Just like me standing in the waves on Black's Beach, Antigua bejeweled with Turquoise jewelry in aqua waters.
Beach scene close to Sugar Ridge and Jolly Harbour.
Aqua jewelry with SSilver, Bikini top with sequins that look like a sea creature.
Aqua turquoise waters of Antigua, lingering, my eyes closed, dreaming about my time at the beach. Just like the girl on the photo. Now a few years ago, my husband and I took some time out and spend the Winter on Antigua. Our apartment was beachy, with lots of white wood and exposed beams, white linen, tile floor with a very large nautical print. Rattan furniture and an all important balcony overlooking Cade's Bay.
Our balcony for views of Montserrat in the distance, in Cade's Bay, Reef View Apartments.
We spend mornings sipping coffee on the balcony, with a glimpse of Montserrat at the distance on a clear day. Often, walks along a beach close to mangrove trees, nestled in a cove, I would collect shells and conch to decorate the apartment. At mid day, we would join locals, enjoy conch soup or fish tacos for lunch at a small shack bar near by, we could watch fishermen come in with the catch of the day, that would be dispatched to restaurants in Jolly Harbour.
Some shells I collected. Sweet memories.
Fly over Antigua on a sunny day.
Many days were spent to discover new places and different beaches. Things were different then. We were contemplating the Future, while laying on the beach. Tourists had already left and cruise ships could be seen in the distance. Often, we spent the afternoon at Black's Beach close to our apartment, not far from Sugar Ridge. I remember feeling the sensation of sand under my feet, sitting on a shaded rock waiting for the sun set..
Coco Bay Beach with view of Pink Villas in the distance.
Approach the beach
Now that the Future is here, I still hold the images of Antigua in my mind, still exploring the coast line along Hermitage Bay, secluded spots you can only reach by boat. The color intensity of the turquoise waves lapping against my toes has burned the color into my memory. Even with my eyes closed I can remember the ocean crashing and sparkling against the rocks in shades of blue...
I envision my paradise sometimes, on rainy days, or days when I have to deal with problems, then I escape to my own private Antigua where only one person can follow. For me Antigua is not an escape, it is a special spot in my heart.
photo credit: elle germany, www.elle.de others: jasmin b. with joy on Antigua