Miami
A destination of vast diversity, Miami's year-round warm
weather attracts visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches,
modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Two million people call Miami home,
but another 10 million come to visit every year.
The Spanish were first to arrive, and it is understandable
that their influence should be felt first and foremost. Miami was colonized by
the Spanish in the 1500?s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the
English that ended the Seven Years War. Spain gained Havana back in exchange
for Florida. In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and
Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.
Miami now is world famous for its beaches, 35 miles worth,
from South Beach to Sunny Isles. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just
people watch, there are enough different beaches to suit your fancy.
But there is so much more to the city. A wide range of
museums and parks can be found here. They add a refined sense of culture to the
glitz and glamour of Miami's world-renowned nightlife.
Of course, if shopping is your main objective, Miami has more
than enough shops and boutiques to suit your needs. That's without even
mentioning the many upscale shopping malls and sidewalk stores that dot the map
What sets Miami apart from most other tourist destinations is
the blend of people who call it home. Nowhere else in the world will you see so
many people from so many different cultures. Large communities of Cubans and
Haitians mix with retired "snowbirds" from New York and Canada.
It's hard to take in all that Miami has to offer in one
day, but here are some of the highlights.
St. Croix
St. Croix is 84 square miles, making it the largest of the
three U.S. Virgin Islands. The East End of the island is technically the
easternmost point of the United States. St. Croix is a marvelous island,
particularly the West End and inland portions of the island. This East Side is
rocky and somewhat desolate, not overly friendly to the prospective traveler.
However, the rest of the island is magnificent, with lush forests and gorgeous
beaches. The beautiful rain forest in the center of the island houses dangling
lianas, mango groves, mahogany trees, and exotic ferns. Rolling hills and
pastures can also be found on the island, making it an incredibly diverse and
life-filled environment. Hiking and exploring on St. Croix are two of the island's
best features. You are sure to encounter some interesting plant and animal life
on one of your hiking excursions.
Christopher Columbus named this island Santa Cruz (Holy
Cross). He docked here on November 14, 1493 and anchored the ship off the north
shore of the island. However, he did not stay long, because the inhabitants then
were not anywhere near as friendly as the locals nowadays. When he landed, Carib
Indians launched arrows, spears, and axes his way, quickly driving Columbus and
his crew away. We can rest assured that the Caribs were not going to stand for a
second Thanksgiving. In 1650, the French claimed the island, and they ruled
St. Croix until 1773 when it was purchased by the Danes. The Danes ruled until
the end of the 19th century, and sugarcane and slavery made the
island a strong and profitable economic center during their rule. Still to this
day, Danish influence can be detected all around this island paradise.
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