Up here in the north, it’s cold and dark now, and days are short. Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, is right around the corner – this weekend, in fact. If you’re in the northern world as well, you might long for a few bright, balmy days. Dreaming about wandering along a beach somewhere nice and warm, are you? In the Caribbean perhaps? I know I do – so I dug out these photos from the 1990s to remind myself of warmer climes.
Barbados landscapes
This is Barbados in December.
Bridgetown
Considering we spent an entire week in Bridgetown, I have embarrassingly few photos to show for it. (At least that I can find). Additionally, I can’t say I remember much of the cultural sights.
However, I do remember the tasty jerk fish and the local drink made of bark (that’s right) from the mauby tree, mixed with orange peel, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon. I also remember an equally tasty rum punch, several rum-based drinks, actually – and dancing to cool reggae sounds. And soca. And calypso. Sometimes all night long.
So all that – but not much in the way of non-edible/drinkable/danceable daytime cultural offerings. I suppose that means I should probably head back at some point. And Batsheba was very beautiful (bottom photo).
Batsheba and the east coast
Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here are more UNESCO World Heritage sites around the world.
Nice to rest the eyes on palm trees and bright sunny beaches, when it’s all grey and cold outside.
Admittedly very few disadvantages to living in Scandinavia, but the long, cold winter is one.
Right now that looks pretty appealing to me too. I was out for an early morning walk – perhaps -17C & by the time I got home my legs were stinging. Something no one in Barbados will ever experience.
Yeah, -17C and colder must be experienced to be understood.
It is alien to me to think of it being -17C. This photo looks like the temperature here (mid 30’s) where I live in North Qld. I would like to visit Barbados. Those are interesting rocks and it looks nice and relaxed.
North Queensland – perpetual warmth there, no?
Love that palm-tree lined lane photo. It is pouring down rain in Seattle, a cold and dark night.
Seattle sounds a lot like Oslo.
Barbados looks like a great escape from your cold winters but I think you should head even further south and visit us in Australia at this time of the year!
Love Australia in December, and the rest of the year 🙂
If only it weren’t so far away…
Thank you for some warm photographs.
I’ve been to Norway to watch Northen lights in January two years ago, but didn’t look at.
Could you upload some aurora photos?
Sorry you missed the Aurora. It’s a magical sight. Sadly, I don’t have any decent photos, always seem to be without a camera when they appear; camera phones just don’t cut it.
Beautiful place to visit 🙂
It really was 🙂
Looks like you had a fabulous Christmas in Barbados, Sophie!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
All the best for Christmas, Marcia.
Enough said is right! I could feel the warmth coming from your pictures 🙂 Merry Christmas Sophie!
And to you, Deb 🙂
I was just in maui and can say any beach destination for Xmas time is a good idea to me! I loved getting away and just relaxing! Love your last shot- looks almost vintage looking.
Thanks Jade.
Looks like paradise – wish we were having an island holiday this December/January!
Stavanger can be a bit wet this time of year 🙂
I’m sorry you can’t be there right now. Heck, I’m sorry that I can’t be there right now, and my climate is not even that cold! (What’s with your Comment Luv? Seems not to be working?) My Christmas greetings travel photos are at http://atravelerslibrary.com/2012/12/20/peace-on-earth/
Not sure what happened to C. Luv – or the floating soc med buttons. Something odd in the digital air as the world isn’t ending. Will look into it.
Timing can’t be any better to show some photos of warmer climates. These look really nice.
Thanks, Salika.
Beautiful! I can almost feel thr tropical breeze. It’s been raining here in Southern California too so these are great for daydreaming. We were in Barbados on a cruise stop years ago and I guess we should have ventured beyond the town to appreciate its beauty.
I was there for eight days and didn’t see everything. Lovely island.
I really like that last photo. It makes me want to hop a plane to Barbados. It’s still warm and tropical here in Malaysia.
Malaysia wouldn’t be bad this time of year either.
The short of Cherry Tree Hill looking down East is truly beautiful.
It was a beautiful place 🙂
This is so beautiful and inviting. Nice to see green and blue in December. A Palm Alley shot is my favorite.
Yeah, I like that one, too 🙂
I’m in the cold climes of northern Wisconsin right now. Very pretty with a light covering of snow, but a little time in Barbados is looking good to me. Enticing pics!
I imagine Wisconsin and Norway are similar this time of year 🙂
OMG that’s beautiful! I wish I could fly away from this cold and frosty winterland to that paradise country…
In the northern world you too, eh, Veronika?
I would love to be there right now!
Me, too.
Great idea for such a frosty month… think I’ll book now for next year
Happiest of Holidays to you Sophie
It is a delight to read this article. I am salivating at the pics, knowing that this kind of setting is a balm for anyone in northern climes who desires sun, sea, and sand. Thanks for sharing