Loving Tropical Settings

"On the Lagoon" MMSikes

For years we have loved to travel in the Caribbean. The fragrant scents in the air, the sounds of waves stroking sandy beaches, the casual ambiance everywhere around all have inspired us to return to the islands again and again.

A few years ago, Sint Maarten became one of our favorite destinations. Although the one main highway around the half-Dutch, half-French island is often terribly congested, that island is now one of our preferred vacation spots. It's also a great base for boat trips to Anguilla or to St. Barth's.

If you don't mind the long (especially from the East Coast) airplane flight to Hawaii, that's another wonderful tropical setting to visit. Lush gardens, magnificent waterfalls, and a spectacular Grand Canyon are all part of the magic there.

Recently, during a visit to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, I sat on a deck by a palm tree watching the waters in a lagoon. The perfect temperature and the scenic setting reminded me of the Caribbean. They also reminded me of the settings I enjoy most in my books.

I love tropical settings. What about you?

--Mary Montague Sikes

 Please visit Doug Danielson's The Nautical Muse at
http://www.doug-danielson.com/blog/novels-set-by-the-sea-in-exotic-places/ 
I'm a guest there. Check it out.