Caribbean Cruise Part 3: The Colors of the Caribbean – AShapiro Studios

The bluest of skies. The clear, coral water. The lush green trees. Before even getting off the ship, the Caribbean was already one of the most colorful places I’d ever seen. The people of the Bahamas, St. Thomas and Sint Maarten are ethnically diverse with colorful personalities, and the range of hues in their clothes, on their homes and in their art reflects it.

A Lighthouse sits at the western-most point of Paradise Island - also known as Hog Island which forms a natural harbor for Nassau — A Lighthouse sits at the western-most point of Paradise Island – also known as Hog Island which forms a natural harbor for Nassau

The Bahamian flag is nearly ubiquitous throughout Nassau. This small collection of islands, a British colony, looks to their flag as a symbol of hope. Shelly, who I mentioned in a previous post about the Bahamian people, pointed at the flag and said “That? That’s the Bahamian flag. The flag of the Bahamas. That represents our country. Our land. It’s where we are from. Where we call home.” A black triangle represents Unity and Determination of the Bahamian people with the 3 stripes representing the Bahamas’ natural resources; 2 blue for the sea and 1 gold for the sun.

The flag of Sint Maarten, a 'new country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.' Its colors are the same as the Dutch flag and is similar to the Philippine wartime flag. — The flag of Sint Maarten, a ‘new country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.’ Its colors are the same as the Dutch flag and is similar to the Philippine wartime flag.

The colors don’t stop – Buildings, murals, signs, cars, addresses, the homes they’re posted on and the details that adorn them all feature vibrant colors throughout the collection of islands visited.

All of your essential needs are available beach-side on Junkanoo Beach in Nassau

Houses in the Bahamas - and across the Caribbean - are painted all shades of vibrant colors — Houses in the Bahamas – and across the Caribbean – are painted all shades of vibrant colors

The waters of the Caribbean are clear and coral blue - as seen from AJC Brower Rd on Sint Maarten — The waters of the Caribbean are clear and coral blue – as seen from AJC Brower Rd on Sint Maarten

An open-air taxi takes visitors from the cruise terminal to all points on St. Thomas in the US Virgin Island

A colorful shack sits on Junkanoo Beach in Nassau

A tree on the Bahamian island of Nassau in the Caribbean shows off its vibrant green leaves and overwhelming red flowers against a brilliant blue sky.

Beautiful encaustic tiles adorn the steps of the John Watling's rum distillery in Nassau — Beautiful encaustic tiles adorn the steps of the John Watling’s rum distillery in Nassau

Outgoing or shy, adventurous or timid, interested in day-time or night activities, take a moment to appreciate the materials and colors that make up the world around you no matter where you are. And keep making great photos!