountainous St. Kitts crams stunning scenery into its 65 square mi. In 1983, St. Kitts & Nevis became an independent nation. English with a strong West Indian lilt is spoken here.

Barcelona, Spain – 2013

This was my third visit to Barcelona (2013). Even though it was May, the weather was chilly. Fun and vibrant city as always.

Banyuls-sur-Mer, France – 2012

Enjoyed a Banyuls tasting here (like port), in honour of Russell Quant who is drinking it when he is proposed to (Aloha, Candy Hearts)

Barcelona, Spain – 2002

Spending sunny afternoons drinking sangria, eating tapas, talking to strangers was a favourite pasttime in Barcelona. And until our visit there, I did not understand the truly unique genius of Antoni Gaudi – or had he simply had too many sangria when he designed some of those buildings?

Bali, Indonesia – 1996

Bali was such an idyllic place, our time there, much as with Phuket, almost seems dreamlike. We even named one of our dogs after it.

Atlanta, Georgia – 2009

Taken on book tour for Sundowner Ubuntu, May 2009. Are all the streets called Peachtree?

Aruba – 2016

The image of the Divi Divi (or watapana) tree is synonymous with Aruba. It is a natural compass, always pointing in a southwesterly direction due to the trade winds that blow across the island north to east. Every day I was there saw 40 km winds on the beach…I like to think of it as a natural exfoliant. Who needs a spa?

Aqaba-Petra, Jordan – 2008

Aqaba-Petra, Jordan – the stone city created by the Nabateans – like a very narrow Grand Canyon – one of the new seven wonders of the world

Antigua, Guatemala – 2010

Picking coffee cherries at a coffee plantation.

Koper, Slovenia – 2014

I went truffle hunting in the Slovenian mountains. Now there’s something you don’t do every day. Gorgeous countryside and vineyards. Our guide suggested that when eating out, not to order the spaghetti bolognese, as thats really just for tourists. She told us Italians actually prefer short pasta to the long.

Alter do Chao, Brazil – 2013

Named after the flat-topped hill in the background from where you can get an awesome view of this island which is also known as the Caribbean of the Amazon.

Acapulco, Mexico – 2010

Unsuccessful price negotiation for my oversize sombrero

Bermuda – 2019

First time in Bermuda,a British Overseas Territory which is self governing. Curious that tourists cannot rent cars or drive anything other than scooters. The government controls type, quantity and quality of vehicles used. 24mi long (7 main islands strung together) and averaging 1 mi wide. Locals call the island Bermy. Born and bred Bermudians are often referred to as Onions! Why? Back in the 1800s sweet Bermuda onions were the islands main export.