SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - COSTA DEL SOL

The pale gray skies are weighted with rain that comes down in a slow drizzle. The air is cool and damp, so much that you can both smell and feel it. A peek of sun is wanted yet I must rely on my imagination for now. Today is the last of the sunshine series and we head off to the Costa del Sol of Spain.

The south of Spain is home to this region of 300 days of sunshine in the province of Malaga. A rich history fills the area's past. Tourism slowly made its impact on the Costa del Sol in the early part of the 20th century, increased in the sixties and seventies and boomed in the later years of the 1900s and current 2000s.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons - Olaf Tausch

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - JAMAICA

As the fluffy snow has gently fallen over Greater Vancouver under gray skies I am envisioning tropical locales with increased frequency. As picturesque as this winter scene appears I am saddened and desperately praying it melts quickly, as snow is my nemesis. Snowboarders and skiers alike can have it all they want so long as it only falls on the mountains. The white I prefer to see is that of white sand beaches...

Jamaica, synonymous with lush tropical landscape, reggae beats and delectable spicy foods, is where we head today. I visited Jamaica a number or years ago and have not easy forgotten it's beauty and the warmth of the Caribbean sun on my skin. A resort haven, Jamaica has easily become a honeymoon mecca for newly weds. But do not let that stop you. This, the third largest island in the Caribbean, has much to offer vacationers of every type. Their tourism board even has a "Meet The People" program if you want a more local feel and learn about the Jamaican way of life.

Doctor's Cave Beach Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons - Public Domain

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - AUSTRALIA'S GOLD COAST

Want surfing, sun and excitement? Then head to Australia's Gold Coast in the state of Queensland. A 40km (24.85 mile) stretch of beach, it became famous in the 1920s and 30s with the rise in popularity of Surfer's Paradise and riding the waves. A glittering city, Gold Coast has been compared to many world renown coastal cities like Miami. With a plentitude of activities, festivals and sunshine there little time to be bored.




Surfer's Paradise, Gold Coast, Australia

Photo credit: Flickr - Stan Paczkowski

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - GOA

This week's 'hot spot' is none other than Goa, India. Despite being the smallest state in India, it is favoured by many for its beach life, blend of Indian and Portuguese history, pilgrims and lifestyle suited to expats from around the globe. Located on India's west coast, near the Arabian Sea, this tropical haven beckons. 



Aaahhh... the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Photo credit: Flickr - Aaron Geddes

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - COSTA RICA

Today's special spot is inspired by a favourite song: "Costa Rica" by Vince Vaccaro.

Costa Rica is a lush country situated from coast to coast of Central America. It is a country that has achieved amazing environmental and human development objectives. In addition to being known for exciting ecotours, sensational nature, pristine beaches, and outstandingly diverse flora and fauna, this tropical country is a leader in sustainability and peace. Despite it's tropical climate (it is only 12 degrees north of the equator) its geography provides different weather pending the region. 



Beautiful!!

Photo credit: Flickr - Luc Van der Biest

As a bonus I have included the video by Vince Vaccaro that inspired today's post:

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SANTORINI, GREECE

Any moment that Greece is mentioned my mind inevitably thinks of the white washed, blue domed buildings of the island of Santorini. One of the Cyclades island group, Santorini is without doubt the most familiar of all the Greek Isles. It is located in the Aegean Sea, 200km/120mi south of the Greek mainland. It was created from a volcanic blast that destroyed what once was a lone island and created this caldera.

This photo of Santorini is courtesy of TripAdvisor

History, an arid climate, good food, stunning views and beaches of white, black and red makes this a locale one that is heaven to the senses.

Photo credit: Trip Advisor

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SARDINIA

Italy's Mediterranean island of Sardinia is a sought after destination for beach lovers and sun worshipers. In addition to it's warm summer weather it has a history that reaches back to 1500 B.C.E. It is one of the oldest pieces of land in Europe. It is now a semi-autonomous state of Italy.

Photo credit: Riviera VIP Services Blog

GETAWAY TO TOFINO

Several weeks ago I spent a few days on Vancouver Island with some of my closest girlfriends. We headed to Tofino, as I mentioned here. I was excited to get away for a couple of days and relax. It was a great time despite that the weather was a mix of rain and clouds. The sun did shine for us one day.

Tofino is a beautiful coastal town enveloped in green on every side except that of the Pacific Ocean.  We stayed at the Pacific Sands in one of their suites (and jammed five of us in there to save $$$). We faced the ocean with a row of trees lining the view. If you were to sail west from Tofino you would end up in Japan or thereabouts. Without any land between them the waves and storms can be wonderful and awe-inspiring. Even with the rain, we did not see any thunderstorms.

Our resort was on one of the beaches just outside of the town of Tofino. We did cruise into town to book the surfing lessons. Well, my friends did. I am not always confident in the water and the strong waves would have freaked me out a bit as I can barely swim.  I do like the water but if there is a chance of being overwhelmed by the waves I will opt to avoid them. Calm waters suit me best. As well, being a bigger gal, I don't think the surf shop would have a wet suit to fit me. In the end, I was the one who documented my the first-time surfing adventures of my companions.

We also looked around the very touristy aspect of Tofino. That is the main industry I am certain. Among the many surf shops there were galleries, whale-watching outfitters, sea-kayaking and fishing adventures and much more. One would be hard pressed to find a reason to stay indoors at this locale. 

I hope to return to Tofino and have a nice getaway to storm watch and take in the natural beauty on one of its many nature trails.

Ms Brown, mascot of girls getaways

On the beach

She sell seashells on the seashore

Surfing lesson

Surfer girls

Our beach at dusk

dusk

An incredible sunset

An (overexposed) starfish 

Birthday cheesecake and wine

We stopped here on our drive back 

Such lush greenery

Me hugging a very old and majestic tree

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - BULGARIA'S BLACK SEA

Who doesn't like the beach? Many a region has them however some areas are better known than others.  The Caribbean, The Mediterrean, Southern California, The Dead Sea and Australia's Gold Coast ring familiar.  Although some others are not as recognized they are still as spectacular. The Bulgarian Riviera on The Black Sea is well known to locals. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain has been growing in popularity with foreigners.



Hours of sunshine and 130 km(80 miles) of beautiful beaches beckons sun worshipers from near and far. It's international recognition continues to rise.


Photo credit - Flickr: JurgenBOT

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SAINT LUCIA

The Caribbean Sea is peppered with lush green islands beckoning you to step foot on their pristine beaches and feel the water lapping your toes. So many to choose from! How about Saint Lucia? One of the Lesser Antilles islands of the Caribbean, this gem is recognized by its famous Pitons mountains.

Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia offers crisp beaches, lush mountain hikes, fun water adventures, stunning views and food that will set your taste buds dancing. A Caribbean getaway dream.

Photo Credit: Caribbean Travel

SUNDAY'S SPECIAL SPOT - SHARK BAY, AUSTRALIA

On the western coast of Australia,1200 km (800 miles) north of the city of Perth, lies an incredible "W" shaped bay that is home to hundreds of bird, reptile, amphibian and marine life. Its geology ranges from stunning cliffs to beautiful lagoons all along a 1,500 km (932 miles) coastline. This extraordinary locale is Shark Bay. 



A sensational sunset at Hamelin Pool in Shark Bay. In the 1990s this unique 10,000 km area became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spectacular area it is.

Photo credit: Flickr. Owned by Rosalia C

Sunday's Special Spot - Seychelles

When I think of the Seychelles I see blue and white: blue skies, blue waters and white sand. My mind's eye sees this African archipelago as the most stunning paradise in the Indian Ocean. Every photo I have seen re-affirms these beautiful visions in my head. ~Sigh~...to lounge and bask in the sun on one of these glorious islands, with 115 to choose from.




I found this photo on Flickr. It was taken and is owned by pixluser.

Cuba

It has been several weeks since my last post where I said I was going to take a hiatus (which I am), however, I do want to share a few of my photos of my recent trip to Cuba. These are mainly scenery shots or ones where I made an attempt to be 'artsy'. I hope you enjoy them.

Varadero Beach

Seashells littered the beach (but what lovely litter it is)

sand

Tucked away from the main area of our beach...

and leading up to here

Sails on the Atlantic Ocean

A curly-tailed gecko (or lizard) - it's soooo cute!

An evening view of the resort and ocean - one of the clearer days we had

Varadero City market after the rain - I got caught in the downpour sans umbrella and was soaked through but still a great day!

A public beach in Varadero City (after the downpour)

The ocean (smile)

Cathedral in Old Havana

Cathedral detail

Havana's Capitol building

Exquisite and ornate detail inside the National Theatre

The next 5 photos are of the art of Havana's streets - some weathered, all of them an expression (as all art is). I am coming to really enjoy street art and plan to photograph much of it on my future travels and wanderings.

My attempt at art with my camera

Windows and balconies in Havana, they have seen much I imagine

homes

An old fortress

Back at the resort - my toes, poolside

I never did go in that pool