From Timbuktu to Bermuda
July 2025: Over the past year, I was fortunate enough to visit two locations with legendary names that I had always heard of, but never truly imagined I would visit. These are places that, for many, almost seem fictional and are often believed to be myths rather than real locations. Timbuktu, Mali, was the first, and the second was the island of Bermuda—a destination with a fascinating history. Most people have heard of Bermuda, but many dismiss it as a mere myth due to its association with the Bermuda Triangle, a mysterious section of the northern Caribbean. Known for its reputation for bizarre disappearances, Bermuda’s mysterious aura extends beyond its geographical connection to the Bermuda Triangle, with a history steeped in pirates and naval lore. Like Timbuktu, Bermuda is thought of by many as a mythical place, shrouded in mystery and fascination.
As part of my ongoing quest to explore the world, Bermuda was not initially on my radar due to its isolation and steep costs. It sits about 500 miles off the coast of North Carolina, nearly two hours by plane from New York. While the island’s beauty and intrigue were undeniable, the expense made it seem out of reach. However, fate had other plans for me. Ironically, it was my trip to Timbuktu that would lead me to Bermuda.
The Serendipitous Connection: From Timbuktu to Bermuda
On my way back from Timbuktu, I had a layover at JFK airport in New York, and that’s when I had a stroke of luck. My JetBlue flight from JFK to LAX was overbooked, and the airline offered $1,000 in travel vouchers for volunteers to give up their seats and take a later flight. The offer was too good to pass up—an 8-hour wait with a meal and hotel stay for $1,000 in vouchers. This delay worked in my favor, giving me the chance to catch a more direct flight back to San Diego.
Free Flight to Bermuda
With my newly acquired $1,000 JetBlue voucher, the timing was perfect to visit Bermuda, a destination served by JetBlue. The cost of a ticket to Bermuda matched exactly with my voucher, and I booked a three-day weekend trip. I was joined by my friend Jimmie, who has traveled with me on numerous adventures. We decided to set off in mid-July to explore the island, focusing on its caves, abandoned forts, and historical sites—some dating back to the Revolutionary War.
Bermuda map
About Bermuda
Bermuda is a strange and fascinating place. It’s an island archipelago connected by bridges, sitting all alone in the mid-Atlantic, 650 miles from the nearest landmass. Despite its isolation, Bermuda stands as one of the most unique and intriguing islands in the world. Interestingly, though it is situated far north in the Atlantic and lies parallel to North Carolina, it is technically considered part of the Caribbean. Its white sand beaches, tropical humidity—especially in the summer—turquoise waters, and vibrant reefs certainly give you the feeling of being in the Caribbean.
A British Territory in the Atlantic
Bermuda is a self-governing British territory and even has its own currency. It’s also the oldest British territory in the Americas, first colonized by the British after they arrived via a shipwreck, the Sea Venture, in the early 1600s. This shipwreck set the stage for the island’s history of settlement by British colonists and, eventually, pirates.
The Pirate Connection
Bermuda became famous for pirates who used the island’s many caves as hideouts. These pirates would lie in wait for cargo ships making their way to or from the Americas, often laden with valuable goods. The perilous reefs surrounding the island would trap these ships, and the pirates would pounce on their helpless prey.
British Forts and Their Legacy
In response to the pirate threat and to defend the island from other foreign dangers, the British built numerous forts around Bermuda. Many of these forts are still standing today, though their purposes have evolved over the centuries. Some of the forts have been turned into museums for tourists, while others remain abandoned and slowly succumb to the ravages of time. During World War II, the forts were repurposed for defense, adding layers to the island’s rich military history.
Plantations and the Legacy of Slavery
Like many British territories in the Caribbean, Bermuda had plantations and imported African slaves to work the fields. The majority of Bermuda’s population today is descended from these African slaves, a testament to the island’s colonial past. The remaining residents are mostly white British descendants, along with expats who live temporarily on the island to fill service and hotel-related jobs.
An Expensive Island
Bermuda holds the unwanted distinction of being the most expensive island in the world. Its isolation means that everything, from food to goods, is imported. Since there are no income taxes, the government raises its revenue primarily through tariffs on all imports, making the cost of living incredibly high. This has created an island that, despite its beauty and history, is financially out of reach for many travelers and locals alike.
Due to the extreme cost of living, most of the service and hospitality jobs are filled by foreign expats, usually from countries with cheaper labor like the Philippines and India. It’s often cheaper for the island to fly in these workers, house them temporarily, and let them stay on the island for a short duration rather than hire locals for these roles. This system has become a critical part of Bermuda’s economy, filling jobs that are essential to maintaining the tourism-driven industry, but further highlighting the island’s economic divide.
Depiction of a Whirlpool in the Bermuda Triangle leading to another dimension
The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
The Bermuda Triangle has always been a place of mystery to me. Growing up, I watched countless documentaries about the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle and became captivated by the strange disappearances of ships and planes. What truly fascinated me, though, were the images of massive whirlpools in the ocean, believed to gulp down large ships, sending them into other time dimensions. These eerie depictions, accompanied by stories of unexplained phenomena, left a lasting impression on me.
But the disappearances aren’t what make the Bermuda Triangle so fascinating. It’s the strange reports of alien abductions, planes and boats becoming disoriented and losing control of their compasses, and even claims of entering other dimensions and unintentionally traveling to other periods of time. More than 50 ships and 20 planes have disappeared in the last few centuries alone.
Although I grew up hearing about the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, in the last few decades its lore has seemed to wear off, with fewer reports of its disappearances. I figured this was likely because of the advent of GPS navigation. But I love a good legend, and part of me clings to the hope that maybe there still is some truth to the shifting dimensions, time travel, and alien abductions.
When I told one Bermuda local that I had come to Bermuda because of the Bermuda Triangle, half-jokingly, he scoffed and asked, “You don’t believe that, do you?” I responded, “Not really, but it’s fun to believe in myths.” He then shared that his family in the U.S. often jokes with him about flying over the Bermuda Triangle, asking if he’s worried that his plane might disappear. I asked him if he believed in it, and he said no.
He went on to explain that Bermuda sits atop a volcano that rose from the ocean floor, and the rocks have magnetic properties that have historically interfered with magnetic compasses. This could explain why sailors and pilots have become disoriented, lost their way, and crashed or run aground on remote reefs or disappeared after running out of fuel. Today, with GPS, these magnetic variations are removed, and these problems no longer exist.
This seemed like a plausible explanation to me, and I reluctantly feel like the myth is less realistic now. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that while the Bermuda Triangle will always remain part of the island’s legendary past, modern technology has undoubtedly diminished its mysteries.
Arrival into Bermuda
Arrival: First Impressions of Bermuda
As our plane descended into Bermuda’s airport, I was immediately struck by the island’s beauty. The vibrant turquoise waters and lush greenery of the island were a stunning contrast to the blue sky above. The weather was hot and humid, with a heat index of 104°F, and the island was dotted with storm clouds, promising much-needed rainfall. Bermuda, with its lack of natural freshwater sources, relies heavily on rainwater collected from rooftops, which every resident is required by law to trap.
Accommodation: A Local Stay
Before booking our accommodation, I looked into cheaper options, even considering camping. However, I quickly learned that camping for foreigners in Bermuda is illegal, and visitors are required to show proof of accommodation upon arrival. After some searching, I found an affordable Airbnb—one of the only budget-friendly options on the island. The cost was $150 per night, a far cry from the typical $600-$1,000 per night charged by hotels on the island.
After landing, my friend Jimmie and I took a quick taxi ride to our Airbnb, which was located on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the island. I had chosen a room in a house with an elderly Bermudian couple, making it feel like we were guests in their home. Since the room only had one bed, I brought my camping blow-up mattress and slept on the floor. It felt a little awkward at first, but our hosts were warm and hospitable, and the location more than made up for the modest accommodations.
Exploring the Island: Walking Through Bermuda
One of the best parts of the trip was exploring Bermuda on foot. Despite the oppressive heat, lack of sidewalks, and any real shoulders on the roads and bridges, Jimmie and I walked everywhere, covering miles each day to take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful island. From abandoned forts and caves to stunning beaches, we were able to see Bermuda in an authentic way. The heat didn’t bother us too much, as the island’s charm made every step worth it.
Crystal and Fantasy Cave
Exploring Bermuda: Crystal and Fantasy Caves
Our first stop was the Crystal and Fantasy Caves, two spectacular show caves that left me in awe. These caves are connected by miles of underground sea caverns that eventually lead to the ocean. While I usually prefer wild, uncharted caves, these were truly breathtaking. The formations inside were stunning—stalactites and stalagmites creating an otherworldly landscape, and the crystal-clear water in the caves added to the mesmerizing beauty of the place.
A Carefully Preserved Treasure
The caves are privately owned and have been well-preserved despite welcoming visitors for hundreds of years. Inside the natural pools, many coins from centuries ago and other relics can be found, silently resting beneath the water. The guides are strict about preserving the caves, ensuring that visitors do not touch the delicate formations or swim in the pools. If anything is dropped into the water, it’s off-limits to retrieve, no matter how valuable. The location of any fallen object is carefully noted, and once per year, at the end of the year, the water is cleaned, and the objects are retrieved and returned.
Fascinating Stories from the Guides
The guide shared two fascinating stories about this policy. One was about a woman who dropped a $100,000 necklace into the water. She had to wait until the end of the year for it to be retrieved. To ensure she got it back, she even flew in for the day on her private jet. The other story was about a man proposing to his girlfriend in the cave. In the middle of the proposal, he accidentally dropped the engagement ring into the water. The ring is still there, waiting for the yearly cleaning. The guide humorously noted that the girl said yes, and this incident happened on one of his first days on the job.
A Cool Escape from the Heat
One of the best things about the caves was the small group size, which made the experience feel intimate and personal. It never felt overcrowded, allowing us to truly take in the wonder around us. Most importantly, the cool, refreshing air inside the caves provided a welcome break from the oppressive heat above ground. It was the perfect escape, both visually and physically, and a highlight of our trip to Bermuda.
Fantasy Cave Natural Pool
Fantasy Cave Natural Pool
Discovering the Cathedral Cave: A Hidden Gem at Grotto Beach Resort
A Cave with a Sense of Adventure
Another cave that I stumbled upon online, which immediately appealed to me, was the Cathedral Cave. Technically located on the grounds of the Grotto Beach Resort, the cave offers a unique and peaceful experience. While the cave has some steps and lighting, it’s still largely untouched, allowing you the freedom to explore and swim at your own pace. The deep pool inside the Cathedral Cave turned out to be the best cave swimming experience I had in all of Bermuda.
A Quiet Escape in the Heart of the Resort
Surprisingly, even though the cave is located right in the center of the resort grounds, it’s not crowded. Despite being close to the hotel, the cave feels like it’s situated in a remote area of the island, adding to its sense of seclusion and serenity. It was a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the resort, and we were able to enjoy it without being bothered by anyone else.
A Hidden Treasure, Free to Visit
Although the Cathedral Cave is technically reserved for guests of the Grotto Beach Resort, no one seemed to care or stop us from visiting. It felt almost like a hidden treasure, and we were able to explore and swim without any restrictions. We also took the opportunity to swim in the hotel’s lagoon, where I admired the colorful tropical fish swimming around, adding a vibrant touch to our experience.
The Cathedral Cave was yet another unexpected highlight of our Bermuda adventure, offering a unique and peaceful experience in a place that felt both private and magical.
Swimming in the natural pool of Cathedral Cave
Bermuda’s Hidden Gems: Exploring the Wild Caves and Blue Hole
A Hidden Adventure in Bermuda’s Wild Caves
My favorite part of Bermuda, however, was exploring its wild caves and discovering the underground natural swimming pools. Jimmie and I ventured to the mixed scrub jungle and mangrove natural park that borders the lagoon, called Blue Hole Park and Tom Moore’s Jungle. We spent the day walking the park’s foot trails, hoping to spot some of Bermuda’s indigenous wildlife, like the small gecko I spotted darting across the path.
Swimming in the Blue Hole: A Serene Escape
While we were on the lookout for wildlife, what truly captivated us was the Blue Hole, a stunning natural swimming area nestled inside the mangroves. The Blue Hole is a unique natural pool located inside a cave that stretches deep into the cavern. We were able to swim in the clear, cool water, and the cave’s depth seemed to go on for miles. Without scuba gear, there was only so far we could venture, but we were content to explore what we could. The water was, as always in Bermuda, crystal clear, adding to the magic of the experience.
A Quiet, Untouched Paradise
As we swam and explored, we realized that we were completely alone in this hidden gem of Bermuda. The cave was dark, and we had to use our flashlights to guide us through the underground tunnels. There were no other visitors in sight, making the experience feel even more personal and intimate.
This part of Bermuda, far removed from the usual tourist spots, was probably my favorite. The tranquility of the Blue Hole, combined with the untouched beauty of the wild caves and the sense of adventure, made it a highlight of our trip. It’s one of those places that’s hard to put into words—an adventure where nature’s beauty and mystery meet in perfect harmony.
Anoli-Introduced species, the only indigenous reptile is a skink
Blue Hole Park & Tom Moore Jungle
Entrance to wild cave with swimming hole
Jimmie about to go swimming in the cave
Jimmie swimming in the cave
Blue Hole
Jimmie swimming in the Blue Hole
Exploring St. George’s Island: A Journey into Bermuda’s History
A Rough Start to the Day
On our last full day in Bermuda, I woke up after a miserable night spent on my blow-up mattress, which was laid out on the floor beneath the foot of Jimmie’s cozy bed. Despite the uncomfortable sleep, the excitement of the day ahead made it easy to get up and start our adventure. We were determined to explore St. George’s Island, the oldest settlement in Bermuda, where the first colonists made their mark on the island.
A Historic Journey Through St. George’s Island
We took a taxi to Gates Fort, one of the many forts that dot the coastline of Bermuda and St. George’s Island. This fort, like so many others, stands as a testament to Bermuda’s history, built to protect the island from pirates and foreign invaders. As we explored the fort and its surrounding beach coves, we walked from south to north, soaking in the beauty of the island’s rugged landscapes. It was hot, but the stunning views distracted me from the oppressive heat.
Quiet Forts and Secluded Beach Coves
What struck me most about St. George’s Island was the quietness. The forts were all empty, with no crowds to contend with, and the beach coves, usually secluded and peaceful, were only being used by a few locals. The absence of tourists in these places gave the island an almost untouched feel. It was a reminder that Bermuda is the kind of place where many tourists stay confined to their resorts, missing out on the raw, natural beauty and history that the island has to offer.
A Full Day of Exploration
We continued our walk all the way to Fort St. Catherine, another historical site that overlooks the water. The fort, like others we had seen, felt frozen in time, providing us with a glimpse of Bermuda’s colonial past. As we wandered, the serene, secluded atmosphere made it feel like we had the entire island to ourselves.
Our day of exploring St. George’s Island was a perfect end to our Bermuda adventure—a mix of history, quiet beauty, and the sense that we were uncovering a side of the island few tourists ever experience.
Gates Fort
Old Fort that was also a WWII era battery
Local Beach with Beautiful Old British House in the Background
Locals Beach
Locals Beach
Paradise
Exploring Bermuda: Walking Through History
One of my favorite stops on the walk to Fort Saint Katherine was an old graveyard tucked away on the side of the road between the coastline and the jungle. The peaceful, hidden cemetery was a fascinating glimpse into Bermuda’s past. The graves were ancient, dating back to the 1700s, many of them from the era of the Revolutionary War with America. It seemed to be a resting place primarily for soldiers who had been stationed in Bermuda when it was a remote British outpost, far removed from the mainland.
As I wandered through the graveyard, I couldn’t help but imagine the lives of the soldiers who had been posted here. Later, I read that many of those buried here had succumbed to yellow fever, a disease that had ravaged the population during the island’s early colonial period. The cemetery, tucked away and largely untouched, stood as a quiet testament to Bermuda’s role in history—silent but powerful in its reminder of the past.
Old soldiers’ graveyard
Old soldiers’ graveyard
A Refreshing Break: Sneaking Into the Saint Regis Hotel
By the time we reached Fort Saint Katherine, it was closed, and the midday sun was unbearable. The heat was scorching, and after walking for hours without any water, we found ourselves in desperate need of hydration. With no 7-11 in sight, we had only one option: the Saint Regis Hotel, one of the most luxurious and expensive places on the island, with rooms starting at $1,200 per night.
Having already perfected the art of sneaking into resorts and enjoying their amenities—like beaches and natural cave pools—we decided to give it a try here as well. The Saint Regis was located next to the white sand beach, which butted up against the old stone walls of Saint Katherine Fort, offering one of the finest views and most beautiful beaches anywhere in the world.
Making Ourselves at Home
We walked up to the patio chairs shaded beneath sun umbrellas near the infinity pool, which overlooked the beach. No one seemed to mind our presence, and we quickly made ourselves at home, gulping down as many glasses of cold lemonade and water as we could—drinks that were generously presented to hotel guests. After quenching our thirst, we grabbed a few towels and decided to cool off in the ocean and the infinity pool.
It was the perfect break from the sun—refreshing, relaxing, and a much-needed escape from the intense heat.
Resuming Our Exploration
After spending a few hours at the Saint Regis, taking in the cool air and waiting out the fiercest part of the midday sun, we decided it was time to resume our exploration. We trekked over the top of the hill to discover more abandoned forts, each with its own unique story and atmosphere. Our impromptu resort detour was just the break we needed to continue our Bermuda adventure, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the island’s hidden historical treasures.
Beach at Saint Regis Hotel in front of Saint Katherines Revolutionary War Era Fort
Exploring the Abandoned Forts: A Hidden Historical Treasure
Equipped with free bottled water graciously provided by the doormen at the Saint Regis, we set off over the hill toward the town of Saint George for dinner and a cold beer. The road was narrow and winding, and as we walked higher into the hills, it became increasingly overgrown with jungle. Along the way, we came across several more forts, some of which I later learned also dated back hundreds of years. These forts were now abandoned, with faint efforts being made to restore certain parts, but they still exuded a sense of history and mystery.
As with the other historical sites we had visited, we had these forts entirely to ourselves. It was almost hard to believe that such fascinating and significant historical areas were so close to the bustling Saint Regis resort, yet no one seemed interested in venturing out to explore them. The resort, with all its guests, felt worlds apart from these secluded, forgotten places. The contrast between the luxury of the hotel and the quiet isolation of the forts left me with a sense of wonder—how could such rich history remain largely untouched while tourists stayed confined to their pristine resorts?
There was one more fort we had hoped to explore, one that was completely abandoned, hidden deeper in the jungle. Overgrown and more elusive than the others, we searched for a while but eventually gave up due to the extreme heat. It didn’t matter, though. As we continued our walk, we stumbled upon a series of tunnels carved into the limestone cliffs. These hidden passages more than made up for the fort we had missed, offering a new sense of discovery and adventure. The coolness inside the tunnels was a welcome respite from the blazing sun, and we spent time exploring the eerie, shadowy corridors that added another layer of history to our journey
Road over the hill
Abandoned fort and huge moat around it
Fort tunnels
Me exploring the fort
View from the top of the hill where the fort was located
Fort William or Gun Powder Tavern-A Hidden Treasure: Exploring Abandoned Forts and Tunnels
Along with the natural pools inside the caves we swam in, this next place became my favorite spot in Bermuda. I have always loved exploring abandoned ruins, especially those left in a state of decay, and the tunnels that Jimmie and I stumbled upon by surprise were easily my favorite part of the trip. It reminded me of a similar experience I had just a month before in Senja Peninsula, Northern Norway, where my wife and I discovered miles of underground tunnels in a Nazi-era WWII naval fort that had been abandoned. This time, in Bermuda, we stumbled upon a fort that, as I would later learn, dated back to the Revolutionary War and was nicknamed Gunpowder Tavern by locals.
This fort had a rich and secretive history. It was once the main storage ground for gunpowder smuggled by Bermudian turncoat soldiers who were selling it illegally to Benjamin Franklin for the American Army led by George Washington. Over the years, the fort had taken on various unknown purposes, and it even seemed to have served as a prison at one point. In the 1960s, the fort reportedly became a discotheque for a brief period before being completely abandoned to the elements.
A gate that once forbade entry had been removed, likely by local kids, and now, before us, was a cool tunnel carved into the limestone, descending endlessly into darkness. The tunnels branched out into other side corridors and stairways, and Jimmie and I explored to our hearts’ content, occasionally concerned that we might even get lost.
In one room, I heard a startling sound that genuinely made me think I had encountered a ghost, but it turned out to be a couple of 10-year-old local girls who were also exploring the tunnels, using only the light from their phones to navigate. They snickered and said they’d gotten lost but were on their way out. Their presence added an eerie but innocent layer to the adventure.
There was so much to explore in the fort—endless tunnels and rooms to discover. One tunnel led below a hole in the ground, and this particular passageway looked old and dangerous, so we decided not to pursue it further. But even now, I can’t help but wonder what secrets lay at the bottom of that dark tunnel. The fort, with its forgotten history, had left an indelible mark on me, and the thrill of discovery in those underground tunnels would always be one of my favorite memories of Bermuda.
Entrance to tunnels in limestone cliff
Entrance tunnel
Me entering the tunnel
Endless tunnels
One of the large rooms inside
Some kind of old looking iron box
A Hidden Labyrinth: The Fort’s Tunnels
As we continued to explore the fort, we discovered that some of the rooms were massive, with high ceilings and multiple floors, making it hard to believe that we were still inside the limestone cliffs. The scale of the space was both impressive and a little overwhelming. Later, I would learn that the tunnels we had been exploring were connected to the forts on top of the hill, somehow creating an underground network across the island. If only we had a map or a local guide to help us navigate through the tunnels—it would have added another layer of depth to our exploration.
Despite the excitement of discovery, the experience was also a little eerie. There was something unsettling about being in such a vast, dark space, with no real sense of direction. If we had gotten lost in these tunnels, the lack of cell phone reception would have made it a nightmare. With no way to call for help, it felt like an adventure teetering on the edge of danger. Still, the excitement of exploring this hidden, forgotten part of Bermuda outweighed the risks. It was a thrilling experience, but one I couldn’t help but think might have ended disastrously if we weren’t careful.
Two story hallway inside cliff
Jimmie and I
Descending to a lower level in the fort
Mysterious room that might have been part of the discotech
The oubliette looking room that led into a dungeon
A Well-Deserved Break: Lunch in St. George
After our long day of exploration, we finally made it to St. George and sought refuge in a small tavern right on the water. The setting was picturesque, with the turquoise waters gently lapping against the shore, making it the perfect spot to unwind. I ordered a very expensive fish sandwich—a local delicacy—and paired it with a refreshing rum and coke to cool off from the heat.
As I enjoyed my meal, I couldn’t help but notice the massive parrot fish swimming below us, their colorful scales shimmering in the water. We spent some time feeding them bits of bread, watching in awe as they swam right up to the dock, undeterred by our presence. The serene, tranquil moment gave us a much-needed break from our adventurous day. It was a perfect way to relax and reflect on the island’s beauty and history while indulging in some local flavors.
Parrot fish
End of the Day: A Tradition at Swizzle Restaurant
At the end of each day we spent in Bermuda, we would always make our way to Swizzle Restaurant, a historic spot that dates back hundreds of years. It became a beloved tradition for us to wind down our adventures with a meal of fish and chips and a rum swizzle, Bermuda’s national drink. The rum swizzle, a refreshing and sweet rum-based cocktail, became a daily treat and the perfect way to cap off our days.
What made Swizzle Restaurant even more special was its convenience—it was within walking distance from our Airbnb, making it an easy stop after a long day of exploration. Plus, it was one of the only places around where we could reliably get a good meal. The atmosphere was laid-back and welcoming, offering a cozy respite after a day of discovery. The familiar taste of fish and chips, paired with the island’s signature cocktail, made for a perfect end to each Bermuda day.
The historical Swizzle Restaurant
The Return Journey: The Chaos of JFK and the Unexpected Adventure
The Smooth Start and Sudden Change of Plans
On my way back from Bermuda through JFK, everything seemed to be going in my favor—weather was clear, and the flight schedule was smooth. However, as soon as I landed at JFK, I saw a message on my phone that my flight to San Diego on JetBlue had been cancelled.
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Rebooked Flight: I was rebooked for the next evening, a full 24 hours later, with an illogical routing that included two stopovers—one in Buffalo and another in Boston.
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Immediate Action: I quickly took action to find a quicker flight home and even requested a flight to LAX, where there are more flight options for San Diego.
Luckily, the LAX option worked, and I was rebooked for the afternoon flight.
Delays, Waiting, and More Delays
Once at the gate, we boarded, and the plane began taxiing on the tarmac, awaiting permission to take off. However, minutes quickly turned into hours. The captain came on the intercom to explain that we were still waiting for clearance and that the plane’s A/C had to be turned off to conserve power.
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Waiting Game: After two hours, the captain announced that due to regulations, we would need to return to the airport.
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Severe Weather: At this point, the severe weather had finally hit, and JFK was experiencing delays and cancellations across the board.
The delay continued, and we learned that the flight didn’t even have a crew anymore and we needed to find one.
Comiseration and the Long Wait
The situation was becoming increasingly frustrating, but I found some comfort in the company of a few other travelers who were in the same boat as me. We spent the evening hours at a bar, commiserating over the chaos at JFK.
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The Crew Arrives: Eventually, around 2 a.m., after a round of applause from the passengers, the crew arrived, and it was finally time to board the flight to LAX.
Finally on the Way: A Long Night
By this point, I had been at JFK for much longer than I had anticipated, but at least I was finally on my way. The flight to LAX was uneventful, but by the time we landed, I was exhausted. From LAX, I had to take a train back home to San Diego, but I was just relieved to be on my way.
The Ironic End to the Journey
It was a bit ironic that my initial flight home from Timbuktu through JFK—amidst all the chaos JFK tends to generate—led me to receive the free flight to Bermuda on JetBlue. Now, that same chaos came back to bite me in the end, with the delays and disorganization leading to a much longer journey home.
A Humbling Perspective
In the end, I can’t complain. I made it to Bermuda Triangle and back home again, without being swallowed by a giant whirlpool or abducted by aliens. Despite the setbacks and delays, the experience was an adventure in itself, and I’m grateful for every moment of it. Bermuda was a dream, and the journey home—chaotic as it was—only added to the stories I’ll tell about this unforgettable trip.