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I recently went on a short cruise with my sister Laura. It was just a short Bahamas thing. Miami, Nassau, Coco Cay & Key West. I guess since I usually try to pack a lot of punch into my other trips, this one seemed more of a “vacation.” It also wasn’t a designated photo trip, though I always keep my camera with me and was still hoping for some nice pictures. It’s very different when you’re not alone or you’re with someone who isn’t into photography. You dont have the leisurely time to painstakingly set up each photo. Instead you see your sister standing there with that “hands on hips” stance that non-verbally says, LET’S GO. (Actually she was surprisingly patient during the times I did stop.)

One of the things I love about the little latitudes, aside from the glorious heat, is the color. Such vibrant colors in everything from the water and wildlife (fish) to the building facades and signage. Even though some of those islands see many hardships, there is always music, smiling people, … and color. (and I know, I’ve lived down there).

So color is a theme in a lot of my pix. The other thing I love, especially in places like Key West (one of my favorite towns) is that “anything goes” mentality. You can be anything you want, and people there will be cool with you. And it’s not uncommon to see things like pirates casually walking down the street or dogs in guitar cases. A lot of character down there, and I enjoyed soaking it up…