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.
Roatan
In the dazzling Caribbean, 40 miles northeast of beautiful Honduras, you will encounter spectacular Roatan Island. Roatan is an island dedicated to the senses, with palm trees, shimmering sand beaches, and picturesque sunsets. Known best for its wonderful sportfishing and incredible scuba diving, Roatan is becoming more popular with tourists with each passing year. The landscape is quite diverse, ranging from dense tropical jungle to vacant white-sand beaches. Roatan is the most developed and modernized island in the Bay Islands chain, and the culture is a mixture of Spanish, British, Paya Indian, and African. The great majority of the citizens on Roatan speak fluent English, making traveling around the island convenient and simple.
The Paya Indians inhabited Roatan for centuries, until the Spanish raided the island in the 16th century. Henry Morgan and a band of over 5,000 pirates invaded Roatan and soon took control. When the slave trade was at its highest, rebellious British slaves were sent to Roatan. Today the descendants from this group of people are called Maroons, after marooned slave. Also known as Garifuna, they reside near Punta Gorda.
There are a number of splendid outdoor museums on the island, and one of the best is the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences. Multiple hands-on learning facilities make this scientific complex fascinating. Sherman Arch's Iguana Farm and The Bird Park are two more great outdoor adventures, and believe me; you will be disappointed if you forget to bring your camera with you to the Iguana Farm! Several of the restaurants on the island are spectacular, and there are quite a few enjoyable clusters of shops and boutiques.
Belize City
Belize is marvelously diverse and unique; a traveling adventure like no other. It is perhaps the most ecologically protected and environmentally varied country in the entire world. Featuring the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, the beaches and keys are fascinating sites to explore. The history of Belize reaches back 4,000 years, when the Mayan empire ruled the land. Around 900 A.D., the Mayan empire began to decline, and during the 16th century, Europeans took over. The cultural mosaic that comprises the mood of Belize comes from influences brought on by the Spanish, Scottish, Garifuna, and British. The citizens, while culturally diverse, remain committed to the land and unified when it comes to preservation of natural resources. Conservation laws protect about 36% of the land in Belize, proving that Belizeans are leading the fight to save Mother Nature. By attending a program sponsored by the Tropical Education Center, you can learn all about the steps being taken to protect the human and natural resources of Belize. The land's heritage is well known and respected, and the Belizean culture is like no other.
The life in Belize is truly un-Belize-able. Jaguars, mountain cows, and howler monkeys reside in the rain forests. When expeditions are held, dozens of new bird species can be found every day. Over 70% of the animal life in Belize is nocturnal, and, as a result, by venturing on a tour early in the morning, you can discover an incredible array of creatures. The tropical rain forests remain unspoiled, and it is home to over 700 kinds of trees and over 500 species of birds. Wild orchids and many other rare flora are being found all the time, and this is why it is so important that the land remain protected. These forests also house herbs and medicines to cure all kinds of ailments, with other resources no doubt remaining untapped.
The population of Belize City is just over 200,000, made up of people from Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, Mestizo, and European descent. All of them live in a state of harmony, and tourists are treated like neighbors. Locals are almost always eager to assist you on your travels, and greet you with a kind smile. Belize is also the only English speaking country in all of Central America, and this is always a plus with tourists from the United States.
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