APRIL 2024
VO L . 8
ORIGINS &
DESTINATIONS The Caribbean
History & Culture
from west indies to present
Destinations
puerto rico, antigua & st. maarten
Photography Tips modeling & directing
Island Hopping
“cruising” through the caribbean
For Kids
fascinating facts, games & stories for young adventurers
LIVINGNOTES® COPYRIGHT 2024
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* Please note that the light distortions visible in some of the images are the byproduct of the software used to create this editorial, and that they do not appear in the original pictures or prints.
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LETTER FROM
EDITOR While everyone knows the Caribbean for its beautiful beaches & clear waters, there’s so much more beneath the surface. T his editorial takes you through the history of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico, dives into the wonders of Antigua’s marine life, & soaks up the mix of cultures in St. Maarten. Imagine the sunny beaches of Antigua, the colorful homes of Puerto Rico, & the mix of Dutch & French vibes in St. Maarten. Each place has its own unique char m & flavor. As you read through these pages, let this editorial take you to the heart of the Caribbean. Feel the energ y of each destination, discover the history, culture, the spirit that makes these places special, & let the Caribbean char m you with its unique voice.
Olya Hill
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THE LOCALS
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D E S T I N AT I O N S P U E RT O A N T I G U A S T. A D I F F E R E N T F L AV O R RICO M A A RT E N ADVENTURES OLD SAN JUAN PIÑONES SHOPPING
TWO IN ONE FOOD TO DO & SEE
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VILLA
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AMALIA
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PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS: &
MODELING DIRECTING
ISLAND HOPPING
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446 WHEN IN THE CARIBBEAN I WISH I KNEW... CHECKLIST W H E R E T O S T AY P L AY L I S T
KIDS FOR
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GAMES, F U N FA C T S & STORIES...
ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHERS 667
C AT A L O G U E
SPONSORS & OFFERS
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VILLA AMALIA
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COVER IMAGE BY OLYA HILL @POINTDEVUE.ART
MASTHEAD & C O N T R I BU TO R S OLYA HILL
EDITOR IN CHIEF & PHOTOGRAPHER
BABAK AMIREBRAHIMI EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER
HELLO@ONDTRAVELGROUP.COM +1 (415) 653-9054
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ORIGINS
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HISTORY Caribbean Chronicles: A Vibrant Tapestry of History Unveiled
Welcome to the enchanting world of the Caribbean, where turquoise waters, rhythmic beats, & a rich tapestry of history come together in a vibrant fusion. In this jour ney through time, we will uncover the captivating tales that have shaped the Caribbean into the paradise we know today.
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Indigenous Tapestr y Our story begins with the original inhabitants of the Caribbean – the indigenous peoples. Long before the arrival of European explorers, the islands were home to the Taíno, Arawak, and Carib tribes. Discover their intricate societies, skilled craftsmanship, and profound connection to the land. The Age of Exploration In the late 15th century, European explorers set sail, forever changing the Caribbean’s destiny. Join Christopher Columbus on his 1492 expedition, marking the first European contact with the region. Uncover the clash of cultures & the impact of colonization on the indigenous way of life. Sugar, Slaver y, & Plantations As the European powers established colonies, the Caribbean became a hub for the infamous triangular trade. Dive into the dark chapters of sugar plantations, slavery, and the African diaspora. Explore the resilient spirit of those who resisted, such as the Maroons, who carved out independent communities in the mountains. Pirates of the Caribbean Ahoy, matey! No tale of Caribbean history is complete without the swashbuckling adventures of pirates. From Blackbeard to Anne Bonny, explore the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Discover hidden treasures, naval battles, and the infamous pirate havens like Port Royal.
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Caribbean Revolutions The winds of change swept through the Caribbean in the 19th century with a series of revolutions. Join the fight for freedom in Haiti, the first independent Caribbean nation born from a successful slave revolt. Witness the struggles for independence in Jamaica, Trinidad, and beyond, as the region sought to break free from colonial rule. Emancipation to Independence As the 19th century unfolded, the Caribbean experienced the abolition of slavery and the emergence of new nation-states. Journey through the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by these young nations as they sought to define their identities and navigate the complexities of post-colonial life. Modern Caribbean Fast forward to the 20th century and beyond – witness the Caribbean’s evolution into a cultural melting pot. Explore the influence of reggae music, the rise of tourism, and the resilience displayed in the face of natural disasters. Uncover the unique identities of each island, from the salsa rhythms of Cuba to the carnival celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago. Our journey through the history of the Caribbean unveils a region that has weathered storms, embraced diversity, and emerged as a beacon of resilience and vibrancy. As we sail back to the present day, let the echoes of the past continue to dance through the streets, beaches, and hearts of the Caribbean with a history as rich and colorful as the landscapes themselves.
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CULTURE Caribbean Kaleidoscope: A Joyous Celebration of Culture & Diversity
Step into the sun-soaked embrace of the Caribbean, where the rhythm of life is set to the beat of steel drums, the scent of jerk chicken wafts through the air, & every day feels like a vibrant car nival. In this article, we embark on a jour ney through the kaleidoscope of Caribbean culture, a tapestry woven with colors, sounds, & flavors that will leave you enchanted.
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Music that Moves the Soul The Caribbean is a symphony of sounds that echo through its islands. From the reggae rhythms of Jamaica to the salsa beats of Cuba, and the soca vibes of Trinidad and Tobago, music is the lifeblood of the region. Explore the origins of calypso, dancehall, and merengue, and learn how each island contributes its unique note to the Caribbean melody. Carnival – The Ultimate Street Party If there’s one thing the Caribbean knows how to do, it’s throwing a party. Enter the world of carnival, where the streets come alive with dazzling costumes, infectious tunes, and uninhibited revelry. Discover the history of carnival traditions, from the elaborate masquerade of Trinidad’s Carnival to the pulsating rhythms of Junkanoo in the Bahamas. Culinar y Delights – A Feast for the Senses Prepare your taste buds for a culinary journey like no other. Caribbean cuisine is a delectable fusion of flavors influenced by African, Indigenous, European, and Asian cultures. Dive into the spicy wonders of jerk seasoning, savor the richness of ackee and saltfish, and indulge in the sweet notes of coconut-infused treats. Each dish tells a story of heritage, love, and a zest for life.
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Religion & traditions European colonizers, primarily from Spain, Portugal, France, and later Britain and the Netherlands, brought Christianity to the Caribbean during the Age of Exploration in the 15th century. They sought to convert the indigenous populations to Christianity, often forcibly. Catholicism was the dominant form of Christianity introduced to the Caribbean by the Spanish and French. Many Caribbean countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, have large Catholic populations as a result of colonization. Protestantism, including Anglicanism, Presbyterianism, Methodism, and Baptist denominations, was introduced to the Caribbean by British & Dutch colonizers. These Protestant denominations have significant followings in countries like Jamaica, Barbados, & Trinidad and Tobago. Over time, Christianity in the Caribbean has blended with indigenous and African spiritual beliefs, resulting in unique syncretic religions such as Santería, Vodou, and Obeah. These religions often incorporate elements of Catholicism with traditional African and indigenous practices. The Caribbean is home to many historic churches and cathedrals, both Catholic and Protestant, that showcase the influence of Christianity on the region’s architecture. These buildings often feature a blend of European and local architectural styles.
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