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.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a diverse and outrageously enjoyable city that demands a look. It is already a very popular tourist destination, but it will no doubt continue to have an increasing amount of visitors as the years go by. It is not a quiet town, but it is not as sprawling or congested as some of the neighboring capitals. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and with a population that hovers right around one million, most of the other famous European cities are much larger. This is just fine with the citizens of Lisbon, who prefer their city remain somewhat secluded and protected. This is one of those places to which you must be sure to bring all of your high performance photography gear. But even if you aren't a seasoned shutterbug, buy a disposable camera and snap as many shots as you can! The landscape, horizon, and glorious sunsets here are unparalleled, and the unique architecture will not be seen anywhere else on earth. Even the cobblestone streets are remarkable, built on hillsides, making for a roller coaster-like view of the city or the river at any given time.
In 1755, an earthquake and tidal wave completely destroyed the city, and after that a complex of parallel streets was constructed in between the two main squares. The Alfama is a Moorish sector that is found to the east of Lisbon, and Bairro Alto is located to the west. Lisbon is full of tremendous sights and a fantastic array of top-notch museums. The squares are ideal locations for picnicking and people watching. The weather here is excellent, with hot summers, warm springs and autumns, and cool winters. The more time you spend in Lisbon, the more you will fall in love with it, so keep that picture of the kids handy to remind you of home or you may never want to leave!
Barcelona
Barcelona has always been a prosperous city , thanks to an exquisite harbor, fertile soil, and a population of hard working, caring citizens. This great city was a strong, incredibly diverse region when Madrid was still a fledgling town with basically no landmarks or significance. The numerous Mediterranean empires that had at one time or another conquered the area brought tremendous influences, much more so than the Iberian presence to the west. Barcelona was most influenced by Rome, Carthage, and France during the Charlemagne era.
The monuments of Barcelona open a book into the rich history of the area. These include the intricate and beautiful Gothic Quarter from the medieval times, the series of Catalan art nouveau, and the surreal artwork of Picasso and Miro. But if you are searching for a little excitement and outdoor fun to mix in with your education and culture, look no further than Barcelona.
In 1992, Barcelona was given a huge boost by serving as home to the Summer Olympic Games. This race to the 21st century was quite beneficial to Barcelona and the neighboring areas, and the restructuring program that became everyone's focus was given the name Post Olympic. As a result of all of this hard work and dedication, Barcelona has recently developed into one of the premier port cities in all of Europe. There are so many fascinating sights and wonderful events; you will be awed by your choices and so much to do. Extraordinary museums and landmarks can be found everywhere in this ancient city with a rich heritage and culture. The Museu Picasso is one of the greatest art exhibits anywhere, and through the center of the old quarter of Barcelona is the gorgeous tree-lined promenade, a visual splendor. The nightlife is truly something, and the shopping is fantastic.
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