Italian Hibiscus

I'm always fascinated when I find plants native to one part of the world growing profusely in another part.  Like this hibiscus.  It was growing in a small hilltop park above the harbor in Sorrento, Italy. Noted for growing in the tropics, hibiscus can be found in native habitats ranging from Africa, to Argentina, to Jamaica.  Some are even hot-climate varieties. 

"Italian Hibiscus"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Christmas in Aruba

Christmas feels different in the tropics.  No snow, it's not cold and there's lots of sunshine, humidity and warm weather.  But it's still the holidays and gets celebrated like it does in the colder climates.

"Christmas in Aruba"   © Kathy Dunham 2009