More Street Art In St. Croix

Among the many street murals on St. Croix, “Change the Cycle” by Taj Francis depicts how the goddess of the seas protects sharks, which are sadly killed for their fins. This dramatic work of art embellishes an apartment complex in Frederiksted.

This striking mural by artist Kelly Spencer is aptly named “A Beautiful Death.” Though the coral displays vibrant purple hues, it’s their last gasp. Already bleached, the fragile coral produces these vivid pigment as a desperate attempt to protect themselves from the sun.

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Biking in Denmark - Part 1

 

Biking around Denmark’s scenic Fyn (Funen) Island, I made many art discoveries, including in the town of Faaborg. This creative mural by Els Cools references the city’s bell tower. (In the foreground are mini bell tower sculptures in flowerpots, an art installation by Bruno MacDonald.)

As I bicycled along serene country roads on Tasinge Island in Denmark, I found a delightful abundance of nature around each and every turn. (This is the estate of the 17th century Valdemar’s Castle.)

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Botanical Gardens and Monuments on St. Croix

 This Millennium Monument — a sundial of sorts — designed to celebrate the new millennium in the U.S. is sited on Point Udall, the easternmost part of St. Croix, my favorite part of this island, and it’s also the easternmost part of the U.S. territories. With waves crashing below, coral reefs visible, and a nearby hiking trail down to a peaceful cove, it’s worth driving out here and staying a while, especially if you have the place all to yourself.

It’s easy to spend hours soaking up the bucolic vibe at the St. George Village Botanical Garden in St. Croix. I didn’t run into a soul as I explored the myriad specimens, including the Egyptian lotus floating in this lovely pond.

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St. Croix’s Street Art

 On St. Croix, I found the vibrant street art, whether murals or sculptures, captivating. These pepper building facades, sea walls and even garbage receptacles, especially in Frederiksted and also Christensted.

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Visiting St. Croix - Fort Frederik

 Strolling through 18th century Fort Frederik (including the art gallery) first thing in the morning is an atmospheric experience when you have the place all to yourself. This fort is located on the waterfront of Frederiksted in St. Croix. 

The Fort Frederik Museum is hosting an art exhibition until mid September. “The Revolution Is Not A One Time Act” honors Emancipation Day on St. Croix.

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Some of my fave cafes/restaurants on St. Croix in the Caribbean

 On St. Croix, USVI, by far, my favorite place to hang out in Frederiksted was Polly’s At The Pier. I could linger for hours at their atmospheric courtyard in the rear with a slice of lemon cake and an iced latte.

With twinkling lights strung about, tiki torches flickering, and carved walls dripping with foliage and inset with lighted niches, the outdoor courtyard at Savant, a St. Croix restaurant that has a romantic vibe.

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More Wanderings In A New Jersey-Based Sculpture Garden

 With its Giverny-inspired landscaping, this fine-dining restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture is also perfect for sipping a chilled Pinot Grigio or an iced coffee on the shaded terrace.

As I walked through a particular grassy expanse at this sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey, I was captivated by this giant that appears buried in the lawn. (I took a separate photo of his foot.) This striking sculpture by Seward Johnson was cast in aluminum.

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An Expansive Sculpture Garden In New Jersey

 It’s easy to spend the whole day at Grounds for Sculpture, an expansive and ultra creative sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey. After all, there are surprises aplenty in niches, alcoves, beside bodies of water or snuggled in the woodlands. This is “Birth of the Messenger” that was carved from granite by the American sculptor, Viktor who was born in Odessa.

Surprises galore await as you roam the trails networking this 40-some-acre property. This bronze set in a mist-laden venue is “Redon’s Fantasy of Venus” by Seward Johnson.

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Portugal’s Alentejo Region - Part 5

 For an oenophile like me, being able to sample wines produced in clay vessels called amphora was a delight for my palate. In Portugal’s Alentejo region, this method of wine production is thousands of years old, thanks to the Romans and maybe even the Phoenicians before that.

You can’t beat the infinity pool where a table and chairs are set in the shallow end at the Montimerso Skyscape Country House. Whether sitting in one of the poolside lounge chairs or the handful of ultra comfy daybeds nearby, I soaked up the stellar views of the Alqueva, Europe’s largest man-made lake.

While roaming all around the Alentejo, I found the old, gnarled olive trees captivating. Each had a distinctive, stunning personality.

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