New York
New York City has something for everyone. It is North America's most cosmopolitan destination, and boasts of an artistic and cultural history that reigns supreme among American cities. It is fast paced, loud, and certainly never boring. Its sights and sounds are a glorious combination of everything imaginable. From Bohemian Greenwich Village to the elegant Upper East Side, the diversity here is sure to astound you.
Historic Battery Park is an educational mecca. Little Italy and Chinatown have marvelously maintained their immigrant population and heritage. Today they offer a cultural richness that is truly a gift to the city. Soho (South of Houston St.) and Tribeca (Triangle Below Canal St.) exist on the cutting edge of fashion and style, and are proof of an industrial area's potential for chic. Gramercy Park will make you feel as if you have somehow made your way to London. The Flatiron District has become famous for its technology boom, or Silicon Alley. Chelsea is a hip, European-feeling area that is home to many of New York's photography studios and galleries. These are just some of the city's gems, each offering a unique flavor and pace. Visitors could spend days in any one of them, but for the ultimate New York experience, make your trip a mélange of them all. To truly see the city could take a lifetime, but sampling from the bits and pieces of New York's variety is a treat for any tourist.
Orientation is key to navigating this city. Terms like uptown and downtown are literal descriptions referring to north and south. If you are south of your destination, locals will tell you to go uptown, and vice versa. The terms also refer vaguely to areas of the city. Uptown describes anywhere above lower Manhattan (north of about 34th St.), and downtown usually means lower Manhattan (34th St. and below) through Chelsea, which begins near 22nd St. You will also hear east side, and west side, referring to the areas above 59th St. that are on either side of Central Park.
Bordeaux
Rolling hills, mighty rivers, beautiful landscapes, and world famous vineyards await you in Bordeaux, France's fifth largest city. Bordeaux's history begins with the Celts, who called Bordeaux Burdigala. Later, the area came under Roman rule, becoming the capital of the province of Aquitania. Eleanor of Aquitane married King Henry II of England in 1154, and as a result, the entire area came under British rule. This lasted until 1543, when the French regained control of the area, much to the dismay of the locals, who were thriving under the liberal guidance of the British.
While Bordeaux has existed for over two thousand years, the city has gained most of its fame from its world-renowned wine industry. The vineyards surrounding Bordeaux sold almost one billion gallons of wine last year, all under strict local government ordinances, to ensure that no bottle of wine that goes out under the prestigious Bordeaux name is in any way subpar.
Today, Bordeaux struggles to expand its tourist appeal beyond the world's wine connoisseurs. This is unfortunate, as the Grand Theatre should rank among the most visited attractions in all of the world. The more famous Paris opera house borrowed liberally from Bordeaux's theater, designed by Victor Louis. A floating cruise under the Pont de Pierre, one of Europe's most beautiful bridges, is a must, as is a tour of the surrounding wine country that makes Bordeaux a recognized name worldwide.
St. Martin
St. Maarten & St. Martin are two fascinating Caribbean
countries that share a single island of only 40 square miles in size. In the
year 1649, this Caribbean nation split in two; with the Dutch inhabiting the
southern portion of the island, and the French inhabiting the north. Today, a
peaceful coexistence between the two governments make both nations a charming
getaway that welcomes all visitors to bask in their ample beaches, fabulous
duty-free shopping, terrific nightlife, exciting casinos, and world-class
dining.
If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the quiet and
tranquility of the Caribbean, then you might be tempted to look elsewhere, for
in recent years, especially after the massive and impressive rebuilding projects
on the island following Hurricane Luis in 1995, St. Maarten/St. Martin has
become a tourist mecca. But locals are stilly friendly, attractions are
plentiful and affordable, and if you are drawn to a variety of water-sports and
sport fishing opportunities, then the island is perfect for you.
There are two capital cities on the island, one for the Dutch
side, and one for the French. Phillipsburg, St. Maarten is by far the largest
city on the island, and the number one destination for cruise-ship passengers.
Founded in 1763 by John Phillips, the city has evolved into a major port of
call. Stroll through the town and visit Front Street, where you can shop for
everything under the sun and enjoy some of the very best bargains anywhere in
the Caribbean. The city is a hustling and bustling capital that is the epitome
of the progress this island has made in recent years. As you head north to the
French side of the island you will come across Marigot, St. Martin. Here you
will be treated to a far more serene town that will remind you of a small French
seaside village.
If time permits, then a small drive to Grand-Case is well
worthwhile. Here you will find a quaint fishing village that has escaped the
over-development of other parts of the island. Instead, you can soak in the
beauty of the Caribbean surroundings in relative tranquility and dine on some of
the best local cuisine available.
Antigua
Situated in the sun-drenched Caribbean, Antigua is a gorgeous hideaway with spectacular beaches, inspiring coral reefs, and a laid-back atmosphere that separates this cruise destination from the hustle and bustle of many other Caribbean ports of call. The largest of the British Leeward Islands, Antigua is a land rich in history and culture, and sure to delight anyone who ventures onto its welcoming shores.
Once a British colony, Antigua has gained independence and is now part of the nations of Antigua and Barbuda. Its vibrant capital, St. John's, still possesses many reminders of its linkages to the United Kingdom, especially in a tour of its unique architecture, agricultural institutions, and artistic culture.
The transformation from an economically challenged land of sugar plantations to a popular cruise destination has been gradual. This is beneficial in many ways to those visiting Antigua, for you won't find tremendous over-development and miles and miles of high-rise hotels dotting the coastal landscape. Instead, you will be treated to ample dining, shopping, and local activities, albeit at a scale that invites you to soak in the natural beauty of the area, which there is certainly no lack of.
The capital city of St. John's is ideally located on the beautiful northeast coast of the island. From there, you can branch out in all directions to explore this fascinating island. Just south of town are the beautiful beaches of Darkwood, Driftwood, and Johnson's Point. Marvel at the inspiring Boggy Peak as it rises from just beyond the crashing waves.
Southeast of the capital is the beautiful Nelson's Dockyard National Park, located at Pigeon Point. Calm waters and pristine white-sandy beaches await you at this southern terminus of the island.
For the water sports enthusiasts among you, be sure to take along your scuba and snorkeling gear. Antigua is well known for its wonderful diving spots, including the reefs at Half Moon Bay, and the snorkeling haven of Long Bay, northeast of St. John's.
Curacao
The "C" of the ABC Islands of the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba & Bonaire comprising the A & B), Curacao is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, and is the most populous island in the Netherlands Antilles. It is famous for its charming European culture, lack of over-development, friendly and hospitable residents, and inspiring natural beauty.
The island itself was first discovered in the 15th century on one of Christopher Columbus's expeditions. The Spanish empire ruled the island until 1634, when the Dutch took over and transformed this land into the charming getaway it is today.
Curacao, and the capital city of Willemstad in particular, has been transformed in recent decades into a complete tourist haven. Restored colonial landmarks, ritzy hotels, and wonderful shopping are all at your fingertips here, thanks to a revitalization phase on the island that has restored many prime tourist sites to world prominence.
A popular story told amongst residents of the island concerns a former governor of Curacao who supposedly suffered from intense migraines. Especially irritated by the color white, he ordered many of the buildings painted into the diverse pastel colors that we see in Willemstad and the surrounding cities to this day. You will delight in strolling through the colorful streets of Dutch style homes and buildings, creating a truly unique Caribbean cultural experience.
Be glad to know that once you have seen your share of the local architecture, there is much more to discover on this fascinating island. Terrific restaurants and nightclubs, world-class casinos featuring all your favorite games, diving and snorkeling outfitters, and scenic national parks all await you as you spend your sun-filled days in unforgettable Curacao.
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.
Barbados
Barbados is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from
most other Caribbean islands. It is nearly 1000 miles east of the Netherlands
Antilles chain. In 1536, during a quest for fresh water, the Portuguese
"discovered" Barbados. They gave the island its current name, which
translates to "the bearded ones." This name was derived from their
observation of local fig trees that have roots resembling thick beards. Despite
the Spanish name, there is virtually no Spanish influence that remains. The
British landed a century later, and ruled the island until 1966. It was at that
time when Barbados claimed its independence. The English culture, however, is
alive and well, and this can be observed by the sport of choice on Barbados.
Cricket is the featured game, and, in per capita terms, there are more Barbados
born world-class cricket players than any other country in the world.
The capital, Bridgetown, is a marvelous city full of bustling
activity and breathtaking surroundings. The island itself is 21 miles long and
14 miles wide. Barbados is quite flat, and the highest point is Mount Hillaby at
1,115 feet. Sugarcane is the crop that has sustained Barbados for decades. The
valleys and hills are blanketed by acres of this sweet plant. The people in the
city of Bridgetown are especially friendly and hospitable, and they had better
be, because tourism is the island's most profitable industry. Unlike some of
the other Caribbean islands, the government of Barbados is stable and the
business community sophisticated. The population is 260,000, and a great number
of them live in or around Bridgetown. The perimeter of Barbados is gorgeous
white-sand beach, and the interior is comprised of exquisite rolling hills and
flat grasslands.
All of the facilities on Barbados, and particularly in
Bridgetown, are fabulous. The city of Bridgetown and all of the luxurious west
coast has been named the Platinum Coast by British vacationers. Fine dining,
scuba diving, sea excursions, and festivals are only the beginning of the
fabulous activities of Barbados. Museums and archaeological sights highlight the
rich heritage of the island, and so many of the locations combine education and
entertainment. The miles of exquisite beach offer every water sport imaginable,
and Barbados has a terrifically active nightlife. A combination of European and
strictly Caribbean influences create a diverse and fascinating ambiance
everywhere you go.
Devil's Island
French Guiana stands out among South American countries as the only member of the European Union. Long a French colony, today French Guiana is an overseas department of France. Like Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, the 150,000 citizens of French Guiana have the same rights as a Parisian. In addition, French francs are the official currency and the language of love is the official tongue.
To help develop the colony, the French government decided to build penal colonies on French Guiana in the mid-19th Century. Convicts would serve their time in prison, then be sent here to live for a time equal to their original sentences. This was done with the dual purposes of castigation and to help increase the population. This strategy was thwarted, however, when the majority of prisoners died of tropical diseases while on the island. The last penal colony closed in the 1950?s.
French Guiana is trying to transform itself into a popular tourist destination. The French have even tried to expunge the name Devil's Island from its maps, choosing instead to group the island with two of its neighbors, Ile Royale and Ile St. Joseph, under the name Iles du Salut, or Islands of Salvation. Today, Devil's Island is used for tracking shuttles as they ascend from the Kourou Space Center, which has launched the majority of all European satellites now in orbit. But, for as much as they try to ignore their ignoble past, the three islands continue to achieve most of their notoriety from their penal colony past.
Devil's Island is the most notorious of the three. The penal colony here housed falsely accused French spy Alfred Dreyfuss, and was the setting for Henri Charriere's novel, Papillon, which was later made into a film starring Dustin Hoffman and Steve McQueen.
Manaus
Manaus is a fascinating region of Brazil that is a must see for all nature enthusiasts. The city is set amongst the trees of the Brazilian Amazon, and dense jungle surrounds it on all sides. The Rio Negro lines Manaus, and this city is home to one million inhabitants. It is the Amazonas state capital, and a marvelous region to explore. You have likely never visited a city quite like Manaus. The Manao tribe named the city, which means Mother of the Gods.
The rubber boom meant Manaus's entire existence was based on rubber production and shipment for decades. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 90% of the world's rubber came from Manaus. Unfortunately, the resulting wealth was realized by only a few rubber barons, who exploited the local workers and brought in Indian slaves from all over South America. Northeast Brazil was extremely overcrowded and severely depressed economically, so many Brazilians welcomed the opportunity to find work down in Manaus. Once they got there, however, they were forced to work for hours on end in terrible conditions for low wages. Whenever the barons were displeased with production, they took to slaughtering some of the Indians to get their point across. This went on for many years until Asian rubber manufacturers ended the monopoly in Manaus. Once the Asians began to produce large amounts of rubber, Manaus suffered an economic depression that lasted for decades.
Finally, in 1967, Manaus was made a free-trade zone, and since that time the economy has really been bolstered. In under twenty years, the population has catapulted from 200,000 to 900,000. Present-day Manaus is a picturesque town filled with interesting sights and fabulous hiking trails. The jungle may be mysterious and daunting, but the city itself is friendly and inviting.
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