Reading and Writing: Travel Inspiration: Aruba

The bright morning sun must be inspiring me this morning, after the recent very cold weather - even yesterday, it was zero degrees when I drove from the house. As we wander gently into spring, many people's thoughts are probably turning to holidays now, whether at home or abroad, and it gave me a new idea for blog posts.

Since my husband has been a travel professional all his working life, we've been lucky enough to visit many countries around the world, even more from cruise ships. I love taking photographs and have amassed a huge number now that digital makes it so easy to keep snapping. So, I'm going to start a new occasional blog series, using photos to inspire creativity. Some will be scenic shots, some might be more quirky, but I hope they might spark an idea for a story, or poem, or just some dreams of far of lands, or even remind us of the beauty in our own country.

I'm beginning with the Caribbean island of Aruba, in the Lesser Antilles, partly because this notice I snapped at the entrance of a little garden came to my attention this morning and I love the sentiments. Hope you can read it as it was rather old and faded.

Aruba is a small island, only 33 kilometres long and is surrounded by beaches, but the most interesting sight for me was this stunning natural bridge down by the sea.

If anyone is ever looking for professional, personal travel advice or arrangements, by the way, you can find details of my husband's independent business and the company he works with on his website here. Many of my photos are on his site!

Rosemary

13 comments:

Joan Fleming said...: Like you, Rosemary, I get inspiration from travel experiences. Aruba was a lovely island to visit - and I remember the bridge in your photo.; 28 February 2013 at 03:17
Wendy's Writing said...: I aet my stories all over the place - mostly places I've been to on holiday or visited. Having said that, I use a number of fictitious places too. What a great job your husband had!; 28 February 2013 at 05:55
Frances Garrood said...: I love the poem!; 28 February 2013 at 09:03
Bill Kirton said...: You remind me of how unadventurous I am. Europe, the USA and one abortive trip to Tunisia - that's it for me. But my son's wife is from Brazil so surely I'll make it there for the World Cup or the Olympics. The most exoitic place I visit nowadays is probably Facebook.; 28 February 2013 at 09:05
Joanna said...: I love the stunning bridge and the unspoilt sense of peace. I could do with a few days somewhere like that.; 28 February 2013 at 23:45
Rosemary Gemmell said...: I'm sure you're in one of my photos at the bridge, Joan!

Yes, inspiration is everywhere, Wendy. Hubby still in travel so I get updates of great holidays!

Thanks, Frances - it's serene.

Hi Bill - funnily enough I'm not a traveller at heart, but have enjoyed lost of opportunities!; 1 March 2013 at 01:34
Rosemary Gemmell said...: It does look peaceful, doesn't it, Joanna? I love the sound of the sea too.; 1 March 2013 at 01:35
Patsy said...: I like the words too - gardens are a good place to forget worries and relax.; 1 March 2013 at 03:29
Karen said...: I'm woefully undertravelled (is that a word?) but posts like this make me want to do more :o); 1 March 2013 at 09:12
Linda D said...: Now why didn't I marry a travel professional?! Yes, your photos do inspire me - to earn some more money through my writing so I can go on a Caribbean cruise!; 2 March 2013 at 11:09
Rosemary Gemmell said...: Absolutely, Patsy!

Thanks for coming over, Karen! I've just been lucky to get the chance.

That's good inspiration, Linda!; 3 March 2013 at 06:06
myraduffy said...: You take such good photos,Rosemary. Mine are very hit and miss!Looking forward to more of these posts.; 3 March 2013 at 10:47
Vikki said...: I always think part of the fun of travelling to new places is photographing the interesting things you come across. Good find with the poem!; 4 March 2013 at 11:46