Christmas in the Caribbean

Spending time in the Caribbean during the Christmas season is quite an experience. For those of us used to mounds of snow at the side of the road during this time of year, warm days, a cool breeze, and being able to sit outside by the pool or on the beach is a bit bizarre.

To be perfectly honest though, it's not too hard to adjust.

This was the second time my parents, my brother, and I were in Anguilla for Christmas [the first time was 1999]. Dave and Margaret kindly allowed us the use of their villa again, and we settled in quite quickly. The last time we were there, it was like downshifting the pace of life from fourth gear to first. I was working in Kingston at the time and it took me a while to wind down. This time, though, I had just returned from Africa, so there was no adjustment necessary. In Madagascar, I had embraced the philosophy of 'mora, mora' ['slowly, slowly'], so I was already 'geared down'. In South Africa I heard Christmas carols on 40 degree days, so that didn't phase me this time either.

In 1999, just before we arrived there, a hurricane hit the island and caused a lot of damage. It was interesting to see the difference on the island this time. On our first trip, it was quieter and more subdued as people put their lives back together after the storm. This year there were all sorts of Christmas lights in The Valley, and people were out partying and listening to music. Seeing it after the storm gave us a bit of an insight into what the people there deal with, but it was also great to see Anguilla in 'the best of times'.

Anyway, I have a few pictures from the trip. As usual, you must sign up and log in before you can see them. Your email address will not be folded, spindled, mutilated, or sold to the highest bidder. I promise. [Here's my Privacy Policy.]

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