Recent Travels

I recently spent a week in the Caribbean on our annual Spring Break cruise. (And apparently my brain is still on vacation, because I totally didn't realize it was my week to post until late yesterday...my apologies.)

Last year's cruise was one of those that if something could go wrong, it did. We had so many troubles. We seriously considered not taking a cruise this year, but I'm so glad we didn't follow that impulse because this year...everything went swimmingly. It was smooth sailing (no pun intended) the whole way. Although we did actually have one REALLY rocky day at sea. Luckily I was prepared this year with my seasickness meds, so it wasn't too bad. We had only one brief spot of rain (for about fifteen minutes while we were shopping), and all of the other days were gloriously sunny.

It was one of those vacations where I could literally sit and look out at the waves and do nothing and be perfectly content. I brought my Kindle, but didn't read much at all. I brought a notebook in case inspiration struck, but I didn't write anything in it. At home, I would be bored out of my mind just sitting around. On this cruise, it was the perfect thing to do. Most years, we can't wait to get off of the boat and back home. This year, neither one of us wanted it to end.

So, I thought I'd share some photo highlights of our trip. As you know, I'm very fond of armchair traveling, so I invite you to sail away with me from the comfort of your own home!

Conquest at anchor in Grand Turk

The turquoise waters and blue sky of Grand Turk

Plaza Independencia in the Dominican Republic

The view from San Felipe Fortress in the Dominican Republic

Sunset off the port side as we headed toward the Bahamas

Lighthouse at the entrance to the harbor in Nassau

Last night at sea with my virgin daiquiri

Air boating in the Everglades

We certainly had a lovely time. The total picture count was 599 (It was REALLY tough to narrow it down to the ones posted here.) so we'll be able to relive all of the memories we made and the sights we saw for many years to come.

Until next time,

Happy Traveling!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com

L is for Leaving it All Behind

Debra is getting away from it all this week.

Today I am exploring the beautiful island of St. Kitts, WI. Next week I'll have lots to share with you about our week-long cruise, but for now I'll leave you with a snippet of information about today's port of call.

St Kitts, WI - Rainforests, waterfalls, and lovely crescents of sand are right outside your Carnival® cruise to St. Kitts. Cane fields climb the slopes of volcanic peaks, and the ruins of old mills and colonial plantation houses blanket the island. Little St. Kitts remains at heart a sleepy and charming tropical backwater. Cruise to St. Kitts to bask in the Caribbean’s sunny geniality and natural splendor.
Comb the grounds of a 17th-century British fort.
Shop for fresh mangos and guava fruit in the Circus Square marketplace.
Hike rainforest trails to the top of a dormant volcano.
Stretch out on the beautiful white-sand beaches that surround the island.
Snorkel the clear jade seas in the aptly named Smitten’s Bay.

The excursion we chose is a highlight tour of the island.

This memorable island tour includes Brimstone Hill National Park, Romney Manor Gardens & Caribelle Batilk Studio, and a drive through Basseterre.

On this excursion we will:
*Take a drive through the capital city of Basseterre.
*View old churches, West Indian cottages, traditional French architecture and Victorian structures.
*As we leave Basseterre, pass the Cenotaph and look across the Caribbean Sea for views of Nevis on a clear day.
*Drive past the Bloody River, a sight of a major battle area.
*Enroute to Romney Gardens take a look at the Carib volcanic rock drawing.
*Continue with a visit to Romney Manor Gardens and Caribelle Batik Studios. Tour the stunning 12-acre garden setting where local artists produce the fabric and apparel for Caribelle Batik. Samuel Jefferson, the great grandfather of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the USA, was the original owner of this splendid estate.
*Finally, explore Brimstone Hill Fortress, a 300 year old fortress perched on a 40 acre hilltop 780 feet above sea level.Enjoy a self guided tour of this majestic fortress, also known as "The Gibralter of the West Indies" and is a significant site in the British and French naval history.
*Before returning to the ship, St Thomas Warner's Tomb will be pointed out, along with a panoramic view stop at Timothy Hill.

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com

Taking My Book on the Road

...well, actually on the ocean!

Yesterday Paula posted about using places she's visited as the setting for her books. I do this with most of my books. It helps me to set the scene for my reader in a much more realistic way if I've actually seen the place I'm describing.

In Wild Wedding Weekend I took my hero and heroine on a cruise. The same cruise my hubby and I took for our honeymoon. Not only did it help me to (hopefully) lend an air of authenticity to the setting, but it helped move the plot along, as I wrote a major scene for each of the port stops. This past week, when we took another cruise for our anniversary, I thought it would be fun to bring a copy of the book along and take some photos on the ship. A cute addition to my web-site: having the book in an authentic location.



On the ship, I discovered a beautiful, but not necessarily well-stocked, library.



It had a sign posted that said something along the lines of "Take a book, leave a book." So, I left mine. I even autographed it! Glory Passengers: I hope you enjoy Noah and Abby's cruise as much as your own!



I hope that if someone grabs it to read, they will indeed put it back for someone else. After, of course, they copy down my web-site address so they can get information about my other books since they loved this one so much!

What fun!

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com

Celebrating

Today I am in sunny St. Thomas in the USVI! The hubby and I are on a week long Caribbean cruise to celebrate our fifteenth anniversary. As it so happens, today is the day. Fifteen years ago I walked down the aisle and married my very best friend. Since then, we've been through a lot: good times, bad times, difficult times, joyful times...but through it all, our relationship has strengthened and grown. My author bio says I'm married to my real life hero, and it couldn't be more true. Even with those times that aren't so easy in life, I really do feel like I've found my happily ever after.

Here in St. Thomas, I'm not sure what we'll be up to. More than likely we'll do some shopping. When we travel we buy a Christmas ornament from each place we visit and then write the date on the back. Each year when we decorate the tree, it's like a little walk down memory lane. So, an ornament will definitely be on the list. Maybe some jewelry...nothing fancy or expensive, just something simple. I could use a new anklet.

Perhaps we'll do an excursion and snorkel over on St. John, or take a guided tour of the island, or there's even an option to swim with the dolphins. I guess we'll decide what we're in the mood to do, and then do it. Perhaps we'll just explore on our own.

I'm hoping tonight is one of the 'fancy' nights for dinner on board. We're supposed to have two over the course of the week. My hubby doesn't like dressing up, (He's more of a cut off sleeves and shorts kind of guy.) but I can't wait to get dressed up. I got a beautiful new dress. One of those that makes you feel elegant as soon as you put it on. When we booked the cruise, we did list our anniversary for today, so maybe there will be a little something special for us even if it's not a 'fancy' night.

I'm sure I'll have lots to share when I return: stories and pictures gallore!

Until next time,

Happy Reading!

Debra
www.debrastjohnromance.com