Page 16 - AHATA_Neat

A14 LOCAL
Saturday 16 February 2019

How do snowbirds escape the winter blues?

By Melissa Martin Sky: Pastel blue, bluish-
ORANJESTAD — I’m dream- blue, bluish-white. Amazing
ing of a colorful beach get- gazing.
away. Perhaps, a jaunt to
the Caribbean Islands. A Sun: Lemon, daffodil, ba-
slice of paradise to refresh nana. Just the right temper-
the chilly mood and atti- ature to warm the bones.
tude. Leave the snow and
slick-iced roads behind. Close your eyes. Imagine party—a pastry filled with a
The Caribbean culture is cozy and cool hues and mixture of coconut, sugar,
calling for beach bunnies. paint a palette in your mind nutmeg and vanilla. Take
of a tropical landscape. a dip or a dunk in nature’s
“The Caribbean region is lo- Hold a prism up to the salty pool. Ahhh!
cated southeast of the Gulf sunlight and focus on the
of Mexico and the North spectrum of colors: red, or- No hassle—build a sand-
American mainland and ange, yellow, green, blue, castle. No hurry or scurry.
measures around 1,000 indigo and violet. Envision
miles from north to south relaxing coastal colors—a For dinning, partake in Ca-
and over 2,500 miles from soothing sauce for the soul. ribbean cookery. Ocean
east to west. Much of it is fishes in dishes. Ackee and
ocean and the Caribbean Your favorite hat and sun- saltfish. Cactus, chayote,
region includes about 700 glasses shade the eyes. and green-apple salad.
islands, islets, reefs, and Set your sun lounger at Conch chowder. Beach
cays in and surrounding the the outer edge. Feel your cuisine—mambo for the
Caribbean Sea. Across the toes dig into the granules mouth and a tango for the
Caribbean region, there is of crushed shells. A gentle taste buds.q If there’s heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached
diverse topography includ- breeze tickles the skin. Lis- to it.” —Jimmy Buffett
ing coral reefs, mountains, ten to the watery waves
tropical forests, low-lying prance and play. Contem-
plantations, valleys, water- plate or meditate. Wonder
falls, and volcanoes.” or ponder. Or just be by
the sea. Empty the messy
Sand. Brown sand, golden muddle from your mind.
sand, white sand, black Massage a beach balm
sand, gray sand, pink sand. into your brain. Make airy
Multicolored sands popu- memories.
late the beaches.
Water. Blue, azure, cerule- Sip an icy beverage. Bite
an, aquamarine, turquoise. into raspberry, passion fruit,
Roll out the Red Carpet for or sapodilla. Invite a coco-
H20. nut gizzada to your mouth