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Madonna of the FlamesMadonna of the Flames -
St. Michael’s, Clark’s TownSt. Michael’s, Clark’s Town
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Silent SwiftsSilent Swifts
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Passion FruitPassion Fruit
Hope Gardens – alive and bursting with colour!
Despite the gloomy weather that Saturday morning in April, Hope Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica was still alive and bursting with colour. My good friend Marina and I headed out to the quaint yet glorious gardens that were once our childhoods’ delight. We were both looking forward to our mini excursion even though the skies were grey.
Unfortunately, that day I also had plantar fasciitis in my right foot and walking was a bit painful. It then started to rain, but that didn’t stop our endless picture taking. Once we saw all the gorgeous flowers and plants that were on display in front of us, nothing could keep our phones from capturing these brilliant images. Somehow, everything around us seemed so vivid and captivating. There wasn’t a moment to lose.
There is something truly energizing about being amongst the beautiful trees, plants and flowers of Hope Botanical Gardens. The timelessness of the place can really bring you into a meditative lull – a sort of present moment paradise, if you allow it to. This “garden oasis” truly captures the essence of Jamaica both past and present.
It also brought back the memory of an experience of when I saw an amazing animated looking tree there and then had to rush home to paint it as quickly as I could. That was so energizing and fulfilling for me and I really believe it had a lot to do with the energy of this very special place.
Being in this tropical garden, even if just for a few hours, was the highlight of my trip to Jamaica and I left the gardens that day with a renewed spirit. I encourage everyone in Jamaica to visit this place…it’s just bursting with colour, magic and life!