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!
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.
Tortola/Virgin Gorda
The British Virgin Islands, located in the northeast
Caribbean, are a collection of gorgeous islands that used to be inhabited by
pirates and sailors. Lying 60 miles east of Puerto Rico, they are exquisite
tropical destinations, visited by tourists from all over the world. These
islands are comprised of hidden caves and fascinating inlets, and for the most
part they are incredibly small in size. Only Tortola and Virgin Gorda are of
reasonable stature in geographic terms. The colony of Tortola itself is only 24
square miles, and its capital, Road Town, has emerged as a haven for yacht
chartering. This came about after the development of Wickhams Cay, a 70-acre
marina and landfill. The southern coast of Tortola mainly consists of great
mountains, and the northern coast a fabulous white-sand beach with beautiful
bays and banana trees.
Virgin Gorda, only a 12-mile ferry ride away, is equally
glorious, with just as rich a history. Both Tortola and Virgin Gorda are
controlled by the British , but are controlled loosely, and they are basically
free to do as they please. They are governed well, and you will find yourself
safe and comfortable in both of these destinations. The locals are friendly and
eager to assist you, and for being such tiny locations, there are a wonderful
amount of activities to choose from, and plenty of tremendous sightseeing
locations and fun to be had.
A wonderful array of water sports is available to the
tourists of Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and the restaurants are quite pleasant as
well. Taking a ferry or motorboat to any of the other 40 islands in the vicinity
is also a great way to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of relatively
unexplored, uninhabited regions for you to jaunt around and see what you can
find. Taking guided island tours are very enjoyable, as they are both
informative and exciting.
The boulder-covered beach known as The Baths has made
Virgin Gorda famous with travelers. Christopher Columbus actually named the
island, translated to read "Fat Virgin." He thought that the mountain
framing of Virgin Gorda looked similar to a protruding stomach. One of the most
private and solitude tourist centers in all of the world, Virgin Gorda became
slightly more bustling after Little Dix Bay Hotel opened there and started to
thrive in the 1960?s. One thing for sure, Tortola and Virgin Gorda remain
tranquil yet lovely and are wonderful locations to visit.
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.
St. Lucia
Just recently, St. Lucia, and Castries in particular, has
become one of the most popular regions for tourists. The accommodations and
facilities are top of the line, and the restaurants and activities fabulous. The
majority of travelers reside between Castries, which is the capital of St.
Lucia, and the northern end of the island. The entire north side of the island
is comprised of white-sand beaches to dazzle even the most seasoned and
experienced traveler. The water is a glorious blue-green, and the atmosphere is
a majestic combination of beach and lush gardens. With the exception of the area
between Castries and the northern peninsula, the island is unspoiled and a lot
of it only inhabited by exotic animal life.
St. Lucia is a mountainous island of about 240 square miles,
and approximately 240,000 citizens reside there. Derek Walcott, native of
Castries, won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1992. He is extremely proud of
his hometown, but he does not write of his bountiful homeland, out of fear that
"everyone [will] go there and overrun the place." Unfortunately,
others are doing the writing for him, and the area is already bustling with
tourists.
Banana plantations, green-mantled mountains, valleys,
wildflowers, a bubbling-volcano, and interesting fishing villages are only the
beginning of this incredible paradise. The majestic Pitons, two 2,000 foot
mountains that rise from the sea in dramatic and breathtaking fashion, are a one
of the scenic wonders of the world.Taking a tour around the island is like
watching all of the best cinematography out of your favorite movie. The sights
and sounds will dazzle your senses and the beauty will boggle your mind. St.
Lucia is truly an experience that is a must for any Caribbean traveler.
The beaches and wide array of outdoor sports on St. Lucia are
marvelous. You could not ask for more activities and fun-filled events to occupy
your time. The best part about the island is that if you do choose to have a day
out of the sun, the shopping, dining, and indoor relaxation stations on St.
Lucia are magnificent.
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.
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.
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