Bermuda Shorts
05/19/20Bermuda Shorts Is Back, Baby!
Since there’s been no sports on television as of late, I’ve been watching lots of The Last Dance, the much-heralded docuseries about Michael Jordan and his 90’s era Chicago Bulls. It’s a compelling series and one that made me think long and hard about myself in this COVID-19 world we’re all living in. Just hear me out.
In episode 8, Jordan is at the tail end of his storied career, made even more tumultuous by the untimely passing of his father, who was shot and killed on a South Carolina roadside. In addition to the rigors of the game and bearing the weight of international fame, it’s largely this tragic event that causes Jordan to retire in 1993 after winning three straight NBA championships. He tries pro baseball during the 1994 season—a stint with the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate for the Chicago White Sox—but ultimately the lure of his beloved game proves too strong, so he returns to professional basketball in 1995.
And here’s what got me thinking.
When Jordan returns to the Bulls that season, his jersey number was already retired and hanging from the rafters of Chicago’s United Center, so instead of wearing 23, Jordan donned number 45. As a young fan who matured during the Jordan era, I remember how weird it looked to see His Airness wearing a number other than 23. And eventually, after a string of poor play, he felt the same way. During game 2 of the 1995 conference semifinals against the Orlando Magic, Jordan unretired his famed number and lit up the competition for 38 points. Forget 45. The number 23 was back.
So what does this all mean for me?
When my wife and I first moved to Bermuda in May 2009, I started a little blog called Bermuda Shorts that largely discussed our transition to island life. It was a fun little hobby. I wrote about hurricanes, ex-pat life, and travel deals, among other island-inspired things—that is, until my wife and I started having kids and Stay-At-Home-Dad-Dom was in full swing. But then a funny thing happened.
In September 2009, I wrote my first story for the New York Times—an article called 36 Hours in Bermuda. It was my first major article about my new mid-Atlantic home and one that long preceded professionally fulfilling projects to come, namely Frommer’s Bermuda, a comprehensive guidebook that I wrote last year. Back in 2009, I was blogging about the island regularly. It was fun! And it was successful! Expat Focus named it one of the world’s best expatriate blogs and I had tons of traffic. But as magazine assignments continued to pour in, so did the responsibilities of parenting two kids under the age of five. There just wasn’t enough time in the day to keep it up. And so I shut it down.
Unbelievably, Bermuda Shorts lasted just over five years. The blog eventually morphed into other things under new names—namely This Way Out, which was about my life as correspondent for Outside TV and News & Brews, which was a blog about, well, anything I was into at the time, but both were my 45 moment. The attempt to rebrand in changing times. Well, today I’m lowering 23 from the rafters.
That’s right: Bermuda Shorts is back.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not comparing myself to Michael Jordan here. But in these uncertain times, with no real place to go, an island bound travel writer must do what he knows best, and that is write about his island. So, without further adieu, say hello again to my little slice of the internet, where I’ll be posting my thoughts about Bermuda, island life and yes, COVID-19, because so much of life here and abroad has been affected by the pandemic.
I’ll save those thoughts for another time, but for now, welcome back to your daily dish from paradise, and let’s just hope that this isn’t our last dance together.
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I'm David, Bermuda-based journalist, author, TV host and dad of two. This is my story.Check out my book!
Heading to Bermuda? Then pick up a copy of my book, Frommer's Bermuda 2019, a comprehensive guide to one of the world's most storied vacation destinations from the most trusted name in travel.
13 Responses To “Bermuda Shorts Is Back, Baby!”
I can’t wait for your publications!!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to see you in person again one day! Preferably here in Bermuda! Much love.
Can’t wait!! Looking forward to this!
Me too! A travel writers’ gotta stay busy somehow! 🙂
Welcome back! #23
Nice to see my biggest fan is back too. #wherespetey
Looking forward to reading your revived blog David. My youngest daughter, Cat, who is languishing a bit in the States from her film making ( very beginning) career has decided to help me with my marketing. (Finally). She is suggesting an occasional blog entry as well….I think there is plenty to write about in our restricted but exquisite space. Besides, I understand Shakespeare wrote King Lear in quarantine! 😊
Appreciate the kind words, Barbara. And you can tell Cat that I’ll be happily singing the praises of my favorite island gift shop over here as well!
Positive, promising and progressing as always you are to us all David. xo Judy
Excited to read your posts!! Woohoo!
Thanks so much!
Just in time!
My thoughts exactly. A travel writers’ gotta stay busy somehow, right?