Mimicking the Migration of Snowbirds

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Waves crashing on rocky shore under a clear blue sky, creating a dynamic coastal scene.

We live in Canada, where winter is pretty long, and having the opportunity to break it off is a blessing. One of the things I have learnt from living here is the tradition of the snowbirds, Canadians who, like migratory birds, escape the cold by traveling south, seeking warmth.

Finally, this year, after a long wait due to the pandemic, we decided to mimic their migration and set off on an adventure in search of sunshine. At the end of February, we headed south to Providenciales, a stunning island in the Caribbean known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and untouched natural beauty.

Northwest Point Area

Coastal view with palm trees, sandy path, and blue ocean under a clear sky.

One of the highlights of our vacation is the Northwest Point area,which boasts a variety of natural wonders and breathtaking scenery. We decide to stay at Northwest Point Resort.

The resort is located right on the beach and it was an experience that every nature lover must have. That resort does not have a restaurant. Having rented a flat with a kitchen and loving to cook Italian food, that was not a problem. We decided to plan our day by going out for lunch, to explore the island and the local cuisine, remaining in the resort for dinner, with a couple of exceptions.

Waking Up to Watch the Sunrise

Our first evening in Quebec City was spent in the magical atmosphere of the Bistro-Bar Le Ciel, located at the top of the Hôtelle Concorde. As the bistro gently rotated, the movement was accompanied by the soft clinking of glasses and the inviting aromas of French cuisine. Our dinner was a sensory experience that offered us a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the city. With thePlains of Abraham and the Boulevard Grand Allee unfolding beneath us, our culinary adventure became a true visual spectacle, immersing us in the vibrant essence of Quebec City.

Woman in sunglasses and a hooded jacket smiling on a tropical beach with palm trees in the background.
Sunny beach with weathered wooden pier and bright blue sky, surrounded by sand dunes and coastal vegetation.

Beach Walks

We also took daily walks along the beach, exploring the extreme tip of the island at Northwest and the east side of the beach. Walking to the extreme tip of the island, as soon as you arrive, there is a boat half submerged in sand facing the shore.

Once you walk on the rocky part, you can see the vastness of the ocean on one side, and a bay with abandoned boats on the other. It is a beautiful place to spend some quiet time that allows you to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.

For a more relaxing experience, we head to the east side of the beach, the water showed its clarity in blue and turquoise colours, and the beach offered rocky steps where we could sit and contemplate the power of the ocean waves. It was an incredible feeling to be so close to nature and witness the power of the ocean waves. During our walks, we also witnessed nature’s wonders spontaneously, from the shells that entwined with our footsteps to the pelican fishing on the ocean, and turtles gliding through the clear turquoise waters.

Collage of beach scenes showcasing shells, coral, driftwood, and ocean waves on sandy shores.

It took me days and patience to be able to film pelican fishing up close. The pelicans are trained to dive into the water and catch fish. It’s an incredible experience to watch these birds in action, and a lot of work for them to catch their breakfast! Watching the turtles was a truly magical experience. The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to one of the largest populations of green turtles in the world.

Romantic Sunset

For a romantic experience, we watched the sunset at Malcolm’s Road Beach, a secluded beach perfect for watching the sunset, away from the crowds. The sunset was absolutely stunning, and we had a front-row seat to one of nature’s most beautiful displays. It was the perfect way to end our day and reflect on the beauty of nature.

Collage of beach scenes, seafood dishes, and drinks; tropical vacation vibes.

Local Cuisine

We also indulged in the local cuisine, and one of our favorite spots was Bugaloos, which features fresh seafood dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

The restaurant is located right on the beach, and the view of the Caribbean water is spectacular. We even celebrated my late father-in-law’s birthday there and toasted to him with a white wine named after my late dad, Giuseppe. Cinthia and Mary were incredibly kind, professional, and dedicated to providing the best possible experience for us. They always made us feel welcome and ensured that we had everything we needed.

One of the funny memories of our time in Providenciales: a sudden tempest arrived when we were celebrating International Women’s Day at The Grill, Grace Bay. Thank goodness for the warm towels provided by our lovely waitress Kim, we managed to have lunch without shivering from the cold. We then ventured to the Marina to admire the yachts before stopping at Pink Bar, where we met Mardochee, a kind person who was a pleasure to talk to.

Scenic coastal view at sunset with a marina, palm trees, and parked cars under a colorful sky.

Venus Jupiter Conjunction from Magnolia Terrace

Another unique experience we had was watching the Venus Jupiter conjunction from the Magnolia Terrace. This rare event happens when the planets Venus and Jupiter align in the night sky. The Magnolia Terrace was a great spot to view this event and for dinner.

Relaxation at Lotus Spa

After a day of outdoor adventures, we found relaxation at Lotus Spa, located in the heart of Providenciales. We went there twice. Lotus Spa offers exceptional treatments, including deep tissue massages, hot stone massages, and Swedish massages, among others. The skilled therapists, Win and Frame, use only the highest quality products and techniques to ensure that you leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Another thing we loved was the family management and the tiny size, which added to our unique and comfortable experience.

Who’s the Caribbean twin?

I couldn’t help but think about a potential Caribbean twin while constantly thinking of probable ties with Italy. Sardinia was my instant response to a query from Mary from Bugaloos, who asked which place in Italy was closest to the Caribbean. Located in Italy, Sardinia’s beaches are surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, while boasting pristine white sands and turquoise waters. They offer a unique blend of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and expansive bays, providing a diverse and picturesque coastline.

While the Caribbean may be known for its tropical flair, Sardinia’s beaches exude a distinct Italian charm, with historic towns and ancient ruins dotting the coastline, they offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Finally, the bonus of Italian food… So, if you want to plan a longer trip to Europe, between May and September, I can recommend Sardinia as a twin to the Caribbean.

Memorable Departure

As we departed on Sunday morning, the transition to daylight savings time resulted in a hilarious morning. We were unsure about how to manage the time since Toronto was an hour ahead while Turks was at the usual time. After some deliberation, we decided to consider Turks’ time.

At 8:45 am, we arrived at the beach, hoping to enjoy an hour in the sea before leaving for the airport. However, soon we realized that Turks’ time had aligned with Toronto’s, and it was already 9.50 am! We had only 15 minutes to spend at the beach before getting ready and leaving for the airport.

As we boarded our plane, we were happy for our cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for nature’s beauty. Ready to return to the chilly Canadian weather after two weeks’ holiday. The plane left on time, in a fortnight we went from winter to summer and back to winter again. In Toronto there was snow when we arrived.

It was a vacation that we will never forget and will always cherish in our memories. From watching the sunrise and sunset to exploring the natural wonders and indulging in the local cuisine, every moment of our trip was an incredible experience. We’ll have our memories to keep us warm during the long Canadian winter…

Stay mindful, sustainable, and open-minded

Smiling woman in red dress sitting on a white sofa, leaning on her hand.

Nancy Perin

Nancy is a caring individual with a background in sociology and a strong desire to connect people. She has improved workplaces and communities with her almost two decades of experience in management teams, human resources, coaching, and community project management. Nancy has also served on the board of directors of the Italian Personnel Managers Association and participated in a humanitarian mission to Dakar, Senegal, to support family centres.

Her intercultural love story sparked her interest in migration-relatedtopics and led her to launch @journeysta, a project that aims to strengthen cultural ties between Canada and Italy.

Nancy oversees the Gallery of Human Migration and believes in the possibility of creating caring communities that are involved in the processes of welcoming, acceptance, and integration. Join her on this journey of discovery and cultural exchange.

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Woman smiling in a garden, sitting on a rock beside white flowers, enjoying the sunny day.