my trip to st. lucia (part I)

I didn't want my vacation to end!

St. Lucia was such a surprise for me. I had never expected this island to be so culturally rich, so beautifully lush and filled with such warm, welcoming people (apparently, this can be attributed to the makes-you-happy bananas, according to our lovely tour guide, Gilliana). And the food? Some of the best I've ever had.

I really do wish I could share ALL of my photos here, but instead I'll only show a few of my faves (accompanied by some blurbs, of course).

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The gorgeous garden and ocean view from our balcony. I truly could have gotten used to waking up to this every morning. 

Big buffet-style breakfasts with sweet raspberry jam on toast, fresh local fruits, Canadian bacon and assorted cheeses started the days off perfectly.

Sunsets in the Caribbean are not to be missed.

The Pitons are the landmarks of the island and they are absolutely massive and breathtaking in person.

The local beer that was named after the famous mountains. The taste: think Bud.

Bob and I met another couple, Stephanie and Nick, that we immediately befriended. We spent so much time with them that we joked it was almost as if we took this trip together! Our memories with them make me smile.

 There is no shortage of exquisite blooms and plants on this wonderful island. 

On another note, I've missed you guys! As much as I wanted to keep vacationing, coming back home to my life feels really good. And I'm appreciating little things (like cable television!) much much more. What have you been up to?

-jillian m.