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.
Tangier
Tangier's name derives from the Legend of Hercules. Hercules killed Anteus, the giant who protected the Garden of the Hesperides. He then married his widow, Tingis, and together they had a son. As a gift to his son, Hercules separated the Rock of Gibraltar, and with it the rest of Spain, from Africa, clearing the space for a city by the sea. The boy named the town Tingis after his mother, and Tingis became Tangier over the years.
Northern Morocco has always enjoyed a tremendous geographical location. What it hasn't enjoyed is the constant wars that have erupted over control of this important strategic point. On the tip of Africa, less than ten miles from the southern tip of Spain, Tangier lies at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the entryway to the Mediterranean Sea via the Strait of Gibraltar. Since the Phoenicians settled the area around 1200 BC, Tangier has seen the Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Turkish, and Muslims gain rule over the years. Tangier became a hostage to European imperialism for most of the past millennium.
It was only in 1956 that Morocco gained its independence from Spain and France. The evidence of this occupation is everywhere. French is as widely spoken as Arabic, and the sights and sounds of Andalusia drift south, covering the area with the dynamic combination of three distinct cultures.
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.
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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