Street Life ~ Culebra

Unless you live someplace with a seriously strong sense of home land, it's almost impossible to convey the current that runs through Culebra. It isn't always 'all for one and one for all' but when push comes to shove (as it has before -i.e. getting the Navy out - and no doubt will again), the bond that ties Culebrense to this island (and transfers, on another level, to those who have made this place home) are strong as steel cables and just as interwoven, with history and personal stories. A walkabout shows this better than my words can ever do.

The new alcadia

These stencils are all over the island

I don't know who planted this garden at the old school

But it is thriving!

Painted on the side of the Ecological School

In order to never forget what happened here
(and, in the form of leftover unexploded ordnance, is still happening)

Making music on the street

Blowing kisses

'Are you with me? C'mon!'

A yearly pleasure all lit up

Just because

Every winter we grow a new crop of sailboats in the bay

One night before Christmas, one night before the full moon. May your literal and metaphysical stockings be hung by the palm tree with care, to bring you joy in the morning, whether you are celebrating the birth of Jesus or celebrating because you have another day to wake up to, filled with wonder, amazement and miracles.

Have a take it to the roof tops Thursday! Do something transformational.

Sights of the Day(s)

We see a lot of official types of aircrafts and boats around here - DEA, Coast Guard, politicians - but I'd not seen one of these before. I'm not a planespotter, so maybe it has been around often and I just missed it 

Apparently it is a Grumman HU-16 Albatross, the same kind Jimmy Buffet flies around (but unless he repainted his to look like a Coast Guard plane, this wasn't him). If you are interested in planes, here is what I could find out about it. 

If we hadn't seen it, we wouldn't have heard it. For a big plane it was very quiet.

This was about as tight as I could crop it for a better look.

I don't drink Coca-Cola. Maybe because I wasn't allowed to drink soft drinks as a kid? Whatever the reason,I really don't like the taste of it. But lots of people I know do drink it, so even though I was informed it 'ain't no new thang' I'd not seen the names of people on the bottles. Especially not a name of a child I know.

When my son was younger, he let it be well known that none of the 'name' things found in gift shops ever had his name on it and I bet the Andres' (where is my Spanish keyboard?) of the world might feel much the same. Good marketing, Coke.  

I know someone (or two) who'd buy this one.

I'd seen a couple of  photos of this ship on facebook and had to go check it out. After a little drive, it was still hiding behind this mangrove island.

A brief walk is all it took to reveal it in its glory. I wasn't expecting the naked guy and no, I'm not going to do a close up, it's not that revealing or exciting. What a beauty of a boat; much more exciting!

I'd love to know more about this vessel but I'm figuring it has to be private or a private charter and the wind wouldn't co-operate enough for me to see the transom in hopes of a name. Anyone know its story?

Every once in awhile there are clouds I've never seen before, except maybe in articles about clouds. I'd never seen clouds like this before, little winged wisps. And I don't know the name of them either, though they look like a sort of cirrus. Sort of.

I do know I liked them very much.

I've seen this sight hundreds of times, but it is always new.

Have a set your sights Saturday. Do something staringly.

A Quiet Walkabout ~ Photo Heavy, Fair Warning!

Yesterday was as quiet a Sunday as I've experienced while town meandering in a long time, as well as on the way there and back. I was reminded of when I first moved here (except for the giant Jeeps) and it was nice. One of those giant Jeeps stopped and tourist strangers offered me a ride - that never happens, but it did. A really nice couple, he from Florida, originally from Spain, she from San Juan. It was his first trip back to Culebra in over 20 years. I'm always amazed how much conversation can go on in five minutes. We talked about Culebra changes, prompting a 'capture it now, before it is gone ohpleasemayitneverbegone' exchange of view and pixels.

These first shots are from  heading down Housesitting Hill.

Now in wild bloom

Unfurl the banana flags!

Folk art Culebra style

Yes, these little fruits are safe to eat and taste like strawberries. 

Common names - "Elkhorn" , "Frilled Fan" or "Crested Euphorbia"

Spider lily

Frills and thrills

Dill and the water (your earworm for today)

Dinghy Dock was my destination, to meet up with my friends Tina and Mark, who had sailed in and would be heading out today. Maybe. That's how cruising goes! While we were chatting, a fish cleaning was taking place. A beautiful fish, a skilled cleaning. Someone got a very delicious fish dish.

At a walking pace, there is a lot to see between town and where I hang my camera. Most of it is good. The trash - less each year thankfully - not so good. 

I seem to know a vehicle painted in this pattern...

Recycling on some levels isn't new here

Make your own caption

I've watched this place from before it existed to turned pretty junky to turned pretty cleaned up these days. When there are people here with the sounds of laughter and talking, it has a feel good vibe, even if on a couple of levels there are some issues in its creation. This is Culebra. 

This is Culebra too.

Can a fiberglass boat sink into an organic goodbye? No, but this one is trying.

Noah

Angel's home.

The moonrise last night, sometime around midnight, was mystical with clouds. A good ending to a thoughtful day, ushering in dream time. Yet I wake up and I'm still here. Amazing.

Have a maverickly makeshift Monday. Do something minimally mighty. 

Apparently...

Somehow I got a bit lost on what I was supposed to be doing today...but, being Culebra, it's all a good thing! Yesterday in running errands and slowly gathering up my life to move back down the hill, there were sights to be seen...that continued right into this morning's sunrise and bloom discovery. Life is good!






I did a double take walking by Arte Fango, because of this awesome African gourd instrument, along with Ani's leatherwork, which is stunning.

 Not for sale...but you can play with it...carefully!

 Definitely Mardi Gras material

Yes, that is a fossil!

Then, there was the rest...

 Fast cat

 Bouncing off the moon

 Mystical cactus bloom

 Oh yes, it's going to be an excellent day!

And as I hit the top of the steps heading out, there was this...wow!

Have a wonder filled Wednesday! Do something wistfully.