CHRISTMAS IN THE CARIBBEAN

Traveling in early December during our most recent cruise meant it was the first time we had traveled during the Christmas holidays. It gave us the opportunity to glimpse at other countries' Christmas decorations; these decorations would be mixed among palm trees and the warm temperatures of the Caribbean.

Pre-cruise we stayed in Old San Juan for two days. Old San Juan is one of my favorites cities: its cobblestone streets and architecture remind me of Europe except with the Caribbean colors' twist.

Our hotel, El Convento, was beautiful decorated: Pots of poinsettia plants everywhere...

and a beautiful Christmas tree to greet guests...

Red and gold balls and foliage decorated two huge wreaths on the entrance gates of the governor's mansion in Old San Juan...

while golden-color burlap ribboned the trees lining the calle leading to the mansion...

Our cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas, had decorative garland lining all of the decks...

and a beautifully white-light tree standing in the atrium...

Red-ribboned wreaths greeted us on our arrival to the island of St. John...

Red-bowed trees surrounded the fountain in the middle of Independence Square in Basseterre, St. Kitts...

Christmas trees and a snowman greeted us in the Aruba cruise terminal

With one particular ornament we made sure we knew where we were...

Our first visit to Curaçao did not disappoint. From the woven twig reindeer and trees decorating the shopping area next to the Renaissance Hotel and Casino...

to the holiday decorations interspersed in Queen Wilhelmina Park...

Curaçao was beautiful.

Actually, as you can see, these decorations weren't different from anything one would see in a front yard in the U.S. However, isn't to experience different countries, islands and cultures anytime of the year is the reason one travels?

Thank you for visiting.

A Great Europe Trip Planner

All photos were taken by me in December, 2015. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

ARUBA'S NATURAL BRIDGES

Our first trip was back in 2002, so we were really excited that one of the port stops on our recent cruise was Aruba. It was the main reason we booked this cruise: we wanted to revisit Aruba.

On September 2, 2005, one of Aruba's most famous tourist attractions, the Natural Bridge, collapsed. Located on the much windier, northeastern side of the island, the natural bridge was formed out of the coral limestone. Years of trade winds pounding waves against the shore erodes the rocks and forms a cave. At the same time rainwater runs down the cracks into the rock gradually dissolving the limestone. Over the years the result will form a natural bridge. Below are photographs we took during our visit in 2002:

 

Before its collapse this natural bridge was the longest and highest in the Caribbean with an arch span of over 100 feet and a standing height of 23 feet above the sea.

We knew we wanted to see the remains of the collapsed natural bridge, so we rented a jeep once we departed the cruise ship. Even though it had been many years since we had been to Aruba, we remembered how to get to the other side of the island. NOTE: If you want to drive along the northeast coast, you have to rent a jeep. A car will not be able to maneuver the incredibly rocky terrain.

It was sad to see the fallen remains...

We even tried to duplicate the photo of my husband that we had taken all those years ago of him standing on the large boulder in front of the remains...

Fortunately there are other natural bridges along the beautiful northeast coast.

There is the Baby Natural Bridge...it's fun to climb up on the bridges for better views of the sea.

Ironically right next to the collapsed natural bridge is another pretty large natural bridge.

By climbing up on this bridge you can get a great view of the collapsed remains of the other natural bridge and the force of the waves that created all these natural bridges.

If you visit Aruba, don't just stay on the calmer "hotel" side. Explore the windy, eastern side. The turquoise water is crystal-clear...

and there are actually small beaches to enjoy.

Thank you for visiting.

A Great Europe Trip Planner

All photos were taken by me in December, 2015. Unauthorized use is prohibited.