Turks and Caicos

I just got back from the Turks and Caicos. What an amazing place. The people were wonderful, the scenery is stunning and the rum flows freely. My parents have been going to the Turks and Caicos' island of Providenciales for over 20 years and it was one of my dad's favorite places. It was nice to see the island he loved. 

While talking to one of the long-time resort staff who knew my dad, I discovered that he used to go feed the puppies at the wild dog rescue facility. We managed to get in a quick visit to the shelter, the pups are beautiful and available for adoption to US residents.

Here are a few pictures from our trip. 

We stayed in my parent's time-share at the Alexandra resort. Their unit overlooks the ocean and the first morning we woke to the sound of the waves. Here is a picture from the HUGE balcony.

Balcony View

The resort also offers bicycles for their guests to use. They were lined up in the parking area. We rented a car for the week so did not use them but next time (there will be a next time) we will check them out.

Ready to Ride

We visited the Turks Head brewery and tried a sample of each of the 8 beers they had on tap. They had a really good mix, John and I each found a favorite.

Local Brew

 We did a snorkeling tour and saw a 5' reef shark. Our guide swam down towards it and it turned and swam right at me, I am not sure who was more surprised, me or the shark. Fortunately reef sharks are not aggressive :)

SHARK!

We also learned about the Queen Conch, a major food source on the island. I tried conch ceviche, curried conch, and conch fritters and I liked them all. Below is a conch in its shell. I brought two shells home for mermaid stands. I can't wait to get started on the mermaids for my shells.

Queen Conch

Overall it was an amazing trip. We did a lot but were also able to relax. It was the first vacation I've had where I came back refreshed instead of exhausted. We have already started planning our return trip next year.

Now that I am home and finished with my degree, I am looking forward to sculpting again!! Stay tuned for updates on the mermaids I'll be making for the conch shells, the house elf I am getting ready to finish and my battle troll, an unexpected sculpture that started out as something to practice my painting skills on and ended up as someone who is demanding a body.