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.
Gibraltar
The British colony of Gibraltar, known throughout the world as The Rock, is one of the most picturesque locations in the world. The importance of Gibraltar's geographic position, guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, has been realized since ancient times, and throughout the millennia The Rock has been the site of countless battles for its control.
The Moors seized Gibraltar in 711, and their conquest of Spain soon followed. In fact, Gibraltar is named after the commander of the Moors, Jebel Tariq, which loosely translates to Jewel's Rock. The Moors controlled Gibraltar for over 700 years, until Spain retook possession in 1462. Spanish rule over this important strip of land lasted until 1704, and in 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht officially granted the land to the United Kingdom. To this day, Gibraltar remains a colony of Britain. The pound is the official currency, and Elizabeth II reigns supreme, much to the dismay of Spain.
Today, Gibraltar is a top tourist destination, and the gateway for European travelers who wish to make the 14km journey to the African mainland. A trip to the summit of The Rock is spectacular, as are visits to the Gibraltar Museum, St. Michael's Caves, and the Moorish Castle. The city is not particularly known for its shopping and nightlife, but great duty-free deals can be found on Main Street, and an evening stroll down this pedestrian thoroughfare is a delightfully romantic way to end the day in this historic stretch of land.
Funchal
In 1419, Tristao Vaz Teixiera and Joao Goncalves Zarco discovered the island of Madeira, on which was established the exquisite city of Funchal. This is a city of incredible lights and sights, a place of dreamy sunsets and gorgeous scenery. The wildlife is remarkable, and the museums are outstanding. Although Funchal is quite built up, the surrounding area is remote and made up of dense jungle. Madeira is an architecturally diverse city with many interesting landmarks.
The island itself is located in the Madeira archipelago and belongs to Portugal. Madeira is 530 miles southwest of Portugal, and is only one of two inhabited islands in the region. Funchal is a coastal city, and is definitely the most active city on Madeira. Nearly all the fun and exciting activities on Madeira are located in Funchal, and the restaurants here are splendid. You are sure to be pleased by the fine dining facilities, good shopping, and active nightlife. There are a number of very nice stores, lively bars, and nightclubs. One of the world's highest ocean cliffs is found on Madeira, and there are plenty of places to hike, explore, and see all kinds of terrain. Madeira redefines the word vacation, as there are so many leisure spots laced throughout Funchal. The Golfe de Madeira golf course is outstanding; the course itself is actually outdone by the fabulous scenery that encompasses the greens. The hills and coastline of Madeira are extraordinarily beautiful, and the climate on the island is lovely. Funchal is bordered by sparkling blue waters that only get more beautiful the more you look at them.
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.
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