Caribbean Fever – A Survivors Guide
St. Lucia Wood Carving
Fighting a losing Battle
You know you’ve got it bad when you start finding unusual ways to support your hobbies and addictions. I tend to joke a lot about Caribbean Fever. The simple truth is though while it may not be a bona fide disease it could easily qualify as an addiction. Karie and I have a love for the Caribbean that seems to stir our very souls. We would move there in a heart beat, if we had the time or resources. I do hope to someday make that dream a reality. For now, we just try to find ways to cope. You could say we are sort of home sick, whenever we are not there. We constantly miss the food, culture and the beauty of the Caribbean Islands.
We have several hobbies, which have developed out of our love for the Islands, and yes we can answer yes to most, if not all of those 20 questions. This page is for those of you, who suffer like we do, with a longing to be somewhere you can’t.
Our Saltwater Reef Tank
One of my big hobbies at home, is caring for our saltwater fish tanks and our small aquarium store, The Maine Reef. I have always loved tropical fish, and was especially fascinated with saltwater reefs, but it was not until about 10 years ago that it became a viable hobby. Now it is very possible to keep and grow a real saltwater reef, complete with coral, fish, and invertebrates, in your own home. Being a lover of the natural beauty of coral reefs, it was important for me to make sure that my hobby, wasn’t contributing to the destruction of the worlds reefs. Now, we actually farm these beautiful coral right in our own tank, for sale to other hobbyists. Today, we are working with other reef keepers to insure the protection of the worlds natural reefs for years to come.
Some of our Fishy Friends
Giving Back
Another hobby is collecting Caribbean arts and crafts. The majority of people in the Caribbean do not have the lifestyle of most American’s. So, we try to give back what we can to the places and people that bring us such joy. We usually try to bring back something nice to hang on the wall, from everywhere we visit. It helps the local economy and gives us a nice souvenir that we will always remember.
Wooden Reef Sculpture
Our long New England winters really make us miss the tropical heat. My childhood love of snow has now been replaced with my new love of sand. I guess, if I had to shovel sand I might not like it either. Decorating a room in your home using tropical themes can give you a place to escape when the weather outside is less than perfect. Try warm tropical colors, a few palms and other plants, and some rich dark wood furniture for starters. Then add some nice pictures and Caribbean themed art.
Haitian Style Metal Sculpture
Many people find they like Island music, but when they get home they are not sure what to buy or don’t know the artists or song titles. Take a look through our music section and you are bound to find something you recognize. A little Caribbean Music, especially Reggae really puts the mind at ease.
We would love to hear stories of inventive ways our readers have found to cope with their Caribbean Fever. Please leave us a comment below and share your story.
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