Already back!

We are already back, sorting photographs, organizing hours of recorded interviews, and getting ready for next stage of our work. Now i am just sneaking out for a week to China, to meet with our fantastic printers and discuss technical details of printing our Gardens book.

I am also going to tell them good news: Our book Tropical Homes of the Eastern Caribbean has been nominated one of THREE top finalists (coffee table books category) in the prestigious book award in USA – Benjamin Franklin Book Awards!
In less than a month we will know if it takes Grand Prix or not – but in any case it is a reason to celebrate! I bet they will be same happy as we are!

Anyway, I wanted to share with you a photo we did on one of last days of our long, Caribbean trip. In Honduras we visited some really interesting spots, among them – Guanaja – small, practically pristine island with coral reefs and beautiful nature. What’s interesting – there are no roads, and all traffic is by boat. Main town on the island is located about 500 meters away from the island – on the water! It is seated on a patch of land, and makes a tiny island on its own. All gas stations, shops, a hotel, etc. – are there, in that water-town. We did some aerial photography, and I selected for you the view of that unusual town.
You can see in upper corner the shore of Guanaja island, and in the center – this watertown, with a gas station nearby, just a bit below on a small reef…
Looks amazing, isn’t it? I hope you enjoy.

I will try to post something from China, but i can’t promise – will be quite busy.

Cheers! Have to run, going to airport in 15 minutes…

Easter in Panama

After our week-long photo-shoot in Jamaica, we spend the Easter Sunday in Panama City, awaiting connection to Honduras.
Jamaica was busy, quite busy indeed. We had to photograph there several resorts, including some famous “all inclusive” super-clubs.
Much noise, lots of people, plenty of activities around – not the easiest setup for architecture photography.
From many various resorts we visited (including Hedonism II), our most favourite one is the Sunset Negril resort. Located in the most West part of Jamaica, it has nice surroundings, and has the most privacy. It is set in a tropical jungle-like surroundings, with song birds around you, beautiful flowers, etc.
Hidden between lush plants wooden cottages are equipped nicely, but have the matching character of simplicity without pretence. A perfect spot to unwind in a friendly atmosphere, close to nature (and a perfect sandy beach!) with good food and simply AMAZING service. Yes, the service there gets our maximum rate, as it is simply unmatched in our experience. We can only wish such quality service is offered in Canada.
This is really a place one may want to return to.
Thank you Sunset at the Palms (in Negril) for your hospitality!

I post here couple of photos from Sunset in Negril, Jamaica. You can see nice open spaces offering fresh breeze near reception and bar, and surrounded directly by lush tropical plants, and on another pic – traditional Caribbean ceiling of the open-walls restaurant…

Other Sunsets have also an amazing service, although these places (Sunset Jamaica Grande in Ocho Rios, and Sunset Montego Bay) have a bit different character. Well, I guess the quality must be the signature of their owner and management…

OK, time to pack and soon to go to airport – Honduras is our next stop…
Until next time, Happy Easter!
Derek