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.

BOTANIC GARDENS' WONDERLAND EXPRESS

In my previous post I mentioned our visit to the Chicago Botanic Gardens' Wonderland Express, the annual holiday display of model trains meandering through replicas of the famous skyscrapers and historic landmarks of Chicagoland, all of which are made of natural materials. The craftsmanship is just amazing; the details and use of natural materials so unique. Here are some of my favorite buildings and landmarks:

As a train crosses over the Michigan Avenue Bridge, replicas of famous skyscrapers such as the Sears Tower, Tribune Tower, AON Building and John Hancock Building stand along miniature conifer trees and poinsettia plants.

Behind the replica of Chicago's Union Station sit the Chase Tower and the Wrigley Building with its clock tower.

The detailing on the building replicas is so exact: even the famous Art Institute lions, with their unusual names of "On The Prowl" and "In An Attitude of Defiance", have on their Christmas wreaths.

Both the Museum of Science and Industry...

and the Field Museum were surrounded by miniature conifer trees, poinsettias and other festively-colored plants.

The trellis criss-crossing over the Great Lawn of the Pritzker Pavillion lies in front of the curls-of-tree-bark, Frank Gehry-designed band shell. It's all surrounded by small lighted conifer trees and multiple-colored poinsettias.

It's winter, so the new Maggie Daley skating ribbon has to be featured.

It's quiet now that the Bears season is over, but the stadium looks beautiful surrounded by poinsettias and dwarf fir trees.

Not only is the Michael Jordan statue in front of the old Chicago Stadium, but a tour bus holds a replica of one of the Blackhawk's Stanley Cups.

Plants such as Blue Carpet Juniper surround the famous Water Tower.

The Chicago History Museum is surrounded with beautiful greenery and bright red poinsettias.

Chicago is the home of President Obama, and his family home looks festive surrounded with beautiful red plants 

There's even a miniature replica of the Picasso sculpture.

This video shows you how volunteers and experts assemble the tracks, trains, greenery and buildings and how it all comes together, down to the snow falling on the delight visitors, both young and old.

Wonderland Express is open annually from the Friday after Thanksgiving through the New Year's weekend.

Thank you for visiting.

A Great Europe Trip Planner

All photos were taken by me. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

BOTANICAL CHRISTMAS WREATHS

We recently made a return visit to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. It seems we never fail to pleasantly discover something else in addition to the main reason for our visit. We were at the Botanic Gardens to experience the holiday tradition of the Wonderland Express, the annual display of holiday model trains traveling throughout Chicago, including famous skyscrapers and historic landmarks. All buildings are constructed of natural materials: gourds, pine cones, bark, acorns, pods, seeds, grains, grasses, and other creatively-used bits of nature. Like the summertime Model Railroad Garden, surrounding the buildings are beautiful seasonal plants and flowers.

Being the holiday season, another treat we discovered were the twenty or so handmade wreaths hanging on the gallery walls. All made by horticulturists and staff of the gardens. I thought I would share some of the most beautiful and interesting wreaths:

Just a last bit of holiday cheer...

Thank you for visiting.

A Great Europe Trip Planner

All photos were taken by me. Unauthorized use is prohibited.