While Blasterz were in Bermuda, we noticed several of these permanent bus shelters that had been brightly painted, usually by nearby schools, cricket clubs, or community organizations. Unfortunately, all of these bus shelters had people standing in and around them.
One of the most beautifully decorated artistic but shelters we saw in Bermuda was also the site of an open-air drug market.
So we were mindful of when we might be able to get a picture of one of the shelters without also taking pictures of people that we didn't know, or who might not like to have their faces blasted all over the Internet.
Finally on our way to the Royal Naval Dockyards, as we passed through the village of Somerset, we spotted this empty yet beautifully decorated bus shelter. :)
This shelter is joyous and very connected to the local community. The overall color scheme of sky-blue matches the beautiful Bermudian waters, with puffy clouds and rainbows symbolizing beauty and happiness.
On the south side of the shelter, a memorial to local Somerset Island resident Wendell "Popp" Cann shows his scooter, which is a preferred mode of transportation for most Bermudians.
A little digging turned up this obituary fragment: (
visit link)
"George Wendell Cann Sr. Obituary(Archived)
Published in The Royal Gazette from June 27 to July 1, 2011
First 25 of 202 words: It is with great sadness that we announce of the death of George Wendell ''"Pop'' Cann Sr., beloved husband of Lonnette, loving father of George. . ."
More digging led us to the discovery of an article in the Bermuda Sun, which indicates that Mr. Cann was the owner of Woody's Bar, a popular local sports bar (where Blasterz had a Rum Swizzle): (
visit link)
"Wendell Cann, one of the owners of Woodys, “thought he was dreaming” when staff called to tell him about the shooting [of a man at the bar].
He said about 100 people had been watching the World Cup at Woodys during the day on Sunday but things had “quieted down” in the evening.
Trouble
Mr. Cann, who is known as Papa Cann, added: “It was a normal night, they had been no trouble, nothing at all.
“It’s a locals place where we all know each other.. . ."
This led us to George Wendell Cann Junior - a local soccer player in local development soccer leagues (we think that is equivalent to semi-pro in the US). (
visit link)
So it makes sense then that the memorial to Mr. Cann is on one side, and the front of the bus shelter would be painted to recognize the Somerset Cup Match, which would have been on TV at Woody's Bar. It also honors the sport of soccer, the Bermuduan tradition of the Somerset Cup. and Mr. Cann's son's participation in the sport.