most new arrivals do -- marvelling at the Island and working to get a driver's licence.

"I think my first impressions are like those of every visitor,'' Mr. Peter Willis told The Royal Gazette yesterday. "I'm overwhelmed by the beauty and by the hospitality.'' Mr. Willis arrived on Saturday with his wife Margaret, and has been making calls around the Island with outgoing Deputy Governor Mr. John Kelly.

He visited the Bermuda Regiment on Tuesday and the Bermuda Monetary Authority on Monday. He will be sworn in today.

Mr. Willis, a 30-year veteran of United Kingdom foreign affairs, said he would be joined this summer by his 23-year-old twin daughters. "They can't wait,'' he said.

Mr. Willis, 50, is leaving a four-year stint with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office News Department, where he dealt with Middle East issues.

He entered the Foreign Office in 1963. Earlier postings included the UK Mission to the United Nations in New York dealing with economic issues from 1985 to 1989, and Commercial Consul in Casablanca from 1980 to 1985.

His interests include fell walking, windsurfing, squash, and golf.

Mr. Peter Willis.