Romance isn’t something I think about when I travel as most of the times, I’m traveling solo. When I travel with my partner, it’s an entirely different trip as every activity we engage in, whether we’re looking at art, admiring the architecture of an old building or sharing a meal, is infused with the passion we have for each other, and romantic feelings bloom.That’s not to say that when I travel solo I don’t notice places that evoke romantic feelings or ooze romance and make me wish he’d come with me – I do – but I focus on what interests me. So in celebration of romance and Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing some of the places and things that, to me, scream romance.
Sunrise
Sunrise, especially those moments when night is slowly giving way to day, always stir romantic feelings. I was halfway up Jamaica’s Blue Mountain as the glow of the moon receded and the sun began to stain the sky with a muted palette of colors that made me feel just warm and fuzzy.Sunrise on the Blue Mountain, JamaicaNothing spells romance to me more than a leisurely walk along a deserted beach at sunrise.Negril at sunriseIt wasn’t difficult to imagine sitting in these chairs and sipping a chilled glass of lemonade.Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Flowers/Gardens
A beautiful garden, the color and sensuous curves of the orchid, all bring romance to mind.OrchidGreen orchid
Food
“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”– Virginia Woolf
Certain foods, like raw oysters and chocolate, put us in a romantic mood. But if you’re like me and don’t like either, don’t despair. As long as you’re with that special person, even pizza can be romantic.A romantic meal
Sunset
Watching the sun as it falls gently behind the horizon mesmerizes me. I never tire of experiencing it and feeling the soft glow that it envelopes me in.Sunset in Negril
Music
Music sometimes makes us remember places we’ve been and the love we’ve shared. I always remember Merida whenever I hear Love’s Theme by Barry White. Jill Scott’s He Loves Me, Damian Marley’s There for You and Cassandra Wilson’s Untilallremind me of Harlem, and Bob Marley’s I wanna love you recalls Ottawa.
Poetry
No other poet moves me romantically like the 13th century Persian poet, Rumi. Here’s a favorite.A Moment of HappinessA moment of happiness, you and I sitting on the verandah, apparently two, but one in soul, you and I. We feel the flowing water of life here, you and I, with the garden’s beauty and the birds singing. The stars will be watching us, and we will show them what it is to be a thin crescent moon. You and I unselfed, will be together, indifferent to idle speculation, you and I. The parrots of heaven will be cracking sugar as we laugh together, you and I. In one form upon this earth, and in another form in a timeless sweet land.
Movies / Books
Wouldn’t it have been lovely if we’d met before? – Lara, Doctor Zhivago
I rarely go to the cinema when I travel but when I’m home these movies transport me to a romantic destinations and fills my heart with love.
Doctor Zhivago
Like Water for Chocolate
Sleepless in Seattle
The English Patient
Midnight in Paris
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Lover
Swept Away
“Despite the time that had passed since that evening, she remembered it perfectly: the sounds, the smells, the way her new dress had grazed the freshly waxed floor, the look Pedro gave her…That look!…It was then she understood how dough feels when it is plunged into burning oil. The heat that invaded her body was so real she was afraid she would start to bubble—her face, her stomach, her heart, her breasts—like batter…”Like Water for ChocolateHappy Valentine’s Day!
Jamaica is a wonderful country but I never thought it is romantic as well. I love the sunrise photo and I want to see it live in person. Im ready to travel once again
It’s like walking hand in hand on a lazy afternoon stroll with nature. Please don’t be mad but I always thought that Jamaica is just home to rasta artists, or marijuana. That was long ago. The country is beautiful. I smell a Jamaican vacation getaway this year!
I’m not mad, Veronica. A lot of people have that image of Jamaica, but it’s not the only one.
I’m glad to have shown you another side of my beautiful country.
I must say your post has given me a better image of what to expect in Jamaica. My boyfriend has a seminare there and asked me to go with him. I was thinking in the lines of steel drums and nothing-ness but thanks to you, that sure has changed. Thanks. I’m looking forward to visiting the place now
This is so true! I never think ‘romance’ or ‘how romantic’ when we find some spectacular sunset, beach, place, restaurant bar, whatever. Hard to describe what I think, but I certainly wouldn’t be seeking a ‘romantic’ place (and would probably not think of it, if I were in one).
Jamaica is a wonderful country but I never thought it is romantic as well. I love the sunrise photo and I want to see it live in person. Im ready to travel once again
Thanks, Clara. I hope you make it to Jamaica to see the sunrise soon.
I’ve never been to Jamaica but your post is just so lovely that I felt that I was soaking in the sun of the tropics. Great share!
Thanks, Kristine. Glad you like it. Thanks so much for saying that.
It’s like walking hand in hand on a lazy afternoon stroll with nature. Please don’t be mad but I always thought that Jamaica is just home to rasta artists, or marijuana. That was long ago. The country is beautiful. I smell a Jamaican vacation getaway this year!
I’m not mad, Veronica. A lot of people have that image of Jamaica, but it’s not the only one.
I’m glad to have shown you another side of my beautiful country.
I must say your post has given me a better image of what to expect in Jamaica. My boyfriend has a seminare there and asked me to go with him. I was thinking in the lines of steel drums and nothing-ness but thanks to you, that sure has changed. Thanks. I’m looking forward to visiting the place now
I’m definitely glad to hear that, Emilia. I do hope you come.
You’ll find steel pans in Trinidad not in Jamaica.
Not really fond of beaches but after reading this my mind is wandering elsewhere. By the way, your photos are amazing! What camera do you use?
Hope your mind’s wandering to the beach? Glad you like my photos. I took some with a Fuji Finepix, others with a Canon 60D.
Jamaica’s indeed one of the best place to visit for a romantic getaway. Not doubt about that.
Glad you agree, Sarah. I definitely think it is too.
This is a wonderful post… All the places you feature look quite magical. 😉
Thanks, Elizabeth. Actually, they are that.
This is so true! I never think ‘romance’ or ‘how romantic’ when we find some spectacular sunset, beach, place, restaurant bar, whatever. Hard to describe what I think, but I certainly wouldn’t be seeking a ‘romantic’ place (and would probably not think of it, if I were in one).
I hear you, Jackie. It’d be hard to stay on target.
This made me think of Terry McMillan. I’ve never seen those movies you listed there.
Nothing like a beach scene to put one in the mood for romance.
Hahaha, that’s funny, Totsy.
Yeah, beaches do tend to make us feel romantic.
It seems you have the perfect recipe here, Marcia… Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks, Andrew. Same to you.