4 seasons

there truly are 4 seasons in the caribbean, however subtle they may be.  one way we see that it is winter here is by the masses of tourists that arrive on their boats, cruise ships, and airplanes.  the increase of activity in the air and on the water is visibly noticeable during the winter months.  this catamaran that offers sunset sails may only have a handful of people on it during the hottest low season summer months.  but, during the winter it is so full of tourists i often wonder if they aren't uncomfortable being packed so close together on that boat.  

it is late winter, my second winter living on st. maarten, and i am in love with living on an island in the tropics.  my first winter here, especially at christmas time, i was missing fires in the fire place and the real need to bake warm meals and delicious treats.  i wanted to wear wool, scarves, and dresses with tights and boots.  

now in the winter i enjoy that i can wear a cover up over my bathing suit at the beach if i want to without feeling too warm.  we eat more healthy raw foods all year long and feel light and carefree.  every night we see cruise ships lit up like mini cities floating across our view of the dark night ocean and sky.  the arrival of the mega yachts in the marinas is always impressive and reminds you that you truly live somewhere special.  altogether i love the winters here for the same reason the tourists do.  the weather is mild, the trade winds are blowing, and the beaches are waiting for you.

these jolly catamarans go by every evening in the winter to watch the sunset.  sometimes you can hear the music blaring on the boat or their voices carrying up to our balcony.  the driver honks and ezra runs out to wave and scream, "ahoy!"

yesterday evening we watched it sail by as we sat on the beach with cat and bianca.  this time when the driver honked it gave the children a little fright.   they jumped up from their play, ran over to us and then quickly ran back and started to wave.

they enjoyed one last little sand shuffle

while cat and i looked at this beautiful winter sunset.  

if i ever need a traditional winter scene, i look at some of the blogs i follow in traditional seasonal geographical locations.  my friend lou is enjoying late summer in her homeland of new zealand.  she has started a 4 seasons link up.  will you link up and share the season you're in too?